First Hang packing list please.

**makingitoutdoors** · 04-05-2018, 19:52

I've been an RV camper for a few years, so I've gotten away from car camping and trying to get ready for true backpacking. I need a good packing list. I keep thinking of things and writing them down but I'm getting a bit anxious. We will be at a primitive site with no power or water but do have some restroom facilities, I think.

We have literally forgotten the tent before.
Also, can opener and couldn't eat supper.
Also forks.

Definitely having rain overnight Friday and some Saturday morning. Should I still go or wait till Saturday?

Thank ya

**GreatBigDave** · 04-05-2018, 20:35

What's the weather?
Anything less that 80* you'll need insulation under your hammock - pad, underquilt, - you'll need something or you're gonna have bad time.
Top insulation: above 80* you might be OK but lower you'll need a bag or blanket or something the keep the chill off your bones or you're gonna have a bad time.
Tarp: if there's a 10% chance of rain then it'll rain at least six minutes of every hour - you need a tarp - wet is cold even when you are warm. When wet, you'll have a bad time.
Hammock - Bliss sleeping
Food - If you're hungry you're gonna have a bad time
Spork - If you can't eat your food - you're gonna have a bad time
Fire - If your food is cold and so are you - you're gonna have a bad time.
TP - you shouldn't rely on the kindness of strangers. - If you have to sacrifice a sock or two (ask me how I know) - you're gonna have a bad time.
Knife (Can be a can opener). other metal bits can help as well.

**makingitoutdoors** · 04-05-2018, 20:51

Temp is 75 with a low of 41. Thunderstorms overnight Friday. I don’t want to cancel but I’m not going to risk my kids either. Have the car we can all fit in to sleep if we had to bail.

**GreatBigDave** · 04-05-2018, 20:55

I came back to add water.
Your kids are involved.
41 is cold enough that you should be sure your family will be OK. If you're not sure; Find a place where you are.
Warmer months are coming with less chance of harm. Only you can decide if your family will be safe in the gear you provide in the conditions you may find.

**HandyRandy** · 04-05-2018, 21:14

Just pulling this from memory, so it’s not complete.

Water- bottles/bladder, purifiers/filters

Food- calorie dense foods high in fat and low in water content, generally 100-200 cal/oz, food bag for hanging or bear can

Cook kit- pot, spoon, stove, windscreen, fuel

Shelter- hammock, tarp, quilts, pajamas, a very waterproof sack for these items

Clothing- the less, the better, but don’t be stupid, highly dependent on situation

First Aid- you decide

Navigation- maps, compass, guidebook, trekking poles

Fire- lighter, matches, fire starter

Hygiene- butt wipes, toothbrush

Tech- camera, mobile phone, headlamp

**ChrisJHC** · 04-06-2018, 02:22

Here you go...

Pack
Hammock / Underquilt/ Topquilt
Inflatable Pillow
Water bottles
Food
Trangia / stove / cooking gear / metho (100mL per person per day) / matches x 2 / pot scourer
Spoon (and Knife & Fork?)
First Aid Kit
* Pressure bandages x 2
* Bandaids
* Elastoplast
* Moleskin
* Hypoflex
* Betadine
* Panadol
* Neurofen
* Antihistamines
* Nail Scissors
Toiletries
* Toothbrush / paste / floss
* Liquid soap
* Face cloth
* Razor?
Hiking Poles
Spare clothes
Beanie / gloves
Hat / sunglasses
Buff
Torch
Watch
Multitool
Spare batteries
Mobile phone / GPS / PLB
Camera
Map & compass

Nice to have
Kindle & earbuds
Sewing kit
Thongs / sandals
Cards / chess set / harmonica

**sidneyhornblower** · 04-06-2018, 02:43

Without getting into any specifics on equipment, my general packing technique goes like this. I gather all my gear around me: cook set, fuel, sleep system,shelter, pack, clothing, everything. Then I mentally walk through the trip and stuff things in the pack as I go.

For instance: I say to myself, "When I start walking it will be sunny and 65" and so I need to have on my socks and shoes and shorts and shirt, grab each item and either pack it or lay it out to be worn.

I'll get thirsty when I walk. Grab water bottles. Grab filter.

When I stop to camp first I'll put my tree straps up . Grab those. Then I'll hang my hammock. Grab that.

And so forth. I picture everything I'm likely to do and then make sure I have what I need to do that activity. It's not a perfect system, nor a fast one, but it helps me remember things like ChapStick and cameras as well as jackets and tarp . I have forgotten my bugnet however.

**Tyroler Holzhacker** · 04-06-2018, 08:17

You will undoubtedly forget something on any given trip that you will wish you had brought with you. One time, I forgot to bring matches or a lighter. And using my glasses as a magnifying glass won't start a fire at night time! Talk about an embarrassing noob mistake. Also as a backpacker, space is limited, unlike car camping, so you really have to decide how much you will use it. I advise asking AT thru hikers on what is essential and what is excessive. Also the book by Mike Cleeland..."Backpackin' Light" is a good read that illustrates how to pack light and be comfortable on the trail.

**makingitoutdoors** · 04-06-2018, 08:38

This is essentially our “shakedown” hang. I want to do a short thru like Eagle Rock and want to make sure we have the basics handled. Filtering water, cooking, setting up camp, breaking. The car is insurance of sorts. We don’t have proper top insulation yet but the weather will eventually take care of that so we can have thin diy synthetics or down throws with foot boxes. Hoping to at least be refreshed before this teacher buckles down for 6 more weeks of school and testing season!