Backpacking Checklist

Whether you’re an experienced or beginner backpacker, let’s review the items you should bring with you on a backpacking trip. I’ll go over each item on this backpacking checklist in detail, sharing what qualities to look for when shopping for backpacking gear. 

Note: Backpacking can refer to either hiking and camping or a travel style. I do both, but in this guide I’ll provide a backpacking packing list for the former!

If you need a refresher, check out my guide to backpacking for beginners.

Condensed Backpacking Checklist

How to Select Backpacking Gear

I encourage you to invest in the highest quality backpacking gear you can afford and “buy once, cry once”. Cheaper, lower quality pieces will jeopardize both your comfort and safety. Your gear will endure significant wear and tear from the elements, and inexpensive options often fail to stand the test of time. High-quality pieces, on the other hand, will last for many years.

If you’re on a tighter budget, you can still find items at various price points. However, the items I wouldn’t compromise on are the backpacking essentials: your backpack, tent, sleeping bag, shoes, and socks. You might be able to get away with a cheaper sleeping pad, but it will be bulkier and heavier. Look into gently-used options, which are often available at significant discounts. 

Now, let’s dive into the backpacking checklist! I’ve included many items that I personally use and love, which should hopefully make your decision-making process a little easier. These items have been with me for years, and you’ll see pictures of me using and wearing them throughout this blog.

Rental Backpacking Gear

If you want to try backpacking but are not ready to purchase backpacking gear, consider renting individual pieces or complete sets from your local sports equipment shop.

Backpacking Checklist

Backpacking Essentials: Logistics & Documents

Trail Map. Backpacking areas often don’t have phone service, so look into an app that allows you to download and use detailed hiking maps offline is very important. I personally use AllTrails. Bring a paper map as well (make sure you know how to read the topography) in case your phone dies.

Offline Maps. Expect limited to no phone service on the road to the trailhead and on the trail itself. Download Google Maps of the area in advance.

Permits. Bring your overnight backpacking permits, when applicable.

Park Entrance. Bring your entrance fee or National or State Parks Pass, when applicable.

Wallet Items. Carry your ID card, small amount of cash, car keys, phone, etc. in a light plastic bag.

Backpack

When choosing a backpack for backpacking, quality and fit are important. Your backpack can make or break your trip. You will hardly feel the weight on your back if you’re using a well-fitting, high-quality backpack with good hip straps. This might sound like an exaggeration, but it’s not! For that reason please don’t borrow the wrong size backpack from a friend; either buy or rent one that fits.

Backpack Size

Anything under ~45 L might be too small, unless if you’re a minimalist backpacker with ultralight gear. 40 – 50 L is ideal for an overnight or short multi-day backpacking trip (2 – 3 days). Backpacks larger than 50 L are ideal for longer trips or when carrying bulky items like bear canisters.

Backpack Recommendations:
Women’s 50 L backpack
Men’s 50 L backpack
Women’s 65 L backpack
Men’s 65 L backpack

Rain Cover
Your backpack should come with a rain cover, but if it doesn’t, buy one separately.

Backpacking Checklist: Tent and Sleep System

Backpacking Tent

Tents come with many different features, and it can be overwhelming to choose one. For backpacking, I recommend to focus on these key aspects:

• Low Weight and Compactness. Your tent will be one of the heaviest and largest items in your bag. A bulky car camping tent does not make for a good backpacking tent!
• Durability. A tent must protect you from the elements. Cheap tents will flood and not hold up to strong wind (I learned this the hard way).
• Freestanding. Non-freestanding tents require staking into the ground, which can be challenging on hard rock surfaces where stakes can’t be used.

Tent Recommendations:
Budget: 1-person tent, 2-person tent. I currently use this tent, and I replaced the original bulky stakes with lighter stakes.
Ultralight tent (options for 1-5 people).

Backpacking Sleeping Bag

Here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing a sleeping bag:

• Fit: The bag should closely fit the shape of your body to retain warmth. Mummy-shaped bags will be warmest. Women’s bags are designed to fit the female body and are shorter and lighter. 
• Material: I recommend down for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio and compressibility.
• Temperature rating: Choose a bag suitable for the climate you’ll be in. Keep in mind that although summer days can be hot, nights may be frigid in the mountains. The lower limit temperature rating might not be accurate for everyone (I know it isn’t for me), especially for cold sleepers.

Recommended 3-season sleeping bag

Compression Sack

You’ll likely need to compress your sleeping bag to fit it into your backpack. Avoid storing your sleeping bag in the compression bag for extended periods to prevent damage to the down feathers.

Backpacking Sleeping Pad

Consider the following when choosing your sleeping pad:

• Type of Pad: The two main types of pads are foam and inflatable. The foam mat pads are more durable and affordable, while inflatable pads are more comfortable and compact. Women’s sleeping pads are smaller and lighter. 
• R-Value: R-Value measures the extent to which your sleeping pad insulates you from the cold ground. An R-Value of 1 – 3 is suitable for hot weather, 3 – 5 for cooler temperatures, and 5+ for winter conditions.

Sleeping Pad Recommendations:
Foam mat sleeping pad
Inflatable sleeping pad

Inflatable Pillow

A pillow is optional but useful for side sleepers. I’m usually comfortable going without one as long as I have a good sleeping bag.

Backpacking Shoes

When it comes to backpacking shoes, there are many options to choose from, including:

• Trail Runners: Lightweight and quick-drying, enabling agility on well-maintained trails. They are less durable and supportive, they aren’t ideal on rough terrain or when carrying a heavy backpack.
• Hiking Shoes: Provide more support than trail runners but are less rigid than hiking boots. Some come with waterproofing.
• Hiking Boots: Heavy-duty and suitable for winter conditions or when carrying a substantial load.
• Important Note: do NOT go backpacking in running or general athletic shoes! They will not provide the support you need, and their minimal traction will cause you to slip.

If you can only pick one type of shoe, I’d go for a medium-weight hiking shoe due to its versatility and durability. Backpacking tends to expose you to more wet and muddy terrain, so waterproof shoes may be a good 3-season option. 

Backpacking Shoe Recommendations:
Women’s Hiking Shoe, and Waterproof Version
Men’s Hiking Shoe, and Waterproof Version

Backpacking Clothing

For backpacking clothes, you want to avoid cotton at all costs. When cotton gets wet, whether from sweat, rain, or mud puddles, it dries very slowly. This can lead to blisters and chafing at best and, at worst, hypothermia. Look for quick-drying, moisture-wicking materials such as wool. You also want to seek non-bulky, streamlined pieces that can be layered.

As a minimalist backpacker, I bring only one set of hiking clothes and use thermal layers as pajamas. I usually wash my hiking clothes at the end of each day and hang them to dry overnight. Good quality clothes should dry quickly and not smell if you aren’t able to wash them daily.

Hiking Socks
1 pair
Use moisture-wicking socks that will cushion your feet and prevent blisters
Women’s hiking socks
Men’s hiking socks

Sleeping Socks
1 pair

Underwear
1 for each day

Swimsuit
Bring one if you’ll be jumping into any lakes or rivers to cool off. I sometimes use mine as an extra set of underwear.

Hiking Pants
1 pair
I recommend pants that are specifically designed for hiking because they are durable and will not tear when scratched by rocks and branches. Hiking pants should be slightly water resistant and quick drying. Pants with a slightly loose fit will protect you from mosquito bites, and you can layer thermals underneath them if it’s cold. 
Women’s hiking pants
Men’s hiking pants

Hiking Shirt
Pick a quick-drying shirt because you will sweat. Shoulder coverage is important to protect you from sunburns and prevent the straps of your backpack from digging into your skin.
Women’s hiking shirt
Men’s hiking shirt

Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirt
This loose layer is essential to protect your skin in areas with strong sun or mosquitos.
Women’s long-sleeve shirt
Men’s long-sleeve shirt

Light Jacket
Fleece is a good choice and can be layered.
Women’s fleece jacket
Men’s fleece jacket

Thermal Layers
Use them as pajamas or wear them under your hiking clothes when it gets chilly.
Women’s base layer top and bottoms
Men’s base layer top and bottoms

Cold Weather and Rain Clothes
If applicable, bring a Puffy Jacket, Rain Pants, a Hat, and Gloves
Women’s rain pants, puffy jacket
Men’s rain pants, puffy jacket
Wool hat and touchscreen gloves

Rain Jacket
I always take a rain jacket with me when I go backpacking because I’ve seen forecasted sunny days transform into sudden downpours. It also doubles as a windbreaker.
Women’s rain jacket
Men’s rain jacket

Camp Shoes (optional)
Bring lightweight, comfy sandals or slippers for walking around the campsite. Sandals can also be used when crossing rivers.

Backpacking Packing List: Accessories

Trekking Poles. These will save your knees on descents and provide stability when crossing streams and rocky terrain.

Hat. Protect yourself from sun exposure.

Head Buff. Keep sweat and hair under control.

Sunglasses

Mosquito Head Net. Mosquitos can be unbearable in some places. I use this to prevent them from getting in my eyes and mouth or biting my face.

Gaiters (optional). Include these on your backpacking checklist if you’re going in muddy or snowy areas.

Microspikes (optional). Needed if you’re going on icy trails.

Backpacking Checklist: Miscellaneous

Toilet Paper, Trowel, and Trash Bag. You may be able to use a tent stake as a trowel.

Plastic Bags. Use for trash, dirty clothes, etc.

Microfiber Towel. If you’re going somewhere with a lake, river, or waterfall to swim in.

Emergency Medicine & First-Aid Kit

Pocket Knife 

Bear Canister or Bag (when required)

Entertainment (optional). Bring a Kindle, book, journal, card deck, or headphones and movies downloaded on your phone. 

Hand Warmers (optional). Nice to have and keep in your sleeping bag in cold weather.

Backpacking Checklist: Electronics

Portable Charger and Cable
Your phone battery can drain for many reasons (map usage, taking photos, cold weather), so make sure you’re never without charge. Consider including a solar powered charger on your backpacking checklist if you’re going on a longer trip.

Headlamp and Spare Batteries

Garmin inReach (optional)
Send your GPS coordinates and call for help in emergency situations. It functions in remote places without service and can give you peace of mind, especially if you’re backpacking alone.

Photography Equipment
Bear in mind that drones are prohibited in many parks, check local regulations.

Backpacking Cooking Equipment

Stove Piece. Also consider a Jetboil, which is the fastest and easiest way to boil water.

Fuel Canister. Bring the appropriate amount based on the type and quantity of meals you’ll be making.

Pot and Lid. Bring the appropriate size based on how many people you’re cooking for.

Spork. Use it for eating and cooking as well.

Cup (optional)

Plates or Bowls (optional). When I’m alone, I eat straight out of the pot.

Lighter 

Biodegradable Soap (optional). I usually wash with water only. Make sure you know how to dispose of wastewater correctly.

Backpacking Food and Water

Water
Plan to have at least 1 L water for every 2 hours you plan to hike. Bring more in hot weather and for trails with steep ascents.

Water Reservoir or Bottle
Although water reservoirs are great for day hiking, I find they’re harder to filter water into when backpacking. I prefer bringing two 1 L plastic bottles. I’ve also met backpackers who had the misfortune of their water reservoir exploding in the middle of their trip!

Water Filter

Water Purification Tablets
Bring these as backup in case your water filter breaks.

Electrolytes
These help prevent dehydration and fatigue, especially on strenuous hikes in hot weather and high elevation. I found them very effective in reducing the headaches and cramps I often get on long hikes.

Meals and Snacks.
Take a look at my complete guide to backpacking foods for backpacking meal inspiration.

Backpacking Checklist: Toiletries

Keep toiletries in a plastic bag and make sure they fit into your bear canister or bag, if using one.

• Unscented Baby Wipes
• Hand Sanitizer
• Mini Toothpaste
• Mini Toothbrush
• Floss
• Mini Sunscreen
• Lip Balm with SPF
• Mini Bug Spray
• Mini Hairbrush and Hair Ties
• Menstrual Products
• Personal Medication, Contact Lenses

What to Keep in Your Car

Keep extra water and snacks in your car. Baby wipes and a change of clothes and shoes will allow you to freshen up after a backpacking trip.

Thanks for reading! I hope this backpacking checklist helps you prepare everything you need before your next backpacking trip. Questions? Thoughts? Leave your comments below, I’d love to hear from you.

Head to my Hiking and Camping Page for more tips, trail guides, and backpacking inspiration.

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