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. Just 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
- knife or multitool
- headlamp
- insect repellent
- sunscreen
- hand sanitizer and soap
- water purifier (we like this Sawyer)
- map and compass
- nylon cord for hanging a bear bag (and a whole lot more)
- stuff sack (several, preferably)
- bear canister if in bear country
For sleeping
For eating
- camp stove and fuel
- cookware with eating utensils, dishes and cups
- food, snacks and water appropriate for the length of the trip plus a little extra
- Beverages like coffee or tea
- electrolyte drink mix or tabs
- matches and fire starter
- extra zip-top bags for garbage
For…other things…
For your person
- a backpack (obvs…read about finding one that fits here)
- clothing and layers appropriate for the climate
- hats (one beanie, one sun hat)
- 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
Want to know what other less common items we pack to make our backpacking trips even more baller? Check em out here. And if you want tips for going ultralight, look no further than this post about common ultralight backpacking mistakes!
Wander on.
