This packing list provides you with everything you’ll need to pack for a backpacking trip. These items are everything you’ll need to bring in your pack to have a safe and comfortable trek in the backcountry. Including essential sleeping items, food, water, weather protection, bathroom items, and safety, this list provides everything you need aside from what you wear on your body when you head out.
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Backpack
The size of your backpack is determined by the amount of days you plan to stay in the backcountry. If you plan on a weekend trip of two days and one night, 20L-30L backpacks will be a sufficient size. For a 3-4 day trip, a 40L-55L backpack is needed to carry extra gear and food. The longer your trip is, the more liters you want your pack to hold.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are categorized by temperature. A good guideline for choosing your sleeping bag is by assessing the season and region you’ll be hiking in. After assessing the lowest temperature you expect to encounter, add 10 degrees to the temperature rating the packaging claims. This is the average temperature the sleeping bag will keep you warm at.
Tent/Hammock + Tarp
The best way to choose a backpacking tent is by first assessing the amount of people it must sleep. Next, evaluate the weather conditions it must uphold in. Finally, estimate the weight and ease of setup. After all, you will have to carry the tent, so a lighter, simple model is great for backpacking.
Pro tip: if you are backpacking during the summer or in a warmer region, try using a hammock and a tarp for your next shelter. Simply set up the hammock normally, then run a cord between the trees a few feet above the hammock. Then, drape the tarp over the cord and secure the edges to the ground to form a tent shape. This is an ultra light option that will save you extra weight!
Sleeping Mat
A sleeping mat acts as a barrier between your body and the ground while camping. This is a backpacking essential that will make sure you sleep comfortably, while insulating your body heat from the cold ground. They also fold down to a convenient, backpackable size.
Camp Stove
A camp stove is a small device that uses propane to create a faster, more convenient cooking option while backpacking. Since camp stoves are intended for hiking, they are compact and easy to use. I never go hiking without my camp stove, it’s a must-have for meals in the woods.
Lighter
A lighter can be used in various ways while backpacking. Primarily, a lighter will be used to start fires or spark your camp stover. Small lighters are easy to pack, and take up little to no space in your bag. This is a vital device, so be sure to pack a few.
Sporks
Sporks are a combination of a spoon, a fork, and usually a knife all in one. These are perfect for hiking and camping because they are harder to lose, and less dishes to wash! Sporks are usually inexpensive, so we purchase multiple at a time in case we bring friends, or one gets lost.
Bowl
A collapsible bowl is the best dish to bring while backpacking. A bowl is versatile, and can hold solid or liquid meals. In most cases, a single collapsible bowl will be all you need for your trip in terms of meal plating.
Water Filter
A water filter is key to staying healthy and hydrated on the trail. When staying multiple days in the woods, you’ll eventually have to refill your water. Using a water filter is a simple way to strain out dirt and bacteria from the available water source to keep you sustained.
Water Bottle/Reservoir
A reservoir is a bladder that can hold more water than a regular bottle, and fits perfectly into your pack with a hose for easy access. These are great for longer hikes. If a reservoir isn’t for you, a standard water bottle works just fine. I recommend a plastic water bottle that holds at least 32oz of water.
Food
Bringing enough food is essential to keeping your energy up on the trail. Pack enough food for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack for each day you’ll be backpacking. Hiking helps you burn calories at a higher rate, so keeping your energy up is important.
Bear Canister
Most regions require bear canisters for overnight camping in the backcountry. Put any scented or food items in the can and place it away from your campsite while you sleep. This keeps bears from rummaging through your camp looking for a snack in the night.
Bug Spray
Bug spray will keep you more comfortable on the trail, especially in the summer. Bugs can bother you and cause discomfort while hiking or camping, especially if they bite you. Pack bug spray to keep them from bugging you.
Waterproof Jacket
Especially when hiking, the weather is subject to rapid change. At higher elevations, a rainstorm can come in within minutes leaving you wet and cold. Make sure to pack a rain jacket or a poncho on your backpacking trips, they’re light and you never know when you’ll need it!
Sunscreen
Hiking also exposes you to stronger UV rays at higher elevations. Since you’ll be spending the entirety of your backpacking trip outside, be sure to pack sunscreen to protect your skin.
Lip Balm
UV rays affect our lips the same as our skin. The dry air and high elevation can cause our lips to become dry and cracked. Pack your favorite lip balm in an easily accessible pocket so you can periodically keep your lips moisturized.
Extra Socks
A thick pair of socks will keep your toes warm, and free of blisters on the trail. Most times, trails are muddy and wet, so keep a few extra pairs in your pack. I recommend at least 3 pairs, so you can switch them out and always have a dry pair accessible.
Extra Underwear
Just like socks, underwear is another necessity you’ll want a few pairs of in your pack. Whether you find a swimming hole or get caught in the rain, pack at least 2 extra pairs of underwear to switch out on the trail.
Gloves
Gloves can be useful hiking all year round. An insulated pair of gloves will keep your fingers warm on a winter hike, while a heat resistant pair will allow you to grab pots and pans off of the fire with ease. Assess your trip, and pack gloves accordingly.
Hat
Always pack a hat while backpacking. The weather you’re expecting will determine the hat you pack. For warmer months, pack a baseball cap to keep the sun out of your face while protecting your skin. For colder months, pack a beanie or warm hat to keep your ears warm and trap heat in the body.
Microfiber Towel
Pack a small towel for every hike. There will always be a use for it, whether it be to dry off your phone that you dropped in the mud, or to wipe the sweat off of your face. A towel is a must for backpacking!
Sunglasses
Sunglasses will protect your eyes from harmful UV rays at high elevations, while also helping your vision in the sun. On a snowy day, sunglasses will stop glare from the sun hitting the snow.
Slip-On Shoes
After a long day of hiking, you want to take off your boots and let your feet breathe. Slip on shoes are great to wear at camp to keep your feet clean when you want to snuggle into your sleeping bag. This item isn’t essential for survival, but will make camping more comfortable and easy!
Wet Wipes
When you spend multiple days backpacking, you will eventually have to go to the bathroom. Find a secluded area at least 75 paces from a trail or water source, before you use the bathroom. Dig a hole if you’re going number 2, and refill the hole when you’ve finished. Seal used wet wipes in a ziplock bag and carry it out with you when you can dispose of it properly.
Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is great to use after a bathroom break or before a meal, to make sure your hands are free of germs. Pack a small hand sanitizer bottle to keep you healthy on your next backpacking adventure.
Ziplock Bags
Ziplock bags are essential for disposing of garbage and used toiletries on the trail. Ziplock bags are air tight to trap smells and make it easy to pack in your bag until you get to a proper trash can.
Headlamp
A headlamp provides you light at camp when it gets dark, and helps you find your way to the bathroom in the middle of the night. Headlamps are also great for safety in case of emergency. Pack a headlamp in an easy access pocket for your next backpacking trip.
Medical Kit
On any outdoor trip, a med kit is essential. Med kits help from headaches to major injuries. A hiking med kit will have everything you need in an emergency.
Bear Spray
Bear spray can act as great protection in some regions. There are some areas where bear spray is prohibited, so make sure to do some research about the area you’ll be before heading out. If necessary, pack bear spray for emergencies.
GPS/Map/Compass
Navigational tools can be a lifesaver in the backcountry. There are rarely any road signs out there so you’ll mostly have to use maps, gps, and compasses to find your way. Make sure to pack directional tools in your pack in case you get lost of just need to navigate.
Multi – Tool
A pocket knife or multi-tool is essential on backpacking trips. It is useful in so many ways, especially when camping and cooking outside. Keep one in an accessible pocket of your pack for your next adventure.
Whistle
In emergency situations, sometimes you’ll need an item to call out your whereabouts. Whistles are a great tool for this because they are lightweight in your pack but reach far distances if you need it. Never go backpacking without a whistle!
Fire Starter
Another emergency item to always bring is fire sticks. Sometimes a lighter will run out of butane or get wet and leave you with the responsibility of starting the fire. This is why I always bring extra lighters and alternative fire measures in case of emergency.
Emergency Items
Always bring your wallet with identification and some money just in case! I’ve never had to use them but it’s better to have them and not need them! A portable phone charger is another great just-in-case item.
Download this packing list for the next time you’re preparing for a backpacking trip including everything I listed in this post!
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I’d love to hear your feedback and experiences! If you pack any other essential items that aren’t on this list when backpacking, let me know!
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