Everyone who backpacks in the wilderness knows about the ten essentials you should always carry. Every backpacker I know also has their own formula for those ten items that minimizes weight and meets the requirement. When your adventure is expecting to see temperatures from 20 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit and is looking at long stretches where no one else frequents, you have to be strategic in what you bring. That is especially true since we are not pulling a trailer and not looking to over load the rig with the kitchen sink while still trying to remain self-sufficient for most situations.

We are getting closer to the list of our ten… ok 142… essentials. While I’m sure the list will change… still seems a little long for a guy who backpacks on a minimalist mantra. As the project manager in me comes out… we make punch down lists to check off. The punch down currently reads:

Emergency stuff:

• assorted tie downs and bungees
• rolls of 100 mile an hour tape (duct tape)
• Hand held Flashlight, a car spot light and a few head lamps along with extra batteries
• Wool army surplus blankets
• A utility tarp
• First aid kit
• Set of flares, safety vest
• Tool kit, wires, zip ties, work gloves ….
• Fire starter
• Fire extinguisher (the irony is not lost on me)
• Extra food
• 6 gallon can of H2O
• MSR stove w/ fuel
• Water purifier
• Maps and compass

Rig Stuff:

• ARB Bull bar
• Toyo Open Contry M/T 295/70/17 tires: Two spare full size tires
• RaceRunner Sway-A-Way Coil Over and rear shocks w/ Springs
• IPA fog lights
• K&N High-flow filter and Airchanger
• Wilderness FJ Cruiser Adventure Rack
• Head Light Armor
• Cobra 75 WXST CB Radio w/ Firestik antenna
• Warn 9.5 XP winch w/ synthetic winch line
• Three 5 gallon jerry cans of fuel
• Hi-lift jack
• Shovel
• Couple of tree straps 10′ and 25′
• Two snatch blocks and D-ring shackles
• 50′ synthetic winch extension cable w/ hooks
• Tire chains
• Wheel chucks and jack stand

Personal Stuff:

• toiletry usuals: toothbrush, soap, toilet paper, meds, lots of deoderant…
• Waterproof Gortex shell
• Pile pull over and vest
• Cargo shorts
• Levis jeans
• Hiking socks & underwear
• Tee shirts (last great road trip T of course)
• Long sleeve shirt
• Boots for hiking
• Shoes for driving
• No-see-um mosquito jacket and pants
• Baseball hat
• Fly fishing gear
• Folding camp chair
• Sunglasses and binoculars
• iPod
• Current copy of 4WD Toyota Owner