Here it is! My backpacking water color kit.
1. The Pocket Palette
This is an amazingly small and versatile pallet designed by Maria Coryell Martin. It’s a business card holder with removable magnetic trays that come in 3 different sizes. Because of it’s small size I run low on pigment really fast. I find it lasts me maybe 4-5 small paintings before I need a refill. It’s great for day hiking and small week trips. I could technically put more trays in my resupply boxes but I’m planning on using it just for accent colors. (canvas bag included for reference)
2. A piece of old sock
I use this to clean out my brush. It’s more environmentally friendly than paper towels, it cost me nothing, and it’s easier to clean than a sponge (just throw it in the wash!)
3. Windsor&Newton Sketchers’ Pocket Box
This comes with 12 cotman watercolor pans. I found that when I hike they make a sound equivalent to a large box of gobstoppers in your pocket. The sound gets very old, very fast . . . especially when it’s not actual candy. I’ve taken out all the pans and filled the box with Daniel Smith water color. I will use this as my main palette.
4. Drawing Tools
- Bic Velocity mechanical pencil with 2HB 0.7mm led and back up erasers
- 2 micron pens sizes 03 and 05 (water proof!)
- Aquash Water brush
- Small syringe (used to refill the water brush)
- pocket brush (for details)
to simplify and save weight I might omit the pocket brush and 1 micron pen
5. Forever Stamps
I’m going to send my paintings as post cards in the mail! If you would like one please email me.
6. Sticky Notes
This is going to be my ‘sketch book’ and place to write down ideas or notes for people (I may be the only hiker in history who has ever brought office supplies on a thru hike)
7. 4×6 Water Color Paper
I have a few different brands going into my resupply boxes. As long as it’s 4×6 I don’t really mind if it’s hot press, cold press etc.
8. Windsor&Newton Designer Gouache
Zinc White. This is a luxury item but I love using it for details over dark washes (like delicate blades of grass, sun beams through pine needles, dancing creek-bed reflections, crisp sparkles on snow, a wisp of cloud, a crack of lightning, a twinkle in an eye, or bright stars at night ❤ ). I can’t wait to experiment with it.
This all goes into a zip lock bag and fits in one of my hip belt pockets for easy access.
hike draw hike 
I’m so excited to see what you create on the trail – the kit you put together looks fantastic!
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Thank you!
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Knowing you, these items are just as important to you as all your other PCT gear.
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This is very true 🙂
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