• Don't bring anything you do not need
• Your pack weight should not exceed 45lbs
• Be prepared for rain
• If you drive, bring spare keys, and have someone else carry them
• On the outing bring ID but not your wallet
• Don't forget prescription drugs if you need them

Ten essentials and rain gear should be brought on all outings, including day hikes

This survival gear is in case you become detached from your pack and the group. Find a way to keep these items attached to your body, not your pack. The weird things like the space blanket can be purchased at a local outdoors shop like Backwoods or Canfield's

1. Small flashlight + spare batteries
2. A pealess whistle
3. A space blanket (compact emergency blanket)
4. Waterproof matches or magnesium fire starter kit
5. Extra food -- I bring one or two protein bars
6. Small knife capable of stripping wet bark off small branches for fire wood
7. A compass
8. Map of outing area (can be a copy or printed from Internet)
9. Small first-aid kit
10. Water purification tablets + one-quart ziplock to catch & drink water

You must bring your own first-aid kit. Don't forget about personal items that may not be available to you in a general-purpose first-aid kit and personal prescriptions. Bring Second Skin and/or Moleskin for treating blisters and other foot problems. If you have questions, e-mail or call me (402-991-8314).

• Well broken-in, waterproof, boots
• Backpacking tent or tarp
• Sleeping bag rated to 25 degrees F
• Sleeping pad
• Backpack suitable for a weekend or 3-4 day trip (examples on Packs page)
• Lightweight rain suit is a must!
• Hiking poles (optional)

Wear:

• Good hiking socks made of material that wicks and stays warm when wet (a good choice is Merino wool - mfrs include Smartwool, Columbia, Wigwam.
• Synthetic (e.g., Coolmax, Duofold) shirts, underwear, shorts, pants (zip-off pants provide good options)
• Long-sleeve synthetic hiking shirt to protect from biting bugs
• A lightweight fleece top when it gets chilly
• Gaters (optional)

About Cotton

There is much debate about if cotton should be worn on outings. Here is my opinion: Cotton absorbs and holds water and does not dry quickly -- these means if you get wet you stay wet and if you are wet you are colder and more prone to blisters and bacteria. On outings, I do not wear cotton except for a bandana to cover my head.

You must have your own cooking gear on an overnight outing (unless you are sharing with another participant):

• lightweight backpack stove
• lightweight cooking gear (pot, pan, etc.)
• water purifier - a must!
• cup & bowl
• fork, spoon & knife
• small ziplock bags for personal waste
• cleaning supplies for your cooking gear & utensils

• Headlamp and a small flashlight to back it up
• Sun protection. Sun glasses, sunblock, and a hat
• Bug repellent + mosquito head net for biting insects
• Personal medications & prescription drugs
• At least two one-quart water bottles or hydration system
• Biodegradeable toilet paper and a small shovel capable of digging a six-inch deep hole
• Consider bringing a small book in case we get stuck in rain

• Buy a box of trash compactor bags -- use one to line your pack and one to wrap around your sleeping bag -- can be found at local hardware store
• Get a waterproof backpack cover
• Make sure your camera stays dry
• Pack small items in ziplock bags
• Bring one small stuffsack, line it with a large ziplock bag, and use it for garbage/li>
• Bring an extra pair of lightweight insoles--a life-saver if the insides of your boots get wet
• If swimming is a possibility quick-dry shorts should do