Backpacking and Tent-Camping - Gear List

Dress
Pants - at least two pair pants for more than two day stay (includes the ones you're wearing)
Shirt - at least two shirts for more than two day stay (includes the ones you're wearing)
Socks - inserts and outer sock (at least two pair for more than two day stay)
Underwear - long-johns if weather is cold
Hat - for protection from the sun and for warmth (skull cap) at night
Gloves - essential for cold weather use; water-proof shell with inserts a good choice
Boots - generally should be more sturdy than hiking boots
Camp-Shoes - comfortable shoes to wear around camp (example: tennis shoes)
Rain Clothes - a poncho can be used also (water proof cloths are essential)

Hygiene
Washcloth / Towel (a camp-towel can serve as both and it's light weight)
Toiletries - toothpaste, soap, deodorant
Backpacking
Backpack - a properly fitted backpack with the appropriate capacity is necessary

Tent-Camping
Tent - a well constructed and 'season appropriate' tent is necessary
Tent Stakes - metal stakes for woods camping, plastic stakes (thicker) for sand camping
Guy-line (rope or string to steady tent) - use to tie tent to keep it in place
Ground cloth - protects tent from element

Sleeping
Sleeping Bag - get a bag warm enough for the seasons you will use it
Sleeping Pad - a pad gives a little more comfort, its main use is to keep you off the ground
Pillow - some must have it. There are a variety. Get what you can stand to carry

Cooking
Stove - make sure stove is in working order
Fuel - appropriate fuel for stove; make sure you have enough
Matches - essential item
Pots - to cook with and can be used to eat from
Utensils - to assist in cooking and eating
Food - can be fresh, dried or packaged depending upon length of stay and cooking preferences
Oil - for frying
Water - for boiling
Bear-Bag (a storage bag and rope) - essential for keeping food away from animals; bear-bags are usually strung up in trees on limbs away from the trunk.

Hydration
Water - the most important item to have. Keep plenty, Drink often!
Water bottles - carry at least two bottles and refill regularly
Water-filter - essential for water re-supply
Water-bag - good for collecting water and having at campsites
Iodine Tablets - to assist in purifying water

Safety
Maps - always know where you are and where you can go
Compass - essential for finding your way
Altimeter - essential traversing altitude
Hiking Poles - a must to distribute weight and stress from back, legs, knees and feet
Flashlight and batteries - always carry even on day-hikes
Whistle - important for sounding warnings and alerts
First Aid Kit - must have
Cell Phone - can be use-full, also can be a nuisance
Radio and batteries - stay informed

Miscellaneous
Mosquito head-net - use during 'bug season'
Knife - A multipurpose knife is essential
Saw or Axe - for securing and preparing wood for camp fires
Zip-loc bags - use for food, trash bags, urinals
Bug Repellant - essential during some seasons and some locations

Notes:
When camping with others reduce your weight by sharing items - for example, stoves, pots & pans, tooth-paste, water-filter, fuel, tent, etc.

It is easy to over-pack. It your pack is difficult to lift and feels very heavy you may have over-packed. You will feel much better to have only what you need. Try to leave what you really don't need. Have a very good reason for everything you carry.

Plan ahead, pack ahead, and double check everything.

There is greater safety in numbers.

Ask Trip Leaders and experienced persons for answers and support when you have questions or concerns.

Rent or borrow equipment if you do not plan to backpack or camp enough to make it worth spending money. Be sure to return everything cleaned, in good shape, and on time.

Journey: African American Outdoor Sports Association