Listmania!
Things I want (or have) for Hiking & Geocaching
By an Amazon.com customer
A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail)A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail (Official Guides to the Appalachian Trail) by Bill Bryson
Buy new: $10.87 / Used from: $0.01
What looks like one of the better backpacker travelogues - on our local super-trail.
Garmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS NavigatorGarmin eTrex Vista Handheld GPS Navigator
Buy new: $156.51 / Used from: $125.99
The one I own. I've only had it for a few days, but it's easy to use! I plan on using this GPS much more often in the future. I would recommend an updated GPS with High Sensitivity ("H" in the Garmin name) for heavy tree cover but this works fine in most conditions.
Complete Walker IIIComplete Walker III by Colin Fletcher
Buy used from: $0.20
Purchased this used - it's on its way. This has been highly recommended and some reviews have said it's better than the updated edition. At $0.29 used (+S/H) I can't go wrong!
Silva Guide 426 CompassSilva Guide 426 Compass
Buy new: $15.04
Compass & Map are an important backup!
U.S. Issue Mil-Spec Tritium Illuminated Aluminum Military Lensatic Marching CompassU.S. Issue Mil-Spec Tritium Illuminated Aluminum Military Lensatic Marching Compass
Buy new: $76.44
Because it's totally cool! Quite pricey, but a keepsake, perhaps.
Be Expert with Map and Compass: The Complete Orienteering HandbookBe Expert with Map and Compass: The Complete Orienteering Handbook by Björn Kjellström
Buy new: $18.95 / Used from: $2.80
You need to know how to use your equipment!! This information might be plentiful online as well...
Moleskine Large Ruled NotebookMoleskine Large Ruled Notebook by Kikke Mbl14
Buy new: $15.78 / Used from: $10.94
A nearly indestructable logbook. I use one now for research and it's indespensible. The small notebook will save weight, but it's much less pleasing to write in (especially trailside, I can imagine). The large notebook is still small at 5x8" (4.6 oz for the small and 12.2 oz for the large)
Katadyn Hiker Water MicrofilterKatadyn Hiker Water Microfilter
Buy new: $47.95
Another just-in-case. This will be more of an essential for overnight backpacking.
MAGLITE M2A01H AA Mini Flashlight and Holster Combo-Pack, BlackMAGLITE M2A01H AA Mini Flashlight and Holster Combo-Pack, Black
Buy new: $11.49 / Used from: $9.87
Old faithful flashlight! We must have 10 of these around the house already.
SANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable BatteriesSANYO eneloop 4 Pack AA NiMH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries
Buy new: $12.13 / Used from: $8.99
Rechargeables that keep their charge! This is a must and I'll need to take at least 14 with me (7 in the GPS & Lights and 7 spares). About 1 oz per battery (AA).
AWOL on the Appalachian TrailAWOL on the Appalachian Trail by David Miller
Buy new: $15.95 / Used from: $13.99
Another interesting book on the Appalachian Trail!