I’m getting ready to do some backpacking in the Appalachian Mountains with my son and our dog. I’ve been working on a gear list to make sure we have everything we need for a successful trip. Here’s what I’ve come up with so far:
Backpacking Gear List
| Item | Notes |
|---|---|
| Shelter | REI Half Dome SL 3+ |
| Trowel for cathole | # NACETURE Ultralight Backpacking Trowel Aluminum Shovel Small Potty Multitool with Longer Handle Design Essential for Hiking, Camping and Survival Bags (Orange) |
| Water filter | Katahdin BeFree 1 Liter |
| Spork | # Snow Peak Titanium Spork,# TOAKS Titanium Long Handle Spork with Polished Bowl |
| Knife/multitool | Leatherman tool |
| Compass | I have one somewhere… |
| Map | Need to get an Appalachian Trail in Virginia map |
| Portable charger | Anker 2nd Gen Astro E5 charger with 16000 mAh |
| Charging cable for phone | Need 1 USB 3.0 to lightning and 1 USB 3.0 to USB-C |
| Headlamp | Duracell Costco Headlamps |
| Phone | We already have one! |
| Hand sanitizer | Any will do. |
| Toothpaste | Bring chewable tablets |
| Toothbrush | Bring any |
| Mini Bic lighter | Need to buy one |
| Lint for helping to start fire | Get from the dryer trash |
| Foam ear plugs | Get from the garage |
| Baby wipes | Need to get some |
| Disposable plastic water bottles | Smart Water water bottles |
| Bandana | I’ve got several |
| Metal Pot for cooking | # TOAKS Titanium 900ml Pot with 115mm Diameter |
| Titanium cup | # TOAKS Titanium 450ml Cup |
| Hotlips | # Snow Peak Hot Lips |
| Stove | MSR Pocket Rocket |
| Fuel | MSR fuel can |
| Medkit | Already have one check the contents |
| Bear Can | # Backpacker’s Cache - Bear Proof Container |
| Rain Poncho or Frog Togs rain jacket | # FROGG TOGGS Ultra-lite2 Waterproof, Breathable Rain Poncho |
| Pack liner (trash bag) | Hefty from the garage |
| Sleeping bag | # TETON Sports 20 Degree and 5 Degree Sleeping Bags; Lightweight, Warm Mummy Sleeping Bag, Camping, Backpacking, Hiking |
| Shamwow | # ShamWow Original Super Absorbent Multi-Purpose Cleaning Shammy Chamois Towel Cloth |
| Sit pad | # Foam Hiking Seat, Sit Pad, Sit Pads for Backpacking, Seat Cushion with Carabiner Clips, Carry Bag, Waterproof Foam Seat for Camping, Hiking, Outdoor, Orange |
| Extra pair of wool socks | |
| Backpack | Fjallraven Keb 52, Fjallraven Kjall 75 |
| Moisture-wicking hiking shirt | |
| Quick-dry hiking pants | |
| 1-2 pairs hiking socks | |
| Underwear | |
| Light fleece | |
| Hat for sun protection | |
| Optional: Light gloves | |
| Sturdy hiking boots | Russell Moccasins or Salomon boots, Keen shoes or boots for the kid |
| Camp shoes | Crocs, flip-flops or sandals, what is too heavy? |
| Lightweight, calorie-dense meals | Mountain House or similar, need to make sure there’s enough food for two and to support more exercise. Also dog food and treats in the dog pack |
| Snacks | Nuts and dried fruit |
| Emergency whistle | Gotta find two |
| Trekking poles | Cascade Mountain |
| Sunscreen | Use a mineral-based one. |
| Insect repellent | Murphy’s Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus |
| Biodegradable soap | Camp Suds - Sea To Summit Wash |
| Xylitol | bring a small container to keep teeth clean between brushings |
| Dog Bowls | Ordered a two-pack from Amazon |
| Leash | |
| Dog pack | Kurgo dog pack |
| Poop kit | Trowel, Bidet spray bottle cap, hand sanitizer, powdered hand soap |