Backpacking Gear Checklist
There are many approaches to backpacking gear checklists – and most contain extra gear that can weigh down a backpack. This is my minimalist approach to what I take on three-season trips.
A backpacking checklist should be based on the gear you use, so while I’m providing this list here, I encourage you to make your own list based on your actual gear.
Don’t forgot to review your checklist before you head out on a trip and you’ll be less likely to leave something important behind. I once forgot a spoon, and while that may not seem like a big deal, for every meal on a five day trip in the Olympics, I had to wait for my friends to finish eating so I could borrow their spoon. I’m not gifted at being able to carve a spoon from a stick, but I did learn how to use the pliers on my multi-tool as a makeshift eating utensil on more than one occasion. If only I’d remembered to check my list…
For a full list of what I take on backpacking trips, including what I like about each item, the weight of each item and links to purchase, see My Backpacking Gear List – A Lightweight & Comfortable Approach.
Shelter
- tent body & rainfly
- tent poles
- tent footprint
- tent stakes
Sleep System
- sleeping bag/quilt
- sleeping pad
- pillow
Kitchen Gear
- backpacking stove
- fuel canister
- cookset/pot
- spoon/spork
- biodegradable soap in tiny bottle
- pack towel for drying dishes
Food Storage
- bear canister / bear bag / food sack with carabiner and cording to hang food
- odor proof plastic bags to store food in
Hydration & Water Filtering Gear
- water bottle / hydration bladder
- water filter
- container for collecting dirty water
- container to store clean water
- connector hose for gravity filtering
Essentials
- map for navigation
- repair kit
- knife or multi-tool
- headlamp
Electronics
- smartphone
- battery backup and cords
- SOS communication device
First Aid
- prescription medications
- over the counter medications (antihistamine, ibuprofen, antacid, anti-diarrheal)
- bandages / gauze
- syringe for cleaning wounds
- tweezers
Personal Hygiene & Bathroom Kit
- toothbrush, toothpaste
- comb
- sunscreen, body lotion, chafing cream, lip balm
- trowel
- wipes / toilet paper / pee cloth
- hand sanitizer
- plastic bag to carry out tp/wipes
- portable bidet (water bottle with spray head)
- laundry kit for longer trips (gallon-size plastic bag, biodegradable soap, cordage, mini-binder clips for hanging items to dry)
Gear for Buggy Conditions
- insect repellent lotion or spray
- head net
- mosquito repeller device
Luxury Gear
- backpacking chair
- camera, mini-tripod, extra batteries
Additional Gear
- trekking poles
- wallet with ID, cash, credit/debit card, medical card, car keys
- notebook, pen
- sit seat pad
Clothing & Outerwear
For Hiking
- shirt
- pants
- socks
- shoes / boots
- hat with brim
For Sleeping
- base layer top
- base layer bottoms
- socks
For Rain
- rain jacket (always take!)
- rain pants (optional)
For Warmth
- insulated jacket
- hat / beanie
- gloves
- additional layers if needed for colder conditions
- insulated pants
- fleece top or jacket
- neck gaiter
Extra Clothing
- extra underwear (one pair)
- extra socks (two pair)
Items to take for the drive
- water bottle
- wipes
- clothes to change into at the end of the trip
- snacks