Here are the basics on what is in my backpack. This is list is variable and greatly depends on such things as weather, how many days I’m staying out, and the difficulty or remoteness of the trail.
PRIMARY GEAR
- Backpack – I have acquired too many, but I currently use two more than the others. My summer pack is a 60-liter Osprey Volt. My winter pack is a 70-liter Gregory Baltoro.
- Backpack Rain Cover
- Tent or Hammock – On solo outings I normally camp with Hennessy Explorer Hammock, unless the conditions are too cold. In that case I have a one-person Big Agnes tent.
- Sleeping Bag – I have a zero degree, a 15 degree, and a 35 degree. All are synthetic. If you’re just starting out and can only afford one bag, I would recommend a 15-20 degree.
- Sleeping Pad – I use a Thermorest in the hammock, and an Exped in the tent. The Exped is thicker and allows me to better sleep on my side when on the ground.
COOKING/FOOD
- Stove, Fuel, & Lighter – I’m currently using an MSR Pocket Rocket and propane cannister.
- Pot & Spork – I use a generic titanium pot with a lid, and a plastic spork. The stove fits down into the pot to save space.
- Meals & Snacks – This could obviously be a whole post within itself. But, I typically cook dishes that are simply made by adding to boiling water. Pastas, rice, etc.
- Waterproof Stuff-sack/Bear Bag (to hang up your food at night, keeping it away from critters)
- 50′ of Nylon Cord to Hang the Bear Bag
- Small clean-up towel & biodegradable soap
WATER
- Water Bottles – I use Nalgene, and normally take two of them.
- Water Filter – I typically use a Sawyer Mini squeeze filter, or a Lifestraw. I recently tried an MSR Trailshot, and would potentially carry that if conditions were overly dry and I possibly needed to pump out of shallow areas.
- Hydration Bladder – I don’t always use one, but sometimes.
CLOTHING (depends greatly on the time of year and the weather forecast – no cotton items)
- Rainsuit
- Gloves and Beanie
- Extras Socks and Underwear
- Fleece or Jacket
- T-shirt to wear at camp
- Clothing stuff-sack – This also doubles as a pillow for me.
TOILETRIES
- Sunscreen, Chapstick, Bug Spray
- Toilet Paper – I take it off the roll, and re-roll it to save space.
- Hand Sanitizer – It can also double as a fire starter.
- Toothbrush and Toothpaste (travel size). Put your toothbrush and paste in the bear bag at night.
NAVIGATION
- Map & Compass – I don’t always carry these if going on a very established and well-marked trail like the A.T.
- GPS Watch – Garmin Fenix 5
- Smartphone – Loaded with map/trail apps… I leave it in airplane mode.
- Photo-copied pages from a guidebook – When applicable. In other words, I don’t take the whole guidebook, only the pages of my hike to save weight.
EMERGENCY & REPAIRS
- Small First Aid Kit – Assorted bandages, ibuprofen, burn cream, antihistamine, anti-diarrheal, safety pins, and moleskins for blisters.
- Fire Starter
- Extra batteries for headlamp
- External charger for phone & watch – I only carry this on longer excursions.
- Repair kits – I carry a small tent pole repair sleeve, duct tape (re-rolled), and a sleeping pad patch kit.
OTHER ESSENTIALS
- Headlamp
- Trekking Poles – Leki
- Pocket knife (small)
- Small multi-tool – Mine has nail clippers, tweezers, and scissors.
- Keys, money, credit card
- Camera – I have been known to carry my Nikon SLR and a couple of lenses, but that’s rare. I usually just shot with my phone, or a small point and shoot camera.
- A small book to read at camp (sometimes).
THINGS THAT I HAVE PURCHASED THAT I RARELY OR NEVER USE
- Solar panels
- Camp shoes
- Backpacking pillow
- Radio with Crank Electronics Charger
- Trowel to bury waste – A stick works just as good.
- Candle Lantern