Land backpack list, 27#!

Backpack, Sleeping bag with pad, and Tent, are the three pricey things. A 4000 cubic. inch. back pack is all anyone needs! Larger will kill most hikers on Ozark hills. Spend the bucks on the sleeping bags, camp pad type is best! Big Agnes has an excellent sleeping bag with pocket in the bottom of the bag for the pad.  They offer poly (man made plastic that does not absorb moisture) and down (feather).  Poly is better if wet, (down is hard to dry and looses insulation value.) Down compresses smaller, and is very warm when the bag is dry.  If you don't invest in this part of your gear, you will be uncomfortable if you don't get something warm to sleep in.  The tent is primarily for dew, wind, and bugs on most nights. Pup or bivy style packs best and multi-season are excellent, suggesting light and small.  The additional list is as follows:

Compass and map.  (Practice on shorter day hikes with identifiable boundaries for your success and safety!), good pocket knife, and or leather-man style tool.

Water filtration bottle.  (Best is a good filtration system and tablets) 

(Click on picture for close up!)

Kayak Packing Note:  Pictured above is the backpack emptied out, and the items on the boat that have to be added.  Three dry bags, 12 pack soft side cooler, paddle, spray skirt, and paddling vest for safety.  Everything is kitted showing good organization, and makes "packing down, and retrieval" of items much easier and faster.

(Land backpack list, 27# continued)

Mess kit with small flip out can opener and slightly bent silverware stuffed inside

Sterno stove and Sterno fuel can

Zip lock bag with cocoa (heavier), coffee, or tea single bags, foil, trash bag, ties, extra zip style bags

Fish shaped grill, long and thin for wildlife, fish, squirrel, any meat cooked over fire

Salt, pepper, or Cajun spice!!

Two disposable lighters and or waterproof matches

Fire starter sticks, wax based sawdust sticks for wet conditions. (Just take what you need.  Heavy!)  Cotton balls and Vaseline work excellent!  Not pictured.  Swab three or four  cotton balls and plant them in the base of fire.  They light and burn like candles, a great fire starter!  (Be clean and careful, wiping hands before lighting!  This is for outdoors only.  There is a tiny amount of black petroleum (oil) smoke.  Always respect fire, and don't start forest fires!  Bad party foul!  We are also volunteer fireman!)  

Fishing filet knife in sheath.  Large, sharp, and lightweight.

(Click on picture for close up!)

Kayak Packing Note: Pictured above is the backpack broke out, but still kitted in small nylon bags.  This helps organize, and are extremely light weight.  For kayak packing, the land backpack is now removed, replaced with three dry bags, large, medium, and small.  Ask us about our new Ozark County Canoe and Kayak, "American Made Quality" dry bags!  We stock all sizes and ship dry bags for free!  

To: Packing Your Kayak/Backpack Series, Page 3 of 4