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View Full Version : What is your "must haves" while backpacking? Optio



shlingdawg
07-21-2005, 07:48 PM
I'm getting my pack ready for a hike next week. After packing the necessities, I still have room and some weight to spare for some luxury items.

What do you NEVER leave behind while roughing it that would be considered by most to be a luxury item? :popcorn:

accadacca
07-22-2005, 08:26 AM
I like to throw in a magazine. Seems that I never get the chance or take the chance to read them at home anymore. Everything is on the Internet or TV. It is relaxing to read a good magazine of your choice during some down time. I would choose dirt rider or dirt bike.

I like to bring cards as well. Sit around with the boys and play in the evening for some skittles. :lol8: Or other small games that would be fun. How about some stuff to make smores? You would be the popular guy in camp. I have brought the popcorn in the pan deal on occasion. I also bring fish seasoning salt and a small tupperware container with butter, followed by some tin foil. Ahhhhhh........these last items are for cooking the fish. :five:

rockgremlin
07-22-2005, 08:32 AM
fireworks, guns, porno mags, liquor...you WERE gonna hike around Cedar City weren't ya? :haha: :haha:

Don't forget the TP! Maybe a pillow too.

accadacca
07-22-2005, 08:37 AM
fireworks, guns, porno mags, liquor...you WERE gonna hike around Cedar City weren't ya? :haha: :haha:

Don't forget the TP! Maybe a pillow too.
:getiton: :roflol:

Sombeech
07-25-2005, 09:19 AM
Some people frown upon it, but I ALWAYS pack my handgun. You never know what can go down. Even when you're fishing, you're wading the river and your gear is on shore... somebody can walk right up and get away pretty quick.

Besides, I've got my permit. :2thumbs:

Never go without your camera. We've got to see your pics!!

Udink
07-25-2005, 02:15 PM
I think something to read and some music to listen to are good things to bring if you've got the spare room.


Some people frown upon it, but I ALWAYS pack my handgun.
Same here--I don't consider mine optional. I'll bet the same people who frown upon it are the same people who are pushing for mandatory seat belt laws, when in fact carrying a defensive handgun and wearing your seat belt are the same thing--not necessary 99.99999% of the time, but you never know when one might save your life.

shlingdawg
07-26-2005, 01:41 PM
I WILL have my camera. I WILL have my P239. I WILL have my fly rod.

Everything else should fall into place. :nod:

Leaving in 14 hours! :bootyshake: :rockon:

Shan
08-02-2005, 12:05 PM
I'm sure we'll be bringing our handgun from now on, since we just got it. It's a 357 Magnum, made in 1963, from my father-in-law.

Wetwipes are a must.

Clean undies and socks for each day too.

Camp shoes like Chacos.

I have powered Tom Collins drink mix too.

Sombeech
08-02-2005, 12:23 PM
Camera, and extra batteries!!!

Also, if there's trees around, I love to pack a hammock. You can get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for 6 bucks. It weighs 1.25 lbs.

It sure is nice to put your feet up after you pack in.

shlingdawg
08-02-2005, 01:10 PM
Camera, and extra batteries!!!

Also, if there's trees around, I love to pack a hammock. You can get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for 6 bucks. It weighs 1.25 lbs.

It sure is nice to put your feet up after you pack in.

A couple of people brought in hammocks to sleep in. They ended up throwing down on the ground because they got cold (no insulation under the body). It would be nice for relaxing purposes though.

I realized that a lighter pack = a much better hiking experience.

Sombeech
08-02-2005, 01:18 PM
True, the hammock is not good to sleep in. I tried it once, and it was a very long night.

I actually slept most nights on the air mattress right below it in the picture.

The hammock was mainly for chillin', and if you could manage to get in an afternoon nap.

Shan
08-02-2005, 01:19 PM
Isn't that a pool floaty?

accadacca
08-02-2005, 01:22 PM
Hey this guy is a big Walmart advocate. :roll_lol:

Sombeech
08-02-2005, 02:55 PM
Isn't that a pool floaty?

You betcha. A dual purpose product. During the day, we would float in the river pools, by night, I'm floating on IT.

(This was in Havasu Canyon)

accadacca
08-02-2005, 03:00 PM
That actually sounds like a great plan that you had. :thumb:

When do you start at Walmart? :lol8:

Sombeech
08-02-2005, 03:03 PM
When do you start at Walmart? :lol8:

As soon as they start with my backpay on my promotional services.

Windwalker
08-14-2005, 07:07 AM
Thanks to all those that have come out of the closet and admit to including a pistol as a must have in their backpack or on their hip. For ever and a day I thought I was one of a very few, now I know better. :2thumbs: I don't feel like the lone stranger any more. Not everyone on the trail is as friendly as this group. Think back over the years and remember those people that have lost their lives to the bad guy.

Wasatch Rebel
08-14-2005, 07:17 AM
After my last trip, I'm thinking my 6 inch thick foam pad has got to go...some how...some way....

Shane

TreeHugger
08-17-2005, 07:35 AM
Wow, I cant imagine carrying a GUN to backpack!! yikes!

My two must haves are a book, and camp shoes.... nothing like getting out of the boots and putting something comfy on your feet.

shlingdawg
08-17-2005, 09:39 AM
Wow, I cant imagine carrying a GUN to backpack!! yikes!

My two must haves are a book, and camp shoes.... nothing like getting out of the boots and putting something comfy on your feet.

I can't imagine carrying a book. Firestarter?





Remember: better to be judged by 12 than carried by 6. :2gun: :assault:

TreeHugger
08-17-2005, 12:15 PM
:-) heehee.

Well, as I read it I use the parts I've read for firestarter!! There have been times when I've come across someone else on the trail and we've traded halves of our books for more diverse reading material... kinda fun.

I"m really just a gun wussy, they scare me!!

Sombeech
08-17-2005, 02:06 PM
I"m really just a gun wussy, they scare me!!

That's understandable. Now that I am actually educated about firearms safety, it actually frightens me to think of a situation where I wouldn't have one.

Anything can happen in the wilderness, and I'm not only talking about scary people. I've encountered moose several times, and thought about how accessible my handgun was, in case I had to fire it into the air to avoid a "trampling".

I'd like to see some bear when I'm hiking, but not too close. This isn't always something you can predict though.

A bullwhip can have the same effect, if you know how to use it.

tanya
11-14-2005, 10:46 PM
[Also, if there's trees around, I love to pack a hammock. You can get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for 6 bucks. It weighs 1.25 lbs.

It sure is nice to put your feet up after you pack in.]


Sombeech --- You look far too comfortable! I might have to add one of those to my backpack list.

http://www.zionnational-park.com

DickHead
11-15-2005, 06:57 AM
Thanks to all those that have come out of the closet and admit to including a pistol as a must have in their backpack or on their hip. For ever and a day I thought I was one of a very few, now I know better. :2thumbs: I don't feel like the lone stranger any more. Not everyone on the trail is as friendly as this group. Think back over the years and remember those people that have lost their lives to the bad guy.

I really really really want to buy a Total Titanium Taurus Tracker in .357mag. 4" bbl, ported, 7 shot, 2lbs before ammo!


I"m really just a gun wussy, they scare me!!

Consider taking a Women's gun safety course. Whether you decide that owning or carrying a gun isn't for you is fine, but in America not at least knowing the basics of gun safety is kind of like not knowing how to drive a car.
DWR has a series of Outdoorswoman classes that include guns.
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/bow/
Hunter's ed
http://www.wildlife.utah.gov/huntereducation/
NRA
http://www.nrahq.org/women/index.asp
Or call over to the Lee Kay Center and see if anyone will be offering any beginning gun classes
Lee Kay Center for Hunter Education
6000 West 2100 South, Salt Lake City, UT 84120
(801) 972-1326
If nothing else, it might help you overcome your fear of an inatimate object/tool.

:2guns:

Sombeech
11-17-2005, 09:35 PM
Also, if there's trees around, I love to pack a hammock. You can get a cheap one from Wal-Mart for 6 bucks. It weighs 1.25 lbs.

It sure is nice to put your feet up after you pack in.


Sombeech --- You look far too comfortable! I might have to add one of those to my backpack list.


Hey, they sure are nice. For all the CRAP I continually pack every time on my back, 1.25 lbs extra pays off.

Also, my handgun is an absolute must. I'll leave the hammock home if I have to. I had my hand on it as we were walking past some bear caves.

http://uutah.com/forum/files/img_0652.jpg

These caves just snuck up on us. We weren't looking for any trouble, but just imagine how long it takes to get your pack off and start running.

We'll never go in with the intention of killing something (besides fish).

Glockguy
11-17-2005, 11:40 PM
What do you carry? Think it would be enough to stop a bear? I carry a 9 mm because I am poor but sure would like to get a .357 sometime soon.

accadacca
11-18-2005, 07:42 AM
What do you carry? Think it would be enough to stop a bear? I carry a 9 mm because I am poor but sure would like to get a .357 sometime soon.
I think a small hand gun would slow it down.......if your a decent shot. :scared:

DickHead
11-18-2005, 08:03 AM
What do you carry? Think it would be enough to stop a bear? I carry a 9 mm because I am poor but sure would like to get a .357 sometime soon.
I think a small hand gun would slow it down.......if your a decent shot. :scared:

Or possibly just piss it off
:bootyshake:
If one lives in true bear country, do as the Alaskans do....carry a pistol-grip 12ga. Around here I think the biggest threat is actually Cougars and two legged. Black bears usually avoid people. If you're in Griz country, well, just don't piss 'em off with a handgun.
Backpacking is one of those instances where a compromise between carrying a handgun vs. a longgun certainly has a case.
For all my backwoods fun at current I carry a .45 (taurus PT145). Loaded with FMJ ammo outdoors. If I'm car camping I've always got a 12ga pump and sometimes an SKS nearby.

Taurus and Smith sell .357 on up in very lightweight packages. If you're a real man, I guess you could carry this
http://www.smith-wesson.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=11101&storeId=10001&productId=14778&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=15707&isFirearm=Y
[/url]

Sombeech
11-18-2005, 08:32 AM
What do you carry? Think it would be enough to stop a bear? I carry a 9 mm because I am poor but sure would like to get a .357 sometime soon.

I had a .38, 6 shots. I know it wouldn't have knocked it down, but it would have given me a chance to throw my pack off and run away screaming like a little girl.

accadacca
11-18-2005, 09:52 AM
But it would have given me a chance to throw my pack off and run away screaming like a little girl.
You got that RIGHT! :roflol:

BTTAndy
12-08-2005, 04:05 PM
I agree with Shan about the wet wipes. I keep a pack in the car and even pocket one for the hike just in case my coffee starts kickin' in. I have several other "musts". I plan on taking ear plugs with me to the Supai for when we get a river side spot. The rushing water sounds soothing except in the middle of the night. Its slightly annoying at that point.

TreeHugger
12-09-2005, 10:37 AM
[quote]Consider taking a Women's gun safety course. Whether you decide that owning or carrying a gun isn't for you is fine, but in America not at least knowing the basics of gun safety is kind of like not knowing how to drive a car.
[quote]

Nah, thanks. I really have no interest whatsoever in anything "gun". I have backpacked and hiked in bear country, all over, and never felt the need or desire to carry a gun... I like it that way.

Another essential I bring is a bandana. So useful for so many things - to keep my hair back, wiping sweat, stopping bleeding, washing...

Iceaxe
12-09-2005, 12:53 PM
I have backpacked and hiked in bear country, all over, and never felt the need or desire to carry a gun.

In bear country it is advisable to wear 'bear bells', to warn the bears away, as well as carrying bear spray made from hot peppers. It is also a good idea to keep your eyes open for bear sign, particularly their scat (poop), and to know how to tell the difference between black bear scat and grizzly scat -- black bear scat looks like human scat and is commonly full of seeds and berries. Grizzly scat is larger, full of bells, and smells like hot peppers...

Sombeech
12-09-2005, 05:38 PM
Grizzly scat is larger, full of bells, and smells like hot peppers...

How does it taste?

Iceaxe
12-10-2005, 09:24 AM
How does it taste?

I'm not sure, you'll have to ask rockgremlin or accadacca..... :roflol:

Sombeech
12-12-2005, 05:35 PM
How does it taste?

I'm not sure, you'll have to ask rockgremlin or accadacca..... :roflol:

Nice. :haha:

dbessee
12-15-2005, 05:20 PM
I'm a believer in the .357 myself but it is heavy, I carry a Dan Wesson with the 6" full lug barrel because it is one of the most accurate guns I've evr shot.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned here yet is a candle lantern. I love mine and with the fire restrictions in CO over the past few years it's about as big a campfire as you're allowed :haha:

the bandana and camp shoes are high on my list too!

Don

Sombeech
12-16-2005, 03:58 PM
One thing I haven't seen mentioned here yet is a candle lantern. I love mine and with the fire restrictions in CO over the past few years it's about as big a campfire as you're allowed :haha:

Yeah, we've been dealing with some fire restrictions in the last few years, but they're letting up lately.

Until another boy scout brings fireworks.... like I did when I was that age. :oops:

But, I have never used a candle lantern. Do you have a pic of yours?

DickHead
12-16-2005, 05:15 PM
I just looked at the Tracker at Sportsman's. I'm sold, now I just need to put the money aside....
$369 for a 7 shot, 3" .357 that weighs in at 2lbs unloaded...... :2thumbs:

dbessee
12-16-2005, 06:36 PM
But, I have never used a candle lantern. Do you have a pic of yours?

Nope. But I have a digital camera so I'll take one and post it up for 'ya.

Don

DickHead
12-16-2005, 06:44 PM
http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?memberId=12500226&productId=711

http://www.campmor.com/images/8200/80644.jpg

dbessee
12-16-2005, 06:52 PM
Yep! That's what it looks like.

Mine's the REI knockoff but it looks and works the same. One nice feature is that the globe section slides down into the base section to protect the globe and reduce the size when packed. :smile:

Some of the winter campers here in CO actually use these to heat their tent/snow shelter. It's amazing how warm 35F feels when the wind chill outside is -20F. :cold:

Don

accadacca
12-16-2005, 08:10 PM
Huh? Never used one......great tips. Cheap too! :cool2:

lonepeakgeek
01-27-2006, 03:35 PM
Jerky. After a few days- all the carb-rich trail foods start to make me nauseous. Jerky is the fix- and it's on-the-trail auction value increases by the hour.

DickHead
01-27-2006, 03:45 PM
Okay so I've decided to compromise. I'm going to forgo the Tracker for now and buy this asap.
http://www.taurususa.com/products/product-details.cfm?model=651SS&category=Revolver
http://www.taurususa.com/imagesMain/H_651SS.jpg
And I ordered a new holster
http://www.kgproducts.com/HANDIBAGS.html


http://www.kgproducts.com/HANDIBAGS/IMAG001.JPG

It has two straps, one over the shoulder and one around the waist. I'm stoked.

accadacca
01-27-2006, 03:53 PM
That's Hot! :five:

donny h
01-27-2006, 05:36 PM
+1 on the candle lantern, it's on my 'must have' list for cold weather camping. In my tiny Eureka tent, it works as a heater.

Here is the ultra-light .357 I pack, 11 oz. empty, 13 oz. loaded with 5 rounds.

It has vicious recoil, seriously, you have never felt recoil in a pistol like the 340, and it cost me over $600 at Sportsmans, but it's REAAALLLLY light, and easy to carry.[/img]

Iceaxe
01-27-2006, 08:47 PM
I carry a S&W Model 63 when i backpack.

Its called a "Kit Gun" and is chambered for the .22 long rifle. The Kit Gun was introduced in 1936 ("Kit Gun" as in fishing or hunting kit and not "kit" as in to be assembled), has proven one of S&W's most enduringly popular items and has served as model for dozens of imitations and similar configurations from competing manufacturers. It's a true classic.

donny h
01-28-2006, 03:51 PM
Neat revolver Iceaxe, the Kit Gun is a classic, and I bet it's a lot funner to shoot than my 340 hand frigging cannon.

Your .22lr revolver, is hands down the best survival weapon a fella could have, south of white bear country, in my opinion.

In a survival scenario the most likely animal food sources besides fish are birds, rodents, and reptiles, and a .22 is perfect for such tiny game.

You can easily carry 100 rounds or more, something you couldn't do with a shotgun, or a hand cannon, or a big bore rifle.

A .22 rifle would be more accurate, but too bulky to carry, and an automatic is by nature more complicated, and possibly prone to failure than a nice, simple revolver, in stainless.

No, the .22 isn't much against a large animal, but honestly, I bet the odds are you're far more likely to get lost and hungry than need to defend yourself against a larger mammal.

I have some shotshells in .357, but with a 2" barrel that bird would have to be close enough to touch.

I couldn't feed myself with my .357 unless there was a cow around. :nono:

donny h
01-28-2006, 04:04 PM
There is a new product out for the person that wants the ultimate hand cannon, the Ruger Alaskan in .454 Casull, 41 oz weight unloaded.

.454 ballistic numbers are incredible, approaching TWICE the power of a .44 mag.

http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/rgrRH/

DickHead
01-28-2006, 04:09 PM
Ouch! That fawker needs to be ported!!! I've shot a .454 out of a 6"bbl and it freaking hurt. I don't like the .454, but I'm slightly handgun-recoil sensitive. I prefer middle-calibers, unless its an auto, then its .45 acp all the way, baby!

As far as carrying a .22.....its a great survival round but I'm thinking personal defense against critters and whilst mountain biking.

I'd like to get an AR7 rifle one day, that would be a great companion on a backpacking trip.

http://www.impactguns.com/store/619835002006.html

donny h
01-28-2006, 05:06 PM
I had a AR7 when I was a kid, and it was kinda' junky, but I loved it and would like another one because the whole idea is just so cool, the way it breaks down into one FLOATING piece, a plus for this kayaker.

I have a folding stock 10/22, and I could backpack with that, but without a scope it's still over twice the weight of an AR7, too heavy for a longer trip.

.45 acp is a great round, if a fella got one along with one of those .22lr conversion kits, maybe that would be a great survival gun.

I don't know if those conversion kits are practical to carry and swap in the field, but if you could get a smaller .45, like the Springfield Armory compacts, along with a .22 kit, that would pretty much rock, self defense and small game capabilities in a small package.

TreeHugger
01-28-2006, 05:07 PM
You guys scare me.

:2gun:

dbessee
01-28-2006, 05:08 PM
This is the new camp gun/packing gun combo I'm looking at this year:


Camp Gun:

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=4801&return=Y

Pack Gun:

http://www.ruger.com/Firearms/FAProdView?model=3425&return=Y

interchangable mags, good durability, reliable (for auto's, I do take the point on wheel guns and reliability).

Here's some pics:

donny h
01-28-2006, 06:02 PM
I like that .40 pistol a lot, nice gun, I never understood why some people bad mouth Ruger autos, they make great pistols and have awesome customer service.

My buddy must have 10k rounds through his Ruger P-85 and it never misses a beat.

As far as the carbine, well, it's a matter of personal preference, but I have never seen the attraction to rifles chambered in pistol calibers, the commonality of the ammo is not enough to interest me. The interchangeable mag is pretty neat, I will admit though...

Iceaxe
01-28-2006, 06:46 PM
Best part about packin' a .22 is you can carry enough ammo to sit in camp and shot stuff. :assault:

Add 50 rounds of 9mm, .40, .375, yada, yada to your pack and you have added some serious weight. you will hardly notice a 100 rounds of .22 in you pack.

We all know how much fun it is to sit in camp and shot stuff..... the side benefit is nobody else camps near you. :five:

:2thumbs:

DickHead
01-28-2006, 07:57 PM
I have a 12ga for when I'm car camping, and of course my scoped 10/22 goes with me then. Couple of bricks, some cans and the occassional critter, good times!
I'm a big ruger fan. My last full sized auto was a P95DC 9mm. I'm currently more into CCW, so I think small. I've got a Taurus PT145, and that would go with me if I were to backpack, until I buy a snubnosed .357, anyway.
The AR7 is a neat little package. Great way to harvest game out in the boonies, or just to provide cheap camp entertainment. I want to get one.
I've kind of hijacked this thread, but here is my short list of gun wants:

Taurus .357 snubnosed revo.
Springfield XD45 .45acp auto (brand spankin new model)
AR7
.357 Lever action rifle
:assault:

david staub
01-30-2006, 01:55 PM
I have a little chess set that I like to take. The board folds into the box that holds all of the pieces - so it is self contained, small, and very light weight.

I always take a magazine too. Usually Backpacker Magazine. A few different reasons; 1. I enjoy reading it, 2. it reminds me what I should have done, and 3. I use it as a brace in my first aid kit. If anyone should break an arm, I roll the magazine around it and use duct tape to secure it.

Glockguy
01-30-2006, 02:01 PM
I just got this (glock) a 19 a few weeks ago. I love how reliable it is. Concealability is also a +

I am using it as a practice weapon for when I have to qualify next year at the academy where I will be shooting a Glock 22 (.40 cal).