What to Bring

WHAT TO BRING ON A DAY HIKE

• Good Hiking Boots (wear two pair of socks to prevent blisters)

• Adequate water

• Sack lunch

• First Aid Kit

• Sun block, hat, and sunglasses

• Insect repellant

• Windbreaker (if cool and windy)

• Camera, Binoculars, Walkman (optional)

NOTE:  be prepared for hot or cold weather!

WHAT TO BRING ON AN OUTDOOR WINTER ACTIVITY

• Adequate water

• Sack lunch

• First Aid Kit

• Sun block and sunglasses

• Warm hat and gloves

• Camera, Binoculars, Walkman (optional)

NOTE:  be prepared for cold, wet, and wind!  Wear warm socks, thermal underwear and layers - sweaters, windbreakers, and parkas.  Remember, polyester is your friend!

WHAT TO BRING ON A CAR CAMP

Use the list for backpacking, but don't worry about weight.  Bring items to make life comfortable, such as camp chairs, fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats, a cooler with ice, trailer, bicycles, even the kitchen sink!

WHAT TO BRING ON A BACKPACKING TRIP

Note:  The following equipment is mandatory to bring on any LHC backpacking trip.  Due to safety concerns and the cohesiveness of the group we would ask that you do not come on a given trip if you do not have this equipment.  The equipment appearing in red is necessary for your safety and comfort during bad weather.

• Backpack (outer frame preferred, but inner frame is ok)

• Light weight rain-proof tent, 4-5 pounds  (available at Kirkhams or REI)

• Sleeping Pad

• Sleeping Bag, polyfill -20 below

      a)  Old Sheet (for warm weather backpacking)

      b)  Ski cap to wear at night, if cold

• Polyester thermal underwear (tops and bottoms)

• Backpacking stove  (Whisperlite is recommended)

• Gas fuel bottle (large)

• Matches

• Lightweight mess kit (Kirkhams)

• Camping knife, fork, and spoon

• Rain gear: coat, pants and gaiters. (Goretex is best)

• Good Hiking Boots (sneakers are not adequate for backpacking)

• Socks (2 pair plus 1 pair per day, Tech Wear recommended)

• T shirts (1 per day, Tech Wear recommended)

• Jacket for cold weather or cold nights in the desert

• Water Filter and/or one of the following purifiers

      a)  bleach (use a couple of drops per quart)

      b)  grapefruit seed extract

      c)  iodine tablets

• Space Blanket

• First Aid Kit

• Flashlight

In addition to the essential items listed above, the following items are recommended.

FOR COOKING:

• Spare parts for stove

• Pot gripper

• Spatula (optional)

• Paper Towels

• Scouring Pad and biodegradable soap

• Kitchen wash cloth

• Pocket Knife

• Ziploc storage bags for everything!

• Nylon Rope (to hang food bag from tree, away from animals)

FOR EATING:

• See SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO EAT ON A BACKPACKING TRIP

CLOTHING:

• Shorts (1 pair)

• Extra Underwear (1 pair)

• Extra Pants (1 pair)

• Sweat pants  (1 pair)

• Sandals (Tivas or thongs, for wearing around camp)

• Hat for protection from sun  (use a cord to attach to body!)

• Polar Fleece jacket (optional, depending on weather)

• Gloves (optional)

PERSONAL HYGIENE:

• Toilet paper and plastic backpacking trowel

• Hand sanitizer

• Baby wipes (optional)

• Small bath towel, soap, deodorant.

• Tooth paste and brush and floss

• Various stuff sacks

FIRST AID / MEDICAL /EMERGENCY:

• Medications (ibuprofen, etc.)

• Sunscreen

• Insect repellent (mandatory!)

• Chap stick

• Ear Plugs (optional)

• Whistle

• Small emergency mirror

• Compass

• Sewing kit for repairs (optional)

• Bungee cords

• Duct Tape (wrapped around an old credit card, can be used for blister prevention)

PERSONAL ITEMS:

• Pillow (optional) or use a stuff sack filled with clothes.

• Sunglasses

• Headlamp (Recommend:  Petzl brand tkka style)

• Batteries

• Walkman and tapes (optional)

• Daypack or fanny pack

• Camera (optional)

• Binoculars/Telescope/Magnifying Glass (optional)

• Maps

• Pencil and paper

• Identification

DAY HIKES:

• If the backpacking trip includes day hikes, bring a day pack or fanny pack with the items listed in WHAT TO BRING ON A DAY HIKE.

WATER:

• Nalgene water bottles

• NOTE:  Kirkhams and REI both carry a complete supply of backpacking equipment.  It is possible to rent backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags at both places.

SUGGESTIONS FOR WHAT TO EAT ON A BACKPACK

BREAKFAST:

• Slim Fast

• Powdered Milk

• Oatmeal

• Squeeze Butter

• Powdered Eggs

• Instant Coffee or Tea Bags

• Powdered Creamer

• Sweet & Low

• Granola

LUNCH

• Luna Bars

• Power Bars

• Summer Sausage

• Dried Fruit

• Pita Bread

• String Cheese

• Jerky

• Trail Mix

• Powdered Fruit Juice

DINNER

• Freeze Dried Dinners

• Pita Bread

• Dried Soup

• Top Ramen Noodles

• Powdered Cocoa

• Powdered Cider

• Sun dried tomatoes

• Powdered dressing

• Spices

• Salt and Pepper

• Lipton Teriyaki Noodle or Stroganoff mix

• Hummus

• Falafel

• Dried Onions

• Cooking Oil

• Cheese

NOTE:  Keep your backpacking meals small and simple.