Backpack Quick List

How could anyone forget their shoes on a backpack! I did — but only once.

Have you ever been a few miles from the trailhead and forgot something, or had a feeling that you may have left an essential piece of gear at home? If so, chances are you were not using a checklist.

Big List vs. Small List

QuickListMost ultralight backpackers maintain a gear list. Some “gear wienies” like me, keep a list of each item on a spreadsheet and/or online, including their category and weight–down to the gram. Gear lists help keep track of what you have and help determine base weight, yet most of us don’t carry a gear list with us to the trailhead, and virtually no one carries it with them on the trip. Heck, a sheet of paper weighs 5 grams…, right?

I found a quick and easy way to carry a compact list with me at all times. My “Quick List,” is basically a personalized “10 Essentials” list.

Before locking the car and hitting the trail, I go through the list, double-checking my pack and head out into the wild — worry-free.

My Quick List is neatly tucked into a clear, Vinyl 4″ x 3″ Badge Holder. I tie it to the inside of my pack to prevent it getting lost, and like most UL equipment, the sleeve is multipurpose; inside I keep a copy of the following items:

  • Backpack Quick List
  • Drivers license
  • Medical Insurance card
  • Personal information, including emergency contacts (names and phone numbers)
  • Wilderness and/or fire permit
  • Money (to bribe the bears with)

The vinyl sleeve basically acts as a backcountry wallet and only weighs .3 oz full. During the wet season, I seal the sleeve closed with duck tape to help keep the papers inside dry.

Of course, most of us will do fine without a 10 Essentials list on the trail. But having the peace of mind, as well as a place to put your ID, emergency contact info and a little cash, it seems worth the extra grams to have it strapped to your pack.

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