Michael Turner
Choose volume by trip length: 20–30 L for single-day outings, 35–50 L for overnight with minimal shelter, 50–70 L for multi-day with tent and stove; add +10–15 L for winter clothing or bulky sleeping systems. Aim to keep total carried weight (including water and food) around 5–12 kg for day outings and 10–16 kg for multi-day tours; target a base weight (excluding fuel, food, water) under 8–10 kg.
Water & fuel planning: Carry 0.5–1 L per hour of moderate exertion; minimum 2 L for short days, 3+ L in hot conditions. Use a mechanical filter (Sawyer Mini, MSR TrailShot) or chemical treatment (chlorine dioxide tablets) and bring a backup method. For liquid fuel stoves, budget ~100–200 g of fuel per person per day depending on meals and boiling needs.
Food & calories: Plan for 300–500 kcal per active hour. Carry energy-dense snacks (nuts, nut butter, energy bars) and at least one hot or substantial dinner (~600–900 kcal) and breakfast (~400–700 kcal) for overnight trips. Pack food in resealable bags to save space and weight.
Clothing & sleep system: Layer strategy: moisture-wicking base, insulating mid-layer (down or synthetic), waterproof breathable shell. One spare pair of socks, lightweight beanie and gloves. For overnight trips choose a sleeping bag rated ~5°C warmer than forecast low, and a sleeping pad with R-value ≥3 for 3-season use (≥5 for cold conditions).
Navigation & safety: Carry a paper map and compass; treat electronics as secondary. Bring a phone with offline maps and a power bank ≥10,000 mAh. Headlamp with 150–300 lumens and spare batteries, whistle, emergency bivy (mylar) or lightweight tarp. First-aid kit with blister care, adhesive tape, sterile dressings, pain reliever, antihistamine and any personal medications.
Tools & repairs: Compact multi-tool, duct tape or gear-specific repair tape, zip-ties, sewing kit, and a tent/trekking-pole repair item. Fire-starting: lighter + ferrocerium rod or waterproof matches. Carry a small stove and pot (~0.8–1.2 L) if cooking; for minimalist trips use cold-soak meals to save weight.
Shelter choices & weights: Ultralight single-wall tents start ~1.0–1.5 kg for one person; freestanding 2-person tents commonly 1.8–3.0 kg. Tents, shelter footprint and poles determine volume needs – factor those into your chosen rucksack size.
Leave-no-trace items: Small trowel, sealed toilet paper in a waterproof bag, resealable waste bags for packing out non-biodegradable trash, and biodegradable soap if washing dishes. Adjust quantities and gear to expected weather, terrain and personal comfort thresholds.
Select carry volume by trip duration and daily mileage
Immediate recommendation: choose 18–30 L for single-day outings under ~20 km; 30–45 L for overnight with a lightweight sleep system and minimal stove; 45–65 L for 2–4 nights carrying a full sleeping bag, midweight insulation and fuel; 65–80 L for trips longer than 5 nights or winter travel with bulky clothing and extra fuel; 80+ L for expedition-style loads that include technical gear and group equipment.
Daily mileage effect: if planned distance is under 10 km/day, volume can be higher because food and water consumption is lower and heavier shelter options are acceptable; for 10–20 km/day aim for 30–45% less carried goods than low-mileage plans (favor compressible gear and lighter food); for >20 km/day target the lowest practical literage that still fits necessary sleep system and clothing–typically 18–40 L depending on overnight needs.
Target weights to match liters: ultralight base weight (no consumables) ≈ <6 kg – fits in 18–35 L; weekend base weight ≈ 6–9 kg – fits in 30–50 L; multi-night base weight ≈ 8–14 kg – fits in 45–65 L; winter/technical base weight ≈ 12–20+ kg – requires 65–90+ L. Total carried weight (base + food + water + fuel) typically increases required volume by 10–30% compared with base-only estimates.
Consumables and volume planning: plan food at 0.5–0.8 kg/person/day (0.5 for dehydrated rations, 0.7–0.8 for fresh or high-calorie meals). Water needs 0.5–1.5 L/day depending on temperature and remoteness; if water sources are scarce, allow space for extra bottles or a 2–4 L reservoir (each litre ≈ 1 kg). Fuel consumption commonly 0.1–0.4 L/day; stoves and fuel containers occupy both litres and weight–reserve 1–3 L of internal volume for fuel and cooking kit on multi-day plans.
Fit the volume to gear profile: measure the bulk of shelter + sleep system first–those two items dictate minimum internal volume. Add space for clothing layers, cookset, consumables and safety gear. Allocate 10–20% spare capacity for wet items, boot rotation or an emergency layer; if using a bear canister, add 6–10 L to the required internal volume.
Volume-saving techniques: compressible sleeping bags and clothing reduce required litres by ~20–30%; use compression sacks and stuff sacks to lower cubic requirement. For high-mileage plans choose lighter, smaller-profile shelter and single-pot stoves; for cold-weather outings prioritize larger volume to accommodate bulkier insulation and fuel reserves.
Quick checklist for final selection: list major bulky items with their approximate litres, add consumables volume for planned days, add contingency 10–20%, then select the next available bag size above that total.
Navigation kit: maps, compass, GPS placement and spare batteries
Carry two waterproofed topographic maps (one 1:50,000 and one 1:25,000) plus a liquid-filled baseplate compass and an independent handheld GPS or phone with offline maps; store one complete spare battery set separately from the device.
Maps: choose maps with contour intervals of 10–20 m for technical routes, 20–50 m for general travel. Laminate or use a clear PVC map case; fold maps so the title and key remain visible when stowed. Mark three reference points (start, highest control, nearest exit road) in pencil and write UTM and lat/long of each. Note magnetic declination on the map margin (add/subtract degrees from bearings) and update if local declination >3°.
Compass: select a baseplate model with degree bezel, orienting lines, and a lanyard or clip. Test for smooth bezel rotation and a damping mechanism (liquid-filled). Keep the compass on a chest lanyard or sternum-strap clip for instant use; practice taking bearing-to-destination and back-bearing with your map scale ruler before setting off.
GPS and phone placement: store a handheld GPS in a chest pocket or a dedicated sternum/stow pocket to prevent drops and allow quick screen checks. Phone in a slim waterproof pouch on the shoulder strap keeps it accessible for photo coordinates and quick map checks. Preload offline tiles for the full route (estimate 50–200 MB per 10 km depending on resolution). Set devices to low-brightness, disable Wi‑Fi/Bluetooth, and use airplane mode with location on to extend runtime.
Batteries: bring two full sets for devices that use removable cells. Recommended options–NiMH low self-discharge AA (≈2000–2500 mAh per cell) for repeated use; lithium AA for cold conditions (better voltage retention; longer runtime). Typical runtimes: handheld GPS on 2×AA NiMH ≈18–25 hours; with lithium cells that can rise to 35–50 hours depending on model and backlight. For phones, one 10,000–20,000 mAh power bank provides approximately 2–3 full charges for modern smartphones. Store spare cells in a rigid waterproof case with a silica gel sachet; keep them inside clothing overnight to avoid cold-drain.
Redundancy and checks: test all devices and charge banks to full the day before departure; label spare sets with the device name and insertion date; tape polarities if loose. Carry a pencil, small transparent ruler or map measurer, and a compact mirror compass for emergency signaling. For unexpected heavy rain, a compact travel umbrella can help protect maps and electronics – see best umbrellas for travel in london.
Clothing system: layering for temperature, rain, and night
Use a three-layer approach: moisture-wicking base, insulating midlayer, and a waterproof breathable shell; add a dedicated night insulation layer stored separately for rapid access at camp.
Materials and weights (specific choices)
- Base layer: merino 150–200 g/m² or polyester 140–160 g/m²; one top + bottoms for warm trips, two sets for multi-day cold trips. Avoid cotton.
- Midlayer options:
- Fleece (200–350 g) for active warmth and breathability.
- Synthetic insulated jacket (100–300 g fill weight) for wet conditions–retains ~70–90% loft when damp.
- Down puffy (fill 700–900 FP, garment weight 180–420 g) for maximum warmth-to-weight; carry a waterproof shell when using down in damp zones.
- Shell: 2.5–3-layer membrane, 200–450 g; choose taped seams, adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation.
- Bottoms: lightweight softshell or insulated overpants (200–350 g) for cold/night; waterproof overtrousers only when precipitation probability >20% or expected prolonged exposure.
- Accessories: warm hat (10–30 g merino beanie), balaclava if <0°C overnight, thin liner gloves + insulated mitts (~40 g + 120–220 g), two pairs of socks per active day (one merino/thermal spare).
Layering guide by temperature and conditions
- Daytime >10°C, no rain: lightweight base top (150 g/m²) + breathable shorts/trousers; carry ultralight shell (120–200 g) if forecast shows wind or showers.
- 0–10°C, mixed sun/rain: base + midlayer fleece (200–300 g) + waterproof shell; add thin insulated jacket (synthetic ~150 g) for breaks and higher elevations.
- -10–0°C, dry: base + heavier mid (fleece or synthetic 250–350 g) + down puffy (250–400 g) for stops; shell optional for wind protection.
- Wet and cold (<5°C with rain): base + synthetic insulated mid (200–350 g) + robust waterproof shell + waterproof overtrousers; prioritize synthetic insulation for retained warmth when damp.
- Nighttime (camp): dedicated insulated layer–down or synthetic puffy stored in a separate dry sack; extra base bottoms and sleep socks; for tents expect 40–60% insulation loss compared to bed/conventional sleeping conditions, choose night layer accordingly.
Packing and access strategy: keep waterproof shell in an exterior pocket or top lid for immediate storms; stow night insulation uncompressed in a dry sack near the sleeping bag to restore loft quickly. Do not keep down compressed for long periods–store loose between uses. For inflatable mattresses or electric inflators used with sleeping systems, see how to service an air compressor expert tips and step by step guide.
- Reduce weight: choose hybrid pieces (light fleece + thin insulated jacket) and a single versatile shell with pit zips instead of multiple heavy items.
- Maintenance: wash technical baselayers rarely, clean shells with manufacturer cleaner and reapply DWR when wetting out (<5% water penetration during heavy spray tests indicates failed DWR).
- Spare rule: always carry one complete dry clothing set (base, socks, hat) sealed from the main load for emergencies or wetting incidents.
Food and water planning: portion sizes, purification methods, and storage
Target 2,500–3,500 kcal per day for sustained multi-day routes; estimate 200–400 kcal per hour of active movement depending on incline and pack weight.
Daily calorie split suggestion: breakfast 20–25%, lunch 25–30%, snacks 25–35% (frequent small boosts while moving), dinner 20–25%. Example for a 3,000 kcal day: breakfast 600–750 kcal, lunch 750–900 kcal, snacks 750–1,050 kcal, dinner 600–750 kcal.
Choose foods by calorie density: nuts ≈ 600 kcal/100 g, peanut butter ≈ 588 kcal/100 g, hard cheese ≈ 400 kcal/100 g, dried fruit ≈ 300 kcal/100 g, energy bars ≈ 250–300 kcal each (50–80 g). To supply 3,000 kcal/day with mostly dense items: ~500 g nuts (3,000 kcal) or mixed: 200 g nuts (1,200 kcal) + 4 bars (1,000 kcal) + 200 g dried meals/jerky (800 kcal) ≈ 1.1–1.2 kg food/day.
Sample single-day menu for high-effort day (3,000 kcal): breakfast–instant oats + powdered milk + 2 tbsp peanut butter (700 kcal); mid-morning–2 energy bars (500 kcal); lunch–tortilla with cheese + salami or tuna pouch (800 kcal); afternoon–100 g mixed nuts + dried fruit (600 kcal); dinner–dehydrated meal rehydrated with 500–700 ml water (400–500 kcal) plus extra olive oil (200 kcal).
Water baseline: 2–3 L per day in cool/moderate conditions. Increase to 3–6 L per day in hot or strenuous conditions. Use consumption-rate planning: expected dry stretch hours × rate (L/hour). Example: 6-hour dry section × 0.6 L/hour = 3.6 L to carry through that section.
Purification methods and specifics: boiling–bring to rolling boil 1 minute; at altitudes above 2,000 m increase to 3 minutes. Chemical: chlorine dioxide tablets–standard contact 30 minutes for bacteria and protozoa; some formulations recommend up to 4 hours for resistant cysts, consult product directions for exact dwell times. Iodine tablets–30 minutes; avoid if pregnant or with thyroid issues. Filters–pore size 0.1–0.2 µm removes protozoa and bacteria but not viruses; combine with chemical or UV when viruses are a concern. UV devices–treat ~1 L in 60–90 seconds; performance drops with turbid water and requires charged batteries or spare AA/AAA cells.
Choose method by source risk: clear mountain streams–filter or UV; stagnant or animal-impacted ponds–use chemical plus filter; backcountry with possible viral contamination (near settlements) – use certified purifier or filter + chemical/UV. Carry a backup treatment method (e.g., tablets if primary filter fails).
Filter specs and field care: prefer 0.1–0.2 µm hollow-fiber or ceramic for protozoa/bacteria. Expect flow rates 0.5–2 L/min for pumps, 1–3 L/min for gravity systems. Backflush or clean after heavy silt; carry a spare O-ring and small syringe if system uses those parts.
Water storage choices: rigid bottles (PET or Nalgene)–durable, boil-safe, higher bulk; soft reservoirs–lightweight, space-saving, easier drinking on the move but harder to clean and freeze-prone. For long dry stretches carry required liters in hard bottles for incremental rationing; keep a 1 L bladder for continuous sipping and a 1–2 L bottle as reserve.
Food storage and wildlife rules: where bear-resistant containers are mandated use certified canisters sized 6–10 L depending on group meal volume; a 10 L canister fits 3–4 days of meals for two people. Where hanging is allowed and trees exist, hang food 3–4 m above ground and 2–3 m horizontally from trunk. Ursack-style fabric containers paired with a carabiner and a steel cable or lock provide rodent resistance where canisters are prohibited; secure to a buried deadman or tree anchor.
Cooking fuel and rehydration planning: one standard 100 g isobutane canister typically rehydrates 3–6 freeze-dried meals depending on boil time and quantity; estimate 20–30 g fuel per liter of water boiled for rehydration. For snow-melt allow additional fuel–double normal fuel estimate and carry a liquid fuel stove or larger canister if conditions require melting snow for water.
Group efficiency tips: consolidate bulk items (oil, coffee, shared spices) into a single resealable container to save weight. Pre-portion meals into single-serving bags labeled with kcal and rehydration water volume to speed camp routines and avoid overconsumption. Maintain a simple daily manifest: planned kcal, grams carried, liters of water carried and resupply points with GPS coordinates.
Medical and repair kit: items to treat blisters, sprains, and gear fixes
Carry a compact first-aid + repair kit tailored to expected terrain and group size; contents below suit a single person for 2–5 days or a small party emergency module.
Blister protocol: leave intact unless painful or walking compromised. For painful blisters, sterilize a needle with an alcohol wipe, puncture at edge, drain gently, leave the blister roof intact, apply hydrocolloid dressing, then a low-profile adhesive pad and tape. For prevention, use moleskin or thin foam pads on high-friction areas; change dressings every 24–48 hours or sooner if wet/soiled.
Sprain/immobilization protocol: test circulation after any wrap (check distal color, capillary refill <2–3 s). Use a 4" elastic bandage for ankle/ wrist compression; apply moderate tension and overlap 50% per layer. For suspected fracture or unstable joint, mold a SAM splint along the limb, secure with tape or a triangular bandage. Use a triangular bandage as an improvised sling for shoulder/arm support; elevate and ice if available for first 24–48 hours.
Medications and dosing (adult guidance; modify for children or medical contraindications): ibuprofen 200–400 mg every 4–6 hours as needed (max 1,200 mg/day OTC), paracetamol (acetaminophen) 500–1,000 mg every 4–6 hours (max 3,000 mg/day recommended), antihistamine (cetirizine 10 mg once daily or diphenhydramine 25–50 mg for acute allergy; note sedation). Loperamide 4 mg initial then 2 mg after each loose stool, max 8 mg/day. Oral rehydration salts: 2–4 sachets. Carry prescribed epinephrine auto-injector if anyone has a history of anaphylaxis; store according to instructions.
Wound care specifics: sterile 4×4 gauze (6), non-adherent sterile pads (2 large), adhesive fabric bandages (10), waterproof adhesive tape (1.5–2 cm wide, 2 m roll), antiseptic wipes (10), antibiotic ointment 10–15 g tube, pair of nitrile gloves (2), small stainless steel scissors and tweezers (1 each), CPR mask (one, if group size justifies). Keep tetanus vaccination current.
| Item | Size / Qty | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Hydrocolloid blister dressings | 4 cm × 7 cm – 6 pcs | Cushioning and sealed healing for drained or large blisters |
| Moleskin | 10 cm × 10 cm sheet cut to size – 1 sheet | Prevent friction hotspots; cut into patches |
| Sterile needle | 1 (or sterile single-use) | Controlled blister drainage |
| Elastic bandage (ACE) | 4″ (10 cm) × 3–5 ft – 1 | Compression for sprains, support, securing splints |
| SAM splint | 36″ × 4″ – 1 (foldable) | Lightweight immobilizer for suspected fractures/sprains |
| Triangular bandage | 1 | Sling, head/limb immobilization, improvised strap |
| Sterile gauze 4×4 | 6 pads | Absorb blood, primary wound dressing |
| Antiseptic wipes | 10 | Wound cleaning and surface sterilization |
| Antibiotic ointment | 10–15 g tube | Topical infection prevention |
| Nitrile gloves | 2 pairs | Protect rescuer and maintain wound sterility |
| Analgesics | Ibuprofen 20 × 200–400 mg; Paracetamol 20 × 500 mg | Pain and inflammation control |
| Antihistamine | Cetirizine 10 mg × 10 or Diphenhydramine 25–50 mg × 4–8 | Allergic reaction relief |
| Oral rehydration salts | 2–4 sachets | Rehydration for vomiting/diarrhea |
| Multi-tool (pliers, knife, screwdriver) | 1 compact | Gear repairs, cutting, adjustments |
| Repair tape (Tenacious Tape or duct tape wrapped) | ~1.5–2 m (wrapped on pen) | Tent/pack fabric repairs, temporary pole fixes |
| Nylon cord / 550 paracord | 3–5 m | Guy lines, lashing splints, replacing broken cord |
| Sewing kit (heavy nylon thread, needles, spare button/buckles) | Compact kit | Stitch rips in fabric, replace webbing ends |
| Zip ties | 6–10 (varied lengths) | Quick fixes for tent poles, straps, gear attachment |
| Superglue (small tube) | 3–5 g | Bonding plastic/metal in temporary repairs |
| Spare buckles / webbing foot | 2 buckles, 30 cm webbing | Replace failed strap hardware |
| Repair patches for sleeping pad | Self-adhesive patch set | Fix air leaks quickly |
| Waterproof matches / lighter | 1–2 (in waterproof container) | Heat for sterile instrument warming, emergency signaling |
Store dressings flat in waterproof bag; separate medications in labeled pill pouches by dose. Inspect kit components before each outing and replace used or expired items. For severe trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, spinal injury, or signs of systemic infection, initiate evacuation protocol immediately.
