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Gear Up!

Gear Requirements

This page lists most of the basic gear one would need for a multi-day hike.

 

Boots (Mid-Duty) - This is your most important piece of gear. Spend the money to get a good pair that fit your feet and break them in well. Good socks are part of the good boots requirement. You must take good care of your feet.
Backpack (4500 to 5200 cubic inches) - These are usually called "extended trip" packs. You need a pack in this range to fit all your gear, chow, and water in for a three to five day hike. This is your second most important piece of gear. Highly recommend going to an outfitter in person to get fitted for your pack. Otherwise get a friend to help you with the pack fitting clinic. Also recommend getting a waterproof pack cover.

Tent - Recommend getting the smallest one possible that can accomodate you and your backpack. Staying dry and warm is important.

Sleeping bag and sleeping pad - One "all purpose" bag should do it. A bag rated for 20° - 25° F will probably do the trick. Get a "waterproof" compression sack for your bag.

Stove (and fuel) - There are many to choose from, get something in your price range. I prefer white gas (liquid).

Cookware - I carry one lightweight aluminum pot that is large enough to boil enough water for Ramen noodles or one of the many freeze-dried meals available.
Water Purifier - You need this to "purify" your drinking water on the trail. I really like the First Need system, it's a little larger, but it filters water much faster than any other I've seen. Screws right on to your 32 oz nalgene water bottles. Remember, water is heavy.
Water bottles and/or water reservoir - I carry one 32 oz nalgene bottle and a 100 oz reservoir. I sweat a lot, so this works for me.
Headlamp - Petzl makes these. They're great.
Flip Flops (or similar) - You need these to give your feet a break at the campsite.
Rain Gear - Nothing will keep you dry. So think about something light that will keep you warm in a cool shower (or down pour); Frogg Toggs or something else "breathable" will probably work best.
Baby Wipes (or similar) - Very nice to have to clean your "private" areas, face, etc.
Dining-Ware - lightweight (i.e. aluminum) bowl, double-walled mug, and a lexan spoon.
Duct tape - Don't leave home without it.
Hiking Poles - Not required but very nice to have.
And of course you'll need clothes, toiletries, etc.

For a more comprehensive list of gear check out REI's Expert Advice or if you're trying to lighten your load take a look at the Lightweight Backpacker's gear pack list(s).

 
 

Tips and Hints

We practice the "Leave No Trace" rules of backpacking. We leave the trails and campsites as we found them. This means that whatever you "hump" in you "hump" out (especially trash).
Keep your total pack weight under 50 lbs, then load your pack correctly.
Be very "stingy" when loading your pack; luxury items have weight and the lighter your pack is the more enjoyable the hike will be. Small items add up quickly.
Cut your toe nails at least 3 days before the hike.
Buy a tool called "U-Dig-It", it's a small foldable shovel for digging a hole to go poo-poo in.
Buy some "seam sealer" and seam seal your tent in the backyard a week or two before the hike.
Know your gear before you get on the trail; set it up, play with the straps, etc.
I wear compression shorts "style" underwear (Champion) to alleviate chafing, if you even think you'll have this problem, invest in this kind of underwear.
When buying clothing try and stay away from cotton, it doesn't dry well.
 
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