What is in your backpack?  …What does your backpack weigh?  …How much would all of that cost?  Each of these questions has been asked multiple times to the Get Out More Team.  The best answer we have ever and could ever give to any of those questions has always been… 

 There is not simply one correct way to backpack. 

We have always believed that one of the most attractive aspects of a backpacking lifestyle is the opportunity to hike your own hike and create your own backpacking style. 

The industry offers a multitude of equipment options and there are numerous environments that require unique accessories and supplies.

There is not one magic backpacking kit that can be created and outfitted to the backpacking masses. 

We do believe, however, that we can use an Example Backpacking Kit (a backpacking kit created as a result of evaluating equipment we have personally backpacked with) to demonstrate the variety of equipment options that are both available to the modern backpacker and most importantly essential to the modern backpacker. 

If you have attended a Backpacker Magazine 2010 Get Out More Tour presented by Woolrich event you have had the opportunity to witness an evaluation of an Example Backpacking Kit and experience a discussion by Sheri and Randy Propster emphasizing the need to coordinate the appropriate skills and knowledge to match your destination with the equipment choices necessary to prepare yourself with those items that have been proven to allow people to stay safe and comfortable while traveling by backpack.

Consider this article to be a supplement to that discussion. 

The following backpacking kit is an example of an Example Backpacking Kit that could be and has been seen on the Get Out More Tour.  The Example Backpacking Kit is set up for a three season weekend adventure (winter camping would require additional equipment) that requires staying outdoors overnight.  No particular destination has been used in the preparation of this Example Backpacking Kit, so be aware that specific destinations may require specific equipment not found in this Example.

For each item we will give the manufacturer’s name followed by the name given to the individual item (Links have been provided to manufacturers’ websites when available), we will list the weight of each individual item and provide a total backpacking weight for the entire Example Backpacking Kit.  We will also list the MSRP of each individual item as well as a total cost for the entire Example Backpacking Kit.

The equipment choices will be categorized by the ESSENTIAL SYSTEM that each of the individual items represent.  The order will attempt to follow a logical progression of the demands of the trail.

As Seen On Tour: A Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit

Backpack:  Simply by definition if we are backpacking we will need to have a backpack.  While not considered an Essential System, our comfort depends heavily upon how we carry all of our gear and a backpack that properly matches our Torso length, has an appropriate Volume for the amount of gear we will need, and has a carrying capacity that is capable of bearing the weight of our equipment choices is going to be necessary for us to achieve the comfort we desire.

Deuter ACT lite 65+10 

Weight:  3 lb 15 oz.     Cost:  $189.00

Sea to Summit Pack Liner 

Weight:  2.6 oz.            Cost:  $34.95

Sea to Summit Pack Cover w/ Cordura® Brand Fabric 

Weight:  4 oz.               Cost:  $39.95

 

INSULATION:  If we are doing anything in the outdoors we need to ensure we are dressed for the occasion.  Our Insulation System is essential to our comfort and our survival.  Our bodies can’t get too hot or too cold.  We need to maintain a comfortable thermal equilibrium in a wide variety of conditions so we utilize a system of layers consisting of shell layers (s), insulating layers (i) and base layers (b) that will allow us to add and remove layers as needed to match the conditions of our destination.  We include our clothing, footwear, sleeping bag and sleeping pad in our INSULATION SYSTEM.

Clothing:

 Woolrich Confluence Jacket  (s)

Weight:  11 oz.             Cost:  $120.00

Mountain Hardware Epic Pants  (s)

Weight:   8 oz.              Cost:  $90.00

Woolrich Men’s Hemisphere Convertible Pants (i/b)

Weight:  10.5 oz           Cost:  N/A

  Woolrich Men’s Downstream Tee  (i/b)

Weight:  7.8 oz.            Cost:  $30.00

Woolrich Trailhead Microfleece Pullover (i)

Weight:  9.7 oz.            Cost:  $45.00

Polartec Power Stretch Gloves (i)

Weight:   1.7 oz.           Cost:  $28.00 

Integral Designs Primalid with Primaloft  Hat (i)

Weight:  2 oz.               Cost:  $30.00

Polartec Power Dry in Patagonia Capilene 4 Bottom(b)

Weight:  6.5 oz.            Cost:  $65.00

Polartec Power Dry in Marmot Lightweight Crew LS (b)

Weight:  6 oz.               Cost: $42.00

Polartec Power Dry in Patagonia Capilene 4 Top (b)

Weight:  8.4 oz.            Cost:  $85.00

Underwear (b)  (2 pair @ 3 oz. and $25.00)

Weight:  6 oz                 Cost:   $50.00

 

Footwear:  Our mode of transportation will be our feet, so the appropriate footwear is critical to our success.  We count on a combination of socks and shoes that match our destination to keep our feet dry, cushioned and comfortable.  We always choose our socks first and then use them to try on our shoes because simply changing our socks can change the amount of volume our feet occupy inside our shoe, so it is critical that we create a sock and shoe partnership.  Regaurless of the length of our adventure we choose to backpack with three pairs of socks.  Three pairs of socks allows us to be prepared for any conditions we might face because with three pairs we have one pair we could wear, a second pair that can be washed or be wet, and a third pair that is always dry.  We also consider our trekking poles as an example of equipment that helps support our bodies while carrying a heavy load in rugged terrain so they will be listed here as well.

Woolrich Ten Mile Socks    (3 Pairs @ 2.5 oz. and $13.00)

Weight:  7.5 oz.            Cost:  $39.00

Kayland Zephyr  (Editors Choice)

Weight:  1 lb 3 oz.        Cost:  $190.00

LEKI Trekking Poles 

Weight:  14.6 oz.         Cost:  $179.00

 

Sleeping Bag:  Our sleeping bag will help insulate our bodies throughout the cooler conditions that coincide with an outdoor overnight stay.  We always consider temperature rating and fill materials when making our sleeping bag choices so as to ensure that our sleeping bag will be able to match the conditions of our destination.

EMS Velocity 30° with Primaloft 

Weight:  2 lb 5 oz.       Cost:  $189.00

Sea to Summit 8L e-VAC Dry Sack 

Weight:  2 oz.               Cost:  $19.95

 

Sleeping Pad:  Our sleeping pad is the second piece of our backcountry bed and will work with our sleeping bag to help insulate our bodies from the cool ground below us.  Our options include closed cell foam and inflatable air core pads.  We evaluate the relationship between weight, comfort and convenience when determining the appropriate sleeping pad for our adventure.

Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad with Primaloft 

Weight:  1 lb 5 oz.        Cost:  $79.95 

 

FIRE:  We consider our Fire System to be an extension of our ability to stay Insulated.  If we were to become cold and wet beyond the capacity of our Insulation System we would utilize our Fire building skills and the following supplies to create warmth with a fire.  We like to keep a small supply of fire building equipment in an emergency kit kept on our person so we will be prepared in the unlikely case that we were to become separated from our backpack during an emergency situation.

Weatherproof Matches

Weight:  0.6 oz.           Cost:  $5.00

Fire Starter and Tinder 

Weight:  0.32 oz.         Cost:  $11.00

 

HYDRATION:  It is essential that we stay hydrated!  Our bodies are made up of about 60% water and we can easily lose a half of a liter of fluids an hour during even light activity.  We always start with a supply of water and know where we will be able to re-supply water.  We always carry some type of water filtering or purifying treatment so as to ensure our water is safe to drink.  In addition to the portion of our hydration system carried in our backpacks we also  carry a few purifying tablets and a large square of aluminum foil which could be used to create a container for a supply of water in an emergency kit kept on our person so we will be prepared in the unlikely case that we were to become separated from our backpack during an emergency situation.

Water Purifying Tablets 

Weight:  0.5 oz.            Cost:  $9.95

Large Square of Aluminum Foil

Weight:  0.25 oz.            Cost:  $1.00

Deuter Streamer 3.0 Reservoir 

Weight:  6 oz.               Cost:  $28.00

Woolrich Aluminum Bottle

Weight:  4.5 oz.           Cost:  Free*

Sawyer 3-way Filter 

Weight:  1.8 oz.           Cost:  $55.00

Sea to Summit 10L Folding Bucket 

Weight:  2.8 oz.           Cost:  $25.00

Sea to Summit Pocket Shower 

Weight:  4.25 oz.         Cost:  $27.00

*Be one of the first fifty participants to attend a 2010 Backpacker Magazine Get Out More Tour presented by Woolrich event and you will receive a bottle as a gift.

  

NUTRITION:  We search for an appropriate balance of fats, proteins and carbohydrates when creating our backcountry meals.  We include our food, camp kitchen, and food storage method in our Nutrition System.

Food:  We typically search out high calories in light weight packages.  We always keep a high calorie snack in an emergency kit kept on our person so we will be prepared in the unlikely case that we were to become separated from our backpack during an emergency situation.  

High Calorie Snack

Weight:  2.5 oz.           Cost:  $2.00

6,000 Calories (Weekend Backpacking Adventure) *

Weight:  3 lb 2 oz.       Cost:  $30.00

*the amount of calories, weight of food, and cost of food will vary largely from adventure to adventure and individual to individual.  Remember this example backpacking kit is just that an example intended to be used as a supplemental guide to the 2010 Get Out More Tour.

Camp Kitchen:

Soto OD – 1R Micro Regulator Stove 

Weight:  2.6 oz.            Cost:  $69.95

Fuel Canister

Weight:  4 oz.               Cost:  $5.00

Cook Pot

Weight:  5 oz.               Cost:  $30.00

Sea to Summit Alpha Cutlery 

Weight:  0.3 oz.            Cost:  $6.95

Storage Method:

OPSAK Odor Proof Barrier Bag 

Weight:  1.5 oz.            Cost:  $11.75

Utility Cord (50 Feet)

Weight:  3.5 oz.            Cost:  $5.00

 

NAVIGATION:  We will definitely need to know where we are going so a map and compass are essential.  We prefer to keep our map and compass protected in a weather-proof case and we store our map and compass on our person, saving time and energy versus having to stop and get our map and compass out of our pack each and every time we need to make a directional decision.  Consistently monitoring our map and compass will benefit our ability to orient and be proactive in our efforts to stay on route.  We also consider our timepiece an integral part of our navigation system.

Map in a Sea to Summit TPU Case 

Weight:  0.7 oz.                 Cost:  $14.95*                               

Timex WS4 or E-Altimeter wristwatch

Weight:  3 oz. or 5 oz.      Cost:  $200.00

*Map weight and cost not included.  Map weight and cost will vary greatly from destination to destination.

FIRST-AID:  Once we hit the trail we need to be sure we are prepared to help ourselves in the event of minor injuries.  Our First-Aid Kit needs to match our destination, the length of our adventure, the number of people on our adventure, and our own personal health needs.  We are always sure to have the skills necessary to utilize all of the equipment in our First-Aid Kit so we could positively respond to any and all accidents and emergencies.  We also consider supplies for our personal hygiene as proactive First-Aid.

AMK Ultralight/Watertight .5 Medical Kit 

Weight:  3.65 oz.        Cost:  $17.00

Tooth Brush and tooth Paste

Weight:  1 oz.              Cost:  $2.00

Toiletries (plastic bags and toilet paper)

Weight:  2 oz.               Cost:  $2.00

Sea to Summit IPOOD Pocket Trowel 

Weight:  3.5 oz.          Cost:  $19.95

Hand Sanitizer

Weight:  0.5 oz.          Cost:  $3.50

Pocket Soap 

Weight:  0.5 oz.          Cost:  $3.95

Sea to Summit 2L Ultra-Sil Dry Sack 

Weight:  0.8 oz.          Cost:  $11.95

 

SUN and SKIN PROTECTION:  One of our favorite aspects of our adventures in the outdoors is soaking up the sunshine, but too much off a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing when it comes to sun burn.  It is essential that we stay sun smart while playing in the outdoors and we also know that protecting ourselves from those pesky insects will definitely enhance the fun factor while out on trail. 

Sunscreen

Weight:  1 oz.              Cost:  $9.00

Hat

Weight:  2 oz.          Cost:  $15.00

Sunglasses* and Deuter Glasses Pouch 

Weight:   2 oz.            Cost:  $11.95

Lip Balm

Weight:  0.2 oz.         Cost:  $2.00

Bug Repellent

Weight:  0.8 oz.         Cost:  $3.00

*Sunglasses weight and cost not included.  Sunglasses will vary greatly in price and style.

COMMUNICATION:  If we find ourselves in an emergency situation that requires assistance, it is essential that we have the ability to bring attention to ourselves.  We utilize a communication system that would enable us to be seen or heard by others who are nearby as well as modern satellite technology that will allow us to communicate to emergency services from just about anywhere in the world.  We keep our whistle and mirror in an emergency kit kept on our person so we will be prepared in the unlikely case that we were to become separated from our backpack during an emergency situation.

Whistle 

Weight:   0.2 oz.         Cost:  $2.99

 Signaling Mirror

Weight:   1.2 oz.         Cost:  $10.00

SPOT Satellite GPS Messenger

Weight:    5.2 oz.       Cost:  $149.95

 

ILLUMINATION:  Our illumination system will also function as part of our communication system due to the fact that a strobe light (flashing headlamp) is one of the most effective ways to bring attention to ourselves at night.  We will be staying out overnight so a light source will be an essential need after the sun goes down.

Brunton RL4 (headlamp with strobe)

Weight:  2 oz.             Cost:  $42.00

 

REPAIR KITS AND TOOLS:  We always keep a knife or multi-tool as part of an emergency kit kept on our person so we will be prepared in the unlikely case that we were to become separated from our backpack during an emergency situation.  Not only is a knife an essential piece of survival equipment, but knives and tools are useful when making gear repairs and adjustments, when making a fire and when preparing meals among countless other uses.

Gerber  Octane

Weight:  5 oz.           Cost:  $67.50

 

SHELTER:  Even on a day hike we make sure to bring along some type of emergency shelter, an emergency blanket or bivy could be the difference between life and death if we were to become stranded in the outdoors overnight unexpectedly.  On our planned overnight adventures we often take a tent that can accommodate both of us.  We always divide the weight of our shelter so that we would both have a working shelter in the event that we were to become separated.  One of us will carry the tent body and poles and the other will carry the fly and the stakes.  This example backpacking kit is set up for a solo adventure and therefore includes a lightweight bivy and a tarp.

Big Agnes Three Wire Bivy w/ Cordura®Brand Fabric 

Weight:  1 lb 12 oz.   Cost:  $299.95 

Sea to Summit Tarp-Poncho w/Cordura® Brand Fabric 

Weight:  12 oz.           Cost:  $84.95

 

LUXURY ITEMS:  The benefit of efficiently organizing our equipment choices is seen in our ability to include luxury items in our example backpacking kit.   In addition to the Essential Systems that we will need to be safe and comfortable we can also include equipment in our example backpacking kit we would consider wants.

Game, iPod, Book and Sea to Summit TPU Case 

Weight:  10 oz.        Cost:  $*

*Luxury items are a very personal decision.  We evaluate the relationship between weight, comfort and convenience when determining the appropriate balance for our adventures.  The luxury items in our example backpacking kit weight 10 ounces, but the cost of luxury items will vary greatly and are therefore not included.

The Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit Weight and Cost Totals*:

            Total Backpacking Weight:  26 lbs 12.46 oz.         

 Total Cost:  $2,841.99

*The Total Backpacking Weight of the Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit is based on measurements taken by Randy and Sheri Propster on the scales at Apex Outdoor Gear in Grand Rapids Michigan (thanks to Mark and his great staff for hosting a fantastic Get Out More event and for allowing us to use the scales).  The Total Price of the Get Out More Example Kit is based on MSRP provided on manufactures websites and/or at online retailers.

The weight of this Example Backpacking Kit is a Total Backpacking Weight.  We define a Total Backpacking Weight as the sum of our From The Skin Out Weight, our Consumable Weight and our Base Weight.  The only weight not represented in the Total Backpacking Weight of this Example Backpacking Kit is the weight of Water.  The amount of Water needed for an adventure is dependant upon multiple factors and has therefore not been included in the Total Backpacking weight of the Example Backpacking Kit. 

Please use the Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit only as a guide, you will need to evaluate your destination, skills and equipment for each unique outdoor adventure, and remember that each of us will have our own unique balance concerning weight comfort and convenience, so what works for us may not work for you. 

We are well aware that it is possible to put together a lighter example kit just as it is possible to put together a heavier example kit.  We could put together a less expensive example kit and we could put together a more expensive example kit.  The example kit that we utilize on the Get Out More Tour is specifically designed to emphasize the importance of meeting the needs of the Essential Systems while highlighting the wide range of equipment options that are available to us as modern outdoor travelers.  The Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit was created with the intention of preparing travelers by providing them with information theywill need to safely and comfortably search out the fun of an overnight outdoor adventure.

We hope this supplemental information is useful to those of you who have experienced the Get Out More Tour.

Please use this information in any way you feel necessary while planning for your next adventure, create your own unique style, and passionately hike your own hike.

As always we will enable comments on this article, so we invite you to offer any options that you feel would be of supplemental help to your fellow outdoorsmen and women.  Thank You.

See You Outside,

Sheri and Randy Propster

Tags: Backpacker Magazine Get Out More Tour, backpacking supplies, Get Out More Example Backpacking Kit, Randy Propster, Sheri Propster, What do I need to backpack, What's in a backpack

This entry was posted on Saturday, July 3rd, 2010 at 3:55 am and is filed under Advice From the Experts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.