Ready . . . Set . . .

There's nothing like making a gear list for hiking and camping to challenge one's minimalist ideals. What do I actually need in order to live outdoors and hike the trails?

There are a few obvious things – a tent and a sleep system – and then a lot of little things. I'm detail oriented. The big picture does not come easily to me. I feel like I'm trying to corral thousands of tiny details that scurry around like ants inside my head.

For example, my first-aid kit: it's basically assembled from my last camping trip but it needs editing. How many bandaids should I have, and of which sizes? How many non-stick pads? There are four in the kit and I decide to keep two of them, plus one kneecap-size bandaid, one a little smaller, and a bunch of regular-size bandaids. I have a pack of five wound closure strips, 4 inches long by 1/4 inch wide. Would I know how to use them if I needed them? Google the question: Do the strips go directly over the wound?

My sterile wipes need to be replaced; they expired in 2012. This is a routine discovery, as I go through the supplies, these long-expired products. I'm doing a lot of decluttering. But I leave the expired wipes in the bag for now, to remind myself where to put the new ones that I get today on my final errand run.

Evening update: I ran the errands and forgot the sterile wipes. Oh well, I have another chance tomorrow, after I land in Las Vegas and start the drive to the Grand Canyon.

I can leave the tweezers and small scissors in the first-aid bag, but I must remember to pack the bag in my duffle, which I will check, NOT my day pack, which I will carry on the plane.

That's my packing process. Multiply it by the categories of clothes, toiletries, food, kitchen, electronics, and office, and you get the idea. It's crazy-making, but fun.

I really wanted to include my gear list here, but that's not happening tonight. So, when I return in about two weeks, I'll have a gear list that's annotated with the things I didn't use and the things I didn't take and wished I had. And I will count the exact number of things I need in order to live and hike and enjoy my adventure.