People tend to take more things on a hike than necessary (just in case). Do not forget that in addition to personal belongings, the so-called public equipment will be distributed among the participants of the campaign: tents, food and boilers.
Therefore, carefully consider whether you will need extra pants, a sweater and other things in the mountains. In case of rain, you need to have one spare item, well packed in a plastic bag, so that you will be warm when you change. If you have an adequately warm sleeping bag, you do not need to think about what to put on for the night, the main thing is that it is dry.
1 - Backpack
There are recommendations that all things should be in a backpack, then for a man, it should be at least 70 litres, and for a woman - at least 55. Everything should fit in such a backpack without external hangers. The larger the backpack, the easier it is to pack. Although a very large backpack is also not convenient if it is not filled. I allow hanging a karat (mat) from the outside, as well as tents, but then it must be in a case (which can be made from a leg), otherwise, the mat will be torn by branches of trees and bushes. In this case, a men's backpack can be from 70 litres, and a women's backpack from 55.
2 - Tent
If you go to the Crimea or the Carpathians, an ordinary two-layer arc tent with plastic arcs is enough. Remember that it is easier for 4 people to carry one large tent than two small ones. For the Caucasus and winter mountains, you may need better and more expensive tents with duralumin arcs and an aerodynamic shape.
3 - Sleeping bag
For winter, it is good to have a downy sleeping bag of 1.5-2 kg or synthetics, where a comfortable temperature is written -15-10. For spring/autumn, the comfortable temperature is -5-0. For summer +5-+10, for Turkey, Spain, Sardinia, Nepal, etc. an even lighter sleeping bag will do. The temperature recommendations written on the sleeping bag cannot be completely trusted, so be guided by the manufacturer's reputation and price, and also ask the sales assistant in the store.
4 - Ski poles
A useful thing, folding telescopic sticks are especially convenient. It protects the knees very much and also prevents the foot from twisting and saves from injuries. The disadvantage is that telescopic sticks from inexpensive manufacturers break quickly. The alternative is to find a stick in the forest (not so convenient) or bring or rent regular ski poles.
5 - Jackets and capes
In summer, a thin waterproof windbreaker is enough. In addition, a cape on a backpack or, even better, a cape that covers both the backpack and the person will not hurt. Polyethene raincoats are not suitable as they tear quickly. For winter, you need either a puff or a warm, thick jacket (for example, a membrane with a fleece lining). For autumn and spring, you need a dense waterproof windbreaker, ideally made of membrane fabric such as GORE-TEX, AQUA-TEX, etc. And of course with a hood.
6 - Shoes
In winter, good climbing boots with VIBRAM or similar soles are needed, in the off-season, lighter trekking boots (made of leather, it is better if they have a GORE-TEX type membrane) are suitable, if there is a lot of snow, gaiters (flashlights) are needed. Leather boots are best lubricated with duck or goose fat, synthetic special sprays sold in sports stores. In summer, you can walk either in trekking boots or sneakers (for the Carpathians, these should be sneakers with thick walls and ribbed soles, sneakers with ventilation or sneakers are not suitable). As a spare shoe, you can use either sandals or plastic slippers. Before hiking, shoes must be broken in, otherwise, it will rub your feet. Remember that it is often wet underfoot in the Carpathians, so you need to either have shoes with thick walls that keep you warm even when wet or buy more expensive trekking boots with a GORE-TEX membrane or similar, which practically do not get wet.
7 - Pants
Can be both synthetic and thin cotton. It's not bad to have some thin waterproof pants, self-resetting is better (with a zipper through all the pants). Do not take jeans - they are heavy and dry for a long time. As a spare, you need very thin cotton underwear or thermal underwear. In winter, ideally, in addition, you need to have durable membrane pants, preferably with suspenders, as they cover the lower back.
8 - Warm clothes
In the mountains, it is better to have fleece or its improved version of Polar. In summer, two (one thin), or instead of fleece, warm T-shirts, and in winter, two or three (thicker) pieces. A wool sweater is worse, but may also work.
9 - Warm hat and gloves
A wool or fleece hat, and in winter two are a must. In addition, in winter it is good to have a hat mask that covers most of the face and, of course, a scarf (preferably fleece). Warm fleece or wool gloves are always useful. In addition, in winter you still need to have a pair of very warm, preferably two-fingered mittens. In the summer you need a Panama or a cap when used and caps will have to lubricate the ears with sun cream.
10 - Socks
In winter, warm woollen socks are a must. In both summer and winter, you need to have enough spare socks. It's a good idea to have woollen socks exclusively for sleeping.
11 - Mug, bowl, spoon
Utensils must be either stainless steel or special plastic. A fork is not needed.
12 - Towel and other little things
You can do without it, taking an extra T-shirt is better. If you take - then the smallest. Toilet paper. Needle and thread. Wet wipes.
13 - Plastic bottle
Optimally in the Carpathians - 1 l, in Turkey, Sardinia and other warm countries 1.5 - 2 l
14 - LED flashlight
The best flashlights with high lumens you can buy online. It is one of the main essentials for hiking. So, do not forget about it.
15 - Sun protection
Be sure to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15. Dark glasses with large glasses will not interfere. In winter, it is good to have ski goggles - protection from both the sun and the wind.
Don't take it with you!
Heavy books, cauldrons, axes, stoves (possible in winter), food, cosmetics and other unnecessary things. Public equipment will be evenly distributed depending on the gender and strength of the participants. Therefore, if you do not want to have a heavy backpack, do not take any extra things.
