BACKPACKING LIST FOR
4TH LEVEL OVERNIGHT HIKE
BACKPACKING LIST For Overnight Hike
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• Backpack - Must have sturdy frame and Hip Belt
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• Sleeping Bag – Lightweight, but warm and made for cold night temperature. No heavy flannel bags. Must be able to attach to backpack.
• Foam Pad or air pad to go under sleeping bag for padding and protection from cold ground temperature. Foam pads are usually lighter. Must be able to attach to backpack.
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• Sturdy hiking shoes. Please make sure they are well broken in and fit well. Heavy, bulky boots can get tiresome. Strong, sturdy, yet lightweight and comfortable are best. Waterproof if possible. (No converse tennis shoe type)
• Socks for hiking. Bring an extra pair in case of soiling (stepping in water).
• HEAVY thick socks to sleep in. Bring extra if you want to layer socks.
• Clothing to sleep in – thermals or sweats/pjs and tops (hoodies, fleece, etc.). It gets cold at night!
• Clothing for the following day. Can be the same pants and hoodie as the day before if desired. Remember you don’t want to bring too much that will weigh your pack down. Be sensible.
• LONG pants ONLY on the hike
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• Lightweight Rain poncho or large plastic trash bag for rain poncho.
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• Flashlight (lightweight) with extra batteries. Flashlights are absolutely a MUST!
• Pocketknife and Whistle
• Visor or hat (optional) (the sun beats down during the hike)
• 1-gallon Zip lock bags (at least 3), to carry your own garbage out or for storing other items
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• Fanny or waist pack (optional). It’s nice to be able to have some things to get at easily, like chapstick, insect repellant, Kleenex, etc.
• Sun glasses (optional) (please do not bring expensive glasses that might get broken)
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• Toilet paper and/or wipes & small hand sanitizer
• Small plastic shovel (garden trowel)
• Basic First-Aid items
• Sunscreen
EACH individual WILL HAVE A PARTNER(s) for sleeping arrangements.
The following items are to be coordinated with partners, so just one of you are carrying them.
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• 2-3 person tent. Lightweight (but made for cold weather). Must be able to attach to backpack. (Partners can take turns carrying the heavier backpacks)
• Ground cloth or tarp (to go under the tent and protect from ground)
• Small backpacking stove (more info. on this will be given at the required Parent meeting)
• fuel for stove
FOOD and WATER
Each individual will need to bring food for dinner and breakfast (and snacks). They can coordinate with their partners to prepare a meal together, or bring their own food. Additional information will be given at the required Parent meeting. Each person should bring enough water to drink, as well as to make their food with (if using water). Leaders will provide some filtered water, but it is a good idea for the girls to have their own. Eating utensils is a must also.
Food Requirements on Overnight Hike
Lightweight & compact. No heavy cooking gear necessary, just a mini stove for boiling water and making instant meals. Nutritious. Backpacking is hard work and expends a lot of calories and nutrients. It's important for the food to be dense in nutrients and calories in order to refuel the body. Must be safe to carry without refrigeration. All food items to be contained in Ziplock baggies. Canned items are heavy and not easily disposable. Anything you bring up, you also bring back.
You will need: at least 2 full plastic water bottles for boiling water and Utensils for eating (bowl or plate, spoon, fork, napkins)
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Food Ideas and Suggestions:
Ramen Noodles
Pre-cooked and packaged chicken or tuna pouches
Instant Rice packets (or other instant meals)
Instant potatoes
MRE (Meals Ready to Eat) (freeze dried)
Mountain House Meals (freeze dried) (Walmart, found in the camping aisle)(Amazon)
Harmony House soup or chili kit/mix packets
Oatmeal packets
granola / energy bars
Trail mix packets
Beef Jerky
Fruit leathers
tortillas (and instant rice or freeze dried meal)
Hot chocolate packets (bring in separate ziplock baggies!)
Mini packets Tang or Gatorade
Rice Krispie treats or other sweet treat (that won’t get smashed in backpack)
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