Although I am a contributor to an adventure blog and have been to a number of destinations and National Parks, I must confess: I had never done an overnight backpacking trip. This will change this upcoming weekend when my friend Amber, her dog Loretta Pine, and myself take a trip down to Ohio’s Wayne National Forest to hike the Lake Vesuvius 18-mile loop trail. 

Since this is my first trip, I am making sure to bring all the essentials. And whiskey. Here is a breakdown of what I am taking to Wayne National Forest:

• Backpack – this one from REI fit me perfectly. I went to the store to get fitted, which was a good thing because I ended up being between a small and medium. The medium ended up fitting better. 

• Sleeping Bag – I am borrowing my boyfriend’s Go Lite (no longer in business) mummy sleeping bag. Not really my first choice, since I am a side sleeper and hate being tucked in, but I am still on the hunt for a quilt and haven’t pulled the trigger on one yet. I should be fine for one night.

• Sleeping Pad – The Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite is what most hikers use. I heard it’s not the most comfortable for side sleepers, but that’s ok.

• Tent – We have a 2-person Big Agnes Fly Creek mtnGLO backpacking tent. Hopefully I remember how to set it up….

• Water Filtration – I am bringing the Katadyn Hiker water filtration system if we need more water than what we are bringing in.

• Camping Stove and Fuel – MSR Camping Stove along with a stainless steel pot and silicone cup

• Water –  I am bringing along 2 liters and keeping 1 liter in the car for the ride home. I will also fill up my Camelbak Chute with water along the hike.

• Food – My boyfriend had a meal left over from his thru-hike in Shenandoah, so I am just taking it for my dinner. I will also have a PB sammie for lunch, an apple and some granola. Breakfast will be tea and granola. 

• Clothing – I am basically just wearing what I am going to hike in. Since the temperature is supposed to be a high of 69, I will be wearing my Prana hiking pants, REI wicking shirt, and Patagonia R1 and wearing my Merrell hiking boots. For the evening, I will be bringing a North Face fleece, along with a pair of merino wool long johns. The low is supposed to be around 50, so I should be fine in my sleeping bag.

• Flask of whiskey – no description necessary.

Wish me luck on my first overnight backpacking trip! I am hoping this can be something that starts a tradition. Or I start doing much longer trips like many of my friends who have taken off months to do the PCT or AT! 
P.S., I will be back with a full recap, so look for that as well!

Anything that I missed or any questions on my gear?  
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Because Adventure Feeds the Soul,

Amy K and the Hashtag 59 Team