Backpacking Equipment Checklist
My assistant leader and I will check that you
have the must-have items on this list when you arrive at the lodge. If you do
not have all the must-have items, you will need to go back to Pinedale and buy them
or you will be signed off the trip and not go. I cannot afford to take a
participant out without proper gear to ensure the safety of the participant and
welfare of the group. For example, if you show up with a rain poncho instead of
a jacket/pants rain suit, you will be required to go to Pinedale and purchase a
rain suit.
Do not bring anything made of cotton, save for a bandana. All clothing
must be made out of synthetic materials that wicks moisture. Be prepared for
conditions that can range from those conducive to heat exhaustion to
hypothermia – be able to dress in lightweight, synthetic, breathable layers. I
have a pair of the 2-in-1 pants/shorts (the type that zips away at the knee) so
that I don't have to pack and carry both shorts and long pants. Carpooling: Drivers must have adequate automobile
liability and property damage. Sierra Club is not insured for carpooling,
personal cars, personal accident insurance, or
personal belongings. Spare keys: Make a spare
set of your keys and swap the spare set with another participant. Make sure
your tents do not leak (seam seal if necessary). Tents
should survive a blast from a water hose without getting water inside. Stuff
all of your equipment into heavy duty garbage bags before stuffing inside of
your pack as an extra measure of protection to keep things (like clothing) dry
[my personal favorite is trash compactor bags – you can find them at a hardware
store]. Use smaller bags for lining stuff sacks, especially your food sack
which will be on the bear hang rope at night, exposed to the elements. Do not
forget to bring your waterproof pack covers. A
waterproof, breathable rain suit (Gortex or equivalent) is going to be critical
on this trip! Pack weight will be a
factor, especially on the first two days of this trip -- if you absolutely
don't need it, don't bring it!
|
What to Wear |
M = Must-Have O = Optional |
Check |
|
sun
protection for head |
M |
|
|
lightweight,
upper wicking layer (no cotton; stick with capilene, polypropylene, or other wicking material) |
M |
|
|
heavier,
long-sleeved upper wicking layer
(fleece or wool) |
M |
|
|
lightweight
polypro long-john long-sleeve top & bottom |
O |
|
|
quick-drying
hiking shorts/pants |
M |
|
|
gloves
or mittens made of wool |
O |
|
|
extra lightweight,
upper layer |
O |
|
|
gaiters
(not must-have but recommended) |
O |
|
|
hiking
boots suitable for terrain |
M |
|
|
moleskin
and/or second skin (for foot repairs) |
M |
|
|
extra
pair of (new) laces for boots |
M |
|
|
socks: two-pair
synthetic |
M |
|
|
good
lightweight rain suit |
M |
|
|
sunglasses |
O |
|
|
sunscreen,
SPF 15 minimum |
M |
|
|
watch |
M |
|
|
What To Take |
M = Must-Have O = Optional |
Check |
|
backpack
(4500+ cubic inches) |
M |
|
|
waterproof
pack cover |
M |
|
|
lightweight
backpack tent or bivy sack |
M |
|
|
ground
cloth for tent |
O |
|
|
sleeping
bag |
M |
|
|
sleeping
pad |
O |
|
|
water
bottles – you must have capacity for 3 quarts! |
M |
|
|
water
filter (not purifier) or iodine tablets |
M |
|
|
headlamp
or flashlight, backup light & batteries |
M |
|
|
hiking
poles (highly recommended) |
O |
|
|
personal
toiletry items, prescriptions, small personal first-aid kit |
M |
|
|
biodegradable
toilet paper + small trowel (for digging 6” cat holes) |
M |
|
|
camera
and film |
O |
|
|
bug
repellent + mosquito head net |
M |
|
|
eating
utensils: mug, bowl, fork/spoon/knife |
M |
|
|
wet-ones
disinfectant wipes |
O |
|
|
map of
area: http://www.globecorner.com/t/t22/11398.php |
M |
|
|
scrubber
or sponge and biodegradable soap |
O |
|
|
gallon-size
zip-lock bags (at least two for packing/carrying trash) |
M |
|
|
small
role of duct tape (thousands of uses and great for holding moleskin on to
blisters) |
O |
|
|
Ten Essentials -- store in small pouch
or container that you can carry on your body: |
|
|
|
1.
Small
flashlight + spare batteries |
M |
|
|
2.
A
pea less whistle |
M |
|
|
3.
A
compact emergency (“space”) blanket |
M |
|
|
4.
Waterproof
matches or magnesium fire starter kit |
M |
|
|
5.
Extra
food -- I bring one or two protein bars |
M |
|
|
6.
Small
knife capable of stripping wet bark off small branches for fire wood |
M |
|
|
7.
A
compass |
M |
|
|
8.
Small
map of the area (you can print the two trail maps from the Trip page) |
M |
|
|
9.
Small
first-aid kit that includes sun block & bug repellant |
M |
|
|
10.
Water
purification tablets + one-quart zip lock to catch & drink water |
M |
|