Backpacking Check List

I recently returned from a weekend backpacking trip in the Ozark National Forest in Arkansas.  It was absolutely beautiful and very relaxing.  For this trip we decided to shorten our hike and stay in the same spot for two nights.  We backpacked from the highway to Quail Valley - only about 1.7 miles or so.  Because of the short hike I was not very weight conscious and therefore pretty much loaded down my pack.  I had originally thought to use my smaller pack but, darn it, I can't seem to be able to leave any gear behind.  I am hoping to head back there this summer and try an ultra-light trip of 12 miles of the Butterfield Hiking Trail.  Here's my packing list from this last trip...

ü  Bible, journal, pen
ü  Headlamp & flashlight and extra batteries
ü  Tent & ground cloth
ü  (Or) Hammock w/fly
ü  Clothing:

• T-shirt (2)
• Light & heavy poly shirt
• Light/mid poly pants
• Under wear
• Nylon pants
• Wind top
• Rain gear/poncho
• Gloves
• Socks
• Hiking boots
• Camp shoes!
• Warm hat or hoodie
• Brimmed and/or rain hat
• Bandana

ü  Bedding: Sleeping bag, pillow, sleeping pad
ü  1^st Aid Kit
ü  Toiletries: glasses, medications, toothbrush, d.o., sunscreen, bug spray, etc.
ü  Baby wipes (great for cleaning your hands or whatever)
ü  Camp chair*
ü  Meals:

• Food: plan & pack for your individual desires
• Stove
• Fuel
• Spatula, spoons, forks, etc…
• Pots/pan
• Plastic bowl
• Snacks

ü  Drink:

• Thermal mug/cup
• 2 liters of H2O
• Water purification – filter/iodine/Potable Aqua
• Hot cocoa/coffee/cider

ü  Knife (large & small)/multi-tool/machete/axe
ü  Sharpener*
ü  WD-40*
ü  Map & compass (and/or GPS)
ü  Fire starter – i.e. matches, lighter, tinder
ü  Toilet paper & wet wipes
ü  Shovel/trowel*
ü  Nylon cord
ü  Camera*
ü  $$ for road trip*
ü  Game to play* (card, board, Frisbee, football)
ü   Ear plugs (sleeping/shooting)*
ü   Trekking pole(s)*
ü   Firearm & ammo*
ü   Knee pads*
ü   Leather work gloves (a must for around the fire)
ü   Cell phone & car charger
ü   Blaze orange (esp. during hunting season)
ü   Small hiking pack/Ribz
ü  Safety whistle
ü  Walkie talkies & batteries*
ü   Field guides/star identifier
ü  Change of clothes to leave in car
*optional items

Get out there and enjoy God and His creation.

~Rhyno