This is a list of things i normally keep packed in my Camelback at all times. I throw this in the back of my truck whenever I go somewhere because I never know when the hiking bug will bite me. I keep a spare pair of hiking boots back there too. I have a large hunting knife I carry on my hip as well as that little pocket knife with all the tools. The big knife is another story in itself. A lot of people will say this is overkill, but if I ever get stuck on the mountain I'm going to be comfortable. I've also ended up supplying other people on the trail. Remember two things, Murphy's Law, and Be Prepared.

Ten Essentials +
( ) Sun hat (a beanie too if it's going to cool down)
( ) extra socks
( ) pocketknife
( ) rain jacket
( ) extra clothing (a fleece shirt if it will cool down)
( ) personal first aid kit (see below)
( ) sun block & lip gloss w/sunblock
( ) headlamp & extra batteries
( ) trail food
( ) whistle
( ) matches/lighter & fire starter
( ) map & compass
( ) mirror
( ) pen & paper
( ) bandana or three
( ) two 15 ft. pieces of parachute cord or small rope
( ) duct tape
( ) water treatment tablets
( ) hand sanitizer
( ) Water


Personal First-Aid Kit

Medical information sheet
Complete information. If something happens to you then YOU may not be able tell anyone else the important information that could save YOUR life, (i.e.: meds you are taking, drug allergies, your doctor, your medical insurance, etc.). This sheet lets anyone who is trying to help you get all the right information. (I use a Boy Scout Class 3 adult form which can be found on their website, it's a single small sheet that I cut down smaller and it fits in an 8x7 ziplock along with all of this stuff. I also have a coldpak, and a rescue breather, and more gauze and Band-Aids than this in my kit. Why? I usually end up lending this stuff to the unprepared I meet on the trail. And I fix boo boos. LOL!

( ) Ibuprofen, aspirin,Tylenol, Aleve, or other painkiller
( ) Benadryl or other allergy medicine
( ) Imodium or anti-diarrheal
( ) Sudafed or other decongestant
( ) Tums or other antacid
( ) mole skin -- 1 sheet (I prefer duct tape, it sticks much better)
( ) 1 pair latex gloves
( ) wipes
( ) 6 adhesive bandages (various sizes)
( ) 2, 3x3-inch sterile gauze pads
( ) small roll of adhesive tape
( ) small pair scissors (cut tape/bandage material) unless your knife has them
( ) small tube or packets of Neosporin, Betadine
cream, Staphaseptic or other first aid cream
( ) burn gel
( ) eye drops (for really dusty trails)
( ) Tick tweezers
( ) needle, thread, & safety pins



I just know once I hit the submit button I'll remember something else I want to type in here. The idea is making me crazy.

So, what do you carry?