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Being as I keep hurting my knee, I am again re-evaluating my rather extensive packing list.

I am interested to hear a little about others' packing philosophy.

1. What one silly item do you take that you know that you should leave behind.

2. What item do most experts recommend packing that you ignore(such as signal mirror, wire saw, compass, waterproof matches, first aid kit, etc)

3. What item that is not usually on essential packing lists do you consider invaluable. (not silly items, essential items)

My answers.
1. I should leave behind my oversize booze flask(sharing is caring) and my small pillow, but dont

2. I dont bring waterproof matches. I can never get them to light on anything but the match book-UNLESS ITS WET-which defeats the whole purpose, I think.
3. I always bring a small BIC lighter. I have never not known one to light even after being washed in a washing machine-a modern day marvel.

I know that honesty may be tough with this topic, but, I think it will make it way more interesting.
The truth will set you free.

Silly: Camp shoes. Even though I've finally got comfortable hiking shoes - I still just can't resist the feeling of freeing my feet at camp. Thank goodness for foam shoes, which make my silly item light at least.
Ignored:I don't bring much of a first aid kit. I've got duct tape and some basic drugs and a pair of tweezers in my multi-tool. I figure that'll get me through just about everything. Proved me wrong with my knee on this last trip, though. Guess I'll have to start lugging some bandages around again.
Invaluable:Individually packaged wet wipes. Personal hygiene meets convenience!

azpride wrote:Gold Bond medicated powder

Sounds like a cotton issue... cotton kills

Also I find I carry a LOT less as I rely on others
Berk always has the full line of craftsman hardware, Bob has more ropes than a monkey, even though Mike only carries about 3oz net he has some sort of mirco purification dudad ;)

And throw away that old cut-and-suck snakebite kit, for sure! That is definitely a relic of old ignorance.

I think the one silly item I see practically everyone carrying is the orange plastic trowel for digging a hole. I have never once, since I learned to poop outside when I was 4--which was 52 years ago--had trouble digging a hole with my boot, a stick, a rock, etc. But people will fight me on that one, I know.

As for campshoes, I bring the cheaper, lighter Tevas, or flipflops. Once in recent years I went backpacking without them, and was miserable in camp.

Oh, well, each to his own. I'll bring my paperback.