Backpacking Checklist (page 6)
• Sunblock: Even if you are not hiking in a hot area, sun exposure over a long period can still cause a major burn. Save your skin, and bring some along. We usually transfer some from a tube into a smaller container; you really don’t need all that much of it. I recommend the “sport” type, or something that is at least waterproof. Otherwise you will probably sweat it all off pretty quickly, and sweaty sunblock in the eyes is never fun.
• Insect repellent: I am the mosquito magnet, if there is one mosquito in the area, it will bite me and nobody else. So I slather this stuff on whenever I hike. It stinks, but the mosquitoes and other bugs think it stinks too, and personally, I would rather stink than itch. The best ones are those with DEET (or N-diethyl-m-toluamide—yes, I just Googled that); we actually use a DEET concentrate. Be forewarned, though: on my last trip I had the misfortune of encountering apparently DEET-resistant mosquitoes. Most of the time, however, the stuff is very effective.
• Toiletries: This includes travel-sized essentials such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, and toilet paper. Forget the shampoo and body wash: only biodegradable camp soap is allowed on the trail, so you will be washing with that. Bring a small hairbrush if you need some, but leave the make-up at home. Really, who would you be trying to impress, the chipmunks?
• A shovel: Unless you are required to pack out your toilet paper, you will need to bury it at least six inches. A kid’s beach shovel or a small plastic gardening spade are lightweight and work just fine.
• Plastic bags: You need something to carry out your garbage with. Self-sealing Ziploc bags work best.
• Identification: All members of your party should always carry some form of photo ID with them. You never know what can happen.
• Wilderness/fire permit: If you are hiking in an area that requires one, you will need to have it with you at all times. Some areas even require you to have it displayed at all times, so you may need to get a plastic card holder to attach to the pack of someone in the party.
• Rope or cord: About 100 feet of strong, lightweight cord should do. If you are not using a bear canister, you will need it to hang your food overnight. You can also use it as a clothesline for wet clothing, and it’s good to have in case you should ever need it in an emergency.
• Sunglasses: A good idea to have along.
• Flashlight: an indispensable staple for any type of camping. We use the tiny LED flashlights which can be clipped to a keychain. They are very small, bright, lightweight, and long-lasting.
• Cell phone: In the majority of the backcountry, you will not have a cell signal. However, should you have an emergency, someone may need to hike back towards civilization until they get a signal and call for help. At the very least, have one in your car parked at the trailhead.
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