Here is a list of 10 items that will always be in my pack while backpacking.
By: James Garner
1.) Headlamp – There are a ton of options out there for a good headlamp. I like the 
black diamond and petzel products. Don’t be the guy with the flashlight in your mouth at night while messing around camp or in your tent. That just looks stupid. LOL.
2.) Multi- tool – A good multi-tool can solve lots of problems if you 50 miles from civilization. They have a knife, can opener, pliers and just about anything else that you need. If you needed to make pack adjustments
3.) Waterproof Matches – Each time I go on a hike or extended outdoor trip I carry 2 means of fire starter. I’m not a “rub 2 sticks” guy. I carry a lighter and one small case of waterproof matches like the Storm Proof Matches.
4.) Waterproof Outerwear – There are lots of options when it comes to waterproof jackets. The cheapest way is to just buy a poncho. ($10) The next step up is rain suits. ($45-80) I really like the suites that Frog Top makes. They are fairly light and packable. If you are serious about being outdoors you need to invest in a waterproof jacket and pants. The most common material is Gor-Tex. Now keep in mind when shopping that there is a BIG difference in waterproof and water – resistant. If you want to stay dry in a down pour then buy a waterproof material. Most brands have their own version of waterproof material. Here is a good example of a great waterproof jacket made by Columbia.
5.) Sleeping Pad – A good nights sleep on the trail makes for a good hike. There are several options and usually the lighter and smaller the pad the more it will cost. I would recommend putting some money into a great sleeping pad. Here is one of my favorites. The Neo – Air by Therma Rest. At some point in the future I will write a post about all the many options in sleep systems.
6.) Sandals – After a long day of hiking, its great to lounge around camp and let your nasty feet air out in a pair of sandals. Pack a cheap pair, your tent mate will thank you. Your feet will be screaming to get out of your boots after you just killed a 12 mile hike with a 50lb pack and. Or if you want to step up our sandal game then check out these by SOLE
7.) First Aid Kit – This may be another given, but make sure that your first aid kit is fully stocked. Don’t just grab it from last year and throw it in your pack. Be sure that it has all the necessary items. One important item is some sort of athletic tape and lube to prevent blisters. If your feeling a hot spot on the trail be sure to treat the hot spot before it turns into a blister. Just put a little Vaseline or lube and then tape.
8.) Camera – Capturing the memories of your hiking trip is important. Just don’t bring the camera, keep it handy in your waist belt pocket and take as many pictures as you can. The next week when your sitting behind your desk you will be glad that you took those 300 pictures as they scroll by on your computer.
9.) Journal/Bible – This is kind of like the camera. If you bring it and don’t actually use it you are wasting your time. Spending time in the outdoors will clear your mind. I know it does for me. It allows me time to pray, read and reflect on what is most important in my life. I like to write down these things so that I can remember. I also like to write letters to my children about what matters in life. It’s much easier for me to do this when I am away and in the outdoors. I call it “clarity” and “being able to breath”
10.) Water Filter – This is another piece of gear where you have a lot of choices. I choose to carry the Katadyn Hiker Pro. It’s light and easy to use. There are other choices on the market. Just be sure to have some sort of water filtration in your pack. You don’t want Giardia. This is a little bug that “makes the world fall out of your bottom and your bottom falls out of your world” Bad stuff.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but several key items that are essential for me when I decide what goes into my pack. If we meet on the trail you can be sure that these items are I my pack.
Share with us in the comments below …what items are essential to you in your pack?
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