This list is put together by my buddy Chris, but there have been many times when I wanted to have a sanity checklist to make sure I haven’t forgotten anything so I thought I would post it up so that you can maybe use it in the future, and so I can come back to it on other occasions. Don’t be surprised if I make comments or edit the post as I realize things do and don’t work for me, etc.
I recommend keeping all of the “smelly stuff” (sun block, toothpaste, small snacks… anything sweet smelling) in a single small bag. It makes it easier to find your stuff in the bear bag.
Try to stay away from cotton at all costs. Compared to its synthetic brethren, cotton takes forever to dry out and can suck away important heat from your body. Not a big deal in the dry, hot locations. However, wet cotton turns a peaceful rain storm into a life threatening situation. Synthetics may not absorb smell very well, but every body else is going to smell just as bad as you.
I’ve updated the list to include some group gear, as it was pointed out to be missing
Checklist
___ Comfortable Backpack
___ Sleeping Bag
___ Sleeping Pad
___ Bivy-sack or tent
___ Clothes to sleep in
___ Tooth Brush
___ Tooth Paste (Travel Size)
___ Small Towel
___ Sun Block (can be shared)
___ Bug Spray (can be shared)
___ Two pairs of thick socks (Minimum)
___ Two Paris of liner socks (Minimum)
___ Comfortable hiking shoes/boots (Very important)
___ Camp shoes (athletic shoes, flip-flops, Just keep it lightweight)
___ One pair of shorts
___ One pair of pants (if you have zip-off pants, forget the shorts)
___ One pair of long underwear type bottoms (in case it gets cold)
___ Underwear (the quantity is your discretion)
___ Rain Pants
___ Two T-shirts (more if you want)
___ One long sleeve shirt
___ One insulating Jacket
___ One Rain Jacket with hood
___ Bowl
___ Spoon
___ Water Bottle
___ Hydration Bladder/Camel Back
___ Headlamp with spare batteries
___ Pack Cover or Empty large trash bag (to cover pack in case it rains)
Group Items
___ First Aid Kit
___ Stove & Fuel
___ Pot(s), Spoon & Handle
___ Water purifying system
___ Rope/Parachute Cord
___ At least two ways to start a fire
___ Map
___ Compass and/or GPS
___ Toilet paper & shovel
Optional
___ Cup
___ Other Hygiene products
___ Knife
___ Sun hat
___ Stocking cap
___ Clothes for Swimming
___ Book
___ Camera
___ Sunglasses
___ Chap Stick
___ Camping Chair
___ Deck of Cards