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

bringing a firearm is not stupid it's being safe

Food: MRE's are good, they are light weight and easy to pack. They have breakfast and dinner meals. For snacks, power bars and nuts are great.

Packing a firearm is not stupid at all. Many state parks and forest allow these. Check local laws. Also many modern firearms are compact and light weight. Why risk it if you dont have to?

waterproof boots are an essential not a option

no bowie knife?

whoever suggested taking a firearm, you just might be stupid.

a single person tent is good. unless you want, dont need camera. also, people are stupid. no food is listed cause its not up to the list how many nights youre staying

your firearm of choice, anytime i go into a remote wilderness area, i carry a pistol, because as you should know, you are responsible for your own safety and protection, bears are not your biggest problem, it is ill intentioned people.

I like cookies!

Para cord!

nothing on food or snacks? I guess they don't account for us eating.....

compass AND GPS with map

What about a tent???

Blue heeler and tin whistle

Don't forget a whistle - your voice won't last long if you're lost or hurt.

I've been carrying the synthetic sports bra with me for a while, but I have yet to use it. Think I can leave it behind next trip?

I just posted this list on expertchecklists.com. There you can edit the checklist and discuss changes with other people. You can also just make your own copy and modify. Pretty cool.

Axe? Break your firewood on a sharp rock. Repeated strikes will break any size.

Backup Nav. device should be a magnetic compass (orienteering or lensatic). Electronic compasses depend on a power source (battery/solar) and can fail due to environment effects or dead battery. High-end GPS & watches may include an electronic compass.

rope
camera
axe

rope
camera
axe

Can't forget bug spray depending on where you're at and possibly a citronella candle for camp at night

I prefer a bivy.

i like the ether elite for light weight hiking, great three season sleeping pad, and a great price. that new Baladeo 34G is pretty cool to for the price. good value all around

Something (if it rains) to keep the rain off the Backpack would be nice - a large black garbage bag does the trick nicely and doesn't take up much room either. Note: Can forego if the stuff sacks are all waterproof (especially the sleeping back stuff sack).

I just pitched a tent in my pants.

+ Weed

+ Whiskey

+Food

Tooth brush and paste?

This is a pretty good basic list, but like all equipment lists, you alter it to fit you needs or location. I agree with Sean S. Better to use a GPS as a backup - rely instead on a map and compass. Also, I live in Alaska and always use a tent. Mosquitos up here have no mercy...

Following "compass or GPS (and map)" is a very BAD Idea - It should say "compass, map, and the ability to use them PROPERLY, GPS Optional" - Please don't bet your life on electronics!

The list is a general guide line, not a bible and everybody has their own taste to what is or is not nesessary so adapt to ur personal hiking style.

honestly, if you use this list verbatim, then it might be a good idea to re-evaluate your goals. While it is a good "starting point", tweak, add, remove as you feel necessary. I live in canada, and believe me, up high in the mountains at night, I've got a shelter. be it a bivy sac, or my tent, but I've got a shelter

I think they meant that the "waterproof" was optional in the hiking boots. Hardly anyone hikes barefoot! I just got of the AT and one day the shelter was full, it was July 17th (when one would think it should be hot)and it got down into the mid 40's at night in Maine. I was quite cold in my hammock. We just use a lexan cup and a lexan spoon. No other utensils and not an insulated cup.

I think they meant that the "waterproof" was optional in the hiking boots. Hardly anyone hikes barefoot! I just got of the AT and one day the shelter was full, it was July 17th (when one would think it should be hot)and it got down into the mid 40's at night in Maine. I was quite cold in my hammock. We just use a lexan cup and a lexan spoon. No other utensils and not an insulated cup.

And duct tape

No, hahahaha it says 3 season sleeping bag.

Welcome to Montana, Spend a few days in the Bear Tooth Range at 8000 - 11000ft and you will want a tent. Hammock's are nice if there are trees to hang them on.

I agree that going tentless is nice when you can, but good luck with that in mosquito country!

I agree that going tentless is nice when you can, but good luck with that in mosquito country!

While not all need a tent everyone should have some form of shelter and no shelter is listed.

Yeah, what's wrong with pitching a tent?

If you look right after t.p, you'll see trowel. A trowel is a lightweight hand shovel. Just in case you didnt know.

A shovel would be a courteous piece of gear too. No on likes to see TP.

32 oz. water bottles (filter, tablets, or drops)

Doesn't that cover filter?

Unless you're used to drinking Mexican tap water, I would suggest a water filter system too.

It would also be smart to carry some type of first aid kit just in case of injuries along the trail.

I use a US issue jungle hammock w/canopy + mosquito netting. Light weight, comfortable(never sleep on the ground) and sheds all but the worst rain. Wouldn't recommend it for winter, but absolutely wonderful for spring/summer/fall.

Only a wus sleepes in a tent.

I can't remember the last time I hiked with a tent. I have recently logged 30 nights on the trail and never once slept in a tent. However a good portion of those nights were spent in a shelter on the AT, the other night were spent under or the stars or until a rain fly. I will usually always bring a rain fly with me and use my trekking poles to create shelter to sleep in when it's raining. I've slept in 70 degree temps all the way down to 0 degree temps. My two walled shelter has seen rain, snow, hail, and of course a mixture of all three. I presonally don't seen the need for a tent in my type of hiking conditions.

I bought waterproof bear canisters for raft trips in the Arctic. I have been trying to use them on bike touring trips (strapped) onto the rear rack and now putting them in my backpack bag for food and gear storage. I live and hike in Oregon (estimated 30,000 black bears) I use 1 canister in my pack and it is working well for 3 to 5 day trips.

The list says 3-season gear checklist. The necessity of a tent is relative to the kind of trip/hike you're planning. Say for example... only an idiot would take a TENT on a dayhike. rofl

LOL

Hiking boots are optional and insulated mug is a must? gimme a break!

I agree with ed

Yeah? Well pants aren't always required, either, but I wear a pair just in case I want some protection from the elements. Just like a TENT.

A tent isn't always required ;)

YA WTF MATE WHERE IS "TENT" ON THE LIST!!! THANK YOU.

THANK YOU

I would consider a sports bra to be optional for people such as me :D

second item under 'Gear' should read three season tent