Packing correctly for your backpacking trip is critical. If you happen to forget your deodorant when traveling, you can always stop by a drugstore and grab one. However, when you are out in the backcountry, that is obviously not an option. You want to make sure that you have everything that you will need.
However, it is also important not to over pack. Every item that you add to your pack increases weight and will make it that much tougher to make it over the next pass. There is nothing quite as frustrating as finishing a week-long trip, cleaning out your pack, and realizing that you lugged several things that you didn't even need.
To help you plan for the next trip, we've put together the following packing list along with links to some of our favorite products that we have personal experience with. It has been refined over many trips and hopefully we've settled on the things that you really need.
One caveat, it is important to factor in the location that you'll be hiking in. If you're planning a late fall trip to Glacier National Park, you may need to pack additional clothes to stay warm. On the flipside, a trip to the desert Southwest likely requires a large water bladder and 2-3 water bottles to make sure you have plenty of water storage. Keep that in mind when you prepare.
Storage
- Pack
- Pack Repair Kit
- Small Carabiners
- Pack Rain Cover
- Stuff Sacs
- Ziplock Bags
- Emergency Whistle
- Trash Bag
- Rope
Shelter
Clothing
- Boots
- Sock Liners
- Camp Footwear
- Underwear
- T-Shirts
- Shorts
- Long Underwear
- Sleepwear
- Warm Fleece
- Fleece Pants
- Long Pants
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Light Hat or Bandana
- Sunglasses
- Warm Cap
Food Water
- Filter
- Purification Tablets
- Water Bottles
- Bladder
- Stove
- Stove Fuel
- Matches and Lighters
- Cooking Pots
- Bowl or Plate
- Dish Towel
- Spoon or Spork
- Multi-Tool
- Coffee/Tea Mug
- Bear Bag or Canister
Toiletries
- Medications
- Toothbrush & Paste
- Dental Floss
- Biodegradable Soap
- Hand Sanitizer
- Lip Balm
- Lotion
- Toilet Paper and/or Baby Wipes
- Sun Screen
- Glasses and/or Contact Lenses
- Insect Repellent
- Small Towel
Other Items
- Map
- Camera
- Head Lamp
- Bear Spray
- Duct Tape
- First Aid Kit
- Cell Phone
- Trekking Poles
Optional
- Gaiters
- Note Pad & Pencil
- Book
- Cards or Other Games
- Binoculars
- Thermometer
- Tripod
Packing List
To help make this easy, we've put together a great printable packing list with all of this information. It's a good idea to print one out and use it to track everything while you prepare and also the day that you head out. You can download a copy by clicking on the image below.
Another great idea that we have used in the past is developing a list in Google Drive. This is especially helpful if you plan to travel with others that live in other parts of the country. You can share Google Drive files with the other members in your party to keep track of those items that can be shared by the group (ie. stove, fuel, bear spray, etc.)
Has this post been helpful to you or do you have suggestions on items that should be added? If so, let's hear your thoughts and feedback in the comments.
Taylor, the link to Google Drive is to their normal homepage not to an actual document. You’ll need to create your own list to share with friends/family if you want to use this method. This will live within your account and you can use it for all future trips.
I have been trying to open the Google Drive but have been unsuccessful. How am I able to access this for my first trip?
A compass would be a good addition as well.
Hi Bart,
I notice that a small shovel or a trowel is missing. Is that something you can live without, or is it an oversight?
Will
Thanks Don! Good catch, we’ll need to update that.
I’m glad you’re excited about the quilt, it should be here in the next few days. We’ll be sending an email blast as soon as it’s available.
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