Backpacking Gear Checklist and Buying Guide
Your backpacking gear checklist is critical in helping you to decide what to bring versus what to leave home. You make a trade off between comfort during the day (the weight you carry on your back) against your comfort at night (the luxuriousness of your relax and sleep time gear).
Below is my finely honed list including my one luxury item. Buy and pack right to find your best comfort mix! Be sure to download the FREE Backpacking Gear Buying Guide and Checklist. The links may be affiliate links, which mean, at no additional cost to you, you’ll be helping to support the program – thanks! Kit
Your Backpack
Your most crucial purchase! Make sure that it is sized properly so that it can cinch on your hips to help carry the load. I like when it has a ventilated back so it ‘breathes’. I also like easy access pouches and storage areas. If you use a water bladder, get one that has a pocket to hold it (you’ll usually see an embroidered water droplet indicating where the tube comes out).
Don’t scrimp on the quality of your backpack – it will take a lot of abuse and you want it to hold up for many years. Learn how to fit and pack your backpack here.
Hiking Poles
I LOVE hiking poles!!! They have saved me from countless falls and they help take the pressure off my knees when trekking downhill. They also provide a rhythm while I hike that I like.
My favorite trekking poles are my Leki carbon sticks with the cork grip. They are super lightweight and comfortable. TSA Alert: Many airlines consider hiking poles a potential ‘weapon’ so they won’t let you bring them in your carryon. NOTE: Some airlines allow collapsible trekking poles that use bands.
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Waterproof Headlamp
Even if you are just day hiking, you’ll want to carry a waterproof headlamp, just in case you unexpectedly run late or have to spend the night in the woods.
For backpacking, of course, a headlamp is a must! Even though batteries are heavy, carry a back up set unless the batteries are fresh.
Make a note at home of when you replaced the batteries so you’ll have an idea of when to switch them out again. Don’t mix up your used and backup batteries.
Folding Knife
I prefer to carry a small, lightweight knife rather than a heavy multi-tool.
When you are backpacking, it’s all about the weight. Choose a one hand open, lightweight stainless steel folding knife with a clip and frame lock for safety.
I like to paint some neon nail polish on the knife to make it show up if I drop it. I also tie a short neon pink plastic string to it for the same reason.
Don’t forget to take it out of your pack when you fly! I’ve had a couple confiscated by TSA.
Emergency Survival Blanket
At only 3 ounces, as packed, this 4.5 x 4.2 x 1.8 inch four-layered thermal NASA materials inspired blanket can help retain 80% of your body heat!
I never enter the wild without one and keep one in every pack (and my car)!
These are waterproof, reusable, cleanable, and opens big enough to wrap your body (56″ x 84″). You can even use the reflective surface to signal help!
Keep one in every pack, your car and bike. They have saved my butt on several occasions!
Emergency Whistle
Always strap a lightweight emergency whistle to your backpack where you can reach it should you fall down.
Look for a weatherproof, low ounce and LOUD whistle. It’s made of double tubed non-brittle plastic and weighs practically nothing. The clip lets you strap it to your pack and it has a thermometer as well.
When you need help, you want a whistle folks can hear.
Dry Sacks
You want to keep your clothes, food and other gear nice and dry, so pack a few of these Dry Bags.
They are very lightweight, so I tend to err on using a larger bag and then rolling it down when I squeeze out all the air.
My memory isn’t the best, especially when I’m tired, so I use a permanent marker to label them: Food, Clothing, Emergency, Toiletries. Note I use a compression stuff sack for my sleeping bag (scroll down below).
Compactor Bag
What do I need a compactor bag for, you ask???
Use these heavy duty bags to line the INSIDE of your backpack! They will help keep your gear clean and will last a long time.
Also find a heavy duty twist tie. Once your pack is filled, twist closed the open top, fold it over itself and then hold it there with the twist tie. This will keep any rain from getting inside your bag. Note that regular trash bags tear and are not recommended. Cough up the cash for these super strong bags – you’ll be glad!
Pen-sized Bug Spray
This lightweight, long-lasting 1/2 ounce pump DEET bug spray will keep the nasties away! A squirt repels mosquitos, ticks, gnats, flies, chiggers and fleas for up to 10 hours. Save with a two-pack.
I like to spray my clothes and let it dry before I put them on. Keeps both the DEET and the bugs off ME!
Another thing you can consider is to spray your clothes and tent with Premethrin BEFORE your adventure to help keep the bugs at bay.
Carabiner to Hang Your Food Sack
Lightweight stainless steel keeps the weight down and the rust away (you can also choose aluminum)!
These 2.25″ carabiners feature a snap lock and are rated to 264 lbs, so they can more than hold your food sack. Attach to your rope so you can hang your food out of reach of bears.
Not sure how to hang your bag? Here’s a quick tutorial. I attach a rock to my parachute cord and toss it over a sturdy limb, then connect my carabiner to my food bag and up, up it goes!
I also use carabiners to attach my camp shoes to the back of my pack, as well as any clothes that need drying while I hike. I attach my water bottles in the outside pocket to my pack with carabiners so they can’t fall out when I take a break. Pack of four.
Parachute Cord for Food Bag, Tarps, Clothesline and more!
I carry about 50′ of neon commercial paracord: it’s lightweight at a fraction of an ounce, is super strong and since it’s nylon, is super durable and basically sheds water.
I like to use neon cord so it shows up better – less tripping over!
Great as a clothesline and to hold up tarps, too.
Use with the carabiner above to hang your food away from the bears. TIP: When you cut the cord, melt the edge with a lighter so the cord doesn’t fray.
Bear Resistant Food Canister
In bear country like the Smokies or out West, you may be required to pack along a bear-proof canister.
You want something strong, but lightweight. This 2 gallon canister is large enough for several days worth of food for a solo backpacker, or for a couple on a weekend getaway.
No tools to open means nothing to lose. It’s even durable enough to double as a stool! Approved by all National Parks and National Forests that require Bear Canisters. Designed by a grizzly bear attack survivor.
Stores inside your pack or you can attach to the outside of your pack using the handy carrier.
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Backpacker’s Kitchen:
Backpacker’s Stove
I use this compact, lightweight Esbit folding stove that uses tiny cubes as fuel.
There’s nothing that can really break, it’s super reliable, and I can count how many cubes I need for a given trip – no need to guess how much gas I have left – and no gas can leak.
I make a wind screen with heavy duty aluminum foil that I use a hole punch to let a little air in. This screen folds up and stores in the stove.
It weighs 3.8 ounces and measures 4.5” L x 4.5” W x 2.75” D (open), 4.5” L x 3.75” W x 1” D (closed).
While I love my folding stove, I do know a lot of backpackers who are happy with their Jetboil stoves. SHOP NOW
Fuel Cubes for Folding Stove
Pack along a mini butane lighter, and with a click and it’s lit!
Each cube lasts about 15 minutes, which is plenty long to cook my dinner. If I just want to boil water for a cup of tea, I split the cube in half.
The cubes burn down to zero waste. I store them in a zip bag because I keep my handmade aluminum foil windscreen inside the stove.
No need to worry about spilt gas or even running out of gas because you can count your meals, and add a couple extra cubes. I love them!
1 Person – Backpacking Stainless Steel Cook Pot and Mug
I like a nice, small, lightweight yet durable cooking pot (that I also use as my ‘sink’). I just pack the pot and use it as my ‘mug’ as well, to save weight.
When choosing your system, first determine your fuel, as some pots are designed to be used with gas.
Titanium weighs the least, but it’s expensive. Other options are food grade stainless steel or aluminum.
I pack a single serving pot, but you can go larger if you always travel with someone. So if you always backpack as a couple or group, you may want to buy larger equipment and let everyone carry some of it – see next item. SHOP NOW
Backpacking Cook System for One or Two
Lots of people prefer using gas as their fuel for cooking (instead of the fuel tabs above that I use). If you are one of them, then consider this uber popular JetBoil 1 L backpacking and camping pot system.
This cooking system boils water in 100 seconds!
I like how all the parts nest inside the pot for easy storage. The bottom cup doubles as a measuring cup and bowl. SHOP NOW
Regardless of your cook system, bring a tiny (and I mean tiny: as in 2″ x 2″!) square of cotton to be your ‘dish rag’ and I also bring a scrap of bug netting to be my scrubber. I use leftover boiling water to sterilize them after use.
Nalgene non-BPA Wide Mouth Water Bottles
I like to bring a couple of BPA free water bottles PLUS my bladder when I backpack.
If water is scarce, I keep my bladder full, and at least one of the bottles full. That way, if the bladder runs dry, I know exactly how much water I have until I can treat some more. When water is super scarce, I keep both bottles full.
These USA made 32 oz bottles have been a bestseller for years. They are dishwasher safe and weigh just 6.4 oz.
Quick Dry Water Reservoir Bladder
I’m switching to this Oasis from my CamelBak because of its superior design: the wide mouth opening makes it soooo much easier to clean!!!
If you backpack where water is scarce, opt for the 3 liter, otherwise you can probably get away with the 2 liter (but still carry two bottles).
Also be sure to bring a portable water treatment system (see below).
Once I’ve cleaned it after a backpacking trip, I like to store mine in a large zip bag in the freezer until its next use.
Portable Water Treatment – Squeeze System
When possible, I try to select gear that is hard to break. That’s why I use the Sawyer Squeeze (and re-buy it whenever the ceramic filter does break).
The ceramic membrane filters bacteria, protozoa, cysts, sediment, and 100% of microplastics and is easy to use. You fill one of the included pouches with the untreated water and then squeeze it into your water bottles or bladder. You backflush the filter to clean it.
Always test it before you head out. It’s always worked fine for my trips, but I have had some issues if it sits in storage for a long time between uses. Another option is the gravity or pump systems. I did a show about choosing portable water treatment systems on the Adventure Travel Show podcast. SHOP NOW
Portable Water Treatment System – Gravity Fed
A popular portable water treatment option to remove protozoa, guardia and other bacteria is to use this gravity fed system.
Fill the ‘Dirty’ 1.5 L bag from your untreated water source and hang it. The systems treats up to 700 ml per minute as the water flows through the straw filter into the ‘Clean’ bag. To backflush the system, hang the clean bag higher.
Backup Portable Water Treatment System – Lifestraw
I’ve had Guardia, and it remains one of my life’s most unpleasant experience (I lost six pounds of water weight in two days – yikes!)
So I take water treatment seriously and always pack a back up system in case my main one breaks. You could boil the water 15 minutes which uses a ton of fuel. You could add iodine or chlorine, which tastes terrible (and I’m not convinced is safe). Or you could pack a 1.6 oz LifeStraw, like I now do.
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Backpacker’s Bedroom:
Sleeping Bag
There are several important considerations you must make before buying your sleep system. Check out my Adventure Travel Show podcast episode for more details. You need to know your height, how cold you will be sleeping in, whether you get claustrophobic (if so, avoid the ‘mummy’ style) and need to compare fill and weight. I prefer ‘Responsible Down’ for its light weight. But be forewarned that it takes forever to dry if you get it wet. It’s also more expensive, but I would rather pay more for better quality gear, as I give up enough comfort as it is backpacking at my age:) Make sure you also get a Compression Stuff Sack (below). SHOP NOW
Sleeping Bag Compression Dry Bag
You definitely don’t want a wet sleeping bag or quilt! Protect your bed with a high quality compression dry bag. This bags reduces the volume of your sleep system down by two thirds! A special vent lets the air out when you squeeze the bag down, but the fabric is waterproof so your bag is protected! You don’t want to store your bag (or puffy jacket) in these bags, but they are ideal for backpacking. SHOP NOW
Sleeping Bag Liner
Sleeping bags are expensive, and a pain to clean, so invest in a sleeping bag liner to protect your investment and to sleep more comfortably. I prefer my silk liner, because it breathes and I tend to run hot at night. Silk also is warm when you need it to be – another reason I use it. If you camp in cold weather, you may prefer a merino wool one. Regardless, it’s smart to pack along a liner. SHOP NOW
Sleeping Pad – Air Mattress
Like all backpacking gear choices, you will be debating cost, quality and weight. I like my Thermarest, although the reflective covering makes a crinkly noise whenever I toss and turn – mildly annoying. However, it rolls up to nothing and only weighs 14 oz. I’ve tried using a half body foam, but prefer hauling a bit more weight for the added comfort. You can get a mummy pad frame to cut down some weight. A pad is necessary to help insulate your body (check thermal ratings for your backpacking needs) as well as for comfort. I store mine partially filled and hung over a large comforter hanger when home… do not store completely deflated. SHOP NOW
My luxury – A Mini Down Pillow
I don’t mind getting filthy, or hiking long and hard. I count the grams in my backpack and work (and spend!) to reduce my base pack weight. But at my age, I decided it is worth carrying an extra 2.5 oz to have a ‘real’ pillow! I used to shove my clothes in my sleeping bag compression sack to make a ‘pillow’ – not very comfortable! Sea to Summit offers three sizes. You can also get blow up pillows. My girlfriend Sherry’s luxury item is a fold up camp stool. But for me, I’ll lean against a tree for a chair, but will sleep in luxury on my down pillow! SHOP NOW
Tent or Tarp
Your backpacking ‘home’ selection is another crucial big ticket item. Prices for quality tents can take your breath away! Ultralight superior tents are worth it, though. My friend Gerry bought a cheaper tent that literally collected her breath at night, which became condensation on the interior roof of her tent each morning. So every day, she slept in a wet tent – yuck! Obviously, Gerry replaced it when she got home. I love my Big Agnes tent! Easy set up and super light weight. I did buy titanium stakes to replace the included aluminum ones to cut down the weight a bit more, though (see below) I also like my tarp. You can listen here to my Adventure Travel Show episode on deciding between tents and tarps. SHOP NOW
Titanium Tent and Tarp Stakes
My tent came with aluminum stakes, but I coughed up to buy two sets (of 6) titanium stakes. These stakes have a neon shepard’s hook, making it easy to see and find when laying on the ground. TIP: I also tie a piece of neon surveyor’s tape to the hooks to make them even easier to see at tent tear down. Also I COUNT them before packing everything away. These little jewels are expensive! But each weighs just 1/3 oz and are twice the strength of aluminum yet 45% lighter than steel. I bring an extra in the unlikely event I lose or break one. SHOP NOW
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Backpacking Clothes:
Thermal Jacket
I prefer a down puffy jacket. I have two: one is heavier insulated (and thus larger even when compressed) that I bring if I expect the temps to drop below freesing, and another cheaper one with much less fill that compresses down to nothing that is my regular thermal jacket for when I just want to take the chill off when I’m on a break and expect temps to be above 40. I pack the one I expect to need. There are some decent synthetics out there now, too. The main thing is to bring a thermal jacket even if you don’t think you’ll need one. This, along with a rain jacket is a MUST for whenever you head into the wild. In an emergency, it could save your life! SHOP NOW
Rain Jacket
Another “Don’t Head Into the Wild Without” item – no matter the forecast! If the weather turns, you get stuck overnight or someone gets injured, you will need the protection of a jacket. I like a lightweight, breathable jacket that keeps the rain out but lets your body ‘breathe’. Be sure to get one with a hood. TIP: Roll or scrunch your backpacking rain jacket back into your backpack so it doesn’t develop ‘fold’ lines. This will extend its life. SHOP NOW
Rain Pants
I pack my rain pants anytime there’s a chance that the temps will drop below 40 degrees F. If it gets really cold, I’ll put on my rain pants for an added layer of insulation. Wearing them in inclement weather makes even the worst biting rain and sleet tolerable! Like the rain jacket, just scrunch them into your pack rather than folding them to avoid crease wear. SHOP NOW
Waterproof Gloves
Like the rain pants, I only pack my waterproof gloves when temps might go below 40 degrees F. My gloves (and the rain pants) made all the difference on long hikes in abominable weather. They can change what could be a dangerous exposure situation into merely an unpleasant one that leaves you with a good story (I’m thinking Jamie’s Scotland 40th birthday party hike as I type this:) SHOP NOW
Balaclava or Wool Hat
When it’s cold and’or windy out, keeping your head warm makes a HUGE difference. So it’s important to always stick a warm head cover in your backpack. I prefer a balaclava. I can use it as a head covering or as a neck buff, if I jsut want to take the chill off. You may prefer a wool hat. The good thing about wool is that it keeps you warm even if it gets wet – a definite plus! Regardless, seek lightweight perfomance that isn’t too bulky. SHOP NOW
Gloves or Mittens
I actually have a couple of pairs that I use depending on the forecasted weather – and I always err on the side of the weather turning worse. If the weather is supposed to be pleasant, I pack my lightweight merino wool gloves. But more often, I pack my heavier duty gloves, just to be safe (I hate being cold!). You can get gloves with sensor technology so you don’t have to expose your hands to use your phone – sweet! Mittens keep your hands warmer than gloves, but I find them bulky to use when I hike. SHOP NOW
Long Sleeve Base Layer Top
I pack my Smartwool base layer top on every trip, even though I hardly wear it during the day, I often wear it as my PJ’s at night. I like how it is moisture wicking, and even after a rough Baby Wipe ‘bath’, it’s forgiving and doesn’t retain the stinky. Plus the soft merino wool keeps me nice and toasty and it doesn’t itch. SHOP NOW
Base Layer Bottom
Like the base layer top, I often wear the bottom just at night to take the chill off. But on the rare occasion that I’ve worn them while hiking during the day, they saved my butt! Regardless of the temps forecasted on my adventure, I always pack my base layer top and bottom. SHOP NOW
Smartwool Socks – Two Pairs
I always pack two pairs of my Smartwool socks. One pair is always kept dry to be used at night. I also sewed little loops on each sock so I can use a carabiner to secure them onto the outside of my backpack to dry when necessary. You don’t want to lose your socks! Wool stays warm even when wet, but whenever possible, try not to hike with wet feet. SHOP NOW
Liner Socks
Liner socks reduce friction on your feet, so help prevent blisters. This makes them a ‘must have’ for me. I actually have three kinds of liner socks that I use, depending on the weather and my adventure plans. I like silk liner socks for warmer weather. I like thicker polyester wicking socks for warmer weather. But I always pack a pair of ‘toe socks’ (see below) for when I get a hot spot between my toes. TIP: NEVER buy cotton!!! When hiking and backpacking cotton ‘kills‘ because it takes so long to dry so can give you a chill (exception in the super hot tropics, but I still just buy performance synthetics or wool clothing). SHOP NOW
Toe Liner Socks
Try toe socks if you ever get blisters between your toes. For some reason, my left second toe sometimes gets a ‘hot spot’ when hiking. If I slip on a pair of toe socks, the friction goes away eliminating a potential blister! So I always pack one pair of toe liner socks, plus another pair of either silk or synthetic wicking liner socks. SHOP NOW
“One” Compression Sock
I always pack a single compression sock in my backpack in case I twist or sprain my ankle. With this sock, I am more likely to keep the swelling down enough to make it back to civilization (Listen to my interview on the Adventure Travel Show podcast on How to Prevent and Treat Sprained Ankles). Buy a set and stick a compression sock in all your pack’s Emergency Kits. SHOP NOW
Long Sleeved Button Up Performance Shirt
I love these shirts! Wear the sleeve down for chill and sun protection, or roll up and button the sleeves to make them short sleeved. The high tech fabric helps to shield you for the sun (SPF 30), yet it breathes to keep you cool. The fabric dries quickly, hides dirt pretty well and even looks decent if you have to wear it in town. SHOP NOW
Short Sleeved Performance Shirt
I pack a short sleeved shirt that I use to hike in, as a night shirt and/or as a town shirt. Depending on the temperatures I’m expecting, I’ll pack a synthetic performance shirt for warmer temps, or bring a colorful merino wool short sleeved base layer that I’ll use as my top. Unless it’s super hot, I actually don’t mind hiking in the merino, although I tend to pack the synthetic because it dries so quickly and I love the moisture-wicking properties. SHOP NOW
Zip Off Hiking Pants
Get pants and shorts in one! I love zip off hiking pants and lean towards Kuhl and Columbia brands. I look for lightweight, quick dry, high quality pants. If they offer SPF protection, that’s a bonus, as is a little stretch for comfort. Squat and lift your legs when you try them on to make sure they move and feel right on you. SHOP NOW
Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes
Which hiking footwear I choose to wear depends on the terrain I’ll be hiking on. If it’s going to be super rugged, with lots of rocks and roots tempting to twist my ankles, I’ll opt for the hiking boots. On easier terrain, I will use hiking shoes. I prefer breathable hiking footwear, although many prefer waterproof. Choosing the right footwear for both the adventure AND YOUR PARTICULAR FEET can make all the difference in your enjoyment of your trip. Check out my Adventure Travel Show podcast episode on How to Choose the Right Hiking and Backpacking Footwear for You. Buying the right footwear is a critical decision! If your feet aren’t happy, you won’t be happy! Be sure to try them out before your first trip!!! SHOP NOW
Gaitors
If you will be hiking on scree, consider wearing gaitors. Gaitors help keep junk from getting in your hiking shoes. I’ve also worn them on grassy areas to keep some of the bugs and dampness off my pants. They are lightweight and can be useful. SHOP NOW
Camp Shoes
It’s important to bring another lightweight pair of shoes to give your feet a break from your hiking boots or shoes. Even though they are ugly, I prefer Crocs, because they weigh nothing (3.8 oz) and seem pretty indestructible. I use a carabiner to attach them to the outside back of my pack. This means they take up no room in my pack, plus makes it easy to slip them on during breaks to give my feet a breather. Another option would be lightweight flip flops, but I find that Crocs actually make my feet feel good as opposed to tired with flip flops. When blisters destroyed my friend Jane’s feet, she shipped back her hiking boots at the next trail town and hiked for two weeks in just her Crocs! Not recommended, but you could never pull that off with flip flops. SHOP NOW
Bug Head Net
I have very rarely used it, but when I did, I sure was glad that I packed the extra 1.3 ounces! It truly weighs nothing, and these head nets can be worn over your hat, which keeps it off your face. Embedded with Insect Shield® Repellent that works for 70 washes. These head nets work great against mosquitos, black flies, horse flies and gnats. They sell a jacket and mitten bug net, too, but I’ve never hiked where the pests were so bad that I needed them. SHOP NOW
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Additional Backpacking Gear Checklist:
- Cell phone and charger
- Duct tape: Wrap some around your hiking poles, plus a pencil in your Emergency Kit
- Neon Surveyor’s Tape: Tie a piece around your tent stakes, roll up around 10′ for Emergency Kit
- First Aid and Emergency Kit: Listen to the Adventure Travel Show podcast episode and get the download
- Lightweight Runners Shorts
- Lightweight Underwear – two pair
- Sportsbra, if desired
- Bandana – multiple uses!
- Sunglasses and strap
- Wide Brim Hat
- Toilet Paper in a Zip Bag
- [Dried out – reactivate at camp] Baby Wipes for bathing
- Ear plugs (optional)
- Eye mask (optional)
- Sunscreen
- Hand Sanitizer
- Comb
- Toothbrush
- SPF Lip Balm
- Any other toiletries and medications you need
- MAP!!!
IMPORTANT: Be sure to tell someone your itinerary, when you expect to return, and when they should sound the alarm. Sign in at all huts, etc., so folks know you made it that far in case of a search. What to Do if You Get Lost
NOTE: Food averages 1.5 – 2 pounds/day; Water weighs 8.3 pounds/gallon
Shows You Might Like:
There is a corresponding webpage and download for each
How to Fit and Pack Your Backpack
Outdoor Etiquette and Leave No Trace
Adventure You May Like:
Each podcast has a corresponding webpage with more info, pics and access to a FREE Travel Planner
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