INVENTORY
Meat
Beer
Charcoal
Sleeping stuff
Swimming Trunks
First Aid
The first aid kit should contain the following:
painkillers (acetominophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin)
anti-histamine or other allergy treatments
prescription medication in original containers
nail clippers
band-aids
gauze and tape
two or three sanitary napkins (for very deep cuts)
Ace bandage
scissors
iodine
tweezers
alcohol swabs (packaged like restaurant towellettes)
vitamins
insect repellent, especially in areas where West Nile or Lyme Disease is prevalent
sunblock and sunburn treatment (e.g., aloe gel)
soap, small quantities of haircare products, toothpaste, toothbrush, comb/brush, barettes/hairbands, feminine hygiene supplies if necessary, etc., etc.
Optional: bee sting remedy (not optional if anyone in the party is allergic, of course), cold medication, tweezers, gel-pak hand warmer, skin lotion, anti-perspirant, diarrhea and constipation treatments
Clothes
Don't overdo it on clothes. Whatever you take will get filthy: you will sweat, you will muck about in the rain, you will sit around campfires. Pack old but sturdy clothing, and only pack a small amount.
One pair long trousers. One pair short trousers. One undershirt for each day out. One or two overshirts. Period.
For sleeping: t-shirt and shorts for warm weather, or sweatgear for cold weather.
Hooded sweatshirt or knit cap if nighttime temperatures fall below 50 degrees Farenheit. This can happen in many places, especially in deserts or in the mountains, even in July and August -- sleeping in the cold is more dangerous than you may think without protection!
More changes of underwear than of clothes, and an extra t-shirt. It makes the clothes last longer when you're sweating.
One extra pair of socks for every night you'll be camping: it's a very good idea to wear fresh, dry socks to sleep in, or your feet will get cold when the sweat evaporates.
Rain gear, such as a poncho or PVC-coated or Gore-Tex light jacket. Rain pants can be a good idea, too.
Wide-brimmed hat.
Bandanna.
One extra pair of shoes.
Gear
Quality and cost are a consideration when it comes to camping and hiking gear. See below for some advice about shopping around. Another consideration to keep in mind is weight and "packability" -- stuff needs to be light, compact, durable, and (in many cases) waterproof.
Flashlight and extra batteries, or try the type that uses wind-up power.
Camping or Swiss Army knife.
Referee's whistle.
Hand towel or washcloth (or simply use the bandanna).
Emergency thermal blanket tarp. Can be used as a blanket or a tarp! These go for only about $10 apiece. They're also bright, bright orange. I usually put one over and under the tent.
Light rope and/or bungee cords. For tying things to your pack, drying dishes or clothes, hanging food in the trees in bear country, connecting tarps to stakes, etc., etc.
Compass and thermometer.
Tent gear, including a tarpaulin.
Sleeping bag. Make sure your sleeping bag is rated for the nighttime temperature you plan to camp in! It's much easier and more comfortable to pack a low-temperature-rated bag than to pack and use three extra blankets, two sets of sweatgear, long underwear, and flannel shirts with an inadequate bag. Bags rated for zero degrees or fifteen degrees Farenheit (below zero degrees C) are well worth the $150 or $200 you may spend on them, because you will sleep well and enjoy your outing more than if you're freezing all night long! In the past several years, sleeping bags fitted for women have been available (Sierra Designs was one of the first manufacturers). These bags provide more hip room than a basic mummy bag, and can be found in regular and long sizes.
Set of utensils and a large, reusable thermal mug (like a travel latte cup).
Water bottle or canteen.
Optional: jingle bells for hiking (to alert bears/bison/cougars of your presence -- however, they also spook birds and other, less dangerous wildlife); lantern; propane stove; ax; "neck safe" pouch for carrying valuables under clothing
