Gear List
Men's Backpacking Sierra Trip
Men's Backpacking Sierra Trip
Here are the items everyone needs individually. Keep in mind to pack light - we have to put anything with an odor in the bear-proof canisters we carry with us up the mountain and we have limited room in those.
1. Sleeping Bag
Low temps are 30 at night, so a sleeping bag with a rating between 0-20 degrees is ideal, depending on how warm or cold you like to be when sleeping. Remember, the temperature rating on a sleeping bag is the survivable limit; to be comfortable, most people want a bag rated for 10-20 degrees LOWER than it will actually be.
2. Sleeping Pad
You can choose to bring a closed cell foam, insulated inflatable or both! Make sure it's something small and light enough that you can carry it in/on your backpack.
3. Backpack
Make sure it is big enough to carry your sleeping bag, pad, change of clothes and some room for food / other gear. 55-65 liters is a pretty good sweet spot for size.
4. Headlamp/Flashlight
Bring extra batteries!
5. Toiletries
Take care of yourself! Don't forget your toothbrush, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and such. Also, bring a light backpacking trowel to bury any #2. Remember that any wipes should be biodegradable or packed back out. There are toilets at the trail head and where we will camp near the car on Thursday night, but your out in the woods the next three days so come prepared!
6. Rain Gear
Light rain jacket/poncho (storms roll in fast up there)
7. Clothes
Avoid cotton as it traps moisture - go for wool or tech materials. Temp is 30-35 at night, 50-55 during the day.
8. Water Bottle
Disposable is just fine - try to have at least a liter with you at all times.
9. Stuff to Eat With
Lightweight cup/plate/spork
10. Maps!
Cell phone with area maps downloaded for offline use. Google maps, Apples maps or All Trails work.
11. Food
While there is always some to share, plan on bringing your own meals. Dehydrated camp meals are great (like Mountain House), but expensive too. Oatmeal packs, ramen, trail mix, jerky, dried fruit, and tortilla+tuna packs are all great. Just remember all food and trash need to be secured in a bear-proof container (hauling things up trees doesn’t count), and trash needs to be packed out. You will need to bring for yourself: 3 meals Friday, 3 meals Saturday, breakfast on Sunday and snacks.
12. Sunglasses/hat/small container of sunscreen/bug spray
Those who went last year know the bugs can be intense - they were a non-issue they year before, so just be ready!
The below items we'll share amongst the group. Arrange this AHEAD OF TIME so you know who you are sharing with!
1. Backpacking Tents
Plan who you want to bunk with! Three-person tents are great for two people, and four-person tents are great for three people.
2. Portable Backpacking Bear Canisters
Reach out if you need to borrow one - typically one bear canister is good for 3-4 people’s food over a weekend. These are required and hanging Bear-Bags do not cout it.
3. Stove and Cookware
A backpacking stove, fuel, and supplies for boiling water and/or cooking trout.
4. Water Purification System
Don't drink the water, no matter how nice it looks!
5. Fishing gear
Bring a light to ultralight rod and reel with 2-6 lb line. Flies with a light bobber, mini jigs, and in-line spinners all work great. If we go to one of the bigger lakes that are stocked, Carolina rigs with size 14 treble hooks with dough bait are hard to beat. You also need a fishing license.
6. First Aid Kit
We don't want to need to use it, but need to have it!
7. GPS devices such as Gamin In-Reach
We have three among the group - we got you covered here.
8. Bible Readings
Downloaded to your phone or printed out.
9. Car Rides
Try to carpool as there is limited parking and driving together is part of the fellowship time for the weekend. Also, please clear out any extra stuff from your car before you come up. That's because we'll be in bear country and you are required to take any items that have a scent out of your car before leaving it overnight. This includes not only food but deodorant, trash, etc.