Work has been very stressful lately so I am spending as much time as I can in the woods. It’s good for my soul and mental health. We did a quick trip on the North Country Trail.
Leann and Sammy on the trail again.Sammy in guard duty or is he just trying to figure out what I am up to now.
We only had a 5 mile hike to camp so we were there by lunch time. To entertain myself I decided to show you my typical gear for an overnight trip. Typical means I change at least one thing on every trip.
Going from the top down, first thing in my pack is snacks and lunch for the hike to camp. I also keep a warm hat, gloves and bathroom supplies in here.After carrying my heavy pack on the last trip, I am back to the lighter one. Leann says I am insane, she might be right. I carry a Nalgene in both side pockets, tent poles go in one side and my folding camp chair goes in the other. The pouch on the top left holds supplies for people and gear repair, contents shown below.Lashed to the back of the pack is my tee pee for rainy nights at camp. I am not sure why I bring this since we only hike when it is going to be dry.First thing on the inside of the pack is our tent: Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3. Love it but I am still looking for a new one, seek help now! I really like the 2 person version of this tent. We had the 2 person version but wore it out.Next layer is my bear can and blue box (more on that later). The bear can holds all of my food, it’s heavy but it sure beats trying to hang a bear bag. Nothing is getting in this besides me and it doubles as a foot rest. Bear cans are mandatory in many locations so why not just carry it all the time?Bottom of the pack: air mattress, clothes bag and sleeping bag.Comfy: Big Agnes air mattress, Western Mountaineering sleeping bag and Sea to Summit inflatable pillow. The one piece of gear that I will not change is the sleeping bag. It has kept me warm from Alaska to the Sierra’s and lots of places in between, I also carry the water filter, repair kit and a saw to cut firewood (not pictured)
What’s in the blue box?
This thing is packed full. I did a few trips without this but will not do that again. It holds all of the little things I need when at camp and I know exactly where they are.In the lid is my brick charger I use for my phone, the cord to connect them and ear buds. I don’t listen to music while backpacking but you never know.Fire: stove and gas canister, matches, 2 lighters and the best fire starters I have ever used. I bought the fire starters at Wal-Mart, they are light, burn hot and have never failed me.Food: pot for boiling water, mug to rehydrate meals and for morning coffee, wine glass and spoon.This light has red, green and an adjustable white light that can get very bright. The red and green lights are nice for middle of the night trips out of the tent (saves your night vision). The white light is adjustable but is very bright on the highest setting. This is heavy and bulky but it still fits in the box.Sammy says, make him stop…..
