Packing List
The Big Five |
|
Item |
Description |
Backpack |
A backpack meant for backpacking - with frame, hip/chest support system, hold at least 55 liters. |
Tent |
Should be a reputable backpacking brand, weigh no more than 5 pounds, and able to easily fit into your backpack. |
Sleeping Bag |
Lightweight/compact sleeping bag meant for backpacking. |
Sleeping Pad |
Lightweight/compact sleeping pad meant for backpacking. |
Hiking Poles |
Size: At least elbow height when expanded. |
Clothing |
|
Trail running shoes, Hiking shoes or boots |
Tennis shoes may work but are typically not sturdy or durable enough for longer backpacking trips. Make sure these shoes are broken in. |
Good Hiking Socks |
2 pairs. Worth the purchase if you don't have any. |
Underwear |
At least 2 pairs. Synthetic is recommended. |
Sports bra |
At least 2. Synthetic is recommended. Look for thick/flat straps to avoid unnecessary rubbing with your pack straps. |
Base Layer Top & Bottom |
Synthetic Long Johns and wicking t-shirt (no cotton). Shirts should cover your shoulders, to avoid unnecessary rubbing from your backpack straps. |
Hiking Pants |
No cotton, jeans, or khakis. Pants should be breathable and quick to dry. Sizing should ideally allow option to wear long johns underneath. |
Shorts |
Ideally quick to dry and minimal stitching/material/zippers around your hips/waist (where backpack’s hip belt will sit). |
Midlayer long-sleeved shirt |
This layer is worn for heat retention and insulation. No cotton. E.g. Patagonia R1 or R2 are great options. |
Insulating Jacket |
Puffy Jacket - synthetic or down. |
Rain Jacket |
Must be waterproof (not water resistant). Gortex is highly recommended. |
Rain Pants |
Must be waterproof (not water resistant). |
Winter hat, small gloves, and buff |
It's Michigan...anything can happen. |
Personal (Required) Items |
|
Water Bottles |
Two 1-liter(32oz) water bottles |
Headlamp |
With fresh batteries. #Protip: turn one of the batteries the wrong way when you pack so your light won’t turn on in your pack unexpectedly. |
Utensils |
Fork and/or spoon |
Bowl (or rimmed plate) |
|
Camp/water shoes/sandals |
Recommended if you want something to change into after hiking. Footwear must be worn at all times. |
Hand sanitizer |
|
Personal toiletries |
Medication (if necessary), Toothbrush, contacts/glasses (if necessary), etc. |
Sunglasses |
|
Brimmed hat |
|
Sunscreen |
|
Insect repellent |
Loose fitting and light-weight long sleeves and long pants are a good addition to the insect repellent. |
Optional Items |
|
Bug net |
Head-covering or full upper body can be helpful and easy to use in addition to repellent. |
Lightweight cup/mug |
For coffee or tea drinkers this can be nice to have. You can easily use your bowl for this as well. |
Knife |
Optional. We’ll have one for the group. |
Journal/Book |
Choose very light versions of these. Bedtime comes early, so night owls might want these. |
Bathing suit |
Probably only necessary for summer trips |
Towel |
Quick dry, backpacking towel to be used after swimming. |
Biodegradable soap |
**This three-page packing list is specific to The High Five Tribe trips. If you plan to go on a backpacking trip without a HFT leader, please be advised that this list does not cover all necessary equipment.