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DS2_1609
At around 2 lbs, this hammock is the
lightest, most comfortable three-season
shelter I have ever had!
Though it may look like a large list, it is by no means exhaustive and is meant as a rough guide or memory jogger only. This first list is a general, three-season guide for a weekend trip; other lists will be for more specialized outings. Please note! You will not need ALL of these items! Some are clearly stupid, some less necessary (you'll learn as you go on). Most important items (what we usually take from May-September in mid-Atlantic states) are in RED. Other checklists to come will have mid-summer and mid-winter suggestions, as well as car-camping and other specialized situations.

Raingear is essential only when there is a threat of precip or if you feel like bringing it. Those items are in green. Last, remember that you have to carry what you bring, so go light! You don't have to be Jardine extreme, but dump that extra crap you don't need. 15-20 lbs. on your back will allow you to go farther, faster. Ask a dedicated SRTer for assistance!

One go-light hint: only use your pot to boil water. Get food that can be heated up in its own container, preferably the bag in which it was bought. You don't have to clean the pot afterward, you don't pollute a stream or river with food bits and soap, and you have less potential for food bits to scatter around camp, attracting critters. You also don't have to spend time cleaning stuff.

Try to leave no trace!


Clothing: outerwear
  • synthetic/down parka
  • synthetic/down vest
  • fleece jacket/wool sweater
  • synthetic (quick-drying) pants/shorts
Clothing: base layer
  • synthetic top
  • synthetic bottoms
  • synthetic long-sleeve t-shirt
  • synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt
  • synthetic briefs
  • synthetic sports bra
Clothing: accessories
  • wool/fleece hat
  • midweight wool/fleece gloves
  • waterproof gloves/overmitts
  • wide-brimmed sun/rain hat
  • bandanna
  • swim suit
  • extra clothing layer(s)
Clothing: footwear
  • waterproof hiking boots/trail shoes
  • camp footwear
  • wool/synthetic socks (1 pr/day)
  • synthetic liner socks (1 pr/day)
Clothing: rainwear
  • waterproof/breathable jacket
  • waterproof/breathable pants
  • waterproof gaiters
Gear: shelter
  • three-season tent
  • bivy sack
  • tarp
  • hammock
  • sleeping bag (15° to 30°F)
  • sleeping pad
  • sit pad/sleeping pad chair kit
  • pack cover
  • rainfly
  • tent stakes
  • footprint
Gear: camp kitchen
  • food (see the section)
  • stove and fuel
  • matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter/lighter
  • cookset
  • eating utensil(s), bowl, insulated mug
  • bear-bagging rope (or canister)
  • pot grabber
  • pot scrubber/dish towel
  • biodegradable soap
Gear: water
Gear: personal items
  • toilet paper
  • trowel
  • sunscreen
  • lip balm (with sun protection)
  • hand cream
  • handi-wipes or waterless (alcohol) soap
  • toothbrush and toothpaste
  • insect repellent
  • small bath towel
  • head net
  • brush/comb
Gear: navigation
  • map(s) of area (in waterproof case)
  • compass
  • GPS
  • altimeter
  • binoculars
  • field guides
  • trip plan (left with a responsible friend)
other: pretty essential
  • internal or external frame backpack
  • day/summit pack
  • hiking/trekking poles
  • headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)
  • first-aid kit (put in personal medications!)
  • pocket knife/multitool
  • resealable plastic bags
  • extra batteries
  • compression sack(s)
other: less to non-essential
  • mesh head net or suit
  • sunglasses (with retaining strap)
  • extra laces
  • plastic garbage bags
  • extra nylon stuff sack(s)
  • lantern
  • repair/sewing kit
  • 100-foot accessory cord
  • axe/saw
  • camera and film
  • money
  • notebook and pencil
  • photo ID
  • travel games
  • camping/fire permits, if needed
  • fishing license
  • watch/alarm clock
  • weather radio
  • carabiners
  • dog's hiking items (necessary if you have a dog)
When it's cold outside and you want to sleep in/ go for a pallet that's so nice and thin/ Zip it on around while it's on the ground/ spread it out and lay it on down/ Slip inside my sleeping bag/ slip inside my sleeping bag.

You're afraid of the dark, baby, no need to be shy/ We'll talk about some lovin' while we look at the sky/ Don't be hesitating, it'll be alright/ we'll tuck it in until it's clean out of sight/ Slip inside my sleeping bag/ slip inside my sleeping bag.

Let's go out to Egypt 'cause it's in the plan/ sleep beside the pharaohs in the shifting sand/ We'll look at some pyramids and check out some heads/ Oh, we'll whip out our mattress 'cause there ain't no beds/ Slip inside my sleeping bag/ slip inside my sleeping bag.
-- Sleeping Bag, ZZ Top