Backpacking Checklist

To determine what you need to bring on a backpacking trip, think about how far you plan to hike, how remote the location is and what the weather forecast has in store. This list is comprehensive, and you won’t take all items on every trip.

Backpacking Gear

___Backpack
___Backpacking tent
___Sleeping bag
___Sleeping pad
___Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)
Optional: Trekking poles, Packable lantern, Tent footprint, Pillow, Bear spray

Navigation

___Map (in waterproof sleeve)
___Compass
Optional: Route description/guidebook, Altimeter watch, GPS*, Satellite messenger and/or personal locator beacon

Clothing/Footwear

___Moisture-wicking underwear
___Moisture-wicking T-shirts
___Quick-drying pants/shorts
___Long-sleeve shirts (for sun and bugs)
___Lightweight fleece or jacket
___Boots or shoes suited to terrain or trail shoes
___Socks (synthetic or wool)
___Extra clothes (beyond the minimum expectation) Additional items for rainy and/ or cold weather, the key is layering:
___Rainwear (jacket and pants)
___Long underwear
___Warm insulated jacket or vest
___Fleece pants
___Gloves or mittens
___Warm hat or beanie
Optional: Sandals (for stream crossings and/or camp shoes
___Bandana or neck gaiter
___Gaiters (for rainy, snowy or muddy conditions)

Camp Kitchen

___Backpacking stove
___Fuel
___Cook set
___Dishes/bowls
___Eating utensils.
___Mug/cup
___Biodegradable soap
___Small quick-dry towel
___Collapsible water container
___Bear canister/food sack; or hang bag + 50’ nylon cord

Food & Water

___Water bottles and/or reservoir
___Water filter/purifier or chemical treatment
___Meals
___Energy food and drinks (coffee, tea, bars, gels, chews, trail mix, drink mix)
___Extra day’s supply of food

Health & Hygiene

___Hand sanitizer
___Toothbrush and toothpaste
___Sanitation trowel
___Toilet paper/wipes and sealable bag (to pack it out)
___Menstrual products
___Prescription medications
___Prescription glasses

Sun protection:

___Sunglasses (+ retainer leash)
___Sunscreen
___SPF-rated lip balm
___Sun hat
___Insect repellent
___Urinary products
___Additional blister treatment supplies

Tools & Repairs

___Knife or multi-tool
___Repair kit for mattress, stove
___Duct tape strips

Emergency Items

___First-aid kit or supplies
___Whistle
___Lighter/matches (in waterproof container)
___Fire starter (for emergency survival fire)
___Emergency shelter
___Two itineraries: 1 left with friend + 1 under car seat

Personal Items

___Permits (if needed)
___Credit card and/or cash
___ID
___Car keys
___Cellphone

Backpacking Extras

___Daypack (for day trips away from camp)
___Camera or action cam (with extra memory cards)
___Interpretive field guide(s)
___Star chart/night-sky identifier
___Outdoor journal or sketchbook with pen/pencil
___Book/reading material, you can press some flowers or grasses in the book
___Cards or games
___Compact binoculars
___Two-way radios