Backpacking

John Dorner's Backpacking packing list

Wear or carry on person:

Clothing in layers (avoid cotton if possible) appropriate for weather

Hiking boots or shoes with good traction

Hiking socks & liners (thin nylon socks make good liners)

Pocket knife or utility tool (Leatherman / Swiss Army knife) - carry in pockets

Head covering - cap in summer or toboggan in winter

The Basics

Backpack - adjusted for you - a good fitting hip belt is most important!

Sleeping bag

Sleeping pad - to insulate from the ground

Waterproof rain suit or poncho (ponchos can have many other uses)

Matches - waterproof container (stretch tight plastic cling wrap works well)

Fire starter (6" length of sisal rope or dryer lint in plastic wrap)

Small First Aid kit

Compass

Whistle

Flashlight (small - two AA type batteries or smaller) LED headlamps are GREAT!

3 large garbage bags (for garbage, ground cloth, pack cover, etc.)

Toilet paper (just 2-3 times the length you think you will need - not a whole roll - in a zip-lock bag)

Toothbrush

Small towel (hand towel size) ("pack towels" are great)

Wash cloth and soap

Any medications (Give any medications that need to be given during camp to leaders )

Nylon cord/twine for setting up tarp, hanging food, tying gear on pack, etc.

Eating and Drinking

Water bottles - at least two 1-liter/quart bottles (Gatoraid or Nalgene type bottles work well)

Water purification tablets

Water - carry what you will need. Plan on at least 1-2 quarts for drinking per day.

mug/cup

lightweight bowl and spoon

Items shared by buddies and/or patrol:

Tent or tarp (I prefer a nylon tarp (troop has several) when it is above 40º)

Stove & Fuel

Cook kit - pots, pans, utensils depending on what you are cooking

take only the pieces you need

Food

Clothing

Non-cotton is strongly preferred!

Think Layers!

Sandals or other lightweight shoes (in case my hiking boots get wet or to wear around camp) water shoes are lightweight and dry quickly

Extra socks & underwear

Optional

Watch

Camera and film

Duct Tape (wrap a couple feet of tape around a pencil or water bottle)

Parachute cord or nylon twine

Sitting pad (cut a piece of sleeping pad)

Miniature playing cards

Bandana/handkerchief

Hand sanitizer

Extra of gallon or quart zip-lock freezer type bags

Aluminum foil (a folded sheet 2-3' long)