A Ham's Complete Backpacking Checklist for Northern California

So what do you pack for a backpacking adventure in Northern California?  Here is a tried and true checklist we have used on past adventures with good results.  A big thank you to my backpacking partners for sharing their knowledge with me over the years.  Their combined experience along with my own are reflected in this list.

There are several guiding principles to consider when choosing what to bring on a backpacking adventure:

• Be prepared
• Be safe
• Pack the ten essentials
• Pack as lightly as possible and no more than you can manage

NJ2X with his pack on the trail in the John Muir Wilderness in Northern California

Dr. Ryan Southworth: A Doctor Explains How to Make the Safest Face Mask

In Casa Grande, Arizona, Dr. Ryan Southworth and his wife have developed a step-to-step guide to transform HEPA filters into high efficiency face masks.  Wearing a mask whenever leaving your home has been shown to be an effective way to reduce the risk of aspirating the COVID-19 virus.  Wearing a mask is also an important method of reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 should you already be infected (possibly even unknowingly).

Be prepared and consider making these masks for everyone in your home and then wearing them.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Be prepared for COVID-19

As much as we all want to avoid COVID-19, we need to acknowledge the possibility that someone at home may become infected with the virus.  As responsible people, we need to prepare for this possibility so that we are able to care for others and also reduce exposure to those outside our homes.  Here is a checklist of items to consider having on-hand at home before you need them:

• Prescription medication to last at least two to four-weeks
• Personal care items to last four-weeks
• Toothpaste
• Deodorant
• Mouthwash
• Shampoo
• Toilet paper
• Extra toothbrushes
• Bleach
• Antiseptic wipes
• Rubber gloves / nitrile gloves
• Paper towels
• N95 respirators
• If you are unable to buy N95 masks then make your own mask following Dr. Southworth's video, A Doctor Explains How to Make the Safest Face Mask
• Non-perishable food for two to three weeks
• Hand-soap
• 60+% alcohol hand sanitizer
• Routine cleansers:
• Dish detergent
• Laundry detergent
• Toilet cleanser
• Keep your vehicle gas tank above a half-tank
• Make sure your home first-aid kit is complete

It is wise to prepare in a balanced way.  Over-buying and hoarding are unnecessary.  Be prepared.  Be safe.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Its not the mountain...

It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves. -- Edmund Hillary

Good DX and 73, NJ2X