Backpacking Check List: 

 If you have questions e-mail the club:

-         Pack

-         Sturdy Shoes: does not have to be boots, but a comfortable shoe with good side-to-side stability and enough toe room.

-         Socks: non-cotton, make sure the sock is a nice wicking sock so your feet can stay as dry as possible (i.e., smart wool, Patagonia, or any other wool or wool blend.)

-         Clothing

o       Base layer: This should be a non-cotton moisture wicking layer.  If you can, avoid cotton all together. 

o       Thermal Layer (Insulation): Something like a sweatshirt or sweater, most people have fleece jackets which work great. Also hats, gloves, etc.

o       Wind/ Water Layer: This should be a shell that blocks wind and sheds most water. (Water proof is very nice.) The Jacket is most important; pants are only if you want them.  They add extra weight; some people might just want a poncho.

-         Sleeping Bag: As light and small as you can get

-         Ground Pad: This will help make you more comfortable, but most important keep you warmer at night.

-         Water Bottles: Hopefully something that will not leak, i.e. Nalgene.  Remember you need at least one liter per day, prefer two liters per day. (Someone will have a water pump, so you will not need to bring water for the entire length of a trip.  Plan on packing at least two and a half liters at the start to cover drinking and cooking.)

-         Food: Think easy and little clean up.  Stay with food that only needs boiling water for dinners.  When packing snack food remember the weight of what you bring, lighter is better.

-         Whistle

-         Basic First Aid: If you take medication remember it!  A 35mm film can works great to carry pills

-         Small flash light/ headlamp: Dont bring anything big; try to stay with something that only has two AA batteries or smaller.  A film can also works great for bringing extra batteries.

-         Toilet Paper:  Also any other personal items needed.

-         Hand cleaner (wipes or sanitizer): Hand wipes also work great to clean face and body as well

-         Tent: If you can split with someone to conserve weight.

-         Stove: It sometimes is nice to have cooking groups that share meals so only one person brings a stove and not everyone.  Dont forget the fuel

-         Matches (Lighter also is nice but not needed.)

-         Sun/ Bug protection (Only when needed)

-         Pack Cover (A black trash bag with a few slits works just fine)

-         River Crossing shoes (When needed and if desired): Do not use flip-flops!  Make sure it is a light weight sandal or shoe.

-         Camera (If desired, bring extra batteries and a zip bag to put it in)

-         Small Towel: A pack towel works great; you can buy off brands that are cheaper also.