Articles
What's In Your Hiking Pack?
by Chuck Fitzgerald C2004. All Rights Reserved.
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.
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