T A
L U S D A N C E R S
- To be worn
while hiking: (all clothing best be hydrophobic - i.e. polypro, polyester, non-cotton)
day
clothes: underwear, T-shirt, shorts, thick hiking socks, liner socks
hiking boots (tough
enough, yet well fitting and comfortable)
sun-shielding hat/cap, sunglasses (UV protective)
backpack comfortable
and big enough for all of the below:
- To be
packed in or on one's backpack:
Shelter
backpacking tent*
(2-4 person), pack raincover (large plastic garbage bag has worked
before)
backpacking sleeping bag (down or synthetic fill, warm and
lightweight)
sleeping pad (foam
or Thermarest mattress)
Clothing
wind/rainwear
(coated nylon rain poncho to full-on Gortex or similar -
waterproof/breathable!)
warm sweater(s,
wool or fleece - at least 2) and/or a down/synthetic fill parka
thermal top and
bottom (polypro,
capilene, etc. - expedition weight is good)
warm pants (to
supplement your thermal bottoms only if cold weather is expected or you get
cold easily: fleece, tights, non-cotton sweats, etc.)
wool or fleece hat, ski or wool gloves,
swimsuit (optional
- quick-drying if you bring one - the Sierra tradition is to not bother with
one)
camp footwear (optional
- lightweight flip flops to Teva type sandals)
camp clothes: t-shirt, light wool socks Š worn along with thermal bottoms/warm
pants in camp while day clothes are washed and hung out to dry
Kitchen
backpacking stove*
and fuel canister(s) or bottle(s)* w/ enough fuel* (1 stove per 1-6
persons)
water filter*
or chemical treatment system (1 for the group + a backup)
collapsible water bucket* (optional, 0-2 for the group)
metal
or plastic cereal bowl, spoon, drinking cup (Lexan, Titanium,etc.),
water container
(1 liter minimum, solid Nalgene type or collapsable Platypus type)
backpacking cooking pot* with cover (1 per 2-4 persons)
backpacking non-stick frying pan* (optional, 0-1 per 2-4 persons) with lexan
spatula
food packed in a bear
canister+ (1
per person per 6-7 days), with plenty of large ziplock bags for organizing and
refuse.
Toilette
travel size toothpaste, biodegradable soap and/or shampoo, deodorant
or anti-pespirant
toothbrush, lightweight bath towel, washcloth
toilet paper
w/o tube in a ziplock bag (1 full roll per person per ca. 5 days) , plastic
trowel*
sunscreen
with maximum SPF (extremely important), sunscreening lip balm, mosquito
repellent (something
strong)
first aid* (i.e.
- bandages, tape, anti-bacterial ointment, insect bite itch ointment, pain
reliever, etc.)
any personal pharmaceuticals
Utilities
pocket lighter
(i.e. Bic), matches just in case
small flashlight or
headlamp w/batteries, extra batteries, pocket knife,
I.D., topographic map*, compass*, police whistle (for safety)
Other
Optionals
camera,
film or
memory sticks, tripod, fishing tackle and license, guitar, binoculars,
pocketbook, trekking poles (save the knees!)
*other members of the
group may already be bringing these items to share.
+ Bear canisters are available for rent from Yosemite Ranger Stations for only
$5 per trip. Other ranger stations have them for rent as well.
The emphasis here is on light weight,
efficiency, safety and dependability.
For an example of
specifics, click here to see Owen's personal ultra-light list.
Disclaimer - What you bring and what you do must be determined by your individual needs, abilities and limitations. Not all necessary items may be listed above. Each person is responsible for their own pre-trip preparation.