Before you browse our long checklist of standard gear, let us add the usual warning that you should carry no more than 30% of your body weight. If you can manage this (and you weigh less than 220 pounds) you have our enthusiastic congratulations!
On Paine — 9 days! — we had hikers of various sizes carrying (at the start) anywhere from 30% to 45% of their body weight. The stronger, more experienced hikers carry a higher percentage than others.
Worried? If budget permits, you could carry less food, more money & purchase food as you go.
Packing light
Depending on your muscular strength and endurance, you may be able to carry more or less weight.
Do everything you can to keep the load light, but don’t scrimp on warm clothing.
You may be able to shed a few ounces by being careful not to duplicate items such as pots, toothpaste, toiletries, repair kits, ropes, etc.
Consider taking one paperback for several in people. As the first (fastest) reader finishes, tear out and pass on the used pages. In summer you can read until 10 pm. One of our group read 4 books in 9 days!
To avoid embarrassment on Paine, don’t be caught dead carrying canned food or wearing jeans.
If you really want to travel light, visit the website of Charles Lindsey, The 27-pound, 7-day Pack, for advice. Check our list of best hiking guide books.
Hiking Poles
The jury is out on telescoping hiking poles.
Some hikers swear by them. They prevent falls & stabilise in rough terrain & mud. We all agree they are great when nursing a sore ankle or knee.
On the other hand, a pole is more weight to carry. They break easily. Some of us like to keep both hands free for balancing on boulders and trees, scrambling, pulling ourselves up. Poles can be a nuisance at times.
If you REALLY find you need a pole, it is easy to make your own out of dead fall, improvising a duct tape grip.
Photography & Video
Most hikers take a light digital or point and shoot camera in a waterproof bag.
Die hard photographers lug an SLR (single lens reflex) camera and some heavy lenses in a padded, waterproof camera bag. Weight is a factor, but a quality zoom lens is essential for shooting birds, guanaco & other distant animal life. You'll likely be frustrated with any camera — digital or not — which has less than 10x zoom.
