That Little Something....

[Jack Tarlin]

On another thread, I think it was the one about the Osprey Atmos 65 backpack, I mentioned that I carried a REALLY big pack, which I do.

This got me thinking.

Everyone's got something they carry, that most folks would either happily go without, or in more extreme circumstances, they'd think you were nuts for bringing it along.

So for those of you who've done long hikes, what's that something that you just won't do without?

In no particular order, the stuff I carry that most folks seem to get by without are a really big pack; bourbon; Camels; at least 2 books all the time; and a ridiculously large spice bag for my cooking.

But I'd be curious about other folks.

[JojoSmiley]

I carry a book, an ipod, small bible and a camera with lots of bells and whistles.

[Big Dawg]

My thermarest camp chair. I usually never see people w/ them, but for me it's a must have. Ain't nothin like relaxin back in my camp chair at the end of a long day. Sittin against a log, tree, etc. just don't do it for me. Definately worth the pound in my pack to me.

[hopefulhiker]

I think I was the only one with a front pack, part of the luxury lite pack, the whole way. When I met you Jack in Glencliff, you chuckled about it. "I guess you can get used to anything" you said.

Anyway it helped balance the load and functioned as a slack pack, portable lunch counter, desk, water cooler, and glove compartment. I would use it again on another thru..

[Hammock Hanger]

ipod, pocketmail I like to listen to books at night (can't read anymore) and I like to journal. Neither item is needed but they are my luxury items.

[Lone Wolf]

I don't go without 2 cook pots, a book,crossword puzzles, sometimes a fry pan, a Nalgene, am/fm headphones, tent, gummi bears.

[Sly]

On long hikes, other than what I really need, I'll also carry cigs and bourbon, along with a camera and a mp3 player (used to be a cassette player). Not much else.

[Skidsteer]

Metamucil.

[Skidsteer]

...And most of Jack's list with personal variations.

[ed bell]

I don't go without 2 cook pots, a book,crossword puzzles, sometimes a fry pan, a Nalgene, am/fm headphones, tent, gummi bears.

You backpacker, you! Are you crazy? Oh, the delights a fry pan can bring.

[Lone Wolf]

You backpacker, you! Are you crazy? Oh, the delights a fry pan can bring.

I like pasta and sauces and cook them seperate. Coming out of towns I pack bacon and eggs and meat and veggies for stir fry. Plus i usually get a bottle of red and put it in my nalgene.

[the goat]

a nalgene, some bourbon and some smoke too.

i like to carry a six-pack, a steak and several avocados outta town also.

[MOWGLI]

sometimes a fry pan

I wish I has a fry pan on the JMT this past summer. I would have eaten more than 1 fish if I had.

[ed bell]

I still remember, to this day, a pan fried steak I enjoyed after a long day. Having the luxury to freeze items before departure opens up a new world.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

We've had to lighten up considerably to keep hiking, but we still carry an ancient aluminum pot - 3.5 qts. It holds enough for two starving dinos and allows enough room to stir the contents thoroughly - something many backpack foods require.

[bfitz]

Double, double, toil and trouble....

[LostInSpace]

Tequila, premixed with Triple Sec, and powdered mix to make margies!

[rafe]

My "little extras" fit in a film can and weigh next to nothing. But it wouldn't go over well at a church hostel.

[Ramble~On]

Double, double, toil and trouble....

?
Party till you're seeing double

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Spiritwind, I think he was referring to the size of my cooking pot. I've been called a witch or something that rhymes with it a time or two.