Packing List – What I Brought on My Elbow Loop Backpacking Trip

Backpack and Water Proof Cover

My good old Gregory 70 litre expedition pack will be called into action for this trip.  It might be a little bit too big but I would rather have plenty of space for all my stuff than have to cram stuff in and attach stuff to the outside.

I will also bring the water proof pack cover designed by Gregory to go with this backpack and I’ll slip it on when it starts to rain to keep everything dry.

Tent

I’ll be using a 2 person tent by Nemo.  We’ve already spent a lot of nights in it.  Love this tent for being lightweight but still spacious and dry.

Sleeping Bag

Trying out the Feathered Friends down sleeping bag for the first time this trip.

UDPATE:  It did pretty well on the trip.  I had to sleep with long johns and pants, a t-shirt, sweater and puffy down jacket with the hood up over a toque to be warm enough to sleep in it.  But hey, this is Canada.  Nights are chilly.

Sleeping Pad

Using the Big Agnes Q Core SLX.  Its been really great since I bought it 7 years ago.  Lighttweight but keeps me warm at night.

Ursack food stuff sack

This is my first time using an Ursack.  It’s bear proof and critter proof food storage.  It’s a bit heavier and a lot more robust than a regular nylon stuff sack but if it stops animals from getting at my food, it’s well worth it.  Also, Parks Canada made the use of bear proof food storage mandatory for people staying in Random Camping areas.  Might as well try it out now.

Kitchen

Stove – Using the good old JetBoil 

Pot –  the JETBOIL pot and pot attachment.  Use to boil water, to cook suppers and as a dish for breakfast and supper.

2 fuel cannisters – I’ll probably only need one but uel is something I hate to run out of or even run low on.

Mug – lightweight and insulated, made for backpacking

Spoon/fork – one plastic utensil with a spoon on one side and a fork on the other

Petzl Knife – designed for climbing so it’s lightweight and simple. 

Personal Hygiene

Sample size hand cream, tooth paste and dental floss.  Tooth brush with handle cut down. Bug spray, sunscreen.  Spare hair elasitc & comb, lip balm.  Toilet paper & ziploc baggies to pack out used paper.  Leave no trace!

Notebook & pen – to list things I wish I had brought and things I could have done without and to capture inspired thoughts.

Book – I think I’ll like to read when I’m alone at camp in the evening.

First Aid

Bandaids & Ibupforen – that’s it for first aid.  I’ve used duct tape to cover blisters on my feet and ankles.  It works well because it is low profile and doesn’t slide off inside socks.

Emergency Gear

Duct tape – in addtion to covering blisters, it can be used to repair gear.

In Reach GPS signalling device – Can send an SOS to initiate emergency extraction.  I can also use it to text my husband.  No cell service so satellite is required.

Lighters and fire starter – fire can make you a whole lot more comfortable and cheerful if things get rough.  Also, on this trip there are fire rings and fire wood available at both campsites.

Bear horn – I’ll keep it handy in a pocket on the outside of my pack.

Electronics and Navigation

Phone – for taking pictures and for the FATMAP map of the trail.

Fitbit – works as a watch.  Also it will be fun to see how many steps I take each day!

Charger cables – for the above and for the In Reach

Solar charging battery pack – collects energy from the sun and charges electonics.

Headlamp & spare batteries – for navigating to the bathroom at night and any other time I need to move around outside after dark.

Hydration

2 1-litre water bottles

water treatment tablets

Clothing

Typically I bring one of every layer I’ll need so that I can wear everything if it gets cold and wet enough.  The only spares I bring are extra socks and underwear.  This trip I will bring a spare t shirt and see if it’s worth the extra weight & space.  I like to sleep with my face on something made of cotton so if I bring a cotton t-shirt, it can double as a pillow, stuff wtih my puffy jacket.  Problem with cotton is that when it gets wet, it stays wet.  I usually avoid it. 

T-shirt – Black Diamond synthetic is quick drying and lightweight

Long sleeve shirt – another Black Diamond synthetic

Long sleeve button up plaid shirt – Kuhl because, ok yah, it’s cool

Fleece sweater – Pataogonia’s Synchilla Snap T.  I love this layer when it’s chilly out

Rain jacket – MEC brand.  I bought it recently and it’s been working so well in the afternoon showers we’ve been getting lately.

Puffy jacket – Patagonia Nano Puff hoody – my go-to mid-layer year round

Long underwear bottoms – synthetic so they dry quickly, good for staying warm day and night

Trekking pants – by Kuhl, lightweight and synthetic for quick drying with plenty of zipper pockets for easy access to phone, snacks and kleenex

Gortex pants – Black Diamond, I use these for ice climbing and backcountry skiing too.  Talk about multi purpose!

Socks – Wright double layer guaranteed no blister socks.  I’ve worn out a few pairs of these and yah, I still get blisters while wearing them.  But they are comfortable, good temperature control and the blisters aren’t as bad as with other socks.

Boots – lightweight Scarpa hiking boots

Hut booties – MEC, because it’s nice to have a comfy pair of shoes to change into at camp

Gloves, toque, buff – this is Canada, it gets cold even in July

Hat

Sunglasses