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 intentionally comprehensive and you won’t take all items.

BACKPACKING GEAR CLOTHING/FOOTWEAR CAMP KITCHEN

Backpack Moisture-wicking underwear Backpacking stove
Backpacking tent Moisture-wicking T-shirts Fuel
Sleeping bag Quick-drying pants/shorts Cookset
Sleeping pad Long-sleeve shirts (for sun Dishes/bowls
Headlamp or flashlight * (with and bugs) Eating utensils
extra batteries) Lightweight fleece or jacket Mug/cup
Boots or shoes suited Biodegradable soap
Optional: to terrain
Trekking poles Small quick-dry towel
Socks (synthetic or wool)
Packable lantern Collapsible water container
Extra clothes * (beyond the
Tent footprint minimum expectation) Bear canister/food sack; or
hang bag + 50’ nylon cord
Pillow
Additional items for rainy and/
Bear spray or cold weather:
Rainwear (jacket and pants)
Long underwear

NAVIGATION
Warm insulated jacket or vest
Fleece pants
FOOD & WATER
Map * (in waterproof sleeve) Gloves or mittens Water bottles and/or reservoir *
Compass * Warm hat Water filter/purifier or
chemical treatment *
Optional: Optional:
Meals
Route description/guidebook Sandals (for fording streams
Energy food and drinks
and/or camp shoes)
Altimeter Watch (bars, gels, chews, trail mix,
Bandana or Buff drink mix)
GPS *
Gaiters (for rainy, snowy, or Extra day’s supply of food *
Satellite messenger and/or muddy conditions)
personal locator beacon *
 HEALTH & HYGIENE EMERGENCY ITEMS PERSONAL ITEMS
Hand sanitizer First-aid kit or supplies * Permits (if needed)
Toothbrush and toothpaste Whistle Credit card and/or cash
Sanitation trowel Lighter/matches * ID
Toilet paper/wipes and (in waterproof container) Car keys
sealable bag (to pack it out) Fire starter * (for emergency Cellphone
Menstrual products survival fire)

Prescription medications Emergency shelter *

Prescription glasses Two itineraries: 1 left with

friend + 1 under car seat
Sun protection:
Sunglasses * (+ retainer leash)
Sunscreen *
SPF-rated lip balm * BACKPACKING EXTRAS
Sun hat *
Daypack (for day trips away
Optional: from camp)
Insect repellent * Camera or action cam
Urinary products (with extra memory cards)

Additional blister treatment Interpretive field guide(s)

supplies Star chart/night-sky identifier
Outdoor journal or sketchbook
with pen/pencil
Book/reading material
TOOLS & REPAIRS Cards or games
Compact binoculars
Knife or multi-tool *
Two-way radios
Repair kit * for mattress, stove
Duct tape strips

* These items are part of the Ten Essential systems. The exact items you take for each system can be tailored to
your trip based on considerations such as weather, difficulty, duration and distance from help. To learn more, see
our article on the Ten Essentials.