Day Hiking | Weekend Hiking | Winter Hiking | Ultralight | Thru-Hiking |
Hydration Pack | Backpack | Backpack | UL Backpack | Backpack |
Knife | Pack cover | Pack cover | UL Knife | Pack Cover |
Stove | Tent | Tent | UL pack cover | Tent |
Lighter | Sleeping bag | Sleeping bag | Blister kit | Sleeping bag |
Emergency Blanket | Knife | Knife | Dehydrated food | Knife |
Water Purification | Stove | Stove | Pot/mug | Stove |
Headlamp | Water bottle | Water bottle | Pocket stove w/fuel | Water bottle |
Can opener | Water purification | Water purification | UL Rain jacket | Water purification |
Titanium Spork | Headlamp | Headlamp | UL Rain chaps | Headlamp |
First aid kit | Lighter | Lighter | Down sleeping bag | Lighter |
Food | First aid kit | First aid kit | Air pad | First aid kit |
Cooking pot | Food | Food | Lighter | Food |
Bandana | Cooking pot | Cooking pot | Headlamp | Cooking pot |
Rain Jacket | Can opener | Can opener | Water bottle | Can opener |
Fleece Jacket | Stuff sack | Stuff sack | Aqua Mira | Stuff sack |
Long Underwear | Food bag | Food bag | Socks | Food bag |
Hiking shoes | Bandana | Bandana | Shorts | Bandana |
T-shirt | Titanium Spork | Titanium Spork | UL Tent | Titanium Spork |
Hiking socks | Nylon Cord | Nylon Cord | UL Stuff bag | Nylon Cord |
Toilet paper | Gaiters | Gaiters | Bandanas | Gaiters |
Money | Water bag | Sleeping pad | Titanium Spork | Water bag |
Garbage bags | Sleeping pad | Ground cloth | Nylon Cord | Sleeping pad |
Plastic pot scrubber | Ground cloth | Rain jacket | UL Fleece Jacket | Ground cloth |
Plastic bags | Rain jacket | Long underwear | Trail sneakers | Rain jacket |
Personal ID | Long underwear | Fleece/down jacket | Long underwear | Long underwear |
Shorts | Fleece jacket | Winter hiking boots | Toilet paper | Fleece jacket |
Shorts | Polypro t-shirt | Shirt | Shorts | |
Boots/sneakers | Socks | Toothbrush | Boots/sneakers | |
Shirt | Goggles | Money | Shirt | |
Socks | Crampons | Flip flops | Socks | |
Rain hat | Winter hat | Plastic pot scrubbers | Rain hat | |
Toilet paper | Gloves | Zip lock bags | Toilet paper | |
Toothbrush | Snow shoes | Toothpaste | Toothbrush | |
Money | Toilet paper | Personal ID | Money | |
Flip flops/sandles | Toothbrush | Garbage Bags | Flip flops/sandles | |
Notebook | Money | Notebook | ||
Toothpaste | Toothpaste | Toothpaste | ||
Personal ID | Peronsal ID | Personal ID | ||
Garbage bags | Garbage bags | Garbage Bags | ||
Guide Book | Guide Book | Guide Book | ||
Pencil | Pencil | Pencil | ||
Camera | Camera | Camera | ||
Ice Axe |
(Table source:
http://vargooutdoors.com/store/i7//information.html)
DISCLAIMER: Every trip, for each individual hiker will use different gear depending on climate, hiker physical condition, season, trip length, and more. This list should only be used as a general guide to help make sure nothing important is left out and get started those new to hiking and backpacking. Unless ultralight is your goal, a good rule of thumb is: If you think you may use an item, or are unsure, include it anyway... It is better to be have an item and not use it than need it in an emergency and not have it.
DISCLAIMER: Every trip, for each individual hiker will use different gear depending on climate, hiker physical condition, season, trip length, and more. This list should only be used as a general guide to help make sure nothing important is left out and get started those new to hiking and backpacking. Unless ultralight is your goal, a good rule of thumb is: If you think you may use an item, or are unsure, include it anyway... It is better to be have an item and not use it than need it in an emergency and not have it.
Backpacks:
- Pack Carefully: Do not place sharp items like stoves along the inside edges where they can rub against and potentially tear the fabric of the backpack.
- Keep it clean inside and out: Food remains and other spills not only make the inside or outside of a pack sticky, but they also attract unwarranted attention from critters. On the outside of the pack, saps and plant oils can damage the pack materials, reducing its overall strength and potentially the water proofing built in. Wipe up spills and food as soon as possible with a wet cloth. Saps and other oils should be removed as soon as possible using warm water and a light detergent. Caution: Don't scrub too hard or the water proofing on the pack could be damaged. Ensure the pack dries completely after being washed or getting wet, and store it in a cool, dry place to make sure mildew and mold can't grow.
- Check your pack frequently: Before each trip, check over your backpack for any signs of wear or damage. If a fix is possible before your trip, do so immediately to avoid failing gear later. After each trip, check your backpack over as soon as possible and repair any damage found.
Tents:
- Keep it dry in storage: Keeping the tent dry while in storage will ensure mold and mildew don't develop. If the tent was last used in rainy weather, set it up and let it air dry before storing it.
- Roll it differently: Rolling the tent the same way allows creases to develop which can damage the material over time.
- Use a groundcloth: A groundcloth, either purchased from the manufacturer, or simply a lightweight painters sheet will not only help protect the bottom of the tent, but it will help keep you dry in rainy weather. Groundcloths are cheap and lightweight; You really can't go wrong with one.
- Pick your campsite carefully: Campsites are hardly ever ideal for a tent bottom, but if you choose carefully and look for a spot with few jagged rocks, your back and tent will thank you later. When checking the site, clear the area somewhat and remove pebbles and small rocks if possible.
- Keep it clean inside and out: Most modern tents have a bathtub bottom, which means they help you out if you forget your groundcloth by providing somewhat of a lip around the bottom. Unfortunately this lip makes getting dirt out of the tent very difficult. It is always a good idea to leave shoes and other dirty items outside the tent to avoid damage and stains to the material. Try to clean up bird droppings, sap, dirt, etc from the outside of the tent as soon as possible.
- Make repairs immediately: A properly taken care of tent can last for years. Make repairs immediately with a repair kit (or duct tape if no kit is available) to help prolong the life of your tent. Things to look for include split seams, broken poles, rips and tears, among others.
Some information from:
http://backpacking-gear.suite101.com/article.cfm/gear_care_backpack and
http://backpacking-gear.suite101.com/article.cfm/gear_care_camping_tent