Fundamentals of Backpacking

WHAT EQUIPMENT WILL I NEED?

Ounces add up fast. Keep it light! You need the ESSENTIALS:

E Emergencies: waterproof matches, candle, first aid kit, whistle, and signal mirror

S Sustenance: food, cooking gear, water, and water purification device

S Shelter: hat, rain and wind gear, clothing, boots, tent, back pad, and sleeping bag

E Extras: extra food, extra water, and extra clothing

N Navigation: maps of the area, compass, pencil and straight edge, and altimeter (in high altitudes)

T Toiletries: toilet paper, trowel (to bury solid waste), sanitation and personal items

I Incidentals: knife, nylon cord (for securing items or holding busted boot together), needle and thread

A Attitude: a positive attitude--the ultimate essential!

L Light: flashlight with fresh batteries, extra batteries and spare bulb

S Something to carry it in: fanny pack or day pack (for day hikes) or backpack for longer trips, stuff sacks (for compressing bulky items and organizing gear), plastic zip-lock bags (for storing food and clothing)