Note: There's a lot of gear on this list! Use it as a guide to pick and choose to make packing up quick and easy (and to reduce the chance of forgetting something important!). What you actually pack will depend on the nature of the destination, the duration of the trip, the expected weather, personal preferences and the like. Try to go as light as possible.
CLOTHING
Hiking boots/shoes, waterproofed
Wool/synthetic blend socks (2-3 pairs)
Liner socks (2-3 pairs)
Shortie/knee gaiters
Shorts
T-shirt(s)
Long sleeve shirt
Zip-off travel pants
Tights/long john bottoms
Fleece vest
Fleece jacket
Fleece cap
Fleece gloves
Wind shell
Wind pants
Waterproof shell
Waterproof pants
Bandanna(s)
Baseball hat/sun hat
Sunglasses
Glasses safety strap
Camp shoes (Waldies, Tevas, flip-flops or sneakers)
Sleeping clothes (shorts, T, socklets)
Cotton/street clothes?
GEAR
Backpack
Pack rain cover
Trekking poles
Biking gloves
Sleeping bag
Stuff sack and plastic liner
Sleeping pad
Cotton sleep sack
Tent/tarp
Ground sheet
Water bottle(s) or hydration system
Swiss Army knife
Cook stove
Fuel (purchase @ destination)
Fuel bottle
Cook kit (in nylon bag):
-Pot
-Grippers
-Cup
-Bowl
-Spoon
-Lighter
Books for reading
Compass
Guidebook
Trail maps
Camera
Camera bag
Memory cards
Batteries
Security pouch, containing:
- Passport
- Travel tickets
- Plane
- Train
- Bus
- Accommodations reservations/confirmations
- Driver's license
- Medical cards
- ATM card (2)
- Credit cards (3)
- HI-AYH card
- Mountain club member card
- Phone card
- Address list
COPIES of all of the above: One set to be stashed separately in backpack, a second set to be left at home with a responsible person)
Notebook
Pen(s)
Starter postcards
Stamps
Wristwatch
Eye patches
Ear plugs
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Insect repellent
Insect head net
Extra Zip-lock baggies
Headlamp
Spare batteries
Key chain light
Emergency plastic bivouac sack or large garbage bag
Toilet paper
Toilet kit:
- Bar soap
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Small towel
- Face cloth
- Hand sanitizers
- Sanitary wipes
- Nail clipper
- Comb
Small personal medical kit:
- Blister stuff
- Adhesive tape
- Ibuprofen
- Immodium
- Personal meds
- Prescriptions
- Ace bandage
Small repair kit:
- Duct tape
- Needle & thread
- Spare this & that
MISCELLANEOUS
Knee brace
Prescription glasses/case
FOOD
Stuff sack
Plastic liner sack
Dried fruit
Mixed nuts
Jerky
Chocolate bars
Candy bars
Peanut butter (in container)
Bagels
Crackers
Cheese
Cookies
Candy
Breakfast bars
Oatmeal
Pop-Tarts
Tea
Coffee bags
Cocoa
Dried milk
Sugar
Freeze-dried meals
Spare Zip-locks
TRAVEL
Emergency information sheet (house, car, pets, plants, itinerary etc.), one copy to take on trip, a second to be left at home with a responsible person)
Travel food
Newspaper
Magazines
Know airline packing rules & restrictions for size, weight, carry-on, checked bags etc.
Carey Kish of Portland has maintained a section of the A.T. at East Carry Pond for three years. He can be reached at maineoutdoors@aol.com.
