Winter Backpacking List

CAN'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT 'EM

  • Backpack (internal frame is best for balance)
  • Sleeping bag (20 degree or lower)
  • Closed cell foam w/or w/o Thermarest pad

CLOTHING (NO COTTON)

  • Wool or polypro hat or balaclava (polypro neckwarmer optional – not necessary w/ balaclava)
  • Long sleeve undershirt (polypro weight of fabric is individual's choice and activity-dependent)
  • Long underwear (polypro)
  • Regular old underwear
  • Warm pants (wool or polar fleece)
  • Warm top (wool or polar fleece sweater)
  • Outer windproof, waterproof layer (pants AND jacket with hood)
  • Shorts (nylon or Supplex – if weather is warm and activity is heavy) to wear over long underwear Gaiters
  • Ski gloves or heavy wool mittens with waterproof shell (glove liners optional); extra pair if first pair gets wet
  • Stiff WATERPROOF boots ("Pacs")
  • Wool socks and polypro or wool liners (extra pairs if first get wet)
  • Extra clothing if you think you'll need it and if your first set gets too wet to wear; for example, heavyweight long undershirt & underwear in which to sleep Sunglasses on a brightly colored cord

PERSONAL ITEMS

  • Small towel (quick-drying type)
  • Handkerchief for cold wet noses
  • Toothbrush/toothpaste/floss
  • Personal medicine
  • Soap, deodorant
  • Toilet paper; 5" x 7" (approx.) plastic ziplock bags for carrying out TP
  • Plastic bag for wet or dirty clothes

MESS KIT

  • Bowl, spoon, cup (fork optional – adds weight)

TEN ESSENTIALS

  • 2 water bottles w/water
  • Sunscreen and lip balm (SPF 30+)
  • Extra clothing (see clothing)
  • Extra food (eg, Power Bars, Clif Bars, etc.)
  • Rain gear (see clothing)
  • Pocket knife on a colorful cord
  • Compass (& map, if possible)
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Matches and fire starter
  • Personal first aid kit (bandaids, sterile gauze, paper, tape, moleskin or Spenco's Blister Kit, small scissors, antibiotic ointment, Tylenol, duct tape, safety pins, emergency blanket, whistle)

MISCELLANEOUS

  • Rope eg, 50' of parachute cord
  • 2 plastic garbage bags

TROOP GEAR (or your own)

  • Tent
  • Ground cloth
  • Stove
  • Fuel
  • Pots
  • Water filter
  • Scrubbie & biodegradable dish soap

FOOD

  • when planning menus, think lots of calories to provide lots of heat: complex carbohydrates, high protein, fatty foods, eg; chocolate, butter, cheese.