Backpacking 101

Silence is a scarce resource in New York. People talk louder, cars move faster, and business is more than usual. The roar of capitalism drowns out Mother Nature, and only the symbolic pigeon or curated park remains. Our soul screams for silence. We drive to the Jersey Shore, book a resort in the Catskills, or medicate in a last-ditch effort. Man's progress has waged a war on Mother Nature, and in turn, our inner peace.

As mankind pushes forward, I choose to push back. I am a backpacker, choosing to detach from a society so desperate for connection. I am on a silent journey of introspection and peace. In the forest, you embark on a trip grounding you to a long-forgotten reality. I want to share this connection with you.

I have compiled a backpacking gear list to help you prepare for your journey. The hardest step is the first, and I am here to help. By no means is my list perfect, but after almost a decade of trial and error, I have come to this.

Inside my Osprey Exos 58L

Contents of my Backpack (The Osprey Exos 58L)

· Tent: Big Agnes Spur UL2

· Sleeping Bag: Nemo Disco 15o

· Sleeping Pad: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm

· Extra Pad: Nemo Switchback*

· Trekking Poles: Black Diamond Trail Cork

· Estwing Hatchet*

· Bear Canister: BearVault 450 (7.2 L, recommended for 3-4 day trips), 500 (11.5 L, recommended for 7 day trips)*

· Trail Runners: Altra Lone Peak

· Socks: Darn Tough (Insane socks and warranty)

· Stove: Soto WindMaster*

· Pot: Toaks Titanium 900 mL D115*

· Water Containers: Plastic 1 l Smart Water bottles (3x)

· Bear spray

· Roll top bag for clothes (2x)

· Gear bag for supplies (contents listed below)

· Waterproof bag for medical gear (contents listed below)

· Trash compactor bag*

Tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad with stuff sack

Inside my gear bag

Contents of the Gear Bag:

· Rope with a carabiner

· Bug Repellent: 100% DEET

- Use very sparingly. There are more environmentally friendly repellents, but DEET always does the trick. You could bring a second spray for daily use, and save DEET for dire situations.

· Eye drops

· Toothpaste

· Toothbrush

· Sawyer Squeeze (not the mini)

· Metal spoon

· Battery Pack and Cable

· Black Diamond head lamp

· Watch*

· Osprey ultralight collapsible stuff sack

· Extra AAA batteries

· Leatherman Squirt PS4

· Garmin inReach Mini

· Compass

· Contacts

· Flint and steel

· Nuun tablets

· Fire starter

· Mini lighter

· Can opener (John Wayne)*

· Fox 40 Whistle

· Rubber tips for hiking poles

· Extra Smart Water bottle cap

· Toilet paper

· Bathroom Trowel/Poop Scoop: TheTentLab, The Deuce

· Towel: Small Packtowel

· UCO Storm Proof Matches, mini or large

· Paper map*

My medical kit

Medical Kit:

· Sawyer SAM split

· Triangular bandage

· Small roll of gorilla tape

· Thread and needles

· Gauze wrap

· ACE bandage wrap

· Vet Flex Wrap

· Medical Tape

· Zip Lock with additional supplies (see below)

Small medical supplies and items

Zip Lock with Additional Supplies:

· Mirror

· Expired license

· Money

· Tweezer

· Mole skin

· Blister patch

· Razor blade

· Safety Pins

· Patch for sleeping pad

· Gauze pads

· 3 needles

· Antiseptic wipes

· List of medications, including expiration dates and use

· Medications:

- Burn cream

- Cortizone-10 (Anti-itch cream)

- Dayquil and Nyquil

- Ibuprofen

- Aspirin

- Tylenol

- Loperamide (Anti-diarrheal)

- Benadryl (Allergies, sleep)

- Loratadine (Allergies)

*The items followed by an asterisk, I do not always carry. I will address those here:

· The extra pad I carry for colder weather, to use with my main sleeping pad.

· Due to the hatchet being heavy, I rarely carry it. I carry it on shorter trips when I want to have a fire.

· I carry the bear canister when I am in an area requiring a bear canister or I am uncertain about wildlife. Raccoons, mice, etc., love eating your food at night. They will chew through your bag or climb a tree. Do not underestimate. While they take up a lot of weight and space, they are usually crucial.

· I only carry a stove and pot when I want warm food, tea, or coffee. I often go without saving weight.

· I use the trash compactor bag to line my backpack in case of bad weather. I almost always carry it, unless I am certain about the weather (such as the middle of the summer or in a desert). It is much more effective than a backpack cover and can be lighter.

· I carry a watch to reduce my phone usage. I don’t always like carrying a watch, so it depends on how I pack.

· I carry a can opener when my meals include canned food.

· A paper map is not always possible to acquire, but I will carry one if the opportunity presents itself.

Yes, you can bring your camera, Crocs, or even a fold-up chair. But a pound or two makes a difference. Unless it involves staying warm or dry, err on the side of less. Remember to map out your route and water stops ahead of time. Remember that during the hotter months, rivers can dry out, so familiarize yourself with the areas. Keep note of fire bans and designated camping spots/passes. ALWAYS PACK OUT WHAT YOU PACK IN. Remember that things will not always go your way, so be prepared. I have run out of water, been pillaged by raccoons, and been stuck in life-threatening lightning storms. The more planning you put into your route, weather, and exit strategy, the more you will know what to expect. Finally, have fun! This is about your journey. Peace.