Overview

It’s important to be very specific when choosing items backpacking. Even when packing without attempting ultra-light, the items you choose to carry should have specific purpose and utility. Additionally, you pack for the trip you are going on, so a gear list for say two weeks of backpacking will be different than a two day trip. Other requirements such as necessary safety gear or activity specific gear can also drive your decisions. Generally speaking, the shorter and easier the trip – the more luxury items you can bring, if you want to. Even so, it’s always better to have a lighter pack when you can. It all comes down to trip details and personal preference. I actually haven’t been out backpacking in a few years, so most of the equipment on this list hasn’t really been tested on the trail yet. I expect I will be refining this list over time. I would like to cut down the weight I pack with. I’m looking forward to seeing how my choices on this trip perform.

Objective

For this trip, we are backpacking for a week in the Weminuche Wilderness in order to perform crosscut trail maintenance. It’s a 7 mile hike to camp, all food is being carried by pack mules, and we need to bring safety items including hard-hats and gloves. Because we are in Black Bear country, we need to take appropriate precautions for any items that have any scent.

Gear

Graphs

Gear List