Pack Contents

Hello to all. This is my first post and I look forward to hearing everyone's advice and opinions. I was wondering what I should plan on packing for a 3 day trip. The trip will be in Pennsylvania in mid-march so it will be relatively cold. What are a few of the must haves?

Welcome to the forum.

Is this your first time going backpacking?

If you haven't visited the main site (backpacking.net) give it a look - on the left column there's a section talking about gear lists. One of them is an 18 lb 3 day pack.

I'd also suggest looking at forecasts for the area you're going to see what the estimated night temps will be like, and checking out some of the local sporting good places to see what you can rent that's suitable. If you haven't backpacked before, having a little experience before you start buying gear will help you make more informed choices without ending up with a closet full of packs and sleeping bags. Gear can be quite expensive (or cheap, depending on your needs). There really are no pat answers because needs differ from one person to the next, not to mention all the considerations for the weather and season.

Another good site to look at when contemplating gear choices: http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/gear/index.html Lots of details on different kinds of gear, clothing, etc.

A few of the must haves?

From your post it is hard to know just how much of a beginner you are, so it is equally hard to know how rudimentary my answer should be.

For example, you'll need to have clothes, food, a shelter of some sort (usually a tent or a tarp) and a way to keep warm and comfortable while you sleep (usually this would be a sleeping bag with some kind of insulating pad underneath it).

If your food needs to be cooked, you'll need a way to cook it (e.g. a pot) and a heat source. Your clothes should not be all cotton, because if you get them wet they will never dry out.

But... as you can see, it would probably be a good thing if you gave us a few more clues about what you already know and what you have available to you already in the way of equipment and such, before we go any further.

If you follow the link to our website, we have a complete list for the three-day trip.

And frankly, the only difference between that list and one for a longer trip is more food!

when i try to look at that it doesnt work

Try this direct link:
http://www.backpackthesierra.com/home/our-equipment-list/the-list

although the previous one has worked for me...

Is it just me or does anyone else find that Mark Verber's website has TOO much information?!? I mean this in the best way possible. I'm a information junkie and have read way too much over the last year or so on everything and anything related to backpacking, gear, trips, etc., etc. At Mark's site, I really don't know where to begin. I don't know how one man has time to do that site, let alone the other ones he maintains.

Use it more as a reference manual and look for the specific categories of interest.

I keep up with his gear closet to see what is going on.

I think I have a very basic understanding of gear now and thanks to everyone for your help. I guess my next question would be about everyone's preferences for food. What are some lightweight foods, more or less meals and not snacks, that everyone would recommend?

In short,

trailcooking.com
packitgourmet.com
minimus.biz
harmonyhousefoods.com
onepanwonders.com
http://thru-hiker.com/articles/pack_light_eat_right.php
http://thru-hiker.com/articles/trail_foods.php
http://www.verber.com/mark/outdoors/backpack/kitchen.html

Should keep you reading and thinking about that for a while. You have to decide whether you are a cooker or rehydrator - the latter being a lighter option - and from there the choices are driven by your style.

There is a whole section of this forum dedicated to lightweight food options and recipes-- so take a look around.

Other websites:
http://www.onepanwonders.com/index.htm
http://www.wildernesscooking.com/
http://www.trailcooking.com/

If none of this is for you, then take a look at the regular just-add-water meals from Mountain House, Backcountry Pantry etc.

In addition to the other links, http://www.hawkvittles.com/

I dehydrate my own home-cooked dinners (I hate the freeze-dried sawdust) and rehydrate them in freezer bags on the trail. (Pour hot water into the bag, stir, put in cozy to keep warm, let sit 10-20 minutes.) I then eat out of the bag. No dishes to wash--I just lick my spoon! If you're not into dehydrating, you can do the same with supermarket ingredients--for LOTS of ideas see the link to trailcooking.com in Chris' post.

Sarbar (owner of the Trailcooking site) is my heroine!