We've put together a backpacking checklist to look over when planning a trip! For newbies it's a framework to build your kit from, and for everyone else, it's a good reminder of what not to forget at home :) While we feel that this list is comprehensive, always make sure you are checking the specific conditions, hazards, and requirements for the location you are heading to.
Let's dive in!
Big 4 (Pack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag / Quilt, Sleeping Pad)
Cooking System
Water Treatment
Hygiene
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Bidet or Toilet Paper
- Trowel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Soap
- Kula Cloth
Camp Clothing
- Socks
- Sleep Shirt
- Insulated Jacket
- Beanie / Hood
Hiking Clothing
- Hiking Shoes or Boots
- Socks x2
- Underwear x2
- Pants or Shorts
- Hiking Shirt
- Hat
- Rain Jacket & Pants
Miscellaneous
- Ditty Bag/Stuff Sack/Dry Bag
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip Balm
- Satellite Communicator / SOS Device
- First Aid Kit
- Battery Bank
- Headlamp or Flashlight
Optional
- Camp Sandals
- Bear Canister or Bear Bag
- Camp Chair
- Ear Plugs
- Bug Repellant
- Additional Warm Clothing: Warm Pants, Fleece Sweater, Insulated Booties, Gloves
- Infinite amounts of Ultralight Accessories!
9 comments
Jamie Phelps
I made a version of this in Taskpaper format for anyone that would find it convenient. Just copy/paste this into a new document:
Big 4 (Pack, Shelter, Sleeping Bag / Quilt, Sleeping Pad):
- Backpack
- Shelter
- Tent Stakes
- Sleeping Pad
- Quilt / Sleeping Bag
- Pillow
- Pack Liner
Cooking System:
- Stove
- Pot
- Fuel (pick up locally)
- Lighter
- Spoon
- Food Bag
Water Treatment:
- Water Filter
- Water Bladder/Bag
- Water Bottles
Hygiene:
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Bidet or Toilet Paper
- Trowel
- Hand Sanitizer
- Soap
- Kula Cloth
Camp Clothing:
- Socks
- Sleep Shirt
- Insulated Jacket
- Beanie / Hood
Hiking Clothing:
- Hiking Shoes or Boots
- Socks x2
- Underwear x2
- Pants or Shorts
- Hiking Shirt
- Hat
- Rain Jacket & Pants
Miscellaneous:
- Ditty Bag/Stuff Sack/Dry Bag
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Lip Balm
- Satellite Communicator / SOS Device
- First Aid Kit
- Battery Bank
- Headlamp or Flashlight
Optional:
- Camp Sandals
- Bear Canister or Bear Bag
- Camp Chair
- Ear Plugs
- Bug Repellant
- Additional Warm Clothing: Warm Pants, Fleece Sweater, Insulated Booties, Gloves
- Infinite amounts of Ultralight Accessories!
CD Nester
Should make this a printable file with spots to add your own gear adjustments.
Mechanical Man
Forget the pillow, use your clothes bag. Battery bank, you have got to be kidding. Forget all of the electronic nonsense. You are in the wilderness to experience it, not bring society with you.
Vickie
It’s nice that you have the battery bank. But how about the proper cords for whatever you’re carrying? That seems to be the one that people forget or lose.
Pecos
After completing the PCT, I’d make these changes. A lightweight light colored wide brim hat to keep the sun off off . Light colored because it would reflect more of the sun’s rays back. Mine hat a mesh panel, but that an individual choice. I also use a buff which you can use to help keep warm at night and not need a beanie unless the temperatures are really cold.
I also carry lightweight water shoes, for stream crossings and camp shoes.
Jason
Great list! I’d add a knife, a Ferro rod, something to process firewood like a hatchet or folding saw, navigational gear (like a compass, maps, notepad, and pen), signal devices like a whistle, signal mirror, chem lights etc, a small roll of duct tape, and some Paracord or bankline.
Jim
There is one obvious oversight and I’m not sure how it was even left off the optional list, but COFFEE! Filter and/or instant. Besides that, it looks like a great list!
Peter
Add jack Daniels
Nancy
Great list, Lloyd. How about adding Food/Beverages to the list?