I like to get a head start packing my backpack. Having my pack loaded several months in advance allows me to hike with it and to eliminate what I will not need or to add something essential. The absolute key is to keep the pack light. I may get sick of wearing the same things over and over again, but I thank myself as I climb a long difficult mountain that I decided to not be the trail fashion plate! Without water my pack is about 15 pounds.
List:
Pack & rain cover – my pack is a REI Traverse 48 liter women’s pack with a rain cover and a sleeve for a hydration system. I insert a Sea to Summit Ultra Dry Sack for the hydration system just incase of a leak
Hiking poles – They save my knees on the downhill and propel me uphill. Hiking poles have to be checked on the plane. I have a pole bag that I have made just for this purpose.
Boots – well broken in and waterproof!
2 hiking shirts
1 pair of zip off hiking pants
1 1/2 zip fleece for evening or for layering on cold days
1 base layer wool shirt such as Smartwool
1 down jacket- Mt. Hardware ghost whisper jacket is warm and very lightweight
2 pairs hiking socks
1 pair of hut shoes/sandals
1 bandana – I tie this to my pack so that I am not always reaching for tissues.
2 pairs underwear
1 pair waterproof gloves for warmth and rain
rain jacket – quality counts! A wet day is a miserable day so get the good jacket!
rain pants – ditto above!
1 hat with a visor. I use it for sun and under my rain jacket hood.
1 ear band or warm cap
1 pair long pants/tights for evening or days off
sleeping attire for communal living
head lamp for emergencies or after lights are off in the hut
bathing suit
guide book/maps
GPS loaded with appropriate software
batteries for GPS
Smartphone and charger – I use my phone for my camera, storing reservation confirmations, as well as communication. I get an international plan for my phone for the length of my trip. I made sure that the charger was compliant with 220.
adapter plug for the countries I visit
sun glasses
ziplock bags for storage on a wet day, pack organization, wallet, snacks, etc.
small towel – rei pack towel
sleep sack (silk is light weight) for the huts. They provide a pillow & blanket.
toiletries: ie. toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, shampoo, soap, sun screen, medications, lotion, chapstick, minimal makeup, etc.
First Aid: ie. bandaids, mole skin, small scissors, ibuprofen, etc.
small zippered pouch for passport, drivers license, insurance cards, alpine club card, 2 credit cards, debit card, etc.
Satellite GPS Messenger – I use a SPOT. This allows family and friends to see where I am on the trail and to know I am safely done for the day. I can also send a signal that I need help. I pay a small fee for a helicopter rescue if it were needed.
batteries for SPOT
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