Recommended Gear

Gear List for Solo Backpacker

I like to go light when possible, though by no means am I a minimalist. After
25-plus years of intensive backpacking I am well on the downward side of the gear acquisition curve. When you first get into it, you buy and try all sorts of gear, and peak out on the amount of gear you tote. Then you realize there is actually more that you don’t need than what you do need. You ultimately carry less stuff and use your head more. The following list would be ideal for a spring trip in the Southern Appalachians.

SEE VIDEO OF JOHNNY DEMONSTRATING HOW TO PACK YOUR BACKPACK

Clothes:

2 pair socks

1 pair short pants

1 pair long pants

short sleeve www.minus33.com wool T-shirt:

Sierra Designs Gnar Lite down jacket

long sleeve button up shirt

Arc’Teryx Gore-tex jacket

bandanna

Merrell Boots

I use Merrell boots for
everything from casual day hikes, to light backpacks to snow
trips.  On my 1,100 mile thru hike of the Florida Trail
I used lightweight, drainable low tops, the Moab Ventilator.

Gear :

Sierra Designs Revival 50 backpack

8 x 10 ultra light tarp with cord

Sleeping bag

3/4 length ultra light air mattress

closed cell foam pad

plastic stadium cup

spoon

knife

small grill (very small, lightweight and portable)

small am/fm/weather radio

headlamp

rechargeable batteries

cook kit: one pot, lid, pot holder, drip coffee filter holder

stove/lighter (Stove is optional, I usually cook over a fire)

40 feet cord

water bottle

book

map of area where I am

Personals: lotion, toilet paper, toothbrush, tooth paste, floss, aspirin,
cigars

Options: If in bug country, I would bring along a 3 x 3 x 6′ bug screen and bug dope.

No, I do not carry a first-aid kit. My theory is this: If you are not hurt badly, you do not need the kit, and if you are hurt really badly, your kit would not do any good.

When writing books I use the Delorme Earthmate PN-60 GPS

This is easy the most accurate user-friendly
GPS I have used and I’ve been through a few.

Gear List for Multi-night Canoe Trip

This list can work for the Boundary waters of Minnesota or the Everglades or the Buffalo River
of Arkansas.  For two paddlers.

Gear:

Wenonah Spirit II Canoe

Johnny in a Wenonah
Spirit II

2 wooden paddles

2 cushions

1 dry bag for each person’s clothes and sleeping bag

large dry bag for common items such as tent

2 small dry bags for instantly accessible personal items

100 feet strong rope

2 plastic food storage boxes

3-4 man Sierra Designs tent with vestibule

12 x 10 tarp

5 day cooler

2 canoe seats

2  sleeping bags

2 closed cell foam pad, two 3/4 length air mattresses

2 cups, 2 spoons

2 knives

coffee pot for heating water over the fire

small grill with foldable legs

cook kit: two pots, lid, pot holder, drip coffee filter holder

stove/gas bottles/gas

Coleman backpacking lantern

2 water bottles

biodegradable soap

duct tape

skillet/spatula

2 fishing rods

tackle box with lures and spare line

portage yokes (for lake country)

maps/plastic map case

tie down straps for canoe

Personal: sunscreen, lotion, toilet paper, toothbrush, tooth paste, floss, aspirin, sunglasses, bug dope,cigars

Obviously, you can tote more in a canoe with less effort. The two main concerns are storage room and if you are going to be portaging frequently.
on river trips you can bring a cooler and dry ice, which
keeps stuff cool for a very long time!

Clothes:

3 pair socks

2 pairs short pants

1 pair long khaki pants

2 short sleeve T-shirts

long sleeve T-shirt

long sleeve button up shirt

Sierra Designs Gnar Lite down jacket

Arc’Teryx jacket

bandanna

visor/ball cap

sun hat with large visor and neck protection

low-top Timberland walking shoes

sandals

Johnny’s paddling a Wenonah Spirit II
on Georgia’s Broad River

Meal Plan for 7 Night Backpack Trip

Rule #1: Do not follow directions on any of packaged foods.

Rule #2: Cook only in the dark or when bear is in the vicinity.

(just kidding)