Three-Season Gear Checklist

not carrying a gun might be just as stupid as carrying one. it depends on your comfort level with guns, what is legal, and what sort of territory you will be in. personally, i never go into the woods without one. i have never needed to use it, but there have been some times when i thought i was going to have to. they are good for protection from most anything, and if absolutely necessary they can provode food if in the right hands. it is a survival tool, just like anything else you carry.

External safety features or not, its whatever the individual carrying the firearm prefers. I personally prefer external because of the added safety plus its what i am used to. Whoever made the comment on pitbulls, you are an idiot. My wife uses one as a therapy dog, and never has once had a problem...but, sticking to the topic at hand...If you want to carry a firearm, do it. Just make sure you can legally carry one and that the weapon is in good working order...also make sure you are used to and comfortable with it. If you don't want to carry one, then don't. There is no use debating as to if its essential or not because people have different opinions on it and you are not going to change their minds on it.

I noticed also that someone posted about using MRE's. I would caution this. They are convenient but they also can lock you up.

External safety features or not, its whatever the individual carrying the firearm prefers. I personally prefer external because of the added safety plus its what i am used to. Whoever made the comment on pitbulls, you are an idiot. My wife uses one as a therapy dog, and never has once had a problem...but, sticking to the topic at hand...If you want to carry a firearm, do it. Just make sure you can legally carry one and that the weapon is in good working order...also make sure you are used to and comfortable with it. If you don't want to carry one, then don't. There is no use debating as to if its essential or not because people have different opinions on it and you are not going to change their minds on it.

I noticed also that someone posted about using MRE's. I would caution this. They are convenient but they also can lock you up.

External safety features or not, its whatever the individual carrying the firearm prefers. I personally prefer external because of the added safety plus its what i am used to. Whoever made the comment on pitbulls, you are an idiot. My wife uses one as a therapy dog, and never has once had a problem...but, sticking to the topic at hand...If you want to carry a firearm, do it. Just make sure you can legally carry one and that the weapon is in good working order...also make sure you are used to and comfortable with it. If you don't want to carry one, then don't. There is no use debating as to if its essential or not because people have different opinions on it and you are not going to change their minds on it.

I noticed also that someone posted about using MRE's. I would caution this. They are convenient but they also can lock you up.

I should carry a gun in case I stumble across an illegal grow operation? WTF? So these illegal grow operations are usually located on park service trails? And even if I did stumble upon one, I'm going to guess the handgun ain't going to hold up against the men running the operation and their automatic weapons.

Firearms may or may not be needed on the trail. They are inanimate objects and are only as stupid as a backpack, a compass, or any other tool. In this country, it’s not as likely to need a firearm, but there are some instances where you may really need one. It’s just a safety tool like anything else. You don’t need to fear a firearm. You do need to fear people. It’ll be good for anyone to become familiar with proper firearm safety practices.

As far as a gun with external safety features: Well if you follow the four safety rules, the gun is a relatively modern design and it’s in good repair, external safeties are not needed. Guns on the trail should remain put away until needed. They need to be in a good holster or compartment without any other items that can come in contact with the firearm.

Good Luck and Stay Safe.

Fire arms are not only unnecessary but stupid, if you insist in bringing a firearm into the wilderness please stay down in the wooded areas where hunters and ex-military people like to hike and please keep your pitbulls at home in your gated yard!...they cant distinquish between a angry sociopath and a peaceful camper.

If you do decide to take a firearm, i suggest not taking one that doesn't have external safety features. Just like anything else, different firearms are designed to capitalize in certain situations. A .380 or .45 is condusive enough in most situations (.380 if all you are worried about are people making a bad decision.... A .45 long colt 300 grain cast lead bullet will take care of that....or just about anything else that you need to nutralize )....with all that aside, any place i've been I've never felt like i was in a position to where i may need to use a firearm. More often than not, most people tend to get in those situations because of the over confidence they tend to develop when carrying a firearm.

Pack cover (for rain)

It's not that you need a gun when you're in a remote area, it's just added protection. There are far too many illegal grow operations in the national forests and you don't know what you may run across plus it's not a trivial matter when you you do find a grow area...those operating it are prepared to fire at you! P.S: Not everyone should own a gun, but if you decide to please take firearms training classes and educate yourself. Nothing worse than an idiot behind a gun.

In bear country it'a alway's a good idea to bring a couple pitbull's along, not only do you have body guards while sleeping but they can also carry some gear and lighyen your pack.

Here's a great interactive gear checklist and pack-weight calculator app that can be a valuable tool... or just fun:

http://www.weighmygear.com

Does anyone really use liner socks anymore?
Boots are really not optional...
What about a tent or shelter?

I pack a bulletproof vest to protect me from the moral, ethical and well-intentioned hikers with firearms.

Bringing a firearm is stupid? What's the reasoning behind this opinion? If you have correct training/experience and ethical and moral understanding of the use of a firearm then go ahead and be safe. Everyone has their own opinion of course but at least learn more about a subject before putting it down. A great source of education is frontsite firearms training. I took my classes in Nevada and they really do stress the safety and moral/ethical issues of possibly using your weapon.

DUCT TAPE!!! I wrap a fair amount around the shaft tube of a cheap pen, minus the ink portion and springs, and keep it in my first aid kit. This is a top item on every trip from day hike, to week-long.

Never mind a towel - cloth diapers are the way to go. They're cheap, very absorbent, dry quickly, and pretty expendable.

MRE's are NOT light. As long as you have access to clean water, or water to purify, dehy foods are the way to go.

I second the magnetic compass. Electronics and water don't mix, and accidents happen, waterproof cases fail. Anything is game in the great outdoors.

I second the magnetic compass. Electronics and water don't mix, and accidents happen, waterproof cases fail. Anything is game in the great outdoors.

Add:
Towel!
Paracord
hatchet
Camera
Fixed-blade, full tang, drop point knife
Tarp or lightweight tent
Whistle
Signaling Mirror
Condoms
Bug repellent
Notebook/Pen
Local fauna and flora book with lots of pictures
Babel Fish