HIKING LIST (Please Don T Forget the Items in BOLD PRINT )

HIKING LIST (Please don’t forget the items in BOLD PRINT ) TENT + TARP SLEEPING BAG WOOL BLANKET (if cold) ROPE (100ft) (Patrol Equipment) FLASHLIGHT + BATTERIES FIRE (lighter or matches) RAIN PONCHO (even a garbage bag is better than nothing) HAT TOOTHBRUSH TOOTHPASTE *T.P.!!!! (not too much) WATERPROOF BOOTS (xtra liners) WARM JACKET SOX UNDERWEAR SHIRTS POTS (see your menu for what you need) (Patrol Equipment) FOOD (check your menu) (Patrol Equipment) WATER (2 QT /per person /per day) (or 1QT/Mile Hike) HIKE CHAIR MESS KIT (plate,cup,bowl,fork,spoon,knife,pot,pan,spatula) coffee, sugar, milk, juice, munchies, cereal, bread, cheese, spam, bacon, eggs, sausage,

NOTE: This list excludes heavy bulky things like: pillow, fuel, batteries, stove, lantern, paper towels, soap, bags, etc..

It is important to limit your weight as much as possible, and be balanced and secure with nothing swinging or hanging below the butt. Everything you put in your pack should be questioned. "What am I going to use this for? Do I really need it? How much does it weigh?" Prioritize. Safety first (as always).

Below is a page from “Clark’s Tips” concerning backpacking. ==== BACKPACKING ====

This adds a whole new dimension to hiking. Every gram of weight is felt tenfold when hiking an incline. The body, though well equipped, is not used to bearing weight. Nor are most people used to hiking. Add the two together and you can imagine how tiring it can be. It is therefore important to limit your load weight as much as possible.

Start with a good sturdy pack that has good straps. A belt and chest strap come with most packs and are needed on long hikes of 5 miles or more.

A place for your sleeping bag is important too. Bottom straps are fine but a top mounted sleeping bag is better. Best of all are the packs with a waterproof zippered pocket for the bag.

Speaking of waterproofing, it is always best to waterproof everything. Line your pack with a garbage bag before you put in anything. Keep in mind that everything you pack must balance. Next comes whatever you will need last, usually the next day's clothes. They too should be in a ziplock freezer bag. Leave a pair or two of socks for the side pocket. (in ziplocks)

Next should be your food, in ziplocks too. You should repackage all your food because it is sold heavier and in a lot of packaging. Many menu items can be prepared ahead of time saving space and weight. It requires a little creative thought to eliminate some weight. No metal and no glass.

On top should be what you will need to set up camp. Tent, Tarp, Rope, Saw, etc. Everything you put in your pack should be questioned. "What am I going to use this for? Do I really need it? How much does it weigh?" Prioritize. Safety first (as always). First Aid Kit, Flashlight, Rain Poncho, Map, Compass, and Water should all be accessible without opening your pack. You might also want to keep your hiking snacks on the outside.

The heaviest thing will be a stove and fuel. If you can have a fire that would be best because a stove will burn up your energy. (A burner is a burner but a lighter is lighter!)

If you have to bring a stove it should be right against your back between your shoulder blades. Rather, the heaviest item you have should go there. The weight should be as high as possible but not over your head. Nor should there be anything below the end of your tail bone. If your sleeping bag hangs that low, be sure it will not touch your legs.

Everything on your pack must be secured. Nothing should swing. You should have a waterproof covering for the whole pack. A Garbage bag works very well.

Remember the keywords, Lightweight, Strapped down, Balanced, and Waterproof. Follow the Rules of Safe hiking and have a nice leisurely sightsee.