The Backpacking Essentials List

Map

Whenever possible, carry a detailed topographic map of the area you will be visiting. Handout maps, the simplistic kind you pick up at visitor centers or entrance stations, do not show the kind of topographic details necessary for route finding. If you stray off the trail, or need to locate a water source, such one-dimensional maps are just about useless. In such situations, a topographic map is essential. You also need to understand how to interpret the information it presents. Here are some maps of local areas.

Compass

Carry a compass, at all times, in the backcountry, and know how to read it. GPS receivers haven't made compasses obsolete. They can't indicate which direction is north, and while some high-end GPS receivers now include electronic compasses, a traditional compass weighs next to nothing and doesn't rely on batteries. If you travel regularly in the wilderness, you should seriously consider taking a class to learn navigation techniques in detail. Let us help you choose the best compass for your backcountry activities. There is a balance of features, weight and other factors depending on whether you're on a Park trail or truly using a compass for navigation.

Flashlight / Headlamp

Flashlights are important even on day trips. You never know when you may have to spend the night unexpectedly. It's smart to carry replacement bulbs and batteries, even a backup lamp or flashlight. Headlamps allow you to keep your hands free during any activity and are usually a backpacker's first choice for a light source. Keep your light in an easily accessible section of your pack.

Here are some features to look for:
- lights which are water resistant--they function reliably in all weather. Look for rubberized bulb housing and battery compartments, or at least adequate rubber gaskets.
- lights which come with extra bulbs stored inside their housing.
- lights which have rotating head or body as the on/off mechanism. Avoid lights with on/off switches that can accidentally be turned on when jostled about in your pack.
- lights which come with or will accept bright beam bulbs such as xenon, krypton, or halogen.

Suggestions for a small, lightweight, high-quality headlamp:
Petzl Zipka; (3 AAA batteries) weighs only a few ounces, built-in retractable head strap. Strong beam from 4 LED bulbs.

Extra Clothing

Conditions can abruptly turn wet, windy or frigid in the backcountry. It's important to carry an additional layer (or two) of clothing in your pack. If you're lost, extra clothing may get you through the night. A wool or fleece cap weighs little and is a fine heat-retainer on cold nights. Extra socks are a true blessing if your original pair become soaked. Depending on the conditions, consider carrying a fleece jacket or pile sweater, a waterproof shell or even a compressible parka. Cotton items, which become useless when wet, make poor backup items. In addition to the extra clothes, carry an emergency shelter such as a mylar space blanket. It only weighs about 2.5 ounces but will completely encase you and keep you warm and dry as an emergency shelter.

Extra Food and Water

Always pack at least one extra day's worth of food. It can be as simple as a freeze-dried meal, but it's even smarter to include no-cook items: extra energy bars, nuts, dried fruits and jerky. The process of digesting food helps keep your body warm, so on a cold night it's smart to munch some food before bunking down—but never leave animal-attracting leftovers in your tent.

First-Aid Kit

Pre-assembled first-aid kits take the guesswork out of building a kit on your own, although most people "personalize" such kits to suit individual needs. Any kit should include moleskin (for blisters), adhesive bandages of various sizes, several gauze pads, adhesive tape, disinfecting ointment, over-the-counter pain medication, pen and paper. Latex gloves also deserve consideration.

Matches

Matches headed into the backcountry should be the waterproof variety, or they should be stored in a waterproof container. Take plenty and make an extra effort to keep them dry. Convenience-store matchbooks are often too flimsy and poorly constructed to be trusted for wilderness use. Save yourself some frustration and tote reliable matches on every trip. Don't rely only on mechanical lighters, which sometimes fail.

Fire Starter

As the name implies, fire starter is an element that helps you jump-start a fire. The ideal fire starter ignites quickly and sustains heat for more than a few seconds. Possible candidates: dry tinder tucked away in a plastic bag; candles; priming paste; heat "nuggets" are convenient and reliable fire-starting products. Even lint trappings found in a clothes drier can work. A Magnesium fire starter is recommended for your spark."flint and steel"

Knife or Multi-Tool

Knives or multi-tools are handy for gear repair, food preparation, first aid, making kindling or other emergency needs. A basic knife should have at least one foldout blade (more likely two), one or two flathead screwdrivers, a can-opener and (though some people will call this a luxury) a pair of foldout scissors. The more complex your needs (if, for example, you are leading an inexperienced group), the more options you may want in your knife or tool. Read our tips for selecting knives and tools.

Sunglasses

Some medical studies suggest that sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays may play a role in cataract development. Yet protection is so simple: Put on a pair of protective glasses when spending large amounts of time outdoors, particularly above treeline, to reduce your exposure to UV light. Your goal: Select lenses that absorb 97-100% of UVA and UVB radiation. Wraparound lenses keep light from entering the corners of your eyes and are great choices for the high country. Glacier glasses are a must for mountaineers who run the risk of snowblindness on days of bright glare.

Sunscreen

The Mayo Clinic recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 15 minutes before you go into the sun. The clinic also advises the use of sunscreen-fortified lip balm. If you swim or sweat a lot, use water-resistant sunscreens and reapply every 2 to 3 hours. Don't leave the trailhead without it. Pick up some pointers in our guide to sunscreen.

Water Filter/ Purifier /Treatment

Rushing streams and alpine lakes appear to contain the clearest, freshest water on earth. Yet sometimes they harbor microscopic pathogens that, if you ingest them, could leave you feeling nauseous for weeks. You have three defensive strategies: boiling, chemical treatment or straining the water through a mechanical filter or purifier. Filters and purifiers do the job with minimal fuss.

Whistle

The sound of a whistle travels farther than your voice. Plus, blowing a whistle in an emergency won't exhaust your vocal chords. It's smart to attach a lanyard to your whistle, then tie it to a D-ring or some other portion of a shoulder strap on your pack. Thus if you fall (and perhaps pin one of your arms) you won't have to dig far to get it up to your mouth.

Bear-Resistant Food Container

Black bears in some regions of the western United States, particularly the Sierra Nevada range in California, search out human food with remarkable vigor and persistence. In some areas use of a bear-resistant food container is mandatory. Even in areas where such containers are not required, wildlife managers often still recommend their use.

The most important item NOT on this list - Common sense

Having the right gear is one thing, knowing how and when to use it is quite another. It's your experience, know-how, and good judgment that will keep you comfortable and safe. Inexperience and lack of good judgment gets people into trouble. Don't let this be YOU. If you're just starting out, get some good advice. Seek out knowledge and wisdom related to the backcountry activities that you engage in. Leverage the experience of others. At Mountain High, this is the most fun part of our job - working with you in our classes and out in our trips. Call or come by a store and meet us.

Tip: Make a printout of this list and keep it with your gear to use as a checklist before you head out. Every item won't be needed on every trip, but the list may keep you from leaving out something important in your rush to get outside !