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