9:52 a.m. on June 24, 2010 (EDT)
Don't take this list as gospel as I am putting it together off the top of my head. But this will give you an idea of what you need.
Tent or other form of shelter (tent, bivy, hammock, tarptent etc)
Sleeping bag-i would say a 30F bag at a minimum because temps can drop in late august. This can easily be one of the heaviest items in your pack, lower quality bags are often much heavier.
Sleeping pad-your preference whether foam or inflatable
Camp stove- many types, don't break the bank, they all work pretty good. I often use a cheap coleman sport dual fuel stove, weighs a ton but was cheap and has lasted me over 12 years now.
First aid kit-include general first aid supplies, tylenol, benadryl, imodium ad etc. I do recommend bringing an ace bandage.
Survival kit/repair kit- small or partial roll of duct tape, sewing kit(heavy duty thread), fire starter, some emergency tinder (cotton balls smeared with vaseline etc), 20-30ft of paracord, many other things you can put in also just search around on the forum. A good knife, I prefer a fixed blade knife. MAKE SURE YOU TELL SOMEONE WHERE YOU ARE GOING AND WHEN YOU EXPECT TO RETURN.
Navigation- map and compass, know how to use them, a gps is optional but always always always have a real compass on hand. By real i mean non electric, a traditional magnetic compass. I also like to mark my map with my intended track, water sources etc.
Bear bag or canister-check park regs, you will need one of the two. and need to know how to properly hang a bag if you go that route.
Clothing- can vary alot, but you want a few layers, you wil be the most comfortable with a wicking baselayer, you main layer can be almost anything although alot will argue. General advice though is to avoid cotton and to go with a synthetic or wool material that is quick drying. An insulating layer or jacket could be needed that time of year especially in the evenings. And then have a rain shell of some sort, some rain shells can double as an insulating layer. You probally wont get too chilled in August, but it is better to be prepared then not. Bring an extra pair or two of dry socks at a minimum, although I highly recommend a full change of dry clothes.
Food and water- bring a little more food than you think you will need. I usually pack 1 extra days worth. As far as water goes, I figure on 3 liters of drinking water a day plus water for cooking. Others use less. Research your route for where water is available.
Water filter/treatment- alot of options in this department, everything from a mechanical filter to UV treatment, or purification tablets.
Kitchen set-Personal preferance really, A cooking pot or a container that you can boil water in. This will depend on the types of meals you intend on having. I can bring two pots, or a canteen cup. Depends on your style. I highly recommend a drinking cup for coffee/tea/cocoa/oatmeal if thats your thing, and a small 1 liter pot or so or kettle. After a little cooking you will find what you like so start off simple. And of course utensils, spoon or spork etc.
Bugspray, sunscreen, headlamp, hat, sunglasses are also things to bring along.
Think I covered all of the basics. If you had those items you could easily get by. Many other things are comforts. Like a camp chair or stool. fishing gear, camera gear and whatnot.
If I forgot anything I am sure someone else can chime in. And if you have questions, keep them coming.
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