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Headed into the great outdoors for some quality time with nature? Gonna sleep under the stars and get sweaty and dirty and eat dinner with a spork while comfortably situated on a fallen log? Yeah, you are. But don’t forget to pack the essentials when you head into the wilderness. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with this backpacking checklist so you’ll never have to ask what to pack for a backcountry backpacking trip again.
Backpacking Checklist (Packing List)
For safety
- first aid kit with moleskin, antihistamine tablets, painkillers, and bandages at the very least
- whistle
- mirror (for signaling, not primping)
- knife or multitool
- headlamp or flashlight
- insect repellent
- sunscreen (vegan, of course)
- hand sanitizer and/or wet wipes
- water purifier (we like this Sawyer)
- map and compass
- nylon cord for hanging a bear bag (and a whole lot more)
- bear bag or stuff sack (several, preferably)
For sleeping
For eating
- camp stove and fuel
- cookware with eating utensils, dishes and cups
- food and water appropriate for the length of the trip plus a little extra (get ideas here)
- electrolyte drink mix or tabs
- matches and firestarter
- extra zip-top bags for garbage
For…other things…
- cat hole shovel
- toilet paper
- extra zip-top bags for garbage
For your person
- a backpacking backpack (obvs…read about finding one that fits here)
- clothing appropriate for the climate (synthetic fabrics)
- hats (one beanie, one sun hat)
- vegan hiking shoes/boots and socks (no cotton)
- trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- personal care items (contact solution, toothbrush, soap, deodorant, etc.)
- sunglasses
- lip balm with SPF
- travel towel (we love our 42 towel)
Want to know what else we pack to make our backpacking trips even more baller? Check em out here. They’re a little less common, but we wouldn’t go trekking without them! And if you want tips for gearing up, look no further than this post about gearing up on a budget.
Wander on.
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