Shaun's Question:
I am planning a trip with four of my best friends on the Appalachian Trail and I wanted to know what you suggest we take. I know most of the basics although I wouldn't mind being reminded. But more importantly I want to know more about things new hikers might not know about taking that seasoned hikers would.
—Shaun Denhoff
Karen's Answer:
Shaun, the answer to your question is the opposite of what you might think:
Seasoned hikers don't take more stuff, they take less. You can tell the hiker
with the most mileage on his or her boots by the amount of stuff in the pack.
Nonetheless, you're right: some hikers do get attached to equipment that not
everyone would think to carry. Here's a list of things I've found helpful.
(Note: Not everyone carries them, and I don't carry each item on every trip.)
A bandanna. It can be used as a washcloth, to mop up the wet floor of a
tent on a rainy day, as a napkin, as a pre-filter for especially gunky water,
as a sweatband, and in a dozen other ways.
Duct tape. This is the traditional backcountry fix-all. I've used it to patch an air mattress, hold together a torn sleeping bag, keep delamaninating soles from falling off my boots, and as first aid for blisters.
Walking sticks. If you've got knee problems, these can change your hike from a limp to a lark.
Cord. Use it as clothes line, to tie stuff to your pack, or to hang food
out of reach of animals.
Space blanket. This serves as a perfect ground cloth, plus it can be pressed into service as an emergency shelter or rain gear.
Garbage bags. Use them as emergency rain gear, a pack cover, for sitting on wet ground, and of course, for packing out garbage.
Bungee cords. Need to carry snowshoes? Dry some laundry on the back of your back? Attach and air mattress or tent poles more securely outside your pack? Bungees to the rescue!
Whistle. A whistle carries farther than a voice. It's especially useful if you'll be off-trail in foggy weather.
Baking soda. Baking soda makes a good deodorant (don't forget your feet), can be used to freshen up a smelly water bottle, or serve as toothpaste.
Closed cell foam pad. This is a good extra item for winter camping: It gives you an extra layer to sleep on at night, and you can sit on it during the day, which reduces the amount of heat your body loses to the cold ground.
Pouch. Worn on your waistbelt, a pouch can keep necessaries like insect repellent and sunscreen close at hand.
Hydration system. You'll drink more if you don't have to constantly take off and put on your pack to get at your water. Your"system" might simply be a pouch that holds your water bottle in a place you can easily reach, or a baldder with tubes to sip through as you're walking.
Repair kit. You know why!
