You just purchased a sweet new pack from your local outdoor shop; you have a four day weekend ahead of you, and you know exactly where you want to spend it. But what do you fill your backpack with? Which items are must-haves, and which ones are pure luxury carries? In this edition of Backpacking 101, we will break down the gear that you should be loading up.
The Ten Essentials
You have probably heard of the “Ten Essentials” list before. This docket has become the gold standard of what hikers, packers and mountaineers should carry, and with good reason: these are truly “must-have” tools for the backcountry. The original list was developed way back in the 19030s by The Mountaineers group, and updated in the early 2000s to reflect a modern system of packing for adventures. Here’s how it looks today:
1. Navigation (map and compass; GPS system)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp and/or flashlight)
5. First aide supplies
6. Fire (matches, lighter or other firestarter)
7. Repair kit and tools (knife, multi-tool, patch kits, etc)
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water and/or water filtration device)
10. Shelter (or emergency shelter in the case of day hikers and mountaineers)
There you have it: all the things that should come on every trip with you, no matter where you are planning to go. You won’t use every item on the list every time you are out, but you’ll be glad you brought them should they be called into service. In extreme cases, having these tools and supplies could be the difference between life or death.
Pump the brakes, kiddo! You’re not done packing yet. While the Ten Essentials are a great jumping off point, you’ll need even more trinkets and gadgets to make your next packing journey a smooth one. Here are a few more pieces of gear you will want to have with you:
Sleeping Pad/Sleeping Bag
Yes, you will want to carry both. Even a minimalist would agree that a good night of rest is worth its weight in gold. Check out our Backpacking sleep system pertaining to picking the right sleep system for your type of packing.
Pack Cover
Even in Utah, rain happens. Arriving in camp with soaking wet gear is not a recipe for fun. Suck it up and carry the extra weight on every trip, and when the time comes to use your cover, you’ll be stoked you brought it.
Camp Stove/Fuel
Yes, the list above does account for fire, but do you truly plan to do all your cooking over open flame? What if you can’t find enough wood for a good fire, or what if it rains during your entire trip? Be sure at least one member of your group has a reliable stove and enough fuel to keep it going for the duration of your travels.
Additional Items
Not every one of these is necessary, but they sure do make trips more enjoyable!
1. Bear bag/bear canister (Utah is home to black bears, don’t let them eat your food)
2. Bear spray (learn how to use it before you hit the trail)
3. Toiletries (toothbrush and toothpaste; don’t offend your fellow hikers)
4. Cell phone or Satellite phone/Satellite beacon (you may need to contact help if there is an emergency situation)
5. Quick-dry towel (handy in a variety of situations)
6. A good book or personal journal (bring both if you’re going on a longer excursion)
7. Deck of cards or other small game (rainy days happen; don’t go crazy staring at the walls of your tent!)
8. Hammock (relaxation is the name of the game; could also double as shelter if you want to go minimalist style)
9. Camp shoes (lightweight footwear or sandals; your feet deserve a break from boots)
10. Camera (document your adventures!)
11. Camping cup/cookware (serving meals, boiling water, or enjoying hot beverages all require you bring one)
12. Extra batteries and/or solar charging kit (electronics need juice; don’t turn them into dead weight by letting them run dry)
13. Daypack (small packs are ideal for summit attempts or day hiking from base camp)
14. Bonus treats (food is already accounted for, but make sure to bring some chocolate or other favorite treats along for maximum enjoyment)
15. Booze (bringing beer is a bit indulgent; bringing good whiskey is crucial)
These are only suggestions based on personal experience. Everyone’s list will look a bit different. Discovering who the over-packers in your group are will provide plenty of fun conversations around the campfire.
Make sure to talk frequently with other members of your hiking party to avoid bringing duplicate items. No need to carry two camp stoves when one will do just fine. You can even split loads up evenly: one member carries the tent body and another carries the poles and rainfly. The key is to bring all the stuff that is important to you, while keeping your load as light as possible. It’s a delicate balance, but hopefully this article will help get you started in the right direction.