Backpacking gear help needed

[NorCalGuy]

Ok so I am NOOB backpacker and I am putting together my kit. I made a list of stuff I have read that seems like a good idea for my friend and I to bring.

My QUESTION to you is… What on this list in useless (can be taken off) and what needs to be added on? Clothing, first aid kit and food are a separate list… just looking for gear advice on this post.

I am going to the Sierras in Northern California btw…

□ GPS
□ Extra GPS batteries
□ .410 shotgun
□ .410 shotgun Slugs
□ .410 shotgun 6-7 ½ shot
□ Bear Vault BV500
□ Backpack
□ Sleeping bag
□ Magnesium striker
□ Waterproof matches
□ Waterproof match box
□ Tent
□ Water treatment
□ Water Bottles (2)
□ LED flashlight or head lamp
□ Extra flashlight batteries
□ Snake bite kit
□ Stuff sacks
□ Dry bag for wet cloths
□ Pari-cord
□ Insect repellant
□ Sun block
□ Chap stick
□ Swimming trunks
□ Map w/ protective case
□ Compass
□ Cooking stove
□ Stove fuel
□ Sunglasses
□ Multi tool
□ Whistle
□ Signal mirror
□ Giant orange garbage bag
□ Camping toilet paper
□ Knife
□ Log book
□ Pen/ Pencil
□ Fishing gear
□ Harmonica
□ Required paperwork
□ Photo ID
□ Trip itinerary
□ List of phone numbers
□ Resalable plastic bags
□ Camera
□ Travel towel
□ Duct tape
□ Left trip itinerary with friend
□ Reflective blanket
□ Axe
□ Shovel
□ Cash $$$

(Clothing, first aid kit and food are a separate list )

Thanks so much!!!

[skinewmexico]

I think the 410 is going to raise some eyebrows. Plus no real need for a shovel or axe.

[Many Walks]

Things I'd drop:
□ GPS - use the map, unless you are proficient with GPS
□ Extra GPS batteries
□ .410 shotgun
□ .410 shotgun Slugs
□ .410 shotgun 6-7 ½ shot
□ Bear Vault BV500 - depends where in N CA you're going.
□ Magnesium striker - OR - Waterproof box & matches - no need for both
□ Snake bite kit
□ Stuff sacks - take only those you NEED
□ Dry bag for wet cloths - hang them on your pack to dry
□ Swimming trunks - swim in your hiking shorts or skinny dip
□ Fishing gear - unless you'll really use it and have a CA license
□ Axe
□ Shovel

There are other things on the list that are personal preference, but these are the things that really jumped out at me that I would call unwarranted weight.

You might want a pad for your sleeping bag, cooking utensils, spork.
You'll need a campfire/stove permit in some National Forests. Required in Plumas.
Check regulations as open campfires are banned during fire season.

Enjoy your hike!

[Summit]

Loose the shotgun, axe, and shovel . . . unless your agenda is shoot other hikers and leave no trace! :eek: :p

I can see the fishing gear if you are going where you know the lakes, streams are stocked with trout. I had a small five piece Diawa pole and salmon eggs when I lived in CA and hiked the Sierras. Caught and ate some fine trout . . . much better than trail food!
As Many Walks said, leave swim trunks behind.
Snake bite kits kill more people than they save . . . leave it.
Reflective blanket? Why?
Take a Big Agnes air mattress or ThermaRest ground pad.
Have a blast! :)

[bigcranky]

No need for the shotgun and shells; a .410 won't stop a bear anyway. No need for the axe and shovel -- a tent stake is enough to dig a cathole for latrine duty. A good folding saw is generally more useful for collecting firewood, and safer to use.

You don't really *need* a GPS unit if you have maps and a compass and know how to use them. But they are fun to play with.

I have no comment on the fishing gear other than to say I wouldn't need it -- but if you will actually fish and catch some breakfast, great. (Bring aluminum foil, oil, and some lemons....)



Loose the shotgun, axe, and shovel . . . unless your agenda is shoot other hikers and leave no trace!


Funniest thing I've seen in a while. LNT. Heh.