ITS Tactical

The Handy Dandy Backpacking Checklist for Summer Adventures

Jeff More

Do you feel like going backpacking this summer, but haven’t streamlined the packing and planning process?

Today I’m sharing the checklist I use for backpacking with the hope that you’ll be able to use it during your own planning. With food, water and Nikon DSLR, my pack that this list is based on weighs in at about 28 lbs. This list is certainly not all-encompassing, so feel free to edit and tailor it to your climate (mosquitos? hot/cold/humid/dry?), legalities (bear cans?, no ground fires?, CCW permitted?) and style (comfort on foot vs comfort at camp?). Just to give you an idea of what kind of backpacking I’m doing with the gear in this checklist, I’m usually in California’s Eastern Sierra during the summer on easy well-traveled terrain where navigation is a no-brainer.

Aside from the necessities, I allow myself one indulgence which is usually my DSLR. Sometimes I ditch the DSLR and pack a point-and-shoot camera with a flask of rye whisky instead. Some may opt for a camp chair frame, the kind where you slide your mattress inside for a padded seat with a minimal weight penalty, but I just sit on my bear can. Your adventure is your own; pack what suits you.

This article is split into two templates. First, a packing checklist. Copy this into Google Docs, Evernote or wherever you keep all your notes and documents. Second, a Google Docs emergency contact template that I share with others in my group. I have them add in their personal information (to include emergency contact information like a family member or girlfriend) and then right before we punch out of work on Friday, I copy, paste and mass-mail it to their emergency contact.

Without further ado:

Procedural Stuff to do at Home Before Heading Out

Stuff to Pack

Navigation

Sun/Bug Protection

Clothing

Illumination

First Aid

Fire

Repair

Food

Hydration

Shelter

Other Stuff

Stuff to Throw in the Car

Emergency Contact Info Template

Copy and edit this spreadsheet to suit your trip and email to each party members’ significant others or family. This example is for a backpacking trip at 20 Lakes Basin.

This is the emergency contact information for your spouse/SO/child regarding the backpacking trip they are going on with me. See below for relevant information.

“We will be off the grid and therefore out of cell phone contact from mid-morning Saturday until noon Sunday. Do not call Search and Rescue unless we have not checked in by Monday morning. Inyo National Forest Ranger station: (760) 873-2485.”

View in Google Docs

Summary of Activities

Weather Forecast

Visit NOAA.gov to find the forecast for your location.

Route

It’s best to snap a photo with the topographic view of your destination and share the route information with your emergency contact.

“We will trace counter-clockwise on the loop towards the top. Weather is expected to be clear with zero precipitation, highs in the 80s and lows in the high 40s or low 50s.”

© Google Maps

Schedule

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Estimated Cost

Plan Your Own Adventure!

This article should serve as a great starting point to help you plan your next weekend adventure. Feel free to customize the packing checklist to fit your own needs be sure to send us a postcard.

“I am a happy camper so I guess I’m doing something right.” – Henry David Thoreau

Editor-in-Chief’s Note: Jeff lives in Los Angeles and serves as our resident Eastern Sierra correspondent. He’s buckling down for the next Sharknado, but in the meantime is throwing the occasional blog post up on skunkabilly.com.

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