View Full Version : Contents of hiking backpack.
happystuff
4-12-14, 2:11pm
A while back, someone posted pictures of their little hiking backpack and the items they carried/stored in it. I meant to go back to it, as I loved the details of the contents, but I can't find it and don't remember who originally posted it. Ring a bell for anyone? I know that one of the items was an emergency blanket in an orange package... I actually bought one. With the nicer weather finally here, I was hoping to put one together and start hiking again.
Gardenarian
4-13-14, 2:19pm
Were you looking for day hikes, or extended backpacking trips?
For day hikes I bring very little, but from now on am going to always include one of those super loud whistles. I stepped on a rattlesnake a couple of days ago - I think I actually flew for a few seconds there. Luckily I was fine, but next time? (I often see rattlesnakes but this one was on a muddy section of trail in dappled light. They tend to prefer to lie in the sun.)
The most important thing to bring is the right attitude, I think. Keep your circle of awareness large, your circle of disturbance small.
That, and water.
tetrimbath
4-13-14, 5:11pm
A classic reference used around Seattle is the "Ten Essentials" list produced by The Mountaineers. It is a good start.
http://www.mountaineers.org/images/TenEssentials_web.pdf
I've heavily modified mine, which is what happens after a few years of understanding personal needs and style.
Was it perhaps, this? http://www.simplelivingforum.net/showthread.php?7156-Walking-in-the-woods-don-t-die&highlight=hiking
In addition to the contents suggested I would recommend that if one has a smartphone you should download the map data of the area into the google maps app. Do this by getting the area on the screen while you have an internet connection and then type "ok maps" (without the quotes) into the search bar. Even if you don't have cell service the gps function of the phone should still work. Also, put the phone in airplane mode when you have no cell service and the battery will last a lot longer because the phone won't be forever trying to find reception.
In addition to the contents suggested I would recommend that if one has a smartphone you should download the map data of the area into the google maps app. Do this by getting the area on the screen while you have an internet connection and then type "ok maps" (without the quotes) into the search bar. Even if you don't have cell service the gps function of the phone should still work. Also, put the phone in airplane mode when you have no cell service and the battery will last a lot longer because the phone won't be forever trying to find reception.
Speaking as someone who last hiked about thirty years ago...I would recommend one of those auxiliary chargers for your cell, just in case.
happystuff
4-14-14, 4:10pm
That's it, Alan! Thank you! And thanks to everyone else for responding and for the additional info and links. Need to get one of these made up. :)
And thanks, bae,for the original thread!
Great stuff and I'm going to supplement what I have already with a number of bae's recommendations. (Not sure about the axe though.)
Happy Stuff - Are you wanting to have an "emergency" backpack - something like a bugout bag you can grab in an emergency when you have to leave your home asap? Or are you looking for what to bring in a recreational backpack - something you'd take with you for a day hike? Or are you looking for what to bring for a long backpacking trip? They each would require different things.
happystuff
4-16-14, 5:01pm
Hi Spartana! Yes, I was actually looking for the backpack for day hikes. We already have grab 'n' go backpacks made and ready to go. And at this point in time, I'm not doing backpacking trips - although I'm not ready to get rid of my backpack w/frame!
shadowmoss
4-18-14, 7:49am
Here is an article from a retired Army ranger who has been hiking an running this website for years:
http://hikinghq.net/forum/showthread.php?2650-What-to-Carry-Article
happystuff
4-19-14, 9:43am
Wow - nice link, Paula. Lots of info. Thanks!
Hi Spartana! Yes, I was actually looking for the backpack for day hikes. We already have grab 'n' go backpacks made and ready to go. And at this point in time, I'm not doing backpacking trips - although I'm not ready to get rid of my backpack w/frame!I hate to admit it but I am a minimalist when it comes to bringing stuff with me on day hikes or trail runs. I just use a small fanny pack that has 2 insulated water bottles attached and carry a few basic things in that. Would survive a few days if it weren't freezing out though.
simplelife4me
1-4-15, 10:01am
Peruse the forums at www.equipped.org
Thanks for the link, simplelife4me.
Today's version of my winter S&R pack, intended for 1-2 day outings here in the Pacific NW, temperate rain forest climate, 0->2400 feet of elevation.
Pack is Eberlestock Halftrack, with some small molle add-ons: Condor water bottle carrier, sheath, medical pouch, radio holder.
Pack has 4 longitudinal side pouches, intended for 3L hydration packs. All are still empty, except for the axe I tuck into one. I have the pack cinched down a bit, and there's still room in the pack for lunch/misc gear if needed.
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-t8BlnAuGQnI/VMyPkZDYqjI/AAAAAAAAN20/bGmTGjlSXA4/s640/Awesomized.jpg
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-D86spXKQcDw/VMyPflNMLKI/AAAAAAAAN2c/X840-xkHL40/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Gauze, tourniquet, needle decompression stabby, Leatherman Wave:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-g4IpUXdT-4o/VMyPTtmpVkI/AAAAAAAAN1k/q1xpNMjz5_M/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Axe, inserted in side pouch. A friend forged this for me, it has a heavy axe head on a shortish almost hatchet-length haft, it cuts like crazy on the local fir/pine/cedar:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-3kkaECRx7Oc/VMyPRw6qk-I/AAAAAAAAN1c/sFtM6J-KRpQ/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Top exterior pocket of pack - Leather work gloves, GPS, binocs, compass, headlamp, sat phone:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-nIz88vcwkw4/VMyPMiykLOI/AAAAAAAAN1E/t-fhXBQENy8/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Bottle carrier: Steel bottle, cup, AA, AAA, N batteries, spare battery for fire/police/ems transceiver:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-9lcDU3Prf-0/VMyPHmQ3rpI/AAAAAAAAN0s/cH_0hVDPDPs/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Interior of pack, opened:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-a2jVFiKwdtA/VMyO-zzxuMI/AAAAAAAAOCQ/B7SChj8Repc/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Top Interior half, #1 - Tilley hat, a warm skullcap that fits under my helmet, scarf, neck/face tube warm thingy, Kleenex, maps, notepad, book-o-forms:
https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-NAXb_4rBEvU/VM1mpPL_HQI/AAAAAAAAOBM/RULLZYC5Pec/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Top interior half, #2:Flashlights, lightsticks, Bahco Laplander saw, Mora Classic, rollup J-pole antenna tuned for my fire transceiver, tinder, energy snacks, diamond hone:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Oovmd6yWAW0/VM1mfWEcIKI/AAAAAAAAOAk/1g8dIz1jba0/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Bottom interior half #1 - Kifaru Woobie Express (sort of an insulated poncho/shelter/blanket), Kifaru Sheep Tarp, MSR Bivy AC, MSR tent pegs, paracord. With these I can put together a very nice shelter in little time, or just use the poncho-thing when on-the-move or sitting observing to stay dry/warm:
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fJARMXkgZxA/VM1mUucQS3I/AAAAAAAAOC4/1lVnvchjPtI/s640/Awesomized.jpg
Bottom interior half #2 -Misc first aid stuff, nitrile gloves, neoprene gloves, signal mirror, water filter, trash bags:
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Yg4L8CJAaCU/VM1mQrSyiMI/AAAAAAAAODI/nkt9rEnCSfY/s640/Awesomized.jpg
simplelife4me
2-1-15, 4:54am
www.backpackinglight.com
I need to work on getting a better daypack system set-up for my desert trip next summer. Last summer I realized what I had just was all wrong and I am committed to having a better way to carry enough water and other such essentials for being out in the blazing, unrelenting sun for hours without getting heat sickness.
Nice posts added since I last looked. Thanks for the pics and links! Snow bound, but thinking of hiking and packs. :-)
I would substitute a bow saw for the hatchet & of course have a plastic blade cover on it.
I would substitute a bow saw for the hatchet & of course have a plastic blade cover on it.
Ya - that's very eco-system-dependent. I have a large folding Silky saw I usually tuck down one of those side pouches of the pack when I'm going into places with a bit bigger wood. I think you really end up needing both in boreal forests.
I just got back from a 10-day-long wilderness medicine and tracking course held in a remote spot, and that setup served me as my whole kit, though I swapped in a slightly different axe that has a longer haft but a lighter head, as the place I was in we weren't allowed to take any live trees.
A good bow saw is a blessing - there are some great take-down ones available.
Here's a setup I often carry that combines the larger saw, an decent axe and knife, and some basic survival stuff:
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-HFIfCbhs0eU/VPEZTvbbfbI/AAAAAAAAOZQ/Tnx_xxajouc/s640/Awesomized.jpg
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-mh9CiXUQMiA/VPEZIz3nBRI/AAAAAAAAOZg/TL490tPY8Sk/s720/Awesomized.jpg
messengerhot
4-25-15, 2:18pm
I love these comments. We are going to go camping in June and I think some of these will also be useful for the camping trip. Although, not the daggers and knives because it will be a family trip with little kids. Its going to be in a safe and controlled environment. I wonder if anyone has a camping preparedness kit or even just a list?
Gardenarian
4-25-15, 6:53pm
REI has a good family camping checklist (http://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/family-camping-checklist.html).
printslicker
5-7-15, 9:41pm
Camping is something that we always do every summer vacation, it was my father who brought us camping since he's a soldier he wants us to learn how to survive in the wild (and I don't know why) lol :D
here is one thing i don't see on lists but i really like it, those hand warmers (like an ice pack you pop but a warmer). i have one kid who kept on getting ear issues above 8,000 ft so it would be night and her ear was super painful. Some pain reliever, a hand warmer and a stocking cap got us through. it also works on any sore muscles. i have circulation issues so i kept them with me in the winter and was lucky to have one for camping.
messengerhot
5-9-15, 7:30pm
Yes, Zoe girl. I love those hand warmers. I get one at the dollar store and I keep a couple in our first aid kit. You are right, I will keep one in our pack for camping too. Its been awhile since I last went camping and this is different because we have the kids with us. It's not 'til June, but I am so ready. haha! I checked the tent, the chairs and the air beds. I tested the lamp and bought extra batteries. Unfortunately, I cannot find rechargeable ones.
Thanks, Gardenarian. That is very useful. I don't have flashlights yet, but I doubt I will need it. It will be useful if there is an app for outdoor activities or even a software that can be downloaded on the phone, perhaps, something similar to healthfusion (http://www.healthfusion.com/blog/2014/ehr-features/meditouch-ranked-one-best-ehr-systems-2014-medical-economics-survey-physicians/). That way, when I am out shopping and I happen to come by something I might need, I can check it off the app instead of a list on a sheet of paper.
printslicker
5-10-15, 9:56pm
I am learning a lot here, thank you guys for giving me ideas and tips to make our camping a lot easier and enjoyable :)
Love that this thread is continuing! Thanks for all the pictures of gear, etc. Very inspiring, as I'm hoping to attack my camping gear soon. Thanks so much to everyone.
messengerhot
5-26-16, 10:39pm
Camping time again! I came across this forum - coincidentally, we are not getting ready for this summer's camping trip. Here are some of my new notes on the kit
1. I found a really good rechargeable lamp at ALDI's - so, if you have an ALDI in your area, check it out. I will try to add a photo here in the next few days
2. Bring a potty seat if you still have one from when your kids were young. Last year when we went camping, our camp was located a bit far from the bathroom. So, a middle of the night visit to the bathroom would be a bit scary and inconvenient. The workaround I came up with is to bring a potty seat. If it is just a wee ... then I can wash it off with water. If it is something else, then I can put it in a bag (bags you use to collect dog poop - those nice smelling ones) and then dump it in the garbage in the morning
3. If you have little ones, do not bring a gallon of milk. Go for the small ones. You can open a bottle when you need it and keep the rest in the cooler. This way, the rest of your supplies will last longer and not spoil faster. This is especially important if you are camping for 2 - 3 days.
Hope these will be useful!
BikingLady
12-8-17, 4:14am
I have been day hiking, my goal was a several day section hike of the AT next summer. I have been collecting, reading and talking to any hiker I see on my trails about what their experiences, tips and contents are for the event. I joined REI two weeks ago for the classes and trips. After really understanding long section hiking.....I do not feel I could do it. I resolved I am a day hiker:|( I love heading out and seeing how far I can go. My day pack is light and has now items I know I will use. It is not because I do not have the endurance to hike all day for days on end. It is the bathroom issue:|( The thought of no outhouse even did me in.
My absolute favorite thing to read on-line is AP trail journals of current hikers. I've done bits of it and would like to go back and do more: http://www.trailjournals.com/journals/appalachian_trail/2017
There are a ton of videos on youtube now from trail hikers. Good ones are "what I carry" "what I gave up carrying" "tent or hammock" "what I eat on the trail", "personal hygene on the trail", etc.
I also want to start hiking parts of the Ozark Highland Trail since that's closer to me than the AT. http://www.trailjournals.com/journals/Ozark_Highlands_Trail and I'd also like to float the Buffalo from near start to finish.
BikingLady
12-8-17, 11:26am
Oh I love reading those bogs also. I was following a fellow Hiking with Gravity hikewithgravity.com who started a thru hike last spring after ruffly 21 days postings stopped. He posted he finished in October and will update the days as he can. He had great plans of posting pictures and stories, then it turned into a job more or less. So now I stop by every so often to read. So I will check out those links, thanks.
I have met so many friendly hikers who want to tell me stories. Last week a fellow told me so many bear stories! Another fellow told me he has done the AT 3 times and never with tent, stays in the shelters. I asked what if you do not make it to shelter? I don't know he says always made it.
BikingLady
12-8-17, 11:33am
This morning I did a 5 mile on the local trail, 7 dear, one dog and owner that was it in the 18 degree morning.
I did not do much hiking this year BikingLady. I'm starting to think that may be one of my challenges for my new year. I'll do some more research and add a few hikes to my retreat list (in February...that's my new year).
That's funny he always made it to a shelter. I've read too many rat, spider, snakes, and raccoon stories to think that the AT shelters are 100% joy!
BikingLady
12-9-17, 9:56am
Question about iPhones, mine is freezing due to temps. I have used an iPhone for years biking all winter and never remember this issue honestly. SO I ordered a Salt case which was suppose insulate the phone. Yesterday 18 degrees it killed battery and it was in coat pocket. I am now thinking inside my bra like when I do work outside.
What is the answer/
funkynassau
6-9-18, 12:25pm
My husband was a Scouts Canada leader for about 12 yrs., and for the last few years he worked with the kids in Venturers which were ages 14 to 17. They hiked and camped a lot. He had a water purifier in his backpack, as well as many of the other things mentioned here. Small, portable, it created safe drinking water in a short time. It didnt cost a lot either.
He always had a first aid kit, well stocked for most emergencies.
Always tell someone where you are going in case something big goes wrong!
BobTheCamper
8-6-20, 9:26pm
Hand warmers are great. A little tip is that at night you can have a stone near the campfire to warm up and then put it into your sleeping bag (as long as it's not too hot) to act as a heat source to keep you warm. I found a good website that has a good camping checklist and tips like how to make a campfire (https://www.smartcamper.eco/camping-checklist-camping-essentials-list/). If you're new to camping, check it out.
Thanks and welcome, Bob. I like looking at the various camping links, etc. Thanks for posting.
JakeSilva231
10-13-20, 2:45am
Hand warmers are great. A little tip is that at night you can have a stone near the campfire to warm up and then put it into your sleeping bag (as long as it's not too hot) to act as a heat source to keep you warm. I found a good website that has a good camping checklist. If you're new to camping, check it out.
I think it is more effective to have a initially warm sleeping bag, in which a tourist will feel comfortable. Laying a stone, I think it was relevant 20-30 years ago.
happystuff
11-2-20, 10:22am
Actually went on a really good hike this past weekend - first one in a long time. Grabbed my hiking backpack and everything went fine, but I realized I need to revisit this thread and go through my backpack for updates/changes.
I did that with my travel toiletry case which needed updating. It seems such things need reviewing and updating periodically.
BikingLady
11-27-21, 5:11am
I am doing the 100 mile challenge on the NCT 2022, day hiking. I have been thinking of the items I will change in my backpack, all the tips help.
BikingLady
11-27-21, 5:15am
Should add each season updating is needed and best to remember so not caught of guard. I bike and forgot to update the gear needed just in case, I got wet, got a bit too cold and over heated all in the last two weeks. I get upset with myself each time. Yesterday was my ankles, why did I think I did not need taller socks:doh:
Should add each season updating is needed and best to remember so not caught of guard. I bike and forgot to update the gear needed just in case, I got wet, got a bit too cold and over heated all in the last two weeks. I get upset with myself each time. Yesterday was my ankles, why did I think I did not need taller socks:doh:
Thus is a good reminder. These days I tend to forget about weather possibilities since I live in the land of,weather that rarely surprises. But I'll never forget one day when I was in high school in Denver 35 years ago. I had ridden my bike to a friend's house after lunch one weekend. It was cool but not bad out. By the time I rode home later that afternoon the temperature had dropped significantly and I had not gotten more than a block when I was heading home before I realized I was in for a really unpleasant ride. It was only going a couple of miles but dang, by the time I got home I was half frozen. If I had just brought a hat and some gloves it would have been fine.
Should add each season updating is needed and best to remember so not caught of guard. I bike and forgot to update the gear needed just in case, I got wet, got a bit too cold and over heated all in the last two weeks. I get upset with myself each time. Yesterday was my ankles, why did I think I did not need taller socks:doh:
Not knowing what you already have and are just updating, it's hard to say what you don't have. But, I have wrapped a few feet of duct tape around a treking pole and that has multiple uses including protecting or preventing blisters and patching many equipment failures. A neat trick that has come in handy for me. And a Swiss Army knife
If I were hiking--especially alone--I'd want a satellite phone. People seem to go missing around here*.
*Not in my neighborhood, that I know of :~), but in the surrounding wilderness areas.
If I were hiking--especially alone--I'd want a satellite phone. People seem to go missing around here*.
*Not in my neighborhood, that I know of :~), but in the surrounding wilderness areas.
There are personal locator beacons that outdoor people often use in place of sat phones. They aren't cheap, but neither are sat phones. They are fairly compact and lightweight, but slightly different function. When I hike alone out of cell range in remote places I carry one.
https://www.rei.com/search?q=personal+locator+beacons
BikingLady
11-28-21, 4:54pm
Not knowing what you already have and are just updating, it's hard to say what you don't have. But, I have wrapped a few feet of duct tape around a treking pole and that has multiple uses including protecting or preventing blisters and patching many equipment failures. A neat trick that has come in handy for me. And a Swiss Army knife
Yesterday I hiked a small section of the trail just to get my mind set on what I will run into within a 1/4 mile was a log over creek to scale. I had my black diamond poles and realized these were not the appropriate gear for the job. The few miles in the isolated area helped put me more in focus of what I will need for sure! Also paper maps I feel are best along with gps. Duct tape yes, that is a good tip. My planning needs to be different than the day hikes in groomed areas.
I'm all in for paper maps but am from the old school. I carry a small stuff sack with first aid and emergency gear. Some is probably obvious, but a space blanket has many uses in a fix. I've never used mine, but always have it along. Lightweight and compact.
BikingLady
12-18-21, 4:39am
Ticks, do tell me what does everyone use to keep the ticks away while out hiking? Planning a hike on a loop trail in a heavy tick area next year and ticks are really my worst fear.
rosarugosa
12-18-21, 5:46am
Ticks, do tell me what does everyone use to keep the ticks away while out hiking? Planning a hike on a loop trail in a heavy tick area next year and ticks are really my worst fear.
I use either Repel or Cutter's Deep Woods spray. I've only gotten ticks on me when I wasn't wearing any spray.
happystuff
12-18-21, 9:49am
Same as rosa - basically anything with Deet. I have a sibling that is now living with life-long effects of lyme disease. One of my children has also had it, but so far is fine.
I agree with using deet. Also, wear long sleeves and pants with the pants tucked into your socks and shirt tucked Into pants. Then, as soon as possible afterwards take a shower and put your clothes in the dryer on hot for long enough to kill any ticks on them.
FishFinder
4-18-22, 3:16pm
Even if you don't have cell service the gps function of the phone should still work.
I didn't know that. Thats a good tip. I still would be more comfortable with a GPS though.
I didn't know that. Thats a good tip. I still would be more comfortable with a GPS though.
That’s a fair choice. The difference is that unless your map is pre-downloaded the phone will not be able to show where you currently are if you have no cell service. So for instance I download the maps on the All Trails app before I go out hiking so even with no cell service the gps function will still plot me on a map. If the map hasn’t been pre-downloaded then the gos function is useless. It will plot me on a blank screen.
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