When we first started backcountry camping we barely owned any gear. Before our very first trip we bought a lot of stuff including items we regret purchasing. Since then we have made a lot of changes in what gets stuffed into our backpacks. Our number one goal is to bring as little as possible and yet remain comfortable both physically (like a moisture wicking polyester shirt for those sweaty portages) and mentally (like a deck of cards for a rainy day). We are by no means minimalists though we do find that the fewer items you lug along, the smoother the trip goes.
Here is a list of what we currently bring for a week long trip:
Backpacks (2), rain covers for packs (2), Tent, Ground sheet, Tent pegs (12), Sleeping Bags (2), Sleeping bag sheets (2), Self inflating sleeping pads (2), Patch kit and valve kit for sleeping pads, Tarp, Cooking stove (2), Pot Gripper, Fry pan, Wind shield for stove, Fuel (3), Water Filter, Maintenance kit for water filter, Water purifying tablets (6 per day minimum), First Aid Kit (2), Spare shoe laces (2), Headlamps (2), Small flashlight, AAA batteries (8), 4L Water bladder, 1L water bottles (2), Small bottle of camp suds, PFDs (2), Whistle attached to PFD (2), Paddles (2), Collapsible saw, Multi tool (2), 6″Hunting Knife (2), Birthcontrol, Stool Softeners, Inhalers, Ibuprophen, Compass (2), Watch, Thermometer, Paddling Gloves (2 pairs), Map of area (at least 2 different copies if available), Waterproof map case, GPS (plus extra lithium ion AA batteries), Dry bags (2 for clothes, 2 for sleeping bags, 2 for self inflating sleeping pads, 1 for tiolet paper), Pot with lid, Pot scrubber, Bowls (2), Fork (2), Spoon (2), Pot scrubber, Sunscreen, Tooth brush (2), Container for toothbrush (2), Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Compact binoculars, Rope (pack hanging rope with hook + 50 foot nylon rope), Hats (2), Amphibious shoes (2), Rain gear (pants and jacket), Towels (2), Toilet Paper (2 double rolls), Camping log book with 2 pens, food (freeze dried, dehydrated, bars), Spice rack (salt, pepper, cinnamon, paprika, red pepper flakes, oregano), Olive Oil, Brown sugar, Block of Parmesean cheese, Pack of beef jerky, Tea (24 tea bags), Gatoraid, Garbage bags (to wrap food in), Hiking boots (2), Bug spray, Bear Repellent (2), Bear Bells (2), Bug net (2), Bug jacket (2 if needed), Lighters (3), Waterproof matches (2), Magnesium flints (2), Duct tape (4 small rolls), Sunglasses (2), Weather Radio, Waterproof case (for cellphones, batteries etc.), Camera, Camera bag with plastic bag to cover it, Mini SAS survival guide, Mini playing cards, and mini Uno.
When we split up all these items between two packs we always keep in mind the “what if” situation, mainly if our canoe flips and one of our pack gets washed away never to be seen again. That is why each pack has a canister of fuel and a stove. Each pack also has a first aid kit, a magnesium flint, waterproof matches, and of course each pack has a map and a compass. We obviously don’t bring two tents, so one pack has the tent while the other has a tarp that could be used as a shelter.
Clothing
For a seven day trip in the fall, here is what we generally bring for clothes:
4 to 5 pairs of underwear, 2 pairs of polyester pants, 1 pair of shorts (if forecast requires), 3 pairs of socks, 2 polyester t-shirts, 1 lightweight polyester long sleeve, 2 mid weight polyester long sleeve, 1 warm fleece/hoodie.
When we stuff it all in it pays to be creative so it takes up less space in your pack while still being able to access related items relatively easy. For example, here is our kitchen set (with a pop can for size comparison) that we always place at the bottom compartment of our pack for easy access.
Yup that’s it! But when you open it up you can clearly see everything is neatly placed inside.
Here is what we bring to bath (with a pop can for size comparison)
The Little Things
We find we have to bring a few things to give us emotional comfort sometimes. These are the items for mental well being rather than physical aid.
TEA: We bring tea rather than coffee. Our tea of choice right now is Twinnings Black Irish Breakfast Tea. This beverage definitely warms you up on those cold mornings, earning it the nickname “Morale Tea”.
DECK OF CARDS: Either a plain ol’ deck of cards or UNO. Both are available in a mini size to take up less room in our packs. Cards are great for a rainy day in the tent. Rainy days are also those days we write in our camping journal, look at a map, or read the mini copy of the SAS Survival Guide. Some Ontario Parks also offer you a newspaper which is also great for those rainy days.
CAMPING JOURNAL: If you don’t write it down you will have a hard time remembering your adventures, or making a blog about it for that matter.
MOUTHWASH: We bring just enough for the trip. For some reason we get pretty bad breath out in the backcountry. Mouthwash is of course only temporary but it is another one of those mental comforts.
SOLAR POWERED WINDUP RADIO: This is probably first, if not second on the list after the camping journal for the top mental comforts. We like to get the local weather band so we know what the forecast may bring (which is NOT always accurate). We also like to see what local radio stations we can get in. A lot of people go back country camping without a radio, but for some reason this has become habit for us.
What We Don’t Bring
HATCHET/AXE: A lot of people swear by bringing a hatchet or lugging an axe around. We find that a collapsible saw takes up less room in a pack…and is safer.
CAMPING PILLOWS: Sure they are smaller than your average pillow and many are compressible, but your clothes bag can be turned into a pillow while being tucked under your sleeping bag.
CAMPING CHAIR: Though not advisable, we often sit on our PFDs while at camp.
HYDRATION PACK: Someone asked us once if we bring these while camping. I have no idea how we would even wear one when you already have a 60 pound pack on your back with a water bottle conveniently clipped to it.
HAMMOCK: Perhaps if we were stationed for a week somewhere we may bring a hammock, but for now it is not on our list of essentials to bring.
MOSQUITO SHELTER: We have learned the hard way to stay out of the woods in Ontario in June. That’s why most of our camping trips are in late summer, or better yet, in the fall. Bug nets over the head and some bug repellent does the trick.
There is really no right or wrong way to pack all your gear. If anything there is a smart and comfortable way and you just have to figure out what works best for you.
Click The Link For More Trip Reports: http://www.backcountrybalkwills.com
Backcountry Balkwills 