Photo by Kaylin Brown
Understanding what you need (and don't need!) to pack is very important. Here is a checklist of the backpacking essentials for a weekend trip or an extended long-distance thru-hike.
We cut the fluff and kept it light. Again, these are only the essentials required for your backpacking trip. Please consider adding extra gear depending on weather and terrain conditions.
Open the Google Doc for a one-page printable PDF version.
|
1. Kitchen |
2. Food and Water |
| Cup (~750ml) | Food (~2 lbs per day) 31 Food Ideas |
| Spork | Water (carry 1L minimum at all times) |
| Stove | Bottle (1L for Clean Water) |
| Fuel (Propane or Alcohol) | Bottle (1L for Dirty Water) |
| Lighter or Waterproof Matches | Filter or Purification Drops |
| Hand Sanitizer or Soap | (optional) Stuff Sack (~10L capacity) |
|
3. Backpack |
4. Light |
| Pack (~40-65L capacity) | Headlamp or Flashlight |
| Pack Liner or Pack Cover | (optional) Extra Batteries |
|
5. Sleep System |
6. Toiletries |
| Pillow (inflatable) or Lined Stuff Sack | Toothbrush |
| Sleeping Bag | Toothpaste |
| Sleeping Pad | Toilet Paper |
| (optional) Sleeping Bag Liner | Medicine/ Pain Reliever |
|
7. Shelter |
8. Extra |
| Tent | Band Aids or Duct Tape |
| Fly/ Rain Tarp | Map or Navigation |
| Poles | Watch |
| Stakes | Knife |
| (optional) Guylines | Bugspray |
| (optional) Footprint/ Ground Cloth | Phone/ Camera |
|
9. Clothes |
10. (Optional Extras) |
| Top Layers | Towel |
| Bottom Layers | Trekking Poles |
| Underwear | Gaiters |
| Socks | Ear Plugs |
| Rain Shell | Sunscreen |
| Headwear/ Bandana | Sunglasses |
| Trail Runners or Boots | |
| Camp Shoes |
650-Calorie Fuel
