We recently went camping in the Carpathians - it was cool, but, to be honest, I realized that I was preparing in a rash way. I forgot my first-aid kit (I had to use plantain - no joke), my headlamp ran out of power the first night, and the mosquito spray was left in the car. At least I had food and a sleeping bag with me. Now I want to make a normal checklist - what should I take and what can be left at home? I wonder what you always have in your backpack?

Oh, I had a similar story - went into the woods in Idaho one day and forgot the water. Yeah, water. We had to filter it from a creek through a bandana, boil it and cool it down. Since then, I always pack “top-5” first: water, first aid kit, knife, fire, navigation. Everything else is already according to the weather and mood. If you are interested in a complete approach to preparation, here is a cool description of what and how to take when living in Idaho . Locals know very well what wilderness is and how to prepare for it.

I read you guys and realize how important it is to think things through in advance. I'm just starting to get interested in hiking and gear, so this topic is very relevant. It's especially cool to see real stories, not just lists from the internet. I'll keep an eye on the discussion and see if I can pick up anything useful for myself.