i KNEW i should have brought that!

[Elixir]

ok, boys and girls. on my adventure the majority of time spent will be camping and hiking with a little time in town for women and supplies. what is a good selection of things to have for extended hiking/camping, being in the woods for 1-2 weeks at a time or longer. i really dont need more luxurious things, like stoves and chairs. more of the barebones, ultralight method. let me know if anyone has some good suggestions!!

[omisan]

Duct tape, zippo fluid, and a sturdy knife.

Don't ask me what they're for, though...

[GoKrazy]

If you are going to be doing a lot of hiking then good shoes and socks become very important.
I definately second duct tape and a good knife. Other stuff I never go camping without:
- bug spray (with DEET)
- matches or lighter (if you are really hardcore you may want to have flint)
- rope or string
- first aid kit
- hand sanitizer (or travel wipes)

[kingcrazylegs]

a stove is really WORTH it - get a Pocket Rocket or something and you'll still be going exremely ultralite! add a MSR pot and you are good to go

25 foot synthetic rope (ultra-thin) = hanging food, clothes line, for repairs, etc.
rain jackett shell
clothing that can be layered
good warm wicking socks (smartwool or wigwam)
cotton clothing only to be used for sleeping
ultrlight sleeping bag
sleeping bag liner (adds temp, protects bag, use on its own if its hot)
water filter/pump
headlamp (pez)
first aide

[TimmyJames1976]

Originally posted by omisan@Sep 20 2005, 10:50 AM
Duct tape, zippo fluid, and a sturdy knife.

Don't ask me what they're for, though...

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to build mini submarine of course....macguyver style

[bluepea]

Of course a knife!! Can't stress that one enough.

Another thing we found super handy was an emergency blanket - you can get them in most sporting goods departments or stores for a couple dollars. It saved our butts on the chilly coast of Ireland and made a good place to put stuff on the sandy campgrounds in Spain and to sit on.

A mini flashlight comes in handy.

I know you said you wouldn't need a chair, but after a few days of sitting on the ground/standing/laying down, you may feel the need to sit on SOMETHING. It's amazing what a difference it makes. We had to break down and buy some cheapos from Carrefour (about 3 euro a piece) just because our legs were so uncomfortable. If a pack works okay though, use that.

We also broke down and bought those cheap mattress pads (uber light and cheap) that you see most every backpacker carrying. If all you have is a ultralight bag, you can feel EVERY rock and bump in the ground and it was worth it again.

[Joker]

For camping, I echo the knife part, but I'd also suggest a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool. Much more useful than a Swiss Army knife, and more flexible.

I just picked up a basic Gerber for $30. It is well worth it.

[kingcrazylegs]

Originally posted by jamiepeaski+Sep 21 2005, 07:42 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jamiepeaski @ Sep 21 2005, 07:42 AM)</div>

thermolite is the way to go, and certainly a must - besides comfort, it also keeps you warm as the gound can make you colder than the air.

<!--QuoteBegin-Joker@Sep 21 2005, 08:38 AM
For camping, I echo the knife part, but I'd also suggest a Leatherman or Gerber multi-tool. Much more useful than a Swiss Army knife, and more flexible.

I just picked up a basic Gerber for $30. It is well worth it.

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Gerber ROCKS!

[ScarlotteDorian]

Originally posted by Elixir@Sep 20 2005, 04:18 AM
on my adventure the majority of time spent will be camping and hiking with a little time in town for women and supplies.

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i'm surprised nobody has commented on this yet. T-Punkers are fallin' behind. "your women..how much for your women?...the little girl...how much for her?"

anyhow, anthon's list is pretty much all you will need plus that thermolite he added and also a H20 bladder (camelpak is the best).

TIPS:
--> don't pack too many clothes. it just ways you down and it's not worth it. like anthon said, dress in layers. a good wicking shirt, one other shirt to change into when you rinse/wash the primary shirt, a fleece, a rain coat shell, 2 pairs of light weight pants that zip off at the knee (WA-LA shorts!), sandals that strap on (for crossing rivers with really sharp rocks & when you need to dry out the boots), good hiking boots, 2 pairs of wicking socks and clean drawers (always a must). **remember**this seems like alot but you'll be wearing most of this.

-->the second and last tip i have is to rethink how often you'll have to go into town for food. i have been doing some reading on hiking the appalachian trail and they suggest that you only plan to carry 10 days of food with you...AT THE MOST. it is way heavier than you think. i found that out when i was carrying 6 days worth of food for two people out in Glacier NP this past summer. UGH!

well, good luck with your travels and don't forget to fill us in on the adventure!

[MolsonGirl]

I agree 100% with the headlamp.... makes stuff sooo much easier at night...

Matches (strike anywhere/ waterproof )
good shoes
good socks
a book (a good one)

[Somnambulation]

I know I cant go hiking without a good stash of beef jerky.

[Elixir]

Originally posted by Somnambulation@Sep 23 2005, 04:04 PM
I know I cant go hiking without a good stash of beef jerky.

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funny story...my buddy and i had a joke of emptying out a can of Skoal and filling it with beef jerkey chew, and in front of everyone at a public place, he commented on his new habit, chewing tobacco. and he put in a huge, huge amount and started chewing it, making disgusted faces and saying "its...its really good".

people thought we were just so dumb.

and thanks for the tips everyone,i really appreciate it. after christmas, we are OUT whewwwwwwwwwww!!!!!!!

[zero]

Lots of beef jerky and a camelpack... Water is Wonderful out there. Dried fruit is a great source of energy too if you are going long days full of hiking...

[danny]

How bush are you going? Are you planning to live off the land? If you are how about a rifle for hunting dinner, or fishing gear. That is only if you are planning to really go out bush and not live of canned food or the like.

[Elixir]

Originally posted by danny@Sep 26 2005, 03:19 AM
How bush are you going? Are you planning to live off the land?* If you are how about a rifle for hunting dinner, or fishing gear. That is only if you are planning to really go out bush and not live of canned food or the like.

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thats more of what im shooting for. fishing is no problem, and i have cool army survival guides and the like for trapping animals. but this is america and some stuff is illegal- dont get caught!!

[danny]

What can't you shoot over there? Can you shoot pigs? Do you have crabs over there too? They are pretty easier to trap and taste really good.

[Joker]

Honestly, my friend Dave goes camping in the High Sierras a lot, and because of the constant threat of bear, he carries a light-weight rifle. You didn't say exactly where you were camping/hiking... so a suggestion. In most states hiking with a rifle is perfectly acceptable given the nastiness that could occur if a certain large mammal wants your Oreos! There are a lotta decent calibers that are suitable for the size animal that you may encounter where you're going. 30-06 or .308 or better. Handgun calibers are only going to piss the bear off.

But other than that, I'd suggest a pair of poncho's, too. One nicer one for you and a cheap nylon one for your pack/gear in case of rain.

Danny, depending on where you are, shooting random animals may make you succeptible to a myriad of hunting laws. As a sometimes hunter, the last thing you want it a ranger to come in and nail you for it. But in terms of self defense, its perfectly okay.

[kingcrazylegs]

I've never felt the need to carry a gun while hiking, not even when I'm in bear country. I've never felt like I was in any danger in the backcounty either. I'm smart and hang my food and all that jazz.

[hot momma]

3 things I would add to the list:

large heavy duty trash bag - put in your pack as a liner - keep all water out!

large freezer size zip-lock bags - for clothes and other thing you don't want to get wet.

or even better, spend them money and get a Sealine dry sack. Fill it with clothes and it dubs as a pillow at night.

[Elixir]

good thinkin with the trash bag liner ^^^

i am getting a can of bear mace (maybe two), i read it a while ago that it is the most surefire method of defense against a bear. the stuff is so powerful that when iwas considering buying a can (US $30), someone accidently let one off and they evacuated the entire store for about 3 hours. its strong stuff!!