Gear

The Shawnee State Forest offers some of the greatest backpacking in the Midwest.  Yet, in order to safely enjoy these trails an individual must be properly outfitted.

This checklist can be an aid in preparing for your trek.  This checklist does not completely cover the gear options.  When your crew arrives at camp your Guide will assist each individual in choosing the necessary items.

When considering a piece of gear for the trip three factors should be taken into account: weight, bulk, and versatility.

  Weight is the most obvious consideration to take into account, due to the fact that you will have to carry it over miles of rigorous terrain—the lighter the pack the easier the hike.

  Bulk becomes a major issue when you attempt to carry a weeks worth of gear in the smallest possible space (remember, you must carry food, personal gear, and crew gear for the entire length of your hike).

  The last issue an individual should consider is versatility.  Versatility refers to a piece of gear’s ability to work for multiple needs.  Here is where one can lighten the load and conserve on space.  If an insulated mug will work for a drinking cup and an eating bowl, then you have picked a versatile option, cutting down on weight and bulk.  Using swim trunks as hiking shorts gives you a light, non-bulky, and quick drying pair of shorts.

If you have questions about which gear to bring, call or bring it all to camp.  There is not much your guide can do to supplement missing pieces of gear once you arrive.  Lastly, remember that some gear is essential and other equipment is optional.  Focus on getting quality essentials before ever purchasing the optional gear.

Weather in Ohio is unpredictable and extreme.  Temperatures can vary from 100’s to 50’s.  Expect thunderstorms and high humidity.  Your rain gear is the most essential part of your equipment, and your first line of defense against weather.  Your sleeping bag should be rated near 40 degrees.  It is highly suggested to pack your gear in individual plastic bags—this waterproofs and organizes your gear.  Your ability to enjoy the trek experience can depend upon your gear.  Lastly remember, your personal gear is only a third of what you will carry.

Not only must you prepare yourself and your backpack to carry all your personal gear, but also the other two-thirds of your backpack will be filled with crew gear.  The camp will provide your food, unless you have a special dietary need.  The food provided is more than necessary to provide you a balanced diet with plenty of calories.  Thus, it is not necessary to bring bags of extra food in your pack.

Personal Gear List

Item	Essential	Accessible  Quickly	Share	Bear Bag  Item	Program
Backpack with padded hip belt	r				BP
Pack cover (preferably not trash bags)	r	r			BP
Sleeping Bag (in a lined, waterproof stuff sack)	r				BP, CN
Sleeping Pad	r				BP
2-3 quarts of water	r	r			All
Raingear	r	r			All
Hiking boots (broken-in, and waterproof)	r				All
Gaiters					BP, CN
Camp shoes (lightweight sneakers)					All
2 pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks	r				BP
2 pairs of thin synthetic liner socks					BP
2 pairs of shorts					All
2 “pairs” of underwear					All
2 T-shirts					All
1 pair of long pants (rain pants can work for this)					BP
1 pair of old jeans	r				CV, HR
Synthetic fleece, wool sweater or warm jacket	r				BP, CN, CV
Hat or cap					All
Ground cloth	r		r		BP, CN
1 eating bowl/cup	r				All
1 spoon (no forks/knifes)	r				All
Sunscreen (at least spf 15)	r		r	r	All
Lip balm				r	All
Small pocketknife			r		All
Small flashlight			r		All
Compass	r	r			BP, CV
Map	r	r	r		BP, CV, CN
2 bandannas					BP, CV, CN
Whistle	r				BP, CV
Toothbrush & Toothpaste				r	All
Camera and film (disposable, waterproof) (Recommended)		r		r	All
Camp chair  (Recommended)					BP, CN
Watch					All
Fishing license and equipment					CN
Personal First-Aid kit (moleskin, Band-Aids, Ace bandage)				r	All
Notepad (small) and pen  (Recommended)