By Nick O’Neill
Other Items I Take
- 3 pairs of underwear.
- 3 pairs of socks
- 3 t-shirts
- Hat (your choice)
- Long-sleeve t-shirt
- 1 pair jeans
- 1 pair cotton pants
- Swiss Army knife
- Metal water bottle
- Collapsible water bottle (large)
- Swimming gear
- Shorts
- Tensile tarp (made by Mountain Hardware)
- Neck warmer
- 1 small towel
- Toilet gear (including sun screen and condoms)
I put all my gear inside two large plastic bin liners inside my pack. A wet night in Denali National Park four years ago taught me to start doing this.
Special Items
"Travel Box": I have 2 mess tins (9×5-inch aluminum tins) that fit inside each other to form a box. When camping I use these for cooking or as a container for food. I also use them to carry an assortment of handy items, such as:
- Folding knife
- Sharpening stone
- Flexible steel saw
- Cigarette lighter
- Spoon
- Maglite
- Pencil
- 10 yards fishing line and fish hooks
- Fire-starting tablets
- Candle
- Space blanket
I am amazed at how often I am reaching into this box for something. It may even help to save my life someday.
Do you have to bring everything I’ve mentioned? Certainly not. Do bring a water bottle, a hat and a knife though.
What about cameras and journals?
You know, there are good reasons to take a nice camera along on a trip, including being able to get great shots of spectacular places and record those unforgettable moments. However, there are also some good reasons not to bring expensive gear with you:
- They cost a lot to start with. That money could be better spent.
- The expensive camera or other item could be damaged.
- The expensive camera or other item could be lost.
- The expensive camera or other item could be stolen.
- They have to be lugged about.
- You constantly have to worry about this stuff.
Get the message? In my experience the folks who are the least stressed are the ones with the lightest packs and the fewest valuables. If you want to keep a journal on paper, that is up to you. Many people enjoy doing this while travelling.
Finally, a wise man and good friend of mine once said, "Travelling is about having an adventure. Imagine climbing into a river and holding onto the bank while the water flows past. You may be in the river, but you will only go somewhere when you let go of the bank."
It’s time to get your backpack on and let go!
