Headed outside? Use this handy-dandy checklist to make sure you’ve got everything you need for a safe and fun outdoor adventure.
By Jaque Toledo
What to Pack – NO COTTON!
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- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Tent
- Base layers
- Dependant on weather
- Meal plan
- Measure out food amounts beforehand to avoid bulk
- Depends on where you’re going and how long your trip will be
- Fresh items use first (onion, garlic, etc.)
- Avoid easily bruised or highly perishable items
- First aid kit – Blister kit
- Stove
- Sun hat/ Warm hat
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Water filter
- Two 1L water bottles
- Repair kit – zip ties, duck tape, light, parachute cord, tent repair kit, sleeping pad repair kit
How to Pack
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- Light items in the bottom of your pack
- Sleeping bag
- Heavier items in the middle of your pack
- Food, Med kit, Stove
- Medium Items above that
- Light/easy to access in the brain of your pack
- Sunglasses, hat, gloves, snack, GPS
- Light items in the bottom of your pack
Top Brands
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- ExOfficio! – Underwear
- Deuter
- Osprey
- Nalgene
- Outdoor Research
- North Face
- Patagonia
- MSR
- Gregory
Be Prepared
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- Tell someone what trail you are doing, where you are going, time of departure and return
- Study the trail map before you get out there
- GPS tracker
- Check out the article, “Preparedness for the Backcountry” for more in-depth safety tips and considerations
Leave No Trace
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- Pack it in and pack it out
- Bring ziplock bags, doggy poop bags, or wag bags
- Keep in mind that any trace amounts of food can attract animals, so clean up as much as you can
- DO NOT leave toilet paper in a cat hole. In fact, avoid cat holes as much as possible