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Posted: 5/13/2016 12:27:49 PM EDT
Been looking at threads and I see gear suggestions here and there, but not an overall list of basic stuff you need to go out.  I'm a very basic beginner to backpacking.  Been on plenty of hikes, but never a backcountry kind of guy, so 1-2 nights and 10mi max would be my limit as a beginner I would think.  

Think we can get a list of basic gear and suggestions on both the high and low end, that way folks can have somewhere to start out?  

Example:
Shoes:
  Basic:  Regular shoes $50
  Med:  Merrell Moab Vent mid-tops:  $130
  High:  Danner:  $omfglbgt

ETA: I'm sure there are plenty of resources out there that do this, but sometimes its nice to get real reviews from others on here.
Link Posted: 5/13/2016 12:49:15 PM EDT
[#1]
Properly fitted pack
Moisture wicking underwear
Wool/synthetic socks
Climate/terrain approriate footwear
Climate/weather appropriate clothing
Hat
Hygeine products
TP/Wet wipes
Bug Spray/Sun block
Water bladders with filter system
Backpacking stove
Stainless steel cup
Utensils
Freeze dried foods
Power bars
Matches/Lighter
Fire tender/Cotton balls in vaseline
Knife/Leatherman
Flashlight/headlamp
Trash bag
550 cord
FIrst Aid
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Map
Compass
GPS

Probably could add or subtract a few things depending on your trip.  Best thing to do is go out and do it, then adjust gear appropriately.
Inform others of your travel plans before you head out and when to expect to check back in.


Merrell's have an awesome Mil discount btw, something like 40-50% I think.
Link Posted: 5/13/2016 1:03:57 PM EDT
[#2]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Merrell's have an awesome Mil discount btw, something like 40-50% I think.
View Quote


Didn't know that.  Sadly, I'm no longer .mil anymore.  Just an old vet not worth a shit.  
Link Posted: 5/13/2016 3:10:59 PM EDT
[#3]
Add first aid kit.

Edit:  Oops, it is there.
Link Posted: 5/16/2016 9:08:25 PM EDT
[#4]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Didn't know that.  Sadly, I'm no longer .mil anymore.  Just an old vet not worth a shit.  
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:

Merrell's have an awesome Mil discount btw, something like 40-50% I think.


Didn't know that.  Sadly, I'm no longer .mil anymore.  Just an old vet not worth a shit.  


hey OP, join Promotive and buy from Merrell with that discount...just sign up on your phone and take a pic of your DD214 redacting SSN and send it to them...ton of other companies on there also, its an awesome program
Link Posted: 5/16/2016 10:12:54 PM EDT
[#5]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


hey OP, join Promotive and buy from Merrell with that discount...just sign up on your phone and take a pic of your DD214 redacting SSN and send it to them...ton of other companies on there also, its an awesome program
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Merrell's have an awesome Mil discount btw, something like 40-50% I think.


Didn't know that.  Sadly, I'm no longer .mil anymore.  Just an old vet not worth a shit.  


hey OP, join Promotive and buy from Merrell with that discount...just sign up on your phone and take a pic of your DD214 redacting SSN and send it to them...ton of other companies on there also, its an awesome program


I'm trying to understand it, the Army says it's open to active and veterans, then says the discount program is for active members.  Just wondering how to go about this.  The responses in their forum seem vague too.

ETA: Nevermind, figured it out.  Let's see if it works.
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 9:33:50 AM EDT
[#6]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


I'm trying to understand it, the Army says it's open to active and veterans, then says the discount program is for active members.  Just wondering how to go about this.  The responses in their forum seem vague too.

ETA: Nevermind, figured it out.  Let's see if it works.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:

Merrell's have an awesome Mil discount btw, something like 40-50% I think.


Didn't know that.  Sadly, I'm no longer .mil anymore.  Just an old vet not worth a shit.  


hey OP, join Promotive and buy from Merrell with that discount...just sign up on your phone and take a pic of your DD214 redacting SSN and send it to them...ton of other companies on there also, its an awesome program


I'm trying to understand it, the Army says it's open to active and veterans, then says the discount program is for active members.  Just wondering how to go about this.  The responses in their forum seem vague too.

ETA: Nevermind, figured it out.  Let's see if it works.

Say good bye to all your monies.  
Also join Clymb.  Most of their stuff is hipster but they have some good deals on technical footwear and clothing occasionally.
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 6:25:32 PM EDT
[#7]
On your first outing - be sure to take something to write on and something to write with. Then you can make a list of stuff that you should have packed and stuff you did not need to pack- you will be more prepared for your next outing...
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 6:39:44 PM EDT
[#8]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
On your first outing - be sure to take something to write on and something to write with. Then you can make a list of stuff that you should have packed and stuff you did not need to pack- you will be more prepared for your next outing...
View Quote


This is a good plan. My first backpacking trip I brought everything.
The list above is pretty good.
All I have to add is to make sure you can set up and take down your tent in the dark, and that a great headlamp is a good investment.

check out steep and cheap
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 6:43:17 PM EDT
[#9]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


This is a good plan. My first backpacking trip I brought everything.
The list above is pretty good.
All I have to add is to make sure you can set up and take down your tent in the dark, and that a great headlamp is a good investment.

check out steep and cheap
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
On your first outing - be sure to take something to write on and something to write with. Then you can make a list of stuff that you should have packed and stuff you did not need to pack- you will be more prepared for your next outing...


This is a good plan. My first backpacking trip I brought everything.
The list above is pretty good.
All I have to add is to make sure you can set up and take down your tent in the dark, and that a great headlamp is a good investment.

check out steep and cheap


Damn good idea. I'm putting that in my checklist.  

For headlamps, I've got a slight suggestion.  The new BlackDiamond Spot is a decent light, but IMHO, the Petzl Tikka + (both $40) kills it.  Better red light and has more padding up front.  I got the BD and for some reason it's an instant headache every time I put it on.  The BD is supposed to last longer, though.
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 6:50:02 PM EDT
[#10]
I have a black diamond Icon and the battery pack in the back balances out very nicely. Lasts forever too.

they have them on steep and cheep right now
Link Posted: 5/17/2016 7:48:08 PM EDT
[#11]
Here's a partial list of junk I own



ETA - Either I'm a retard or the table function doesn't work.  Can't figure out how to post it without it looking like a mess.
























































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































 
Link Posted: 5/21/2016 12:42:44 PM EDT
[#12]
Snag a copy of Chris Townsend's backpacking books off amazon.  He gives good advice based on location and season, among other things.

To start with, break up your item list into basic categories.  When I am getting ready to pack I always have a few categories I fill:

Pack
Shelter
Clothing
Kitchen/Fire
Food
Water
Firearm
First Aid
Light
Toiletries
Misc

Each of the contents vary for the temperature and location.  Pack maybe a 2,500 bag for a day hike or a 4,500 pack for a multi day hike.  Shelter may be a tent, a tarp plus a mesh bivouac, plus a sleeping bag and insulating mat.  Clothing is shoes, pants/shorts, shirts, hat, bandana, sunglasses, rain jacket, plus a fleece/gloves/etc depending.  Kitchen is usually a stove, a single pot, maybe a cup, a spork, matches/lighter.  Water is a bottle or two, a filter/iodine drops, maybe a water bladder.  Food varies but is typically freeze dried for dinner, something I can eat on the go for lunch, and variable for breakfast, plus snacks while hiking.  Firearm is self explanatory, I don't think they're as necessary for the wildlife as much as for some meth-head you may run into on the trail.  First aid should include stuff for aches & pains and blisters more than anything, in my mind.  A trauma kit isn't bad but I think it should be focused towards what you're likely to encounter more so than fantasy events that never happen.  Lighting should be a head lamp and a flashlight, minimum.  Toiletries is TP, wipes, bug spray/sunscreen, some hand sanitizer, etc.  Misc stuff includes things like straps, a knife, a notepad, duct tape, whatever you think is important.

Just some ideas, your mileage may vary.
Link Posted: 5/22/2016 10:22:57 AM EDT
[#13]
Check out Johnny Molloy:  http://johnnymolloy.com/recommended-gear/

He is a very experienced backpacker, and a good ole Tennessee guy at that.
I like his thinking on a first aid kit. As someone who has been on several trips myself, you will overpack the first few times and then realize what is really necessary.

There are a couple of good list here too.
Link Posted: 5/22/2016 11:30:07 PM EDT
[#14]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Check out Johnny Molloy:  http://johnnymolloy.com/recommended-gear/

He is a very experienced backpacker, and a good ole Tennessee guy at that.
I like his thinking on a first aid kit. As someone who has been on several trips myself, you will overpack the first few times and then realize what is really necessary.

There are a couple of good list here too.
View Quote


Awesome, can't go wrong with that.  "Weight, space, and smushability"  lol
Link Posted: 5/24/2016 2:09:05 PM EDT
[#15]


       Take 2: Switched browsers, kind of got it.  You'll see certain items repeated with variations...I use this to weigh out my pack on my computer before I go anywhere.








 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 



 

 

 













































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































descriptionweightunit
Osprey Aether 70L - Green2440grams
Mad Rock Quick release caribeener60grams
Tyvek sheet for sitting70grams
Green loom to hold cordage, lighter, etc.58grams
Small Bic Lighter10grams
Laplander Green folding hand saw190grams
Cheaper thermometer / clock64grams
snaplight 22grams
Sea to Summit Red Air Mattress (winter -
 large rectangular)
1104grams
Helinox Camp Chair with case970grams
Teton gray sleeping bag liner374grams
Frogg Toggs Green Poncho232grams
Orange Bandana (visibility only)22grams
Leki - orange478grams
Eberlstock Camoflage Pack Cover -
 reversable
278grams
Nemo Cosmo Air 25 (summer - large
 rectangular)
914grams
Water Bladder with tube, insulating cover
 and mouthpiece
212grams
Large Primus Cook Kit with 2 pots, Fry
 Pan, Lid and bag
746grams
Lightweight Titanium Grill with plastic
 sleeve
38grams
Primus small cookset with pan lid and bag300grams
Primus small cookset with pan lid, bag,
 and coozy
344grams
Ziplock with small container of olive
 oil, 4 spices, and waterproof matches
112grams
Primus small cookset with pan lid, bag,
 coozy and wind screen
432grams
Optimus Crux folding stove106grams
Primus small cookset with pan lid, bag,
 coozy, windscreen, oil, matches, spices, and large fuel canister
972grams
Cocoon Blue Travel Pillow114grams
1L/32oz Vapur collapsing green water
 bottle
40grams
Trash compactor bag68grams
Sea-to-Summit drylite pack towel72grams
48oz collapsing Nalgene Water Bottle64grams
SOL Large emergency blanket216grams
Sea to Summit Coolmax fitted sheet172grams
Kammock Hammock with stuff sack and
 caribeeners
700grams
Kammock Bug Net with stuff sack372grams
Kammock Python Straps362grams
Petzl rechargable headlamp110grams
Vargo Titanium Wood Stove with Case150grams
Green plastic cup with measuring marks50grams
Set - Sawyer mini with dirty bag, tubes,
 adaptors to refill bladder or water bottles
222grams
Primus gas lantern with stuff sack154grams
Small Stainless cookset with blue stuff
 sack
476grams
Evernew 1.3L Titanium Non-Stick Cookset
 w/ stuff sack
222grams
Evernew 1.3L Cookset with Caldera Cone,
 12/10 stove, empty fuel bottle and stuff sack
303grams
Titanium Fork Spoon Combination18grams
Evernew 1.3L pot with Caldera cone, 12/10
 stove, Empty Fuel Bottle, stuff sack AND Trangia mini fry pan
324grams
Fozzils Collapsing Bowl40grams
Small GSI Spatula - no handle16grams
Hilleberg Tent Stake - Aluminum17grams
Nemo Aluminum Tent Stakes15.6grams
DAC Aluminum Gold Tent Stakes13grams
Toaks Titanium Tent Stakes (peg)5grams
Trangia Brass with lid and simmer ring -
 empty
110grams
MSR Pocket Rocket112grams
Exped Pillow98grams
MSR Water Filter with all accessories and
 stuff sack
476grams
Weight of one liter of water1000grams
Amount of food, per day453grams
Weight of 1oz of denatured alcohol24.2grams
Enlightened Equipment 20deg camo quilt
 with straps and stuff sack
822grams
HK P2000SK with loaded 10rd magazine and
 kydex holster
898grams
Mora Stainless Knife with scabbard and
 fire steel
112grams
Bark River Bravo 1 Knife with Kydex
 Sheath and Fire Steel
364grams
Toaks Titanium Spoon24grams
Includes wipes, pills, first aid kit,
 etc.
375grams
Titanium Snow Peak Plate62grams
Flecktarn camoflage military blanket in
 stuff sack
872grams
Black Vivobarefoot Shoes388grams
Marmot Traillight 2P in stuff sack2600grams
Nemo Losi 3P including stuff sack and
 ground cloth
2960grams
Nemo Losi LS Garage for Nemo Losi Tent828grams
1L Nalgene lightweight bottle112grams
GSI Minimalist Cookset with coozie and
 pot gripper
178grams
GSI Collapsing Spork8grams
Anker Two Panel Solar charger with cable462grams
Anker Large Battery Pack with case330grams
Amazon Small Battery Pack with case and
 cable
64grams
Outdoor Research 25L Durable Dry Bag -
 Coyote
150grams
Big Agnes Buffalo Park 40* bag - requires
 25" rectangular pad
1468grams
Nemo Meta LE 2P Trekking Pole Tent in
 stuff sack with stakes
1096grams
Multicam Pack Cover112grams
60"x90" Basha Tarp - Pencott
 Greenzone Camo
434grams
Reflective envelope for rehydrating meals38grams
GSI Minimalist Cookset with coozie, pot
 gripper, toaks titanium stove, pot stand and wind screen
226grams
Long Handle Toaks Titanium Spoon w/ stuff
 sack
24grams
Snow Peak folding Titanium Fork with
 stuff sack
24grams
Greenzone Hammock Tarp with snake skins,
 ridgeline, and guyouts in stuff sack.
907grams
Toaks Titanium V-Stake (w/ green
 paracord)
12grams
Nemo Tensor 25L Pad (summer)18.5ounce
Multicam Asym Tarp with stuff sack and
 guy outs
11.2ounce







 




 
Link Posted: 5/24/2016 4:03:27 PM EDT
[#16]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


Damn good idea. I'm putting that in my checklist.  

For headlamps, I've got a slight suggestion.  The new BlackDiamond Spot is a decent light, but IMHO, the Petzl Tikka + (both $40) kills it.  Better red light and has more padding up front.  I got the BD and for some reason it's an instant headache every time I put it on.  The BD is supposed to last longer, though.
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:
On your first outing - be sure to take something to write on and something to write with. Then you can make a list of stuff that you should have packed and stuff you did not need to pack- you will be more prepared for your next outing...


This is a good plan. My first backpacking trip I brought everything.
The list above is pretty good.
All I have to add is to make sure you can set up and take down your tent in the dark, and that a great headlamp is a good investment.

check out steep and cheap


Damn good idea. I'm putting that in my checklist.  

For headlamps, I've got a slight suggestion.  The new BlackDiamond Spot is a decent light, but IMHO, the Petzl Tikka + (both $40) kills it.  Better red light and has more padding up front.  I got the BD and for some reason it's an instant headache every time I put it on.  The BD is supposed to last longer, though.


I've been rocking Petzl headlamps for years.

The Tikka is the best I've used.

Link Posted: 5/24/2016 6:36:12 PM EDT
[#17]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I've been rocking Petzl headlamps for years.



The Tikka is the best I've used.



View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Quoted:


Quoted:


Quoted:

On your first outing - be sure to take something to write on and something to write with. Then you can make a list of stuff that you should have packed and stuff you did not need to pack- you will be more prepared for your next outing...




This is a good plan. My first backpacking trip I brought everything.

The list above is pretty good.

All I have to add is to make sure you can set up and take down your tent in the dark, and that a great headlamp is a good investment.



check out steep and cheap




Damn good idea. I'm putting that in my checklist.  



For headlamps, I've got a slight suggestion.  The new BlackDiamond Spot is a decent light, but IMHO, the Petzl Tikka + (both $40) kills it.  Better red light and has more padding up front.  I got the BD and for some reason it's an instant headache every time I put it on.  The BD is supposed to last longer, though.




I've been rocking Petzl headlamps for years.



The Tikka is the best I've used.



Agree.  The Petzl headlamps are better and get better reviews.  I carry a Petzl Tikka R+ and love it.  Red light is good, adaptive lighting works.  You can recharge it with a battery pack.  My backup is a single cell AAA light I could clip onto the brim of my hat.



 
Link Posted: 5/24/2016 7:22:19 PM EDT
[#18]
Sheath Knife
Boots
Link Posted: 5/24/2016 8:40:09 PM EDT
[#19]



       placeholder for later
 



But I can tell you this for now- quality lightweight gear is important but don't get caught up thinking you need to spend a 2 grand just to get out on an overnight.




I get pissed off at the boutique everything/ high end mentality and ultra snobbery that is alive and well in the 'backpacking' culture. There are bargains and best buys to be had.
Link Posted: 5/24/2016 9:29:55 PM EDT
[#20]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


       placeholder for later  

But I can tell you this for now- quality lightweight gear is important but don't get caught up thinking you need to spend a 2 grand just to get out on an overnight.


I get pissed off at the boutique everything/ high end mentality and ultra snobbery that is alive and well in the 'backpacking' culture. There are bargains and best buys to be had.
View Quote


I've been trying to buy gear lately for a weekend away, 1-2 nights max and every time I come by something that's expensive, the litmus test of whether I really need it or not is determined by what a person walking in the woods 100yrs would have.  

Then again, even Otzi the Iceman had a frame for his backpack.  
Link Posted: 5/25/2016 12:09:15 AM EDT
[#21]

Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
I've been trying to buy gear lately for a weekend away, 1-2 nights max and every time I come by something that's expensive, the litmus test of whether I really need it or not is determined by what a person walking in the woods 100yrs would have.  



Then again, even Otzi the Iceman had a frame for his backpack.  

View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:



Quoted:





       placeholder for later  



But I can tell you this for now- quality lightweight gear is important but don't get caught up thinking you need to spend a 2 grand just to get out on an overnight.





I get pissed off at the boutique everything/ high end mentality and ultra snobbery that is alive and well in the 'backpacking' culture. There are bargains and best buys to be had.





I've been trying to buy gear lately for a weekend away, 1-2 nights max and every time I come by something that's expensive, the litmus test of whether I really need it or not is determined by what a person walking in the woods 100yrs would have.  



Then again, even Otzi the Iceman had a frame for his backpack.  

Syphilis?



 
Link Posted: 5/25/2016 12:46:26 AM EDT
[#22]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Syphilis?
 
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
Quoted:


       placeholder for later  

But I can tell you this for now- quality lightweight gear is important but don't get caught up thinking you need to spend a 2 grand just to get out on an overnight.


I get pissed off at the boutique everything/ high end mentality and ultra snobbery that is alive and well in the 'backpacking' culture. There are bargains and best buys to be had.


I've been trying to buy gear lately for a weekend away, 1-2 nights max and every time I come by something that's expensive, the litmus test of whether I really need it or not is determined by what a person walking in the woods 100yrs would have.  

Then again, even Otzi the Iceman had a frame for his backpack.  
Syphilis?
 


I've been working on that but nothing will stick. I'm going to the local rei tomorrow to see if this staff chuck has some I  the back.
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