While working on the walking cart, my son-in-law Russ had the following observation: "we build houses with thousands of square feet to store our stuff, and here you're going to carry most everything you'll need for 7 months in less than 8 square feet." And, except for consumables such as food and water, he's right. I guess it shows just how little we need for the bare necessities.
When seeking advice about what to take from the folks at the local outdoor store, in most instances there was too much stuff on my list. After cutting back, and eliminating non-essentials, this is pretty much what I'll carry on the trip:
GEAR: tent and ground cloth, 20 degree sleeping bag & pad, backpack.
CLOTHING: 2 pair long pants, 2 pair short pants, 2 long sleeve shirts, 2 short sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, 2 pc. long johns, underwear, hat, waterproof gloves, rain suit, stocking cap, sweatshirt, socks, 1 cotton shirt and shorts for sleeping, and bathing suit
ELECTRONICS: cell phone and charger, camera and charger, SPOT gps locator. Instr books for camers and gps device.
MISC.: flashlight and another light, Swiss Army knife, first aid kit, heavy string, garden trowel, compass, journal & ink pens, xtra shoes, Rand Mcnally Atlas (large print!), soap, wash cloth and towel, personal grooming stuff, 2 water bottles, matches, toliet paper, trash bags, and a few tools.
When seeking advice about what to take from the folks at the local outdoor store, in most instances there was too much stuff on my list. After cutting back, and eliminating non-essentials, this is pretty much what I'll carry on the trip:
GEAR: tent and ground cloth, 20 degree sleeping bag & pad, backpack.
CLOTHING: 2 pair long pants, 2 pair short pants, 2 long sleeve shirts, 2 short sleeve shirts, fleece jacket, 2 pc. long johns, underwear, hat, waterproof gloves, rain suit, stocking cap, sweatshirt, socks, 1 cotton shirt and shorts for sleeping, and bathing suit
ELECTRONICS: cell phone and charger, camera and charger, SPOT gps locator. Instr books for camers and gps device.
MISC.: flashlight and another light, Swiss Army knife, first aid kit, heavy string, garden trowel, compass, journal & ink pens, xtra shoes, Rand Mcnally Atlas (large print!), soap, wash cloth and towel, personal grooming stuff, 2 water bottles, matches, toliet paper, trash bags, and a few tools.
FOOD: most will be bought along the way. I will carry some snacks to keep the energy level up. (How many Snicker's bars will fit in a backpack?)
There's probably a few more things that I'll think of between now and the time I leave, but not much else. Anything else can be bought along the route. If you think of something, leave a comment.
I would think that with a good smartphone, you could eliminate a dedicated gps, the camera, and the atlas.
ReplyDeleteRobert, you are right. The SPOT GPS tracker has some features that I couldn't find elsewhere, and works via satellite which is more reliable in the remoteness of the southwest. But the smartphone will do everything else....plus some. Mostly just using what I had to keep expenses down. Give up my Rand McNally atlas? Never!
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ReplyDeleteJeff, I wish you Godspeed, good weather, and lots of energy! I know that you will feel so good after this accomplishment! Ree
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