I'd already had this typed up on a few other forums, so I figured I'd post it here too.
As you can see, I'm not exactly an ultralight hippie, but I also try to stay away from the Tactical/Bug Out Bag guys. Most of them haven't been beyond their backyard with all that crap they carry.
DAVE_M said:So for the past 6 months or so, I've been accumulating gear to start overnight/3 day hiking. I've mostly only traveled on day hikes, because I disliked the idea of staying alone overnight. Well, some good friends of mine invited me on a few overnight hikes and we've planned our next adventure the first weekend of October. I've been getting my gear ready, figuring out what I need and don't need. Since I had everything lying out and organized, I figured I would take some photos and give a description of what I use and why. I'll start from largest to smallest and try to keep everything grouped by task.
My Pack
When I was deciding on my first overnight/3 day bag, I didn't want to break the bank, since I was already planning on spending a great deal in other areas and didn't fully understand how much room I would actually need. So, I went with the Kelty Redwing 50. The pack itself comes in slightly over 50 L ( I believe around 52-53 L). My major concern, at the time, was trying on the pack in person. Luckily, most outdoor retailers sell this pack and I was able to try it on at a local sporting goods store. I have two herniated discs in my back, so fitting a pack for comfort and support, was a major part of my purchase. IIRC, I paid a hair over $100 for the pack. Ever since I bought my first Mystery Ranch pack, I've been eyeing another to replace my Kelty already. While the Redwing is perfectly fine, I really like the shoulder padding of the Mystery Ranch line.
Contents (top to bottom)
Tent - North Face Stormbreak 2 (2 person / 3 season)
Including the footprint, it comes in at roughly 6lbs including the footprint. I would have sprung for a lighter weight, more costly tent, but I had picked up this tent for nearly 50% off the original price and felt that I couldn't pass it up.
Sleeping Pad - Thermarest Scout (Self Inflating)
I had originally dismissed the thought of a self inflating sleep pad, but revisited the idea when I found this pad for $25 online. I figured for the price, it was worth a shot. I went with the regular length, partly because of the weight savings (versus the Long/Large). The pad and the stuff sack weigh in at 1lb-6oz. Not super light, but not heavy by any means.
BushcraftUSA MEST SAR Variant Tarp
I absolutely love this tarp! It's a great backup in case of emergencies and makes for a good makeshift rain cover. The entire package weighs just 6.4oz and hardly takes up any room in my pack.
Jetboil Zip/GSI Cup
In the yellow Sil-Nylon Sea-To-Summit stuff sack, I keep my Jetboil Zip and a cheap GSI stainless mug. I really like the Zip over the Jetboil Flash/SUMO. The zip, in comparison with the flash, is lighter and more compact, due to not having an igniter on the burner. I also have the Jetboil pot holder nested inside the Zip, for use with my GSI mug. The entire package weighs in at 1lb 10oz. When I have more spending money, I'm going to replace the GSI mug with a Titanium mug. Although it's not necessary, I love me some titanium!
Small Contents
Mechanixwear Original Gloves
GITD Nalgene Bottle
(12) DAC Tent Stakes w/ tracer cord, in a nylon sleeve
Chemlight
Vargo Titanium Spork
Petzl Tikka 2 (40 Lumen)
TAD Battery Case (holds extra AAA batteries)
ESEE Izula
Selby Knives Little Folsom w/ LMF Mini Firesteel
Sawyer Mini Filter in a Crystal Light Tea packet container (I trimmed the straw slightly to fit)
Sawyer Mini Hydration Bladder/Bag for capturing stream water
Condor i-Pouch
i-Pouch Contents
Altoids Tin Fire Kit w/ Coghlan's Fire Sticks, Dryer Lint, & Tinder-Quik
LMF Scout Firesteel & Striker
Travel Size Bug Spray (DEET)
Brunton 7DNL Map Compass with paracord lanyard
Not Shown
IFAK & TP (for when nature calls)
Camelbak 70oz (2L) Hydration Bladder
Columbia Rain Jacket
My entire pack, including what is not shown, weighs right at 17lbs. That's slightly heavier than I would like, but it's a decent base weight, considering my tent and pack are nearly all of the weight (9lbs together). I hope this is somewhat helpful for some folks, as I was completely lost when it came to starting my overnight/3 day kit.
As you can see, I'm not exactly an ultralight hippie, but I also try to stay away from the Tactical/Bug Out Bag guys. Most of them haven't been beyond their backyard with all that crap they carry.
