Hiking Checklist   |  | ||
Page Type: Article Activities: Hiking | Page By: Brettels Created/Edited: Mar 15, 2006 / Mar 16, 2006 Object ID: 180988 Hits: 2948 Page Score: 35.78% - 8 Votes Vote: Log in to vote | ||
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| nartreb | agree with some... | |
Hasn't voted | ...and not with others. It is better to describe a system than to make a checklist. A checklist will only work if limited to a particular type of hike in a particular region at a particular time of year. On any hike, you should be prepared with -navigation, food, water, clothing, shelter, technical gear, and emergency gear. How much of each depends on the length of hike, the terrain, the season, and the weather. (ie, shelter and technical gear may be zero for a day hike on an easy trail in summer) to this you can add 'luxury items' (camera, notepad, playing cards, tastier food) as space permits and length of hike demands. Thus, the rule for limiting pack size should be: carry what you need or will use, and no more. There is no particular size of pack or percent of body weight that will work as a guideline in all situations. Similarly, the amount of water to carry will vary tremendously based on the weather and whether water can be found along the way; what kind of sleeping bag to bring will depend on the climate and the season, and on and on. Under navigation, I'd say a map and compass are essential even if you're planning to stay on a trail (at least, in the woods where I usually hike). One important item you've omitted: -bear canister or other locally-appropriate means of protecting your food from wildlife on overnight trips. I'd demote "mug" (what are you planning to use this for- coffee? You're not packing a stove!). "Notepad" isn't on my "essential" list either - I view this as akin to a camera. Under 'navigation', though, a grease pencil (for writing on maps) is a good idea, especially on trips where navigation is required. | |
| Posted Mar 15, 2006 4:26 pm | ||
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| Brettels | Re: agree with some... | |
Hasn't voted | Appreciate the comments. Deleted the Mug from the Day checklist as pointed out and have made some other minor changes. As per my disclaimer, this list is what I base what I take for Australian conditions. Dont need to worry about Bears and the like, but a good point for overseas hikers. | |
| Posted Mar 16, 2006 5:28 am | ||
| Holsti97 | Weight | |
Voted 8/10 | I have seen similar lists where they listed the weight of each item and then the total weight of the backpack less items being worn by the hiker. I would have to add a PB book for multi-day hikes. Just me though. Nice start. | |
| Posted Mar 19, 2006 12:25 pm | ||
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| Brettels | Re: Weight | |
Hasn't voted | Hi. Thanks for the comment. Weight would be good, but it would be the weight on the specific gear that I carry and all this depends on brand but I wiill go down this track with my own gear as a matter on interest. A PB is a excellent idea. I also carry a walkman as well. | |
| Posted Mar 20, 2006 4:55 am | ||
| MichaelJ | how useful is this to anyone? | |
Voted 3/10 | Mapcase? How about sticking it in a pocket? 45 liter pack for a dayhike? Latex glove? Much of this seems like overkill. Of course, it depends on what your dayhike objective is but in places I know in good conditions (say a four hour hike in the Marin Headlands) I'd take nothing except water and a snack. My point is that I question how useful this would be even to someone hiking in the Australian bush without more specific plans. And as far as your multi-day essentials: ditto. I've gone out for five days in the Sierra backcountry with camping and climbing gear and fit it all into a 45 liter pack. If you just like to carry stuff, that's another matter. | |
| Posted Mar 20, 2006 1:31 am | ||
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| Brettels | Re: how useful is this to anyone? | |
Hasn't voted | Thanks for the comments. As per my disclaimer, The above is a checklist I use for my own trips in the Australian Bush and that this is a guide only and What works for me could be totally different for you. Gear List can be very individual and you are right in stating that specific plans determine the sort of gear chosen. Mapcase? I use mine all the time and helps in damp conditions. Appreciate your thoughts....... | |
| Posted Mar 20, 2006 9:02 am | ||
| peerzat | just puttin' it out there | |
Voted 9/10 | I like to see what other people feel is essential for their adventures. There's always room for improvement. Such is life. I appreciate the input. Of course, I wouldn't bring all of what you have on the list. I would bring some things that you don't have on the list. I'm thinking that wasn't your point. After reading your responses, I kinda think you just put this out there for people to use at their leisure. That's the spirit. thanks much. | |
| Posted Mar 21, 2006 6:23 am | ||
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| Brettels | Re: just puttin' it out there | |
Hasn't voted | Thanks for the positive feedback. Your spot on with what I was trying to acheive. | |
| Posted Mar 30, 2006 5:06 am | ||
| Lolli | Interesting | |
Voted 9/10 | to see what someone else brings. The first thing I see (which maybe works as a rule for men) is maximum weight. That is impossible - the things one has to bring are the same and weights the same, doesn't matter if you are male or female - but I weigh less. If I should only bring a fourth of my weight, I can't go. The sharing is essential. | |
| Posted Mar 29, 2006 11:55 am | ||
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| Brettels | Re: Interesting | |
Hasn't voted | Interesting point you raise. Thanks. | |
| Posted Mar 30, 2006 5:07 am | ||
| oldandslow | Thoughtful list. | |
Hasn't voted | This is a good starting point. Each person must consider his needs based on where he is going. In the Oregon and Washington Cascades we carry rain suits, wool hats , mittens and a warm jacket as a matter of course. | |
| Posted May 30, 2007 12:03 am | ||
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