|
Pack Lists
Replacing Anxiety With Efficiency
A great day on the water begins with proper preparation. Choosing the
correct equipment can be riddled with tough decisions. Toting more items
than you truly need can easily result in needless fatigue and exertion.
Seasonal adjustments, based on temperature and the possibility of less
than favorable weather, need to be made as well. Investing the time and
assembling a pack list beforehand will pay huge dividends when it comes
time to head to the river or your next camping adventure.
The most proficient means to maintain preparedness is a thorough check
list. Creating multiple checklists and dividing excursions based on needs
is also beneficial, however, don’t get carried away. It takes effort
initially and there may be some trial and error involved as you discover
what was utilized and what was not. The amount of time saved once a
working list is created is invaluable. The anxiety of packing (and
possibly forgetting something) for last minute trips is almost completely
eliminated.
Start by creating a list of fishing and/or camping/backpacking trips that
you regularly find yourself taking. An example would be the following
trips that I take on a yearly basis, listed below.
|
Steelheading
Spring / Winter / Fall
Local PA MI NY |
Brooks, Browns, Bows
Spring / Fall
PA WVA |
BackPacking
Solo / Group
PA WVA |
Camping
Tent / Camper
Family / Friends |
Take notice of the main headings (above) followed by subcategories.
Create a master checklist and break it down into columns based on the
season, destination(s), or other variables. This saves creating many
checklists that essentially only have a few variable items. What you’ll
end up with is an itemized list of a core group of essentials followed by
a small list of items that you’ll add or subtract based on the destination
and season. I’ve found it very helpful to make small notations in the
side bars noting the factors that include or exclude certain items.
Below is a typical list for Steelhead fishing, late fall, locally
followed by the seasonal and destination based variables.
|
Fishpond Pack
TP in Ziplock
First Aid Kit
Multi-Tool
Assortment
Polarized Glasses
Ball Cap
Float Wallet W/Drennan
Float Rod / Reel
License
Breathable Waders
Wading Boots
Rain Jacket
Splitshot dispenser
Headlamp
WP Digital Camera
Platypus Water Bottle |
Forceps
Tippet 4,6,8# Fluorocarbon
Bandana
Small Bag of Pretzels
Micro Swivels
Float Caps
Cell Phone in Ziplock
Wallet
Fishing Shirt
Split Shot Removal Tool
Fly Box, Nymphs/Eggs
Winter Additions:
Wool gloves
Fleece Vest
Long Underwear
Sock System
Winter Cap |
In Car-
Complete Change of clothes
Spare Rod / Reel
Cell Charger
Out of Town Additions:
Map(s)
Toll Money
Full Lunch
Out of State Fishing License
Local Shops Contact #’s |
Below is a pack list from a 3 day trip for Brooks, Browns, and Bows
within PA during the spring and when a cabin is
provided:
|
Fishpond Pack
TP in Ziplock
First Aid Kit
Multi-Tool
Assortment
Polarized Glasses
Ball Cap
Float Wallet W/Drennan
Float Rod / Reel
License
Breathables
Wading Boots
Rain Jacket
Splitshot dispenser
Headlamp
WP Digital Camera
Platypus Water Bottle
Fly Box, Nymphs/Eggs
Forceps
Tippet 4,6,8# Fluorocarbon
Bandana
Small Bag of Pretzels
Micro Swivels
Float Caps
Cell Phone in Ziplock
Wallet
Fishing Shirt
Split Shot Removal Tool
Fly Rods / Switch Rods
Bath Towel / Wash Cloth
Fly Reels/Centrepin |
Toothbrush/paste
Shampoo/Soap
Neoprene / Breathable Waders
Wading Boots\Wading Staff
Camera Battery Charger
Cell Phone Charger
Laptop
Coffee Thermos
Soup Pot/Wedding Soup
Big Coffee Mug
Cappuccino Machine
Foam Cups
Fry Pan / Spatula
Filet Knife
Pillow/Sleeping Bag
(4) Changes of Underclothing
(4) Pants, Socks, T-Shirts
(1) Shorts, Convert. Pants
(1each) Sweatshirt, Vest
Fleece Long Underwear
(3) Trail Socks
Wilson
Work Boots
Winter Additions:
Wool gloves
Fleece Vest
Long Underwear
Sock System
Winter Cap |
Food:
Cornmeal/Flour Mix
Bacon Fat
Uncle Ben’s Rice
Chips / Avacado Dip
Yellow Squash / Zuchinni
Garlic / Butter
OJ / Whole Milk
Coffee Grounds/Sweet-n-low
Creamer
Bologna/Bread/Granola
Trail Mix / Plastic Sandwich Bags
Bottled Water/Ketchup
In Car-
Complete Change of clothes
Spare Rod / Reel
Cell Charger
Out of Town Additions:
Map(s)
Toll Money
Full Lunch
Out of State Fishing License
Local Shops Contact #’s |
During the packing phase, additional necessities may arise. Maintain
track of them along with the things you discover you should have brought,
but forgot at home. As a matter of practice, purchase a three ring binder
and store your lists, maps, camping permits, special flies, etc.
Eventually, you’ll have a lock on what you’ll need for just about every
expedition, a reference binder full of them, and a history of the trips
that you have taken over the years.
We'd like to hear from you!
What areas would you like to see more online information available for?
ANY suggestions will send us on a quest to find the most experienced in
that particular field.
Please let us know what you want to
know more about by sending an
email.
|
|
