Essentials for every outdoor excursion

The items on the list are so essential that you shouldn't even consider going anywhere without them. Seriously. Many times when I have left these items behind, I have regretted it.

• Extra clothing
• Extra food and water (min. 2L)
• First-aid kit
• Map (in waterproof case)
• Compass
• Flashlight/headlamp (w/ batteries) (w/ backup)
• Waterproof matches/lighter (w/ backup)
• Fire starter
• Knife (Leatherman, Swiss Army)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water filter/purification
• Whistle

Essentials for overnight trips

• Sleeping bag
• Thermarest
• Tent
• Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
• Earplugs
• Extra contacts, eyeglasses

Essentials for rainy weather

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Several large plastic/garbage bags to protect pack, contents

Essentials for mountaineering/snow trips

• Snow stakes for tent
• Snow shovel
• Ice axe
• Snow shoes
• Gaiters
• Avalanche tranceiver

Nice to have items

• Camera, film
• Good book to read
• Journal/paper, pen
• Thermarest chair
• GPS
• Altimeter
• Waterless liquid soap

Essentials depending on the type of excursion

• Silverware (fork, knife, spoon)
• Plate
• Large trashbag
• Zip lock bags
• Bug spray
• Large black garbage bag [for glissading, etc.]
• Several small ziplock bags
• Large backpack
• Liquid soap (no soap at most campgrounds...)
• Rope (1001 uses...)
• Pen, pencil, maybe black marker (useful for signs, notes)

Car camping "nice to haves"

Clothing suggestions

• Hat - this is the single best item you can take. Best warmth/weight/cost return.
• Gloves
• Thick hiking socks
• Thin sock liners

Food suggestions

• Mucho snacky food (trail mix, gummy bears, swiss cheese)
• Mashed potatos
• Dried or fresh fruit
• Crackers, cheeses [cool weather only]

Sandy's Old List

*Clothing - recommend long underwear, fleece pant & jacket, ski
jacket, plus shorts & t-shirt if it gets really warm.  Bring at least two extra
pairs of socks.  Don't forget stocking cap, baseball cap, & mittens!  Bandannas
are good for runny noses
*Stove/fuel (GOT)
*Pot (GOT)
*Bowl/spoon/thermal mug for hot drinks (I've melted Nalgene bottles)