My paradise is backpacking in the wilderness. Many of my life's most sublime moments include a mountain, a river, a forest, a desert, or some equally powerful natural setting.  At such times, I'm struck by a special peace both created by and enabled by Nature. Janice and I share this affection for the outdoors, and we've tried to share it with others.

The following then is a small contribution to helping others enjoy the back country: it's our packing list. While far from perfect, it's probably not a bad place to start.

Remember: "take only photographs, leave only footprints."

clothing

• hiking boots (heavy or light, as appropriate)
• Teva sandals (needed for crossing creeks, and nice to change into at camp)
• thick wool socks and inner nylon socks (at least two pair in case one gets wet)
• hat for sun (eg baseball cap)
• bandana
• small hand towel
• T-shirts
• heavy walking shorts
• stretch lycra pants
• water proof pants
• water proof anorak or poncho
• plastic garbage bags (for pack cover in case of rain)
• turtleneck sweater
• pile/fleece/patagonia-style jacket
• loose fitting pants for camp
• quick drying nylon shorts for swimming
• long johns, if needed
• waterproof gloves, if needed
• wool hat, if needed
• down vest, if needed (doubles as a pillow)

• main backpack
• day pack or large fanny pack if day hikes expected
• topo map and directions to trailhead (in waterproof ziplock)
• compass
• flashlight (Petzl "miner's light" recommended for hands-free operation)
• candle lantern (optional)
• Swiss army knife
• waterproof matches (required) and lighter (optional)
• sunglasses and leash
• eyeglass repair kit (no sunglasses at high altitude will hurt)
• 2 one liter water bottles (more if going to desert)
• iodine tablets (required) and water filter (optional)
• extra boot laces
• rope for hanging food at night (and other misc needs)
• bear whistle (strapped to outside of pack)
• tent, rain cover, poles, spikes, etc.
• light plastic ground tarp
• the ultimate emergency repair kit: crazy glue and a small roll of duct tape
• sleeping bag
• small inflatable pillow (optional)
• thermarest pad
• stove and fuel (either clean stove before trip, or carry stove maintenance kit)
• pot for boiling water
• pot handle
• scrubbing pad
• one large plastic commuter mug
• one large metal spoon
• extra-large ziplock bags for trash
• pad of paper and two pens (in case needed to write/leave messages)
• wristwatch (to assess sunlight left, and to facilitate rendezvous with others)
• toilet paper and plastic shovel
• extra ziplock bags

• sunscreen
• tooth brush and tooth paste (small container)
• biodegradable soap
• optional: Noxema face wipes
• aspirin
• Diamox (if going to high altitude)
• first aid kit
• Moleskin (and lots of it)
• ear plugs (if traveling to third world or noisy city)
• sewing/repair kit
• mosquito repellent (Bug Juice)
• lip balm
• comb or brush
• emergency ID info
• wilderness permits

• harmonica (light weight music by the campfire!)
• hammock (for the ultimate nap)
• camp chair (esp. kind that use your thermarest)
• book to read (I always take the same John Muir book to the Sierra)
• journal to write in
• camera and associated photo gear
• field guide, for identifying flora and fauna
• cellular phone for emergencies (but may not work in back country)
• weather radio (recommended whenever storms are possible)
• handheld GPS system for the truly gadget addicted
• playmate cooler left in the car with iced drinks for when you get back to the trailhead!

• lightness is next to godliness
• nothing that has water
• nothing that has heavy packaging (eg tin cans)
• powdered Gatorade tea, hot chocolate, or instant coffee
• nothing that has powerful smells which can't be sealed airtight