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Every time I leave the
pavement, I take along my trusty hiking pack – even if I
have no intention of hiking. Doing this has become a habit
rather than a conscious decision. My pack goes with me
when a hike, camp, hunt, fish, bird watch and even when I
drive out of town. I’ve been a boy scout and a United
States Marine so I suppose I have learned to be prepared
for almost anything. My pack is full of items I hope I
will never need.
What’s in Your Hiking
Pack? As an outdoor enthusiast, you have complete control
over what you carry or what stays in the car – such as a
cell phone, do you carry one? I wouldn’t dare go in the
backcountry without all of the items listed below as
“Highly Recommend.” What’s in My Hiking Pack? Here
is my list split into two categories with the weight of
each item in ounces:
Highly Recommend: Cell
Phone (5 ounces), First-Aid Kit (9), Flashlight (4), Food
- Beef Jerky (4), Insect Repellent (3), Map & Compass
(4), Multi-Tool (9), Pack (24), Signal Mirror (1), Spare
Vehicle Key (1), Sunglasses & Sunscreen (2), Water,
Waterproof matches (1), Waterproof windbreaker (24),
Whistle (1). Total weight: 5 pounds 12 ounces, not
including water.
Nice to Have: Bandana (1),
Binoculars (12), Cash & ID (1), Disposable Camera (4),
Emergency Blanket (1), Extra Batteries (4), GPS Unit (10),
Hand warmers (1), Hunting knife (8), Lighter (1), Lip Balm
(1), Mini-Umbrella (10), Paper & Pen (1), Rangefinder
(8), Road Flare (4), 12 feet of rope (2), Saw (7), Toilet
Paper (1), Two-Way Radio (7), Work Gloves (2). Total
weight: 5 pounds 2 ounces.
The total weight of my
hiking pack not counting water, is 10 pounds 14 ounces. My
pack has a shoulder harness system that takes the weight
off of my lower back and distributes it evenly across my
shoulders and upper back. I hardly notice my pack when
I’m wearing it. One last point, if you carry something
– make sure you know how to use it.
We’ve all heard quotes
about being prepared, such as “Chance favors the
prepared mind.” – Louis Pasteur and “The will to win
is important, but the will to prepare is vital.” – Joe
Paterno and “Chance fights ever on the side of the
prudent.” – Euripides. I suggest carrying a well
thought out pack is a good habit and a good outdoor
life-skill. One day it may save a family member, an
outdoor companion or even you.
Plan ahead before you
venture into our backcountry, even if you plan to be gone
only an hour or two. It makes good sense. With just this
small amount of planning you’ll get the most out of your
backcountry experiences. Use this information and you’ll
Get It Right The First Time.
Get Outdoors!
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About
The Author
Chuck
Fitzgerald is the President of Arizona
based BackCountry Toys, an online store
providing backcountry specialty gear and
educational information for outdoor
enthusiasts. Visit www.BackCountryToys.com
to receive the free newsletter
"FreshAir” or call (800) 316-9055.
chuck@backcountrytoys.com |
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