PACKING LIST - overnight camping/hiking trips - warm, fair weather.

IMPORTANT:
  This list is posted here only as a service to my friends who are planning to accompany me on a
hike.   To anyone not specifically invited to view
this list, I have this reminder:  wandering in the woods will necessarily increase your
odds of getting lost, frozen, or eaten by bears.  In short, use of this list is at your own risk.


All quantities are per person. 

Not listed here: tents, stove, and "gear in common" such as insect repellent,
water purifier, matches, maps, compass, rope (for hanging food where bears can't reach)
...


SLEEP GEAR
 Sleeping bag
 Pillow  
	a small or inflatable one will take less space.  You can also use folded-up
	clothing (inside a pillowcase).
 Inflatable Mattress or Foam Pad

HIKING GEAR
 Backpack
	comfort is key
	just big enough to hold the essentials
 Shoes 
	comfort is key
	non-slip sole and support are important too (no sandals!)
	If you are blister-prone, or are breaking in new shoes, tape your feet	

FOOD
 Pack AT VERY LEAST 2500 kcal per person per day
 About half of this should be in the form of granola bars or similar food you 
 	can eat while hiking
 Note that we have only a small gas stove, we are carrying the fuel on our
	backs, and we may not have running water, so do not bring anything that 
	is remotely difficult to cook.
 Remember that 2500 kcal/day is the MINIMUM to prevent fatigue and weight loss; 
	you use more energy when hiking, staying up late, and in cold weather. 
	I figure our consumption will probably be 3000-3500 kcal/day - but we'll eat
	some of that before we hit the trail on Sat. and some after we return on Sun.
 The way to fit all those calories into your pack is to remember that on a hike,
 	fat, sugar, and carbohydrates are your friends.

WATER
 Carry 2 liters per person.  
	This assumes that there are water sources along the way, and that at least one
	of us will bring a purifier;
	otherwise you'd want to carry a minimum of 2 liters per person per day.

CLOTHING
  Hats
     	one with brim to keep out the sun
	one warm wool hat for cold weather -THIS IS IMPORTANT!
		Trust me, hypothermia is no fun. 
  Gloves
	wool, synthetic, or leather.
		Setting up a tent with cold fingers is no fun either.
  Outer shell.
	Be sure to pack one that's completely waterproof.
	Also good for fighting wind.

  Woolen sweater or fleece outergarment
	Wool or synthetics are water-resistant and keep you warm even when wet.
	Consider also bringing a second sweater, or a warm vest, just in case.

  Long-sleeved shirt

  T shirt
	In case it gets hot, or as an underlayer for extra warmth
	Consider packing a spare for the next day (your co-passengers will thank you).
  Socks
	three pairs:  a fresh pair for each day, and a spare in case your feet get wet.
	Make sure at least one pair is wool (keeps warm even when wet).
  Shorts
	In case it gets hot
  Pants or tights
	wool or synthetic are best; you could also pack water-resistant "rain pants" as
	a weather layer (esp. if you have only cotton pants).   
  Underwear
	duh.

MISC
 Sunglasses
 Flashlight or headlamp
	as small and light as possible
 Trash bags
 	one small one for packing out food waste
	two large ones for many practical uses
		-emergency raincoat
		-waterproof cover for backpack
		-segregate wet clothing in your pack
		-container in which to hang food from tree limbs
			(to keep out of bears' reach)
  Medecines, eg for asthma, upset stomach, etc.
  Tape for your blisters
  If you wear contacts, bring spare lenses and solution, 
	and/or a pair of glasses as a backup
  toilet paper  

WHAT NOT TO BRING
  Blue jeans - these soak up water, becoming heavy and cold.
  Anything made of glass.
  Any food that is crumbly.
  Any food that requires refrigeration.

HOW TO PACK YOUR BAG
  Water and snacks in outside pockets where you can reach them without removing your pack
  Heavy stuff (like tents) at the bottom and/or close to your back
  Food in a separate plastic bag (preferably double-bagged)
  Stuff you're most likely to need quickly (like a raincoat or sweater) nearest the top;
	least-urgent stuff (like stove fuel or spare socks) near the bottom.
  A waterproof item (like a raincoat) on top.
  Ideally, your pack contains multiple compartments which you can use to sort your gear and
	keep it from shifting.  If not, you can approximate this by sorting your stuff
        into multiple bags, then putting these in your pack.