The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List
Keeping a physical list of items you need to bring for backpacking is the best way to ensure you don’t forget anything important. If you haven’t created a list yet, it can be helpful to have a basic list to work off of. Below is that backpacking packing list!
As you get more gear and learn more about what you do and don’t use on the trail, you’ll adjust the list to what fits your personal needs. I know I update my own list regularly!
Check out our backpacking packing list below and use it as a guideline. Some things you might find unnecessary while other things may be missing from this list altogether. While we tried be thorough, we also wanted to be realistic for what someone could fit in their pack. You may also download a PDF of this list below, complete with blank spaces for you to fill in items you think we missed. The asterisk indicates optional items.
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Trail Gear
- Backpack
- Rain Cover for Backpack (or garbage bag for makeshift cover)
- Backpacking Permit (if needed)
- Map or Pictures of Map
- Compass or GPS Device
- Knife
- Insect Repellant
- Day Pack*
- Bear Spray* (only needed in bear country)
- Camera or Phone With Waterproof Case*
- Trekking Poles*
Clothes
Varies on weather, time of year, length of trip – Check out this clothing packing guide!
- Rain Jacket + Pants
- Jacket
- Pants
- Shorts
- Shirts (long and short sleeve)
- Sweatshirt
- Gloves
- Hat
- Socks
- Underwear
- Long Underwear
- Boots
- Sunglasses
- Sports Bras
- Bag for Dirty Clothes* (trash bag works great)
Water Supplies
- Water Filter
- Water Bladder and/or Water Bottles
- Water Filtering Tablets*
Food and Dining
- Spoon and Fork (or spork)
- Camp Stove
- Propane
- Meals for Each Day
- Snacks for Each Day
- Extra Meal (just in case)
- Sealable Bag for Garbage
- Hang Bag with Rope or Bear Canister*
- Mug or Cup*
- Dishes (or eat directly from food bag)*
- Whiskey (if you wish)*
Sleeping Gear
- Pillow
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Sweatshirt
- Sweatpants
- Winter Cap
- Warm socks
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Floss
- Facial Cleanser
- Comb/Brush
- Hair Ties (for long haired people)
- Hand Sanitizer
- Biodegradable Soap/Shampoo
- Deodorant
- Lotion
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Toilet Paper
- Small Towel
- Menstrual Supplies*
- Prescription Medication*
- Cosmetics*
First Aid Kit
Here is a full first aid kit packing guide if needed.
- Bandages
- Medical Tape
- Gauze
- Liquid Bandage
- Antibiotic Ointment
- Antacid
- Ibuprofen
- Antidiarrheal
- Tweezers
- Nail Clippers
- Extra Lighter or Emergency Waterproof Matches
- Small Mirror
Camp Site Gear
- Tent and Rain Cover
- Head Lamp
- Rope or Cord
- Lighter or Waterproof Matches
- Extra Plastic Bags
- Phone Power Bank
- Camp Sandals
- Camp Chair/Hammock*
- Book or eReader*
- Entertainment/Games*
International Travel Items
- Passport/ID (you can take a photo of your travel documents instead!)
- Visa (if necessary)
- Language Guide/ Translation App
- Adapter for Electronics
Conclusion
Keeping an up-to-date and detailed list of the gear you bring on backpacking trips can save you a lot of hassle and stress. You don’t want to find out you forget your sleeping mat when you’re setting up camp after a busy day. Use this backpacking packing list as a guideline, add and remove things as you customize it to your own needs, and keep it somewhere safe. Packing is about to get a whole lot easier!
Cover photo by Alice Donovan Rouse on Unsplash
