Outdoor Gear – The following might help you plan for your next big outdoor adventure. Here I offer a basic list of what you might bring, but remember to consider the activity, environment and weather. Specific needs and personal preferences might dictate that your gear list is somewhat different. Remember to always confer with your leader in regards to any equipment or provisioning requirements.
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Outdoor Essentials – Regardless of the type of activity you enjoy, you should always carry the following outdoor essentials. The contents may be modified according to the type of activity, environment and weather, but the basic list is still the same.
- Map in water-proof packet (Detailed Trail Map or Topographical preferred)
- Compass (Global Positioning Systems (GPS) are useful as additional gear)
- Pocket Knife or Multi-use Tool (Leatherman)
- Flashlight w/ spare Bulbs and Batteries
- First Aid Kit, including any prescription medication
- Matches and Fire Starter
- Clothing (including Foul Weather Gear)
- Food (including emergency provisions)
- Water and water purification (water sources are inconsistent)
- Insect Repellent (It’s Florida!)
- Sun Protection (Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Hat, etc.)
- Whistle and other emergency signaling devices
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Activity Specific Gear – In addition, certain activities require specific gear. Dependent on the number of activities planned, you may need some combination of the following.
Backpacking
- Backpack (style and capacity dependent on personal preference)
- Shelter (Tent, Tarp or Hammock)
- Bedroll (Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Pillow, etc.)
- Cooking Equipment (Stove, Fuel, Windscreen, etc)
- Cooking Gear (Pot, Pan, Hot Pad, etc.)
- Dining (Plate, Bowl, Cup, Utensils, Spork, etc.)
- Toilet Kit
Biking
- Bicycle
- Helmet
- Riding Gloves
- Sun or Safety Glasses
- Bike Light
- Bike Computer
- Tire Pump and Spare Tube
Camping
- Shelter (Tent, Tarp or Hammock)
- Bedroll (Sleeping Bag, Sleeping Pad, Pillow, etc.)
- Cooking Equipment (Stove, Fuel, Windscreen, etc)
- Cooking Gear (Pot, Pan, Hot Pad, etc.)
- Dining (Plate, Bowl, Cup, Utensils, Spork, etc.)
- Toilet Kit
Day Hiking or Hiking
- Daypack (To carry your Outdoor Essentials)
Paddling
- Boat (Canoe or Kayak)
- Paddles
- Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each passenger
- Waterproof Storage Bags or Containers
Work Hike
- Day Pack or Back Pack
- Sturdy Work Clothes
- Work Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Tools
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Additional Gear – Dependent on the activity, you may want to consider some of the following gear to enhance your experience in the outdoors.
- Cellular Telephone
- Camera w/ film and extra batteries
- Binoculars
- Wildlife Guidebook
- Notepad, pen and pencil
- Orange Safety Vest (especially during hunting season)
- Walking Poles or Staff
Note: Activities in Southwest Florida are much like most outdoor experiences in that you must be prepared for the conditions that you might reasonably expect to encounter. In Southwest Florida, this obviously means heat, humidity, sun and insects, but it might also mean rain, wind and even very cold temperatures.