Packing 101: Everything You Need for a Weekend in the Woods
There’s no better way to recharge your batteries than by spending a relaxing weekend enjoying the great outdoors.
By no means exhaustive, here’s a basic checklist of what you’ll need for a couple of nights off the grid. This list assumes a short hike into your campsite. If you plan on canoeing or doing an extended hike into a more remote site, consult with a guide or qualified outfitter on what additional gear you’ll require (i.e. dry bags, personal floatation devices, etc.).
Travel
backpack
Accommodation
tent
rain tarp
sleeping bag and compression sack
lightweight sleeping pad
ropes (to hang up food, make a clothesline, support a tarp)
LUXURY ITEM: pillow (small camp pillows are available)
Cooking Supplies
waterproof sack or dry bag to store and hang your food and cooking supplies
biodegradable soap (multiuse for washing dishes and you!)
dish rag and dishcloth to wash and dry dishes
water container
water bottle (i.e. Nalgene)
dishes, cup, utensils (check out www.flatworld.co.uk)
cooking pots
pot holder
camp stove with extra fuel (propane or other)
trash bags (pack-in, pack-out)
Clothes
under-apparel
2-3 short sleeve shirts
pair of shorts (quick-dry, no cotton)
long sleeve undershirt (polypropylene or other wicking material)
long underwear
warm pullover (sweat shirt, fleece jacket)
warm pants (sweat pants, fleece pants)
rain jacket
rain pants
2 pairs warm wool or synthetic socks
2 pairs light wool or synthetic socks
sun hat and toque (and gloves for wimps)
swimsuit
towel
sturdy shoe or sandal that can get wet (i.e. Teva, Keen)
Toiletries
(hang all toiletries with food/cooking utensils in a dry bag)
toilet paper
bug spray
sunscreen
unscented deodorant
all the usual suspects (toothbrush/paste, hairbrush, contact lens solution, etc.)
Essentials
candle
compass
emergency blanket
first aid kit and prescription medications
flashlight or headlamp with extra bulb and batteries
pocket knife
topographic map
water filtration/purification system
waterproof matches in waterproof container
whistle
Miscellaneous
bear spray (depending on where you’ll be camping)
binoculars
camera
entertainment (cards, reading material, writing paper/pen, etc.)
park permit
sunglasses
Quick Tips
When packing your backpack it’s important to consider balance, comfort and ease of access. Heavier items should be placed in the bottom, with spiky or sharp items toward the rear or outside of your pack. Fuel, sunscreen, insect repellent and other items you’ll want easy access to should be stored at the top of your pack or in outside stash pockets.
