Sample Gear List

This gear list is an example of an actual packing list I used for a June 2008 five night trip in New England. I've used this same packing list for long weekends as well. Everyone will have different ideas about 'essential' equipment, but this list will give you a starting point for comparision. For example, you may find that you don't need a paperback book, which is one of my essentials. I really enjoy reading at night before going to sleep.

I often carry a tent, instead of tarp, due to black flies, mosquitos and unpredictable Northeast weather. You can travel lighter with a tarp instead of a tent, but if its a rainy, buggy week, the comfort of a light tent goes a long way. I found that the load that I carried for this trip was a perfect balance between comfort, safety and light weight. You'll notice that I bring Crocs, which my be a place some of you can cut packweight. I like to get out of my sweaty trail shoes and still protect my feet around camp, especially if there is a place to swim or wade.

Multi-purpose gear is one way that you can save a lot of weight. Instead of a rain jacket and a windbreaker, I bring my DriDucks rainsuit. The whole suit weighs only 9 ounces, is waterproof, breathable and wind resistant. So, I can wear the jacket when it rains, wear it in camp for extra warmth and I can wear it as bug protection when the no-see-ums or mosquitos are relentless. I've found the pants to be much less durable, so I rarely wear them on the trail, but bring them to use around camp for rain and bug protection and to keep me warm on chilly nights. The more uses you can find for a single piece of equipment, the lighter your pack is likely to be.

With food, fuel and water, this pack weighs just under 25 pounds!

Create your own spreadsheet, weigh your gear on a postal scale and see how you can add and subtract gear to give you the best balance between a light load and a comfortable trip. Remember, no amount of gear replaces common sense and experience. Have fun and be safe out there!