When planning a backpacking trip, there are a few essential things to keep in mind to make the most out of your wilderness experience. The supplies and gear you pack can make or break your adventure. This post contains tips on how to get started and plan your trip, gear suggestions, and a complete backpacking checklist.
Take it from someone who has been backpacking for 10+ years, and gone on 20+ wilderness backpacking trips around the world (to elevations as high as 19,341 ft). I’ve overpacked, under packed, and have done my best with subpar gear, until I slowly accumulated the equipment and knowledge I have now.
I don’t claim to know everything, and I still don’t have all THE absolute top of the line gear, but I’ve created this checklist and gear guide for other adventurous souls who want to get outdoors, and don’t know where to start. This guide allows you to learn from my years of packing mistakes and backpacking lessons all in one easy read.
Quick Note: If you already have car camping gear (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, stove), these items probably aren’t going to be ideal for backpacking due to their size and weight. If you want to adventure off-the-beaten-path, away from cars and cities, it’s best to invest in more lightweight backpacking gear from the start.
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8 Things to Keep in Mind Before a Backpacking Trip:
- Ideally, you want to keep your pack under 20% of your body weight (when it is full of gear, food and water). Weight is one of the most important factors in choosing your backpacking equipment and packing. You are literally carrying everything on your back, and each ounce adds up quickly. Remember to always check the weight of your equipment before making a purchase. Keep your pack as light as possible & don’t bring unnecessary clothes and equipment.
- Always pack extra water and a water treatment device or tablets (advice on how much water to pack here)
- Be prepared with a First Aid Kit and Emergency Kit (emergencies can happen even with the best planning)
- Pack layers (layering your clothing is the best way to keep warm and stay insulated in cold weather), long sleeves also protect against harmful UV rays from the sun, and bugs
- Prepare for rain, even if it’s not in the forecast (e.g. pack a rain jacket, backpack rain cover, and rain tent cover)
- You might need a permit for the wilderness area you are backpacking in, check and apply in advance
- PLEASE DON’T LITTER! Plan to pack out all your garbage, so that everyone can enjoy the view (including your toilet paper)
- PLEASE camp at least 200 feet from a water source (this ensures you are not contaminating freshwater)
Essential Backpacking Gear
It is important to remember that quality equipment will probably last you longer, but you don’t necessarily need the most expensive gear to go backpacking. In fact, my first pair of hiking boots were from Costco and cost $25, and I hiked down the Grand Canyon, up Mount Kilimanjaro, and through parts of the Appalachian Trail in them with no problems! I still also prefer some budget gear items over their more expensive counterparts.
1. Backpacking Pack
When choosing a backpack it is important to try it on with weight bags in it, at an outdoor store such as Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI) to ensure that it is comfortable and fits correctly. This also allows you to get your torso measured and ensure you are getting the correct size for your body frame.
It’s also important to consider what types of trips you’ll be taking. If it varies (e.g. traveling on planes, hostel backpacking, and wilderness backpacking) you might want a more versatile pack. For a multi-day trip, it is recommended to use a pack that is 50-80 liters. For a weekend trip, you can get by with a 30-50 liter pack.
I used a 45 Liter REI pack for several years, which worked just fine. I typically strapped my sleeping bag to the outside though. As I started to take longer backpacking trips, and my backpack stared falling apart, I upgraded to a 65 Liter Women’s Osprey Ariel Backpack, which I love. It has 3 entry points and a top lid that comes off and converts into a daypack. The Ariel Pack is also perfect for hostel backpacking and can be used as a carry-on item on a plane (when not packed to the max), and/or for multi-day wilderness camping trips because of its genius anti-gravity system, extremely comfortable straps and waist belt.
My mom thru-hiked the 800-mile Arizona Trail with an ultra-lightweight Osprey Eja 58 Pack and she highly recommends that pack for thru hikes and lightweight backpacking in general.
My fiancé uses a Mammut Trion pack, and he really loves it for being able to easily and safely store and separate his camera gear. Plus, it’s a great rock climbing gear bag. It also allows easy access to all your gear from the back rather than just the front or the top.
Women’s Osprey Ariel Anti Gravity 65L Pack
Weight: 4 lbs. 13.6 oz.
Women’s Ultralight Osprey Eja 58 Pack
Weight: 2 lbs. 10 oz. (but can be reduced to 2 lbs. 3.4 oz.)
Men’s Mammut Trion 50L Pack
Weight: 3 lbs. 7 oz.
2. Backpacking Tent
When choosing a backpacing tent, you want to think about weight, compactness, and simplicity. You don’t want a tent that is difficult to set up, because you might need to quickly set up camp due to inclement weather. You also want something that isn’t going to take up all the space in your pack. But most importantly, you want a lightweight tent that isn’t going to weigh you down, ideally your tent should weigh under 5 pounds (for 2 person tents) and 4 pounds (for 1 person tents).
You also want to make sure you pair your tent with a cover/rain fly, this is important for staying dry and insulating you by retaining heat while you sleep.
I have always used at least a 2-person tent, because I like having the extra space for my gear inside and space to change etc, and I’ve almost always ended up sharing my tent with a friend or boyfriend anyway. So unless you plan to do many solo trips and you are trying to be ultra lightweight, I recommend investing in a 2-person tent, and then you can split up the tent in your hiking buddy’s pack to distribute the weight between the two of you.
Finally, it is a good idea to bring a tent footprint. Most tents make a footprint that corresponds with your tent to keep the bottom of your tent clean and dry, and to ensure that water doesn’t seep in if it starts to rain. Tent footprints also lengthen the life of your tent by preventing damage like rips from sharp objects on the ground.
Below are a few tents I’ve used over the years, but I am currently using the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3-person tent because it has an extra 10 inches of width, and the extra space is nice for backpacking with my partner and two big dogs. It’s also dyed in a more sustainable way than standard tents, and the spacious two vestibule design makes storing gear easy, and the almost entirely mesh design of the tent makes stargazing easy if the weather is nice and you don’t need your rain fly up. You can also ditch the tent and use the rain fly and tent footprint to make the sleep system even more lightweight.
Kelty Salida 2P
Great lightweight budget tent: Kelty Salida (4 lbs. 9 oz.) |Cost: $
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL
Lightweight design, single-pole system and 2 vestibule tent: Big Agnes Tiger Wall (2 lbs. 8 oz.) | Cost: $$
Nemo Hornet Elite 2
Ultra-lightweight tent: Nemo Hornet Elite 2 (2 lbs. 3 oz.) | Cost: $$$
Check the price: REI
3. Sleeping Bag
Your backpacking sleeping bag should take into consideration the climates you plan to camp in and what time of year you’ll be camping. If you’re unsure it’s best to get a 3-season bag that is at least rated from 0 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (meaning it can withstand and keep you warm in freezing cold temperatures).
It’s also important to note the length depending on your height. If you are short like me, it’s best to get a short bag, because there is no need to carry extra fabric and weight. Also, I recommend materials that are water-resistant (synthetic down fillings are better in this regard).
I currently alternate between the Big Agnes Sun Beam 15 and the REI Co-op Magma 15. I like the design of the Big Agnes bag better (it has a slot for your sleeping pad underneath which acts as the bottom insulation), and it’s more compact, but I feel like the Magma keeps me warmer and it’s lighter. So I end up using the Big Agnes in warmer weather, and the REI Magma in colder weather.
Women’s Big Agnes Sun Beam 15
- Temperature Rating: 15 degrees (F)
- Fill: 100% recycled ECO synthetic fibers
- Weight (regular size): 3 lbs. 1 oz.
Check the price: REI
Women’s REI Co-op Magma 15
- Temperature Rating: 17 degrees (F)
- Fill: 850-fill-power goose down (RDS certified and bluesign® approved)
- Weight (regular size): 2 lbs. 4 oz.
Check the price: REI
4. Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad is extremely important for comfort and ensuring that you get a good night’s sleep while camping. You should consider if you want a compact and inflatable pad or a larger lightweight accordion style foam pad.
I’ve always used inflatable pads, but a lot of people prefer foam sleeping pads (these are typically larger and therefore stored outside of your backpack). Pros to foam pads are that they are typically less expensive, lighter, and they are also good for using as a cushion when resting and/or eating. Some people even like to combine foam and inflatable pads for extra comfort.
Make sure you compare the lengths of the sleeping pad you want (most come in short, regular, and long). If you are shorter, getting the right length means you can carry less weight and save space in your pack. I have used the Therm-a-Rest ProLite Sleeping Pad, but the Othway Inflatable Pad (with a built in step air pump and pillow) is just $29 on Amazon and comfier in my opinion. It is a bit heavy, but the ease of inflating it with a foot pump, and the built in pillow, are worth it for me. I can’t speak to how durable it will be long-term, since it is a cheap mat, but it’s pretty comfortable!
Update (September 2021): I have recently switched to the Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Sleeping Pad, and it’s the comfiest sleeping bad I’ve ever used by far, and the best insulated. I also like that it comes with an inflate sack that is made from upcyled materials as well. It’s a bit pricey and slightly more expensive than the other, but that’s because it comes with a nice 3.5 inches of thickness in the middle (and even more on the sides). I’m a side sleeper, and comfort is very important to me, since I tend not to get the best sleep when my hips are jabbing into the ground. For those reasons, this is the best pad out of the handful I’ve tried.
5. Backpacking Stove
All my backpacker friends have different opinions about stoves, but I swear by my JetBoil Flash Cooking System. It boils 2 cups of water in 100 seconds and is extremely fuel efficient. It has an easy ignitor button, and color change heat indicator to show you when your water is boiling. You can also use the insulated cooking cup to eat or drink directly out of. It is basically an all in one, stove, pot, cup, bowl, and lighter.
My mom uses the lightweight Esbit Fuel Stove & Cookset though, and swears by that! She just adds a little reflectix layer around it, to keep her water insulated and it allows her to use it as a cup when the contents inside are hot.
JetBoil Flash
Weight: 13.1 ounces
Liquid Capacity: 1 liter (33.8 fluid ounces)
Fuel Type: Isobutane-propane canister
Esbit Stove
Weight: 7 ounces
Liquid Capacity: 0.59 liters (20 fluid ounces)
Fuel Type: Esbit Fuel Tablets
Keep in mind that if you have a Jet Boil or another stove that uses propane or butane canisters for fuel, that you can’t bring the fuel on an airplane with you. Also, if you don’t get a stove with a cook set, keep in mind that you’ll need to purchase a pot/cup for cooking and eating out of.
Even if you buy a stove with an ignitor, it’s a good idea to bring some backup stormproof matches.
You’ll also need a compact eating utensil, I recommend a lightweight titanium spork.
6. Backpacking Water Reservoir
You’ll need a water reservoir/bladder or some form of container to store your drinking and cooking water in. Which kind you choose is a matter of personal preference, and I prefer to bring a few options with me (one for drinking while hiking, and one for storing cooking water and filtering water in).
There are a lot of factors for how much water you’ll need to carry (e.g. weather, distance, trail difficulty, water source availability), but a general rule is that on a moderate hike in moderate weather, you’ll need to drink .5 liters/hour. You need an additional liter for every 1,000ft of elevation gain. You’ll also need water for preparing your meals. Dehydrated food takes .5 – 1 liters per pouch.
I personally like to be able to carry 3-5 liters of water at any given time when I’m backpacking (I carry 5 liters if there are not a lot of natural water sources on the trail to refill my water supply).
Water Bladders with a straw, and top refill opening, like the Platypus Big Zip, are a great way to store drinking/cooking water and also give you the convenience of not having to stop hiking to take a drink. They come in various sizes and brands, but top-opening reservoirs make it especially easy to refill and treat your water. Collapsible water containers without straws are a less convenient but more lightweight option. The Platypus collapsible bottle also comes with a top screw cap opening that fits common straw water filters. Finally, there is always the trusty Nalgene bottle.
Platypus Collapsible Water Container
Weight: 1.3 ounces
Liquid Capacity: 2 liters
Check the price: REI
7. Water Treatment
Water treatment is very important, especially for hikes longer than 2 days. Water is heavy, 1 liter weighs 2.2 pounds (1 kg). So typically if you carry about 3 liters in your pack, you’ll need to refill from a natural source within a day. Rivers and creeks contain various parasites and bacteria, so you need to treat the water you refill your reservoir or bottle with.
There are a lot of water treatment options such as:
- Ultraviolet (UV Light) Water Purifiers (require batteries – best to bring tablets as backups)
- Gravity & Straw Filters
- Water Purifying Tablets and Drops (takes a long time, and they make water taste bad, it’s recommended to combine these with taste neutralizers)
- Boiling water for 5 minutes or more also kills most germs and parasites (consider fuel usage though if this is your water treatment plan)
Note: I always bring purifying tablets incase my other method of water filtration breaks.
My Favorite Water Filters
1L Katadyn Collapsible Water Filter Bottle
Weight: 2.3 ounces
Check the price: REI
Also available in a 3L Bottle
Sawyer Squeeze Mini
Weight: 2 ounces
Sawyer 1 Gallon Gravity Filter
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Check the price: Amazon
8. Bear Safety
If you are hiking anywhere where there are bears, during bear season, it is important to take precautions. There are various bear safety items such as bear spray, a bear bell, and bear food containers.
Always check with local park or forest service offices about the specific instructions for backpacking in bear territory. Typically, you need to place all your food and food wrappers/garbage, lotions, toothpaste, etc. in a bear-proof container or bag, and place it 100 yards downwind from your campsite. Otherwise, you need to place it in an odor barrier bag and hang it (using nylon chord) on a tree branch away from your sleeping spot. DO NOT SLEEP WITH FOOD OR OTHER PRODUCTS WITH ODORS INSIDE YOUR TENT IN BEAR TERRITORY.
Ursack Major XL Bear Sack
Weight: 8.8 ounces
Capacity: 15 liters
*Made of bulletproof fabric
Check the price: REI
Backpacking Clothing
In general, you want to make sure that you pack enough layers to stay warm in whichever climate you intend to hike in.
Base Layers
Your base layers can help regulate your body temperature while you’re hiking and sleeping.
You’ll want to pack Moisture Wicking/ Quick Drying Base Layers. These act as thermals (if it gets cold), and can double as sleepwear.
Natural materials like wool are good if it’s cold, or synthetics like polyester are a good choice if it’s warmer (just avoid cotton).
Quick Dry Hiking Clothes (Shirts & Bottoms)
Moisture-wicking and quick-dry materials are always recommended for your hiking layers too.
Long sleeve shirts and pants with sun protection also allow you to skip sunscreen, and protect you against insects.
My Favorite Women’s Hiking Shirts
My Favorite Women’s Hiking Bottoms
Rain Jacket/ Wind Breaker
You ALWAYS want to pack a lightweight rain jacket, because the weather can be extremely unpredictable. Your rain jacket can also double as a windbreaker. I am currently using and am obsessed with the Patagonia Rainshadow jacket. It’s waterproof, super lightweight, breathable, and compact, while still maintaining durability and it’s made from 100% recycled materials. My partner recommends the Arc’teryx Alpa FL Rain Jacket for men.
Women’s Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket
Check the Price: Patagonia
Men’s Arc’teryx Alpa FL Rain Jacket
Check the price: Amazon
Socks
Socks made out of moisture-wicking materials like wool are ideal. My mom, who is prone to blisters, swears by these WRIGHTSOCK Double Layered Cool Mesh socks. My favorite hiking socks are below.
Darn Tough Coolmax Micro Crew Cushioned Socks
Check the price: REI
Smart Wool Hike Lite Ankle Socks
Check the price: REI
Underwear
Don’t forget to pack at least 2 pairs of underwear, one to wear, and one to change into. Ideally, you want a pair of quick-dry underwear that are comfortable and give you full coverage. I like to wear black underwear, since this doubles as my bathing suit if I jump into a lake or a stream.
Women’s Patagonia Barely Hipster Underwear
Check the price: REI | Patagonia
Sports Bra
You’ll want to make sure you choose a comfortable sports bra that won’t irritate your skin or move around with the weight of your backpack. Your sports bra can also double as a swimsuit. The Patagonia Barely sports bra, is my go to backpacking bra.
Patagonia Barely Sports Bra
Check the price: Patagonia
Sun Hat
You’ll want a hat with good sun protection (all around your face and neck). My favorite hiking hat is the Sahara Cape Cap, because it’s compact, adjustable, you can tuck in the cape when you’re not using it, and it offers UPF 50+ sun protection.
Additional Clothing For Cold Weather Trips
I recommend adding all of the following cold weather items, if you plan to backpack in colder weather/ high elevations. But honestly, I usually pack at least a compact down jacket, beanie, and gloves, regardless of the weather forecast, because as I mentioned before, weather is unpredictable. And even places like the desert can get cold at night in the summer.
- Beanie or Headband
- Polar Buff (multi-function headwear/scarf)
- Gloves
- Fleece Jacket or Fleece Pullover
- Packable Down/Synthetic Alternative Jacket
Backpacking Footwear
You’ll need a durable pair of Hiking Boots/ Trail Shoes with good traction, and you’ll need to test them out and wear them in a bit before your trip.
I prefer boots with ankle support, but most long distance thru hikers wear and recommend “trail shoes”. My mom really liked how her Altra Trail Shoes held up on the Arizona Trail. I am currently using my Columbia Trail Shoes (in warmer weather) and my Vasque Waterproof boots (in colder weather).
If you do chose trail shoes rather than hiking boots, I highly recommend using hiking poles to ensure that you have some more stability while hiking. I’ve been using my Leki Micro Vario Cor-Tec Poles for a few years and I love them!
Leki Lightweight Collapsible Trekking Poles
Weight: 1 pound 3.2 ounces
Check the price: REI
I also recommend packing hiking sandals. These can be good for crossing rivers/streams, and using as “slippers” around your campsite.
Safety & Emergency Gear
There are a number of safety supplies that are important to include in your packing list. I’ve included some of the bigger safety and emergency gear items below, but you can also go to the “Safety, Health, Emergency, & Repair Supplies” checklist section for a more comprehensive packing list.
SOS/Navigation/ GPS Satellite Device
Having some form of satellite GPS tracker and SOS tool if your backpacking solo is essential in my opinion. I have used the SPOT 3 Satellite GPS Messenger, which was very handy and more affordable but offered limited services compared to other satellite devices. Now my partner and I have the Garmin In Reach Explorer+ which is a GPS tracker, navigation tool, 2-way satellite messenger and SOS device all in one. It allows you to check the weather, send text messages, view maps, allow someone to track your journey, and has a button for getting help in an emergency (all these features are accessible “offline” and out of cell range).
Headlamp
A headlamp is a safety necessity because you might have to hike or go to the bathroom in the middle of the night, but it also just makes finding things in your tent much more convenient in the dark. I use the Black Diamond Storm 400 headlamp. It provides up to 400 lumens of light, with multiple light settings, and it’s waterproof.
Lightweight Multitool
Check the prices & options: REI
Lightweight First-Aid Kit
Check the options & Prices: REI
Multi-Purpose Compass/Whistle/ Magnifying Glass
Check the price: REI
Watertight Fire Starter Kit
Check the price: REI
Topographic Weatherproof Map
You’ll want to make sure you have a Topographic Map (that is waterproof and tear-resistant) for the trail you are doing. You can typically get them from major trails at REI.
Hygiene & Toiletries
You’ll want to bring a small travel-sized toothbrush and toothpaste. Short travel toothbrushes with refillable toothpaste containers are perfect for backpacking. You can also bring toothpaste tablets, which are smaller and more compact than liquid toothpaste and you can fit them in a refillable tube or a separate container.
It’s a good idea to pack some wet wipes for cleaning your face and body after a day of accumulating sweat, sunscreen, dirt etc.
You’ll also want to pack a trowel, which is just a small lightweight shovel for digging a cathole (a hole for you to do your bathroom business in). Likewise, you’ll want to pack toilet paper, but you’ll need to pack it out with you, which is why bringing a large ziplock bag for garbage is always a good idea.
You’ll definitely want to bring hand sanitizer, so you can clean up after you go to the bathroom and before you eat. If you aren’t just bringing pre-packaged dehydrated backpacking meals for food, then you’ll want a multi-purpose soap to be able to do dishes.
If you’re a woman who might be on their period during your trip, you can pack a menstrual cup. Just dig a hole to dump the blood in and be sure to bring biodegradable unscented all-purpose soap to clean yourself and your cup.
Finally, you’ll want to bring sun protection for your whole body (but especially for your face, hands, and lips)! That means you’ll need to pack chapstick with SPF in it.
Camera Gear & Electronics
Camera gear is heavy, and the lighter it is, the more expensive it becomes. So to be honest, if you have a smartphone, you technicaly own a decent lightweight camera already. But if you want something nicer to capture the scenery you’ll be witnessing on your journey, you can check out the backpacking camera gear I always pack below.
I usually bring my GoPro and my Sony a6300 cameras when I go backpacking, since they are both small and lightweight. Sony Alpha’s mirrorless cameras are some of the most compact and lightweight DSLRs on the market.
I typically use my GoPro for filming, and my Sony for taking photos, and I carry my go GoPro on a 3-way grip, arm, tripod and my partner usually carries this lightweight Vanguard Carbon Fiber tripod for our DSLR cameras. This camera clip is also great for carrying your camera on your backpack strap while you hike for quick and easy access.
To charge my camera gear and phones, I usually bring my inflatable solar lantern/charger and a larger solar charger battery bank. Don’t forget to pack your camera and phone charging chords! You can buy short cellphone chargers on Amazon, so you don’t have to carry around extra material and weight.
I recently purchased a Garmin Fenix 6S Sapphire GPS Smart Watch, and it’s quickly become one of my new favorite pieces of gear! It has colored navigation, tracking and other GPS features, in addition to an elevation gauge, storm alerts, sunrise/sunset times, and other weather/temperature functions. Plus it has your standard smart watch features like heart rate, step counter, stress and body energy gauges, sleep cycle monitor, you can even sync your menstrual data to it and store music on it to listen with bluetooth headphones without your phone! This is definitely not necessary, but if you can afford it, and you’ve been looking for a multi-sport GPS watch, I highly recommend this one!
Backpacking Meals
Dry foods that are nutritious and high in calories are ideal for backpacking. For meals and snacks, think about things that don’t require refrigeration or a lot of preparation.
Breakfast: Oatmeal is a great lightweight, energy-filled and compact breakfast option.
Snacks: Trail mix (nuts and dried fruits are perfect for providing the energy your body needs for hiking). I love Kind, RXBAR and LÄRABAR because I have Celiac Disease and they are all gluten-free. I also highly recommend packing at least 1 pack of GU or energy gel per day to ensure that you are getting all the calories you need to fuel you on your hike.
My favorite snack bars
Lunch and Dinner: Pasta and instant rice are great dinner options if you’re on a budget. You can also buy or freeze dry ingredients yourself and mix and match meals on the trail.
If you can afford it though, freeze-dried and dehydrated meals are the most convenient, lightweight option. Brands like Good To-Go, Mountain House, and Backpacker’s Pantry provide nutritious, already-prepared meals that just require you to add water. They also offer Gluten-free, dairy free and vegetarian options for those with dietary restrictions.
Backpacking Packing Checklist:
Note: Major items (marked with a *) are discussed in detail in the Essential Gear Section
Essential Gear & Basic Supplies
- Backpacking Pack (45-70 liter pack)*
- Tent (Fly and Footprint also recommended)*
- Backpacking Stove (and corresponding fuel)*
- Sleeping Bag (At least rated to 32 degrees Fahrenheit)*
- Sleeping Pad*
- Water Reservoir/Bladder (3 liters or more)*
- Headlamp (and extra batteries)
- Backpack Rain Cover
- Cook set (if not included with your stove)
- Collapsible Bowl/Cup (if not included with cook set & stove)
- Eating Utensils
- Meals (Dehydrated/ Freeze-Dried Food)*
- Energy Bars/ Snacks
Safety, Hygiene, Emergency, & Repair Supplies
- Water Treatment*
- First Aid Kit
- Storm Proof Matches and/or Emergency Fire Starter Kit
- Multi-tool
- Duct Tape (For Fixing Broken Equipment and Gear)
- Compass (Preferably with a whistle or other multi-functions)
- Topographic Map (Waterproof and Tear-resistant)
- Emergency Reflective Blanket
- Bear Canister or Bag (Depending on region)*
- 50-foot Nylon Chord (For hanging food away from bears, if you aren’t using a bear canister- Depending on region)
- Insect Repellant
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip Balm/Chapstick (With sun protection)
- Travel-sized toothbrush & toothpaste or toothpaste tablets
- Wet Wipes
- Hand Sanitizer
- Biodegradable Soap (Good for cleaning dishes & for hand/body wash)
- Trowel (small shovel for digging bathroom holes)
- Toilet Paper
- Trash Bag and/or Large Ziploc Bag (for packing all your trash out)
Optional, but Recommended Extra Equipment:
- SOS/Navigation Device
- Quick Dry Towel
- Ultralight Day Pack (For smaller hikes away from your campsite)
- Compression Stuff Sack
- Nalgene Water Bottle
- Backpacking Pillow (I usually just stuff my clothes into a makeshift pillow)
- Inflatable Solar Lantern
- Trekking Poles
- Multifunction Watch
- Instant Coffee
- Energy Gel/ Gu (good for a pick me up and getting the right amount of calories)
- GoPro or other durable/ waterproof camera
- Sony Alpha Lightweight Mirrorless Camera
Backpacking Clothing Pack List
- 2 x Moisture Wicking, Quick Drying, Sun-Protective Shirts (1 long sleeve, 1 short)
- 1 x Moisture Wicking, Quick Drying, Sun-Protective Pants (Preferably convertible into shorts)
- 1 x Set of Moisture Wicking/ Quick Drying Base layers (Top and bottoms/ doubles as sleepwear)
- 2 x Underwear
- 2 x Socks (Moisture Wicking – Wool)
- 1 x Rain Jacket
- 1 x Sun Hat
- 1 x Sports Bra (for Women-doubles as a swimsuit)
For Cold Weather Trips- Add the Following Items:
- Beanie or Headband
- Polar Buff (multi-function headwear/scarf)
- Gloves
- Fleece Jacket
- Packable & Compact Down Jacket
Backpacking Footwear:
- Hiking Boots/Shoes (Preferably waterproof and with ankle support)
- Hiking Sandals (Good for crossing rivers/streams, and using as “slippers” around campsite)
If you want to see all the specific gear I use in one convenient location, check out my adventure gear or my hiking apparel and shoes.
Remember, if you pack the proper equipment, then it frees up your mind from unnecessary stress so that you can focus on having a great time! Now, go enjoy your adventure 🙂
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Great list. Thanks for sharing. Not certain I’ll take all these on my next trip but some of them for sure