The Gear in Question

So you've been assigned to a team (or you're still crossing your fingers). You've bought a plane ticket. You've cleaned up your boots. The question now: what else goes in that pack? We're working hard on this end to drum up some gear sponsors, but until you see something here announcing a sweet pack deal or fresh batch of tents, you should be prepared and pack accordingly. No matter how experienced the hiker, it always helps to have a checklist (my personal favorite item to forget is a spoon, followed by a cup).

A great resource is at www.backpacker.com/gearlists; it'll keep you in line and prepared to slog through swamps, deserts, snowfields and whatever else may cover the trail.