XUL gear list

I went on my first backpacking excursion in 1967. About 10 of us spent 7 arduous days and covered a whopping 50 miles! Anyway, I was hooked and have been hiking ever since.

I have a reasonable base weight. A little over 5lb in winter and under 3 in July and August (No insulation needed in Texas).

When I read gear lists on the forum or out on the net there are some items that I consider essential that don’t ever seem to appear. I’m just wondering how people get around carrying some things. Your gear list is very insightful and I would really appreciate if you could enlighten me.

1. Zip lock freezer bags – to double bag used TP, to store my trash and trash I collect from the trail, to use as emergency water carrier, to use as a pillow.

2. ID – I carry a driver’s license and a card with emergency contact info, allergies, blood type, etc.

3. Pen – for trailhead register.

4. Truck key!

5. Permits

6. Map – even if it is one of those State Park maps. Just to get my bearings.

7. Cash & Credit Card – for registration and in case my truck is broken into or won’t start at the trailhead.

8. Laminated 3X5 picture of Angelina Jolie.

Don’t you at least carry some of this stuff? I don’t carry much emergency gear other than what is in my head, but I can’t imagine travelling the trail without any of these things.

Please enlighten me.

You bet! Thanks for bringing this up. I was wondering the same thing. I put this on my gear list and keep these in a Alosak (sp?):

car key , skeletonized, (0.2)
drivers license (0.15)
credit card (0.17)
medical history and medication card (0.17)
health insurance card (0.10)

These are essential items to get to the trailhead and you can’t leave them in the car. I also end up with some cash (0.03 per bill), and leave change in the car.

On long trails I usually carry another credit card or two, phone card, some cash and some quarters for a pay phone (0.2 each).