What to Consider
When planning what and how much to pack there are a few things to consider:
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Weather/temperature
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Location/terrain
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# of people
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# of days/nights
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Sharable items
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Menstruation
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Allergies/dietary restrictions
Food/Water
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Trail snacks/drinks
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Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Water bottles/reservoir
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Extra food/water
Kitchen/Cookware
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Cooking stove
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Fuel
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Cooking set (pot/pan)
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Bowl/plate
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Utensils
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Cup
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Biodegradable soap
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Towel (to dry dishes)
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Knife
Personal Items
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ID
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Credit/debit card
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Cash
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Permits (if required)
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Keys
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Phone
Clothes
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Shirt
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Lightweight jacket
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Heavier or insulating jacket
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Sports bra
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Pants
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Socks
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Underwear
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Beanie
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Gloves
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Hat (for sun)
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Hiking boots/shoes
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Extra clothes
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Towel
Backpacking/Camp
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Backpack (30-50L)
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Backpacking tent
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Sleeping bag
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Sleeping pad
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Headlamp/Flashlight with extra batteries
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Pillow (you can make one by stuffing clothes into you sleeping bag’s bag)
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Map, compass
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Watch
Health/Hygiene
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Toothbrush
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Toothpaste
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Brush
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Toilet paper/wipe
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Menstrual products
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Ziplock bag (to pack out trash)
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Poop trowel
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Hand sanitizer
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Mask
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Lip balm
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Lotion
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Sunscreen
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Bug spray
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Sunglasses
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Glasses
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Prescription medication
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*It's ideal to pack unscented items to minimize unwanted attention from bugs and animals.
Extra
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Cards/games
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Camera
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Journal and pen
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Book
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Binoculars
First Aid/Emergency (Basic)
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Antiseptic wipes (BZK-based wipes preferred; alcohol-based OK)
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Antibacterial ointment (e.g., bacitracin)
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Assorted adhesive bandages (fabric preferred)
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Gauze pads (various sizes)
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Blister treatment
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Ibuprofen / other pain-relief medication
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Insect sting / anti-itch treatment
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Antihistamine to treat allergic reactions
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Splinter (fine-point) tweezers
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Safety pins
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First-aid manual or information cards
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Heat pack
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Emergency blanket
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Pocket knife
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Pepper spray