Backpacking Trip List

Note: This is an excerpt from Ultralight Backpacking Secrets
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My basic backpacking trip list is where I start. I don't bring everything on the list, because every trip is different. The point is to have a checklist with everything I might possibly bring on some backpacking trip. From this I choose what is needed or wanted for this particular trip, with no danger of forgetting anything important. Below is such a list.

The Master Backpacking Trip List

(Not always in logical order.)

___Backpack

___Backpack rain cover

___Tent

___Tarp

___Groundsheet

___Bivy sack

___Umbrella

___Sleeping bag

___Sleeping bag liner

___Sleeping bag pad

___Pillow

___Trekking poles

___Water bladder

___Water bottles

___Water

___Water purification tablets

___Water filter

___Food

___Stove

___Stove fuel

___Cup

___Pans

___Fork

___Spoon

___Plate

___Can opener

___Matches

___Lighter

___Knife

___Other tools

___Compass

___GPS unit

___Maps

___Pen

___Pencil

___Paper

___Book

___First aid kit

___Survival kit

___Waterproof matches

___Lighter

___Fire starters

___Soap

___Shampoo

___Hand sanitizer

___Toothbrush

___Toothpaste

___Towel

___Tweezers

___Light

___Headlamp

___Fishing gear

___Toilet paper

___Playing cards

___Socks

___Underwear

___Thermal underwear

___T-shirts

___Shirts

___Sweater

___Jacket

___Winter parka

___Winter pants

___Hiking pants

___Shorts

___Gloves

___Mittens

___Warm hat

___Sun hat

___Sunglasses

___Down vest

___Gaiters

___Hiking shoes

___Hiking boots

___Sleeping socks

___Handkerchief

___Rain coat

___Rain pants

___Rain parka

___Garbage bag

___Watch

___Knee brace

___Ace bandage

___Aspirin

___Camera

___Film

___Cell phone

___Bear spray

___Sunblock

___Insect repellent

___Mosquito head net

___Duct tape

___Ice axe

___Lip balm

___Twine

___Money

___Permits

___Plastic bags

___Dirty laundry bag

___Whistle

Ultralight Backpacking Quick Tips

I love to explore old ghost towns when hiking here in Colorado, but I try to be careful. Abandoned buildings in the western United States may contain the deadly hanta virus. It is often found in rodent droppings, which dry and can become part of the dust. Avoid breathing the dust in old buildings, or sleeping on the floor.

Many plants can be used as an antiseptic dressing for cuts, if you have nothing better. One such plant is St. Johnswort. I once applied a few mashed up leaves to a nasty gash on my foot, replacing it occasionally, and I was amazed as it healed in a couple days with no scar. It is known to be anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal.

You can waterproof your own matches by either dipping them in shellac, nail polish or melted wax. You may have to scrape some of the coating away to get them to light easily.

If you know your computer well, you can select and print the above list.

Better yet, make your own "Master Backpacking Trip List." Include any backpacking item you can think of, and anything that has been on any wilderness trip you have taken. You may never bring even half of the items on your list, but if everything is there - and you really use the list - you won't forget anything you need on your next trip.

You may want to have a separate list for your first aid and survival kit. These should be checked and kept filled (are the water tabs past expiration?) before each long trip.

Key Points

1. Make a master backpacking trip list of everything you might bring on any trip.

2. Run through the list before every trip, to create the specific packing list for that trip.

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