Ultimate Gear Guide for Adventure Elopements

If you’re anything like us, there’s always that feeling of leaving something behind. We tend to group items into groups for easily thinking through a mental check of the broader categories to make sure we have covered at least the essentials. The items with an asterisk, indicate items that are part of the broader 10 essentials program. Check out more details on the ten essentials. Below is a summary of many typical items brought on overnight backpacking elopements.

Elopement Items

• Dress and/or suit

• Dress shoes (optional)

• Makeup & hair accessories

• Compact mirror

• Dry shampoo

• Baby wipes

• Vows

• Rings (or silicone rings)

• Ceremony script

• Letters from family/friends

• Official papers

• Cake

• Champagne

• Something old, new, borrowed, blue

Pack/Shelter/Sleep

• Backpack

• Daypack

• Pack cover

• Shelter (tent, bivy, hammock)*

• Stakes & guylines

• Rainfly or tarp

• Tent footprint

• Sleeping bag

• Sleeping pad

• Pillow

Food & Water

• Stove

• Fuel

• Cook set

• Pot grabber

• Dish or bowl

• Mug or cup

• Utensils

• Meals*

• Snacks*

• Extra day’s food*

• Water bottle or container*

• Water filter/purifier/chemical treatment*

• Biodegradable soap

• Food protection: bear canister or hang bag & 50+ ft of nylon cord

   

Essentials & First Aid

Navigation

• Map (topographic)*

• Compass*

• Paper protection (maps, guidebook, permit, emergency contacts)

• Guidebook or route description

• Watch

• GPS

• Altimeter

• Personal locator beacon (avalanche beacon)

Miscellaneous & First Aid

• Headlamp (w/ extra batteries)*

• Knife or multi-tool*

• Fire starter (in waterproof container)*

• Whistle and/or mirror

• First-aid kit*

• Foot care (moleskin & blister treatment)

• Repair kit & Duct Tape

• Foot traction (microspikes)

• Trekking poles

• Ice Axe

• Sit pad or camp stool

• Bear spray

Clothing & Footwear

Clothing choices should reflect expectations for weather. Moisture-wicking clothing is essential for base layers and quick-dry material for mid and outer layers are important in both warm and cold weather. Skip items made primarily of cotton. Here are a few quick slogans: “Cotton is rotten” and “if you are cold, put on a hat.”

• Base layers (Moisture-wicking)

  • T-shirts

  • Long-sleeve shirts

  • Underwear

  • Sports Bras

  • Socks

• Mid layers (Quick-drying)

  • Sun shirts (sun & bugs)

  • Pants/shorts

  • Jacket or Light Fleece

• Extra clothes (beyond minimum expectation)*

• Stuff sacks

• Boots or approach shoes

• Camp shoes (to give your feet a break from boots)

• Sandals (good for stream crossing)

• Hat*

• Sunglasses & leash*

• Face mask (Covid-19)

Optional & Weather Dependent

• Warm hat

• Bandana or Buff

• Gloves

• Rain/Snow jacket

• Rain/Snow Pants

• Insulating jacket or vest

• Long underwear

• Fleece pants

• Gaiters (good for snow or muddy conditions)

• Headnet

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Hand soap or sanitizer

• Wipes

• Trowel/blue bags

• Toilet paper

• Feminine products

• Medication

• Oral care: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss

• Eye care: prescription glasses or contacts

• Sunscreen*

• Chapstick (w/ SPF)*

• Insect repellent

• Insect bite care

Permits & Personal Items

• Itinerary (left with family/friend)

• Permits (if necessary)

• Parking Pass (if necessary)

• Cash or credit cards

• Personal Identification

• Car keys

• Cell phone

• Power

• Camera

• Binoculars

• Walkie-talkies

• Book

• Journal

• Star Guide

• Bird Guide

• Cards or games

• Pen & paper

• Fishing gear (pole, tackle & license)