Backpacking Checklist:

We have built out a list of backpacking essentials - must have items for your next overnight backpacking adventure. Whether this is your first trip, or you are a seasoned overnighter the necessary items remain the same to properly be prepared for an overnight in the backcountry. Typically for one or more nights of backpacking a backpack around 65L will be sufficient and optimal.

If you are experiencing issues with the gear below not fitting into your backpack, don't consider buying something significantly bigger, focus on the items you can scale down on. A very heavy pack is make your backpacking experience miserable. We find that most people overpack the clothing category, which is also the most bulky, consider that almost all of your clothing and trekking gear can be repurposed for the entire trip. Consider that on longer trips it is possible wash your high use and sweaty undershirts and underwear with biodegradable soap.

‍

Need help with How to Pack Your Backpack?

Clothes + Footwear (Depending on Environment)

• Hiking Boots
• Synthetic T-shirt
• Hiking pants or Shorts
• Synthetic or Wool Socks
• Hat
• Buff or Bandana
• Synthetic or Wool underwear
• Beanie

Cold/Rainy Weather

• Rain Jacket
• Rain Pants
• Beanie
• Long Underwear
• Gloves
  

For Camp

• Insulated Jacket
• Sandals/Camp Shoes
• Extra Socks for Sleep
  

Kitchen Gear

• Stove
• Fuel
• Utensils
• Plate/Bowl
• Mug or Cup
• Biodegradable soap
  

Backpacking Gear & Misc.

• Backpack
• Tent (with Footprint and stakes)
• Sleeping Bag
• Sleeping Pad
• Headlamp or
• Flashlight
• Map

Optional Items

• Hiking Poles
• Camp Pillow (tip you can put soft items/clothes into the tent or sleeping bag stuff sack to make a pillow)
• Backpacking Solar Panel to charge camera batteries, phone...etc
• GPS
• Instant Coffee
  

Food & Water

• Water bottles and/or reservoir 
• Water filter/purifier or chemical treatment
• Energy food and drinks (bars, gels, chews, trail mix, drink mix)
• Meals - (freeze dried foods, pastas, oatmeal...etc)
  

Health & Hygiene 

• Toothbrush & Toothpaste
• Hand Sanitizer
• Sanitation Trowel
• Toilet paper/wipes and sealable bag (to pack it out)
• Prescription medications
• Glasses if needed
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Chapstick
• Sunhat
• Bug spray 
  

Medical Kit

• First-aid kit or supplies 
• Whistle
• Lighter
• Matches
• Two itineraries: 1 left with friend + 1 under car seat
• Knife
• Multi-tool
• Duct tape

‍