Gear Check: Packing for the Backcountry (Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, Tents, Duffel Bags, Dry-Sacks, Check List)

There's a lot to go over in this section so let's dive right in.

The number one consideration when purchasing backcountry hiking and camping equipment is weight. The lighter, the better. And often times, the lighter, the more pricey the item is. Of course quality is right there too since it is of no use buying a featherweight piece of poo. But that should go without saying.

Let's start with the two items that will be doing the carrying on this trip to Canada: the backpack and the duffel bag.

For the backpack, I use an ultralight, airflow system designed by Osprey. It's functional for two to three nights max; this pack is not made for weeklong or multi-week excursions. But for my purposes, it's perfect. All but two of the hikes we are doing in the Canadian mountains are long day hikes. The other two are single night backcountry outings. So this Osprey back will be just right.

For the duffel bag, I'm turning to a recent acquisition: the 140L Mammut Cargon Duffel. Everything that I will be taking with me for two weeks of hiking in Canada, will fit in this bag, save for the backpack that I am using as a carryon. My girlfriend will be using the 120 L Marmot Long-Hauler Duffel. Both are high quality duffel bags, but for men, I recommend the Mammut since the shoulder-strap system, at least on its 140L, is designed for broader shoulders, and is more comfortable carrying on your back.

The tent system is an ultralight, two-person design by Black Diamond. I've used this tent for years and it has held up against terrific wind and rain storms. When other tents were literally blasted to shreds in one of the most severe wind storms I've encountered, this tent performed like a champion. Though one of the poles became permanently disfigured in the storm, the tent still performs the way it should after all these years.

Of the two sleeping bags I have -- an ultra-light Montbell summer bag, and a Western Mountaineering ultra-light three-season -- it's the latter that will be making the trip to Canada. A Thermarest lightweight air pad is used to provide additional comfort at night. I also use a Thermarest foam pad for added support and comfort. On backcountry portions of this trip, however, the foam pad will stay in the duffel bag in order to save weight.

To protect my extra set of clothing, sleeping bag, and other items from the elements while hiking, I am using a series of "nano" Sea-to-Summit dry-sacks. While pricey, these super-light bags are a necessity if you want to keep your stuff from getting soaked. An extra dry-sack will be used to hang food away from camp, and hopefully out of reach of bears.

Other items on the check list for Canada:

- CLIF shot energy gel packs
- CLIF shot bloks
- Quest protein bars
- NUUN hydration tablets
- SaltStick eloctrolyte and caffeine capsules
- Starbucks Via instant coffee
- BodyGlide anti-chaff balm
- NipEaze nipple stickers
- Anti-Monkey Butt Powder (that's what it's called)
- Sea-to-Summit document pouch
- Sea-to-Summit toiletry bag
- Absorber synthetic drying chamois (great for wiping down a wet tent before packing it up)
- Repel 100 insect spray
- 2 48-ounce Nalgene bottles
- Sea-to-Summit mosquito net
- Dr. Scholl's moleskin
- Emergency medical kit
- Sawyer mini water filtration system
- Sea-to-Summit sleeping bag liner
- Suunto compass
- Exped air pillow
- Waterproof maps
- PacSafe passport/card wallet
- Various travel locks
- Light Spork
- Light Mug
- Light Bowl
- Light Plate
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm
- Wet wipes
- Sea-to-Summit drylite towel (much lighter and packs smaller than a normal towel)
- Plastic trowel and toilet paper (mandatory for the backcountry)
- Plastic bags (ziplocks and garbage size)
- Travel-size toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, cleaning liquid, etc.
- Pocket knife (just never know when you will need it)
- Patagonia swim suit (for post-hike swims!)
- Patagonia down vest (for chillin)
- Journal and pen (memorialize your adventures)
- Bear repellant spray (you have to have it apparently)
- Nylon rope to hang wet clothes, hang stored food in a tree, and for other needs
- Ground tarp (protect the tent bottom)
- Thermarest Tech Blanket (it's just great to have when resting above your sleeping bag)
- Mizuno trail shoes (very lightweight)
- Chaco sandals (not light, but great for rivers)

There are three items I haven't mentioned here that will also have an integral role on this trip: Canon Powershot D30 camera, Sony HDR-AS100VR POV Action Cam, and Suunto Ambit2 GPS watch. I will talk about the tech gear in the next blog entry.