No BS Backpacking Shopping List

I wrote this for a friend that is considering getting into backpacking.  I am posting it here so I can find it again.

~~~~

So here is a packing list of the things that I use.  Most of the thru hikers I've met use similar things.  Most of us belong to REI (http://rei.com).  It costs 20 dollars to join (one time fee), and some things are really expensive (so I buy those on Amazon), but for the BIG things (tent, sleeping bag, cook system), it's worth it because they have a 100 day return policy.  You can try gear and return it if it doesn't work for you.  For example, I started with an Osprey backpack, but bc I am a bigger girl, it cut into my waist and made me feel like I was in the magician's box getting sliced in half.  I returned it and got a Gregory pack which works for me.  They will measure you for a pack, and you want one that is about 60 liters.

Here is a shopping list:

BACKPACK:

You definitely want to get fitted for this.  There are all kinds.  There isn't a magic formula, so try a few, and return the ones that don't work.  Lots of people swear by Osprey, but that didn't work for me.  I would like to try a Zpack next (https://zpacks.com/collections/backpacks) But, here is he one I currently have and like very much.

https://www.amazon.com/Gregory-Mountain-Products-35-Backpack/dp/B015SBLH98/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=gregory+backpack&psc=1&qid=1571782416&sr=8-4

SHOES:

Trail Runners (hiking shoes) ~ back in the olden days, we were taught to wear hiking boots, but we really only need boots in the winter and/or if we have bad ankles.  If you have good ankles, you will want some flexibility to maneuver around rocks, so trail runners are really good.  They are like a sneaker, but the bottoms are thicker and designed for hiking.  Some folks pair them with what is called a "gaiter" which goes over top to prevent sticks and stones from getting in the top of the shoe.  I've never had a problem with sticks and stones, so I don't use gaiters.  My shoes are Salomon, and I bought them at REI.  I started with Merrill MOABs, but they weren't as waterproof as they claimed to be.

Here are some examples, but you should definitely go to REI and get fitted.  Go at the end of the day when your feet are the largest and wear thick socks.

https://www.rei.com/product/122165/salomon-x-ultra-3-low-gtx-hiking-shoes-womens (this is exactly the pair I wear)

https://www.rei.com/product/137530/oboz-sawtooth-ii-low-bdry-hiking-shoes-womens

TENTS:

Tent system - hikers do a lot of different things (hammocks, tarps, etc.), but I use a backpacking tent.  I always go for at least a 2 person tent because they apparently use stick figures to determine tent sizes.  The weight of a tent is what is key, and you want a 3 season tent.  The tent I have is a little heavy, so I am buying a new one for next season.  I have an old Kelty Monarch right now, and I love it, but it is heavy and it just started to leak, so it's time to get a new one anyway.  Here are some that I am looking at:

https://www.rei.com/rei-garage/product/161809/big-agnes-fly-creek-hv-ul-2-mtnglo-tent

https://www.rei.com/product/128908/big-agnes-tiger-wall-ul2-tent

You can also buy the optional footprint, but I just use a piece of lightweight Tyvek as a ground cloth.

SLEEPING:

Sleep system - There are all kinds of sleeping bags, but the key is to find one that is comfortable AND lightweight. Many hikers use trail quilts.  If you go that route get the down feathers and not the synthetic. You also need to get a sleep mat and a blow up mattress (but not the kind you get at Walmart).

Sleeping Bags/Quilts & Liners:
~ get a bag AND a liner or a quilt and a liner but not a quilt and a bag.  Here are some that work well:

1.  Quilt: https://www.rei.com/product/148793/rei-co-op-magma-trail-quilt-30
2.  Sleeping Bag: https://www.rei.com/product/145259/nemo-azura-35-sleeping-bag-womens
3.  Liner: https://www.rei.com/product/705534/sea-to-summit-thermolite-reactor-sleeping-bag-liner
4.  Mattress: https://www.rei.com/product/135416/sea-to-summit-ultralight-insulated-sleeping-pad
5.  Pad: https://www.rei.com/product/829826/therm-a-rest-z-lite-sol-sleeping-pad
6.  Pillow:  (some use this and some don't...I do): https://www.rei.com/product/151501/sea-to-summit-aeros-ultralight-pillow

COOKING & FOOD STORAGE:

Cook System:  So, the movies make you think you will cook over a fire.  Nope.  We cook with stoves.  There are a few different kinds.  I have both an alcohol stove and a pocket rocket.  However, I want to get a Jetboil.  You also only need one cook pot (which is included with the Jetboil).  We make water.  We pour water into our food :-)  We use a titanium spork to eat with (just one).  Also, you will need to get a mini-canister of fuel.  Any brand works, and Walmart has the best price.  Bring a lighter and waterproof matches, too.

1.  https://www.rei.com/product/148209/msr-pocketrocket-deluxe-stove
2.  https://www.rei.com/product/127968/jetboil-flash-cooking-system
3. https://www.amazon.com/Light-my-Fire-Titanium-Spork/dp/B001E7S5BO/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=FZM0M84TJRO7&keywords=titanium+spork&qid=1571789252&sprefix=titanium+spork%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzU1JKTDZQQVpEQ1NLJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjI2MDg0MzEyOEUwWUFIMUxOVSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDI0MTM1UEk4Uzk3R1c1N0xMJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

Food storage:  Some parts of the trail require a bear can (Shenandoah Mts), but most people use a bag that they hang.  Most thru hikers don't hang at all.  But, this is the bag I recommend.  You will need to buy paracord to hang it with.

https://www.rei.com/product/895691/ursack-major-bear-bag

Food:  Don't get tricked into buying fancy camp food.  Basically, stock up on things like pepperoni, jerky, turkey bites, spam, Knorr sides, tuna/chicken single serve packets. Some hikers make Ramen Bombs (mashed potatoes and Ramen noodles).  I don't eat a lot of that kind of stuff.  Honey buns are also very popular, but I don't eat those either.  My treats are M&Ms.

WATER:

Water Filtration:  While I do keep a LifeStraw for emergencies, I mostly use Sawyer minis combined with Smart Water bottles (the kind you get at the regular grocery store.  The Smart brand fits with the filter).  You can get these cheapest at Walmart or Amazon.  I wouldn't get them at REI because they are too expensive there.

https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP2101-Filtration-System/dp/B01CWFR92M/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?crid=27SE5HNAM0V4U&keywords=sawyer+water+filter&qid=1571781753&sprefix=sawyer+wa%2Caps%2C150&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUExRzlVQzVNNEhQN0lGJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUExMDAxODQxM1VNS1BBSUg1SEFZWSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMDAyNjcyMjEzWVM3UEgzMjI5SiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

CLOTHING:

Any kind of clothing that is wicking and not made of cotton will work.  My favorite socks are Farm to Feet and Darn Tuff.  Look for Merino wool.  Bring only 2 full sets of clothes and some extra socks and underoos.  This is the hardest part for me...don't over pack your clothes.  You will wash them every few days.

https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Vermont-Womens-Cushion/dp/B008RSEXJG/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18DJ0IYZHRVLW&dchild=1&keywords=darn+tuff+womens+socks&psc=1&qid=1571781922&sprefix=darn+tuff+wo%2Caps%2C144&sr=8-4

https://www.amazon.com/Farm-Feet-Boulder-Lightweight-Charcoal/dp/B01FNR6R9C/ref=sr_1_6?crid=33VM1RU1TBR4I&dchild=1&keywords=farm+to+feet+womens+socks&psc=1&qid=1571781956&sprefix=farm+to+%2Caps%2C147&sr=8-6

LIGHTING,  CHARGERS, FIRST AID, TOILETRIES & EXTRAS:

Headlamp:  Don't bring a flashlight; they weigh a ton.  Instead, we use headlamps.  There are all kinds of different brands.  Get one that has a red light setting.  I use that more often than white light.  Only bring one set of batteries (remember, we stop every 3-4 days to resupply).

Phone Charger:  The Anker is the best phone charger out there (https://www.amazon.com/Anker-PowerCore-Ultra-Compact-High-Speed-Technology/dp/B0194WDVHI/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=anker&qid=1571788954&sr=8-5).  I use two because my iPhone sucks the battery dry, and I have both my phone and ear pods to charge.

Hanky & Girlie Stuff:  Some women use a hankie for a pee rag.  I think this is gross.  I use mine to wipe off sweat.  I tie this to the outside of my pack for easy access.  There are also pee cups for women and a thing for periods.  I don't have a uterus, so I don't know much about any of that stuff.  Do your research or ask around if those are issues; the basic rule of thumb is that we leave no trash in the woods, so tampons and pads have to go home with you in a Ziploc.

Safety Whistle, Compass, & Paper Map:  Most thru hikers do not cart around a whistle.  I still do.  This is tied to the outside of my pack with a standard sized compass.  Phone reception isn't great everywhere, and it is better to be safe than sorry.  I also carry a paper map inside a Ziploc bag with a copy of my Driver's license and insurance card and emergency numbers.  I give a copy of the map to Dave so he knows where I was going in case there is an emergency.  We have a designated date/time call (if I don't call by 6 on this day, call in the troops).  There are also very expensive GPS trackers.  I might consider getting one of these down the line when I remortgage my house.

Trekking Poles: Some folks use them and some do not.  I use them.  I am old, and I like them when I go downhill.  Get the kind that fold up because you want to store them in your pack if you are climbing in or out of Lehigh Gap.

https://www.rei.com/product/127498/black-diamond-distance-flz-trekking-poles-pair-womens

Rain Gear:  Some people spend a crap ton on rain gear, and others buy Frog Toggs at Walmart.  I have a FT jacket, but, honestly, I only wear it if I am cold because no rain gear keeps you completely dry.

https://www.dickssportinggoods.com/p/frogg-toggs-all-sport-rain-and-wind-suit-16ftomllsprtstblkapo/16ftomllsprtstblkapo?camp=SEM:DSG_39700042115119163_nonbrand_dsa-662595117596&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0brtBRDOARIsANMDykZkrnWk6kGE2b9ngBzzGrXbf5mEbUfx_fR5uax2AUiTMx7J3zl349EaApSxEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Toilet Paper & Hand Sanitizer:  Take a roll of TP and pull it off the cardboard roll.  Stuff that along with a travel sized hand sannie into a Ziploc bag.  We will dig cat holes to poop in.  Some folks use a Deuce for this.  I use the end of my trekking pole or a rock.

https://www.amazon.com/TheTentLab-Improved-Ultralight-Backpacking-Trowel/dp/B07BFHMX3K/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=duece+hiking&psc=1&qid=1571790062&sr=8-1

First Aid:  You really don't need a first aid kit.  Use a Ziploc bag and throw a few band aids in along with some mole skin for blisters.  I also have burn cream and a crap ton of Motrin :-)

Knives and Guns:  You don't need a hatchet or a gun.  I have a small spring loaded pocket knife that I've only ever used to open Pepperoni bags.  I've never needed a gun.  It's a huge debate in the hiking world and given this past year on trail, lots of folks are considering it.  I have no judgment either way, I just know I don't want to carry that extra weight, and I would never be able to find it in the case I ever needed to use it.

Soap, deodorant, shampoo - leave all that at home.  You don't need any of it.  I do use a chafing bar called body glide.  Rub that in any folds you might have.  I have a lot ;p  https://www.rei.com/product/115849/bodyglide-for-her-anti-chafing-skin-protectant-15-oz  I also bring a comb because...well, you've seen my hair...I need a comb.

Extras:  Stock up on gallon sized Ziploc bags, but only take what you need with you and one extra for garbage.  Check your batteries before you leave for your headlamp and only bring one set for a replacement.  My luxury item is a journal with a pen and pencil.