This is my second post in my mini-series on packing lists. This list is specific to backpacking (the type in the wilderness, not the type bold twenty-somethings do across Europe). I’m in Colorado right now, so hopefully this list is timely for those of you looking to get out an enjoy the beautiful weather! Part of the reason I’m writing this list now is that I think I’ve successfully conned (I mean, convinced) my friend who just moved here to go on her first backpacking trip – so this is partly intended as a gear guide for her.

This list is derived from a car camping list one of my other friends (Mindy) put together, combined with a list that I made for my first solo backpacking trip a few years ago. I’ve cross checked it with some various other lists to make sure I’m not missing anything – but if you see something I should add, let me know in the comments!

I am not an ultralight backpacker – basically none of my gear is ultralight. Frankly, I don’t backpack enough to justify the investment in ultralight gear. For the casual backpacker, I think that’s just fine – and I do take some steps to minimize unnecessary extra weight.

Let’s jump into it!

Gear

Sleeping Setup

• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping bag compression sack
  • I suggest at least getting a water resistant one, or waterproof if you’re going somewhere likely to be very wet. You really, really don’t want to end up with a wet sleeping bag. In cold climates, this can be deadly.
• Sleeping bag liner
  • I always use a liner, even when it’s warm, to keep my sleeping bag clean from me (I’m gross after a day of hiking).
  • On cold nights, I use the Sea to Summit Reactor Extreme sleeping back liner.
  • On hot nights, I use the Sea to Summit Coolmax sleeping bag liner, but it doesn’t look like they make that one anymore. I think the Breeze liner Is the new version of it.
  • Having multiple liners has allowed me to have only one sleeping bag, and adjust the temperature rating based on what I think I’ll need for each trip. Given that I don’t plan on camping in the arctic anytime soon, I think this is a generally good strategy to reduce the need to own a lot of different gear.
• Sleeping pad
  • We both use Klymit Static V inflatable pads. So far they’ve been great – good at insulation and reasonably comfortable, all things considered.
  • I did end up with a hole in my sleeping pad on a backpacking trip in Colorado. I couldn’t find the hole to repair it while on the trip. I eventually did figure out where the hole was (using the tried and true submerging it in a bathtub method), and the included patch kit absolutely didn’t work. Duct tape did work.
  • I circled the hole with Sharpie, so when the duct tape inevitable fails, I’ll know where to patch it again. I don’t know if this is a thing people typically do, but it was hard enough to find the hole the first time that I really don’t want to have to do it again.
• Pillow
  • Lots of folks just take a pillowcase and stuff it with clothes instead of carrying a pillow. Honestly, I don’t sleep all that well in the woods, so I think it’s worth a little bit of extra weight to increase my chances of sleeping.
  • Make sure your pillow fits well in the hood of your sleeping bag. Having a well fitted pillow makes it easier to hold the pillow in place.
  • I like the Klymit Pillow X Large.
• Optional: ear plugs
  • I think these help quite a bit with actually sleeping…I have a problem with listening to every single sound, being thoroughly convinced that every crack is surely a bear coming to eat me. It’s not, but I can’t help but worry about it.
• Optional: eye mask
  • It will probably be pretty dark where you are, but if a storm rolls through, you may want to have one of these with you because sleeping through lightening is rough.

Clothes

• Optional: Stuff sack for clothes
  • While I go super light on clothes while backpacking, I do find it convenient to have all my clothes in one place.
  • I use the bag my sleeping back originally came in as my stuff sack
• Camp shoes (preferably something that can be worn with socks)
  • Note: Standard Chacos are a popular choice for this. However, some of them (particularly some of the older models) can be quite heavy.
  • Lots of people I know use Crocs (or Frocks – fake Crocs) for this.
  • I use Chaco slides (called Chillos, apparently) because they’re super lightweight and can be worn over socks.
• To wear while hiking
  • Sun hat
    • I like Sprints hats because they’re washable
  • Optional: headband
    • My Sprints hat mostly serves as a headband – which is convenient
  • Hair ties – suggest braids, as a ponytail tends to hit the top of your backpack, which gets annoying quickly.
  • Sunglasses
    • If you haven’t tried Goodr’s sunglasses, do it! They’re robust, don’t rub, and stay on your face. Also, they seem to be nearly indestructible.
    • Have you seen their National Park Foundation line?
  • Optional: buff or neck gaiter
    • I recently started using a light merino buff for shoulder season hiking and spring skiing…generally, the hooded sun shirt is all I really need for backpacking though.
  • Long-sleeved sun shirt, ideally with a hood
    • This can be treated with permethrin in advance
    • I love REI Co-op’s Sahara Shade Hoodie – I have two of these and they work in a wide range of temperatures
  • Sports bra
    • Some women have issues with backpacks rubbing against the straps of their sports bras and leaving bruises or sores. This is something to watch out for and maybe test beforehand.
  • Hiking pants
    • I suggest loose-fitting, lightweight pants
    • This can be treated with permethrin in advance
  • Underwear
    • For women, I advise against cotton…I’ve found it isn’t really able to keep up with the level of sweat and general grossness that comes with backpacking. I like Patagonia’s Active Hipsters. Unfortunately, they don’t make them anymore…It looks like the next closest option is Patagonia’s Active Briefs.
    • I take a clean pair of underwear for every day I’ll be out. Yes, this is a luxury. Yes, this is worth it to me.
    • For men, Jerry loves Smartwool’s Merino Boxer Briefs. These are expensive, so keep an eye out for sales. I’ve had good luck finding these discounted on Backcountry.
  • Hiking socks
    • Merino wool is your best option here – and I love Darn Tough‘s wool socks. Plus, they have a lifetime warranty, so if you wear them out, you can send them back, and they’ll give you a gift card!
    • I like a more cushioned sock than most, so I like Darn Tough’s Hiker Merino Wool Midnight Hiking Boot Socks. Prior to using these, I got blisters all the time, even from short distances. These socks have saved me from this fate.
    • These can also be treated with permethrin.
  • Hiking boots or trail runners
    • Most backpackers seem to like trail runners because they’re very light. Note that they won’t last as long as hiking boots.
    • I prefer hiking boots, because I have a bad ankle that tends to be more of a problem when I’m carrying a heavy pack.
    • Whatever you’ve decided to wear, make sure you’ve broken in your shoes before you go on your trip.
  • Optional: Silicone ring
    • So you don’t wear your wedding bands while hiking because your fingers will probably swell.
    • Also, you’ll be very dirty, which you probably don’t want for your engagement ring…
• Optional: swim suit
  • Or you can just swim in your underwear…no one is really going to judge you for that.
  • I don’t take a camp towel…I usually use my sun shirt to dry off.
• Optional: swim shorts
  • If you don’t feel like swimming in just your underwear, this is a good compromise.
  • Plus, it’s nice to have a pair of shorts to wear around camp.
• Rain coat or poncho
  • Don’t skip this – ever. Particularly if you’re in the Rockies in the summer…it will rain, probably every afternoon.
  • You can get ponchos that go over you AND your backpack, which is an easy and convenient option.
  • I tend to store this in the outermost back pocket of my backpack so I can grab it quickly.
• Optional: rain pants
  • Many people would not consider this optional. If you’re going somewhere where you know it’s going to pour the whole time, then these are probably worth it.
  • I’ve found that wearing the right hiking pants eliminates the need for rain pants – my hiking pants dry very quickly.
  • I owned rain pants for several years and carried them with me on trips, only to find out during a deluge in San Antonio where I had to spend a decent amount of time in the rain to stop the pool from overflowing (fun stuff), that the pants were not, in fact, waterproof. So if you decide to get rain pants, make sure they’re…actually waterproof.
• Warm but light base layers
  • I prefer wool where possible, but make sure your base layers are stretchy enough to hike in.
  • These are intended to wear under your hiking clothes if it’s unexpectedly cold.
  • I also sleep in these. It’s nice to have something clean-ish and warm to sleep in.
• An insulated jacket or fleece jacket
  • In case it gets colder than you’re expecting it to be.
  • Pack this somewhere it will stay dry if it starts to unexpectedly rain.
• An extra pair of socks (also wool, ideally)
  • These should also be packed somewhere they’ll stay dry if it starts to unexpectedly rain.

Toiletries and Bathroom Stuff

• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
  • Pro tip: spraying your gear and clothes with permethrin beforehand can significantly reduce your need for bug spray.
• Small container of Gold Bond
• Hand sanitizer
• Optional: Body Glide or Aquaphor healing stick
  • If you know you have issues with chafing, go for it.
  • I travel with the Aquaphor healing stick because it also double as a face cream. Sometimes I’ll take it backpacking, but usually not. I always take it car camping.
• Optional: comb
  • If you have anything other than very short hair, this isn’t optional. Trust me. You don’t want to come back with a giant knot of hair. And you will, if you don’t comb your hair at least once per day and redo the braids.
• Regular medications/vitamins
• Glasses/contacts/contact solution
• For women: menstrual cup OR tampons + liners + a bag with baking soda in it to store used items
  • This feels like a big topic (and possibly a good fit for a future post) – but in my opinion, the easiest option is a cup.
  • If you use a cup, you need to dig a cat hole to bury the contents. You’ll probably want to take a baby wipe or a water bottle to clean the cup. This option results in the least amount of supplies to carry in and waste to carry out.
  • If you don’t go this route, you’ll need to carry a bag with baking soda for disposing of the used…items. You’ll probably want this bag to not be see-through. I’ve used duct tape to cover the outside of the bag. Not great, but hey, it works.
• TP or baby wipes + a means to carry out trash (like an extra Ziplock bag or two)
  • My preference is to have 1 wipe per day + 1-2 extra. I’ll take 2 per day if I’m on my period.
  • Remember to pack out all trash. Personally, I think it’s less gross to carry out baby wipes than TP. Not sure why.
  • Some people feel you can bury TP, if you get the biodegradable stuff. I’m not going to weigh in on that here (it’s a big debate in some communities). Also, biodegradable TP is super thin and flimsy and generally the worst.
  • Check the restrictions for the place you’re going – some places require wag bags.
• A poop shovel
  • This is kind of a misnomer…if you’re using your shovel on the poop directly, you’re doing it wrong.
  • There’s a super light option that lots of people like. Despite this looking flimsy, it holds up well.
• For women: A Kula cloth
  • Yes, I think it’s kind of gross. No, I haven’t really gotten used to the idea yet. But yes, it’s much easier and totally worth it.
  • If you can’t stand the idea of this, take a snack-size Ziplock bag of pre-cut TP (you want it in a bag so it doesn’t get wet from rain). Take a separate snack-size Ziplock bag for the used TP. Make sure this is a more “robust” TP…a lot of the biodegradable options will start the biodegrading process in your hand while wet. It’s less than ideal, to say the least.
• Optional: Face wipes
  • I take one per day to wipe off sweat and sunscreen at the end of the day. I used to not do this, but then I’d have issues with my skin breaking out.
  • I like the micellar water-based options, as they don’t dry out my skin in the dry mountain air. These Burt’s Bees ones are great.
  • Remember that even though some of these are compostable, you still need to pack them out with your trash.
• Chap stick
  • This healing balm is great – we use it for ski trips too.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste

Emergency Equipment

• Lighter or matches
  • Personally, I go for the emergency matches in a waterproof container. I’m bad at using lighters, and I really don’t want to risk not being able to use the lighter if I need it, since it would most likely be an emergency situation.
  • I don’t think these are exactly what I have, but they’re similar.
• Whistle
  • Most backpacks have a whistle on the chest strap – so you probably don’t need to carry a separate one.
• Compass and paper map of route/region
• Knife
  • Jerry and I both carry Benchmade Mini Bugout knives, and they’re great. They’re sharp, easy to use, and light.
• Duct tape (a few feet should be all you need) – ideally wrapped around something else for storage.
  • This is something that should be replaced regularly, as it does have a shelf life.
  • The one time I needed duct tape, my duct tape was no longer sticky…
• Bear spray and holster.
  • Make sure your holster is attached somewhere easily accessible.
  • You can’t fly with bear spray, so if you’re flying in, you’ll need to get this once you arrive.
• Rope
  • I use paracord because it’s strong but light.
  • I daisy chain the paracord and attach it to the outside of my backpack with carabiners. The carabiners certainly aren’t necessary if you’re good with your knots, but if you want to be extra careful, you might as well add the carabiners.
  • I use the carabiner/daisy chain to attach things going on the outside of my backpack, like my camp shoes.
• Iodine tablets
  • You shouldn’t need these because you have a water filter. However, I like to carry these just in case – I have a small bottle that doesn’t weigh much, so it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
• Emergency blanket
• Ace bandage/knee brace/KT tape/etc.
  • At a minimum, it’s good to have an ace bandage – as a sprained ankle on the trail can be a very big problem.
• Optional: emergency ID
  • I have a ROAD iD that I wear on my watch band. It’s definitely not necessary, but it makes me feel a bit better when I’m off on my own.
• A pen
• Car keys
• Driver’s license, credit card, small amount of cash, health insurance card
• First aid kit, including at least
  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylenol
  • Allergy medications
  • Pepto biusmol and/or something stronger
  • Band aids (several sizes)
  • Neosporin
  • Anti-ich cream
  • Alcohol wipes
  • Tweezers and/or a tick spoon
  • Medical tape
  • Moleskin
  • Tums and/or antacid

Food and Cooking Equipment

• Water bladder
  • I have the 3L Osprey bladder, and it’s great. It’s rare that I need the full 3L, but when I do, I’m able to carry it.
  • I’d suggest buying the 3L version, and then not filling it all the way up if you won’t need all of it.
• Optional: water bottle
  • I sometimes skip this to reduce weight, but it is far more convenient for cooking if you have a water bottle instead of having to pour out of your water bladder into your pot…
• Water filter
  • This Katadyn Hiker Pro filter connects directly to our water bladders, which is wildly convenient. I didn’t realize how much I’d appreciate this feature until I found myself perched on a slippery rock balancing the filter and water bladder, trying not to fall into the icy water below me.
  • This is a lot heavier than some of the other options. However, it’s super quick and easy to use by comparison. In my opinion, this makes it well worth the extra weight (no one enjoys being on water filter duty…but this filter makes it a quick process!).
• Optional: Reservoir
  • If you are one of those bold people who wants to backpack in places that don’t have easily accessible water (like Big Bend), then you’ll need to carry your water with you.
  • I prefer to pick routes and locations that have lakes or rivers every evening so I don’t have to worry about carrying more than a day’s worth of water at a time.
  • WARNING: this gets heavy very quickly. If you’re going to go this route, I’d strongly recommend training for it and making sure you’re able to carry as much water as you’re planning on taking. You don’t want to run out, but you don’t want to overpack on water…there have been many instances of this being the downfall of inexperienced hikers.
  • We have two 4L HydraPak Seekers. We almost never use them – hiking while carrying water is hard.
• Bear canister or bear bag
  • I always use a BearVault bear canister, because then you don’t have to worry about finding a tree to hang your bear bag. We currently own the big one, but we just bought some of their smaller options to try out. We never seem to actually need all the space in the big one.
  • Check the rules for the area you’re going – some places have more stringent requirements than others.
• Optional: bowl
  • I say this is optional because I’m a heathen and eat straight of the plastic bag. I have to carry the food in the bag anyway, so…might as well save myself the trouble.
  • Sea to Summit makes a great collapsible bowl
• Optional: cup
  • This is really only necessary if you’re planning on making coffee/tea/hot chocolate.
  • A good collapsible option is this one from Sea to Summit
• Camp spork
  • We use this one
  • This is very much not optional
  • Some people like a long handled spoon because it’s easier to get food out of those dehydrated meal baggies
  • Some options have a flexible scraper tool to help you really clean the pot or inside of your food bag
• Camp stove and butane
  • Note that you can’t fly with butane, so this is one of those items you have to get after arrival, if you’re flying in.
  • We have the JetBoil MiniMo, which has been great. It has an attachment for using the stove with actual pots, which seems like a fun idea (but we haven’t tried that out ourselves yet.
  • Whatever you decide to get, I strongly recommend getting one with an integrated lighter. It’s just so much easier to use!
• Optional: camp pots/pans
  • If you’re feeling fancy and want to cook something other than rehydrated food, there’s a lot of fun options for you to choose from
  • Make sure you take the camp stove pot adapter
  • I usually don’t carry pots/pans because I don’t care enough about dinner for it to matter (I’ve found some pretty solid rehydrated meals that I really like).
• Breakfast foods
  • I tend to just eat a granola bar.
  • Instant oatmeal is a good and easy choice. Note – an average adult will need two packs to be a complete meal. I suggest repacking instant oatmeal into freezer bags so you can cook it in the bag you carry it in
• Coffee or tea or hot chocolate
  • Anything involving actual coffee grounds or tea leaves is going to be a bit of a pain because you have to pack it out, and wet grounds can be heavy
  • You can bring filters and use a pour over device
  • These Kuju disposable pour over coffee packs are AMAZING (and honestly some of the best camp coffee I’ve ever had)
  • You can also bring instant coffee, which is lighter to carry out. They make single serving packs, and some of them even have powdered creamer included!
• Electrolytes
• Gels or energy snacks
  • My stomach is super sensitive, so particularly at elevation, I rely pretty heavily on these for energy.
  • Find what works best for you before you go backpacking…you don’t want to end up sick on the trail!
• Snacks
  • High protein granola bars
  • Trail mix or nuts or dried fruit
  • Pouch of peanut butter
    • Yes, I do eat it straight out of the pouch. It’s wildly convenient, and works well as a quick and easy snack.
  • Jerky
• Lunch
  • Honestly, I tend to just eat snacks and skip lunch…
  • Summer sausage + a block of cheese is an easy packable lunch that doesn’t really need refrigeration if you’re in a mildly cool climate.
  • If you want to add carbs, tortillas are a great option.
• Dinner
  • You can buy dehydrated meals, and there are lots of great options out there.
  • Note – even though most of them say they have two servings, most adults will need one pack each for dinner.
  • If you have food allergies or intolerances, make sure you read the labels carefully.
    • For example, I’m sensitive to dairy. There are some dairy-free meal options, but not a lot, so I generally prefer to make my own meals.
  • These meals are loaded with salt. I don’t particularly like that, because every time I have one of these, I wake up in the middle of the night absolutely parched.
  • If you’re making your own meals, I suggest using an old beanie or an insulated bag. Freezer bags will hold hot water without leaking (granted, I usually double bag my meals…) but they won’t stay warm for long on their own.
  • You can also get pretty creative with instant boxed meals + a pack of chicken or tuna. A bit of quick googling will reveal lots of options here.
• Optional (but not really…): A summit beer or two.
  • Because who doesn’t love a good river-cooled beer in the woods after a hot day of hiking?

Electronics

• GPS
  • I use a Garmin InReach Mini, and I love it. It’s got a long battery life, is easy to use, and is very small/light. I clip it to the outside of my backpack.
  • This is how I stay safe when I’m on the trail, particularly when I’m backpacking alone. Not only does it tell me (and my designated contacts) where I am, but it also allows me to send preset text messages to check in with people (so they know I’m safe). It also has an SOS feature, so if something goes wrong, I’m able to call emergency services for help.
  • On my first solo backpacking trip, I used this and set it to update my online map every 10 minutes. I felt better going off into the wilderness alone knowing that someone (in this case, Jerry) knew exactly where I was at all times.
  • I’ve heard some stores will allow you to rent these, if you’re not ready to invest in one now.
• Phone (put it in airplane mode to save battery life).
• Phone charger
• Watch
• Watch charger
• Small power bank (Anker has lots of great options, which also work well for travel)

Stuff you might want to have and leave in the car

These items are things you don’t want or need to carry with you, but might be handy to leave in your car at the trailhead.

• Extra water
• A change of clothes
• Comfy shoes
• Luggage scale – weigh your back before your trip to make sure it isn’t heavier than expected!
• A paper copy of your itinerary and emergency contact information
  • I usually leave this folded on the passenger seat of my car, so it’s not visible to people looking in the windows, but it’s there in case of emergency
• A durable bag to make it easier to check your backpack (and so your backpack doesn’t get damaged). Osprey makes the AirPorter for their bags. Make sure to get the correct size for your pack.
  • Some people use the rain cover for this, but my rain cover is pretty lightweight (and therefore probably not ready to be abused by airlines)
  • Pro tip: do not try to carry your backpack using this bag for any significant distance. You do not want to pull a muscle in your back the day before your backpacking trip. Trust me on this – I’m speaking from experience here.