Packing for a airplane flight to a backpacking and tent camping destination brings some new challenges.    It would be nice if everything fit into the backpack and that was all we needed.   Larger capacity backpacks are really too long and clumsy for airline luggage so they want all the straps tied down or removed.   Beyond that, if you are camping, you want a little more stuff, especially if you are going for two weeks.   Here is what I did.

• I bought a large duffle bag.
• I took the backpack apart so that everything fit into the duffle bag.
• I set aside a day on location to buy supplies, fuel, and to reorganize the pack before setting out the next day.
• I will pay for an extra piece of luggage, just so I can bring a few more items for the car-camping part
• My day pack is my carry-on pack
• I brought large bladders for water and will filter and fill them on site.
• I simplified menus to lessen the need for a full kitchen set and support materials,
• I bought a few new items that are smaller and more efficient to use, including a good spork, a UV system for water, a sil-tarp, some free-dried food, and some middle layers for cooler weather.

I know that there will be items I will forget so I will make a list for the next trip.   Watch for future posts on backpacking and day-hiking in the Grand Canyon and hiking and canyoneering in Zion.