Backpacking Checklist

Whether you’re a first-time backpacker or a seasoned veteran, everyone could use a good packing list to make sure they’re prepared before hitting the trail. Our detailed checklist below covers everything from critical backpacking equipment (tent, pack, sleeping bag, etc.) to kitchen gear, footwear and clothing, health and hygiene products, and personal items and extras. For more information on each product category, many of the headings link to our detailed product round-ups, which are the culmination of years of testing—from international trips in Peru and Patagonia to romps on trails across the Pacific Northwest and Mountain West. To see all our product recommendations in one place, check out our detailed backpacking gear reviews.

Editor's note: The table above provides a brief overview of what you'll need to get outside, but our full PDF version is printable and offers a more comprehensive breakdown of the necessities and nice-to-haves.
See Our Backpacking Checklist PDF

Backpacking Equipment

Whether you’re headed out for a quick overnight trip or embarking on a multi-day mission deep into the backcountry, the gear below is what we bring on every trip to comfortably spend days and nights outdoors. We've also included a handful of optional items that may or may not be worth packing depending on your preferences and objective(s). 
 

Backpacking Tent

Our top pick: Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 ($530) 
What we like: Highly competitive combination of weight, livability, and ease of use.
What we don’t: Expensive; thin floor is susceptible to tears (we advise using a footprint).

Backpacking Pack

Our top pick: Osprey Atmos AG 65 ($340) 
What we like: Great carrying comfort, thoughtful organization, and class-leading breathability.
What we don’t: On the pricey end and far from the lightest design available—Osprey's own Exos 58 is nearly 2 pounds lighter and $100 cheaper. 

Sleeping Bag

Our top pick: Feathered Friends Swallow UL 20 ($629)
What we like: Very warm for the weight and built by a very reputable down specialist.
What we don’t: Feathered Friends bags don't come cheap; lacking some modern features (if the latter are important to you, check out Nemo Disco 15 Endless Promise).

Sleeping Pad

Our top pick: Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite NXT ($210)
What we like: Three-season warmth and great comfort at a competitively low weight.
What we don’t: Warm-weather backpackers can save with a lower R-value pad.

Water Filter or Purifier

Our top pick: Sawyer Squeeze ($41)
What we like: Impressively light, fast flow rate, and covered by Sawyer’s lifetime warranty.
What we don’t: Best for the solo backpacker—groups will likely prefer a larger gravity filter like the Platypus GravityWorks 4L.

Hydration Bladder and/or Water Bottles

Our top pick: Osprey Hydraulics 3L ($55)
What we like: Highly reliable and built to last.
What we don’t: Rigid backer adds weight and bulk (you can’t roll it up when empty).

Headlamp

Our top pick: Petzl Actik Core ($85)
What we like: Great output, long battery life (via AAAs or the rechargeable battery), and easy-to-use interface in a feathery build.
What we don't: Expensive and not the most water-resistant option on the market.

Optional Backpacking Equipment

• Trekking poles
• Daypack
• Backpacking chair/sit pad
• Backpacking pillow
• Sleeping bag liner
• Tent footprint/ground cloth
• Extra stakes and guylines

Kitchen Gear

Whether you’re making gourmet dinners or eating prepackaged dehydrated meals, you’ll need a way to heat it all up. In addition to the big-ticket necessities like a stove and food, be sure not to overlook the smaller, easier-to-forget items like cookware, utensils, and a camp mug for hot beverages. For the ultimate in convenience, you may want to consider an integrated cook set like GSI Outdoors' Halulite Minimalist II, which includes a 0.6-liter pot that doubles as a mug, a folding fork/spoon, and a silicone gripper for safe handling.
 

Backpacking Stove and Fuel

Our top pick: MSR PocketRocket 2 ($50)
What we like: Surprisingly powerful for how light and cheap it is.
What we don’t: Noticeably less stable and wind-resistant than integrated canister systems like the Jetboil Flash.

Backpacking Food

Our top pick: Backpacker's Pantry ($10-$13)
What we like: Affordably priced, easy to find, and extensive selection of tasty meals.
What we don’t: Relatively long cook times and less innovative than some upstarts—we'd point backcountry foodies to Gastro Gnome instead.

Cookware and Utensils

• Pot
• Spork or long spoon
• Mug or cup

Optional Food Items

• Instant coffee
• Tea bags
• Coffee press or dripper
• Electrolyte tablets

Footwear and Clothing

The clothes you pack when backpacking will largely depend on expected temperature and weather conditions, but it all starts with a quality layering system: baselayer, midlayer (insulation), and rain shell. Good hiking footwear can also go a long way toward maximizing your overall comfort on high-mileage trail days. And if you're heading out in the shoulder seasons or venturing into the alpine, don't forget cold-weather gear like a hat and gloves.
 

Hiking Boots or Hiking Shoes

Our top pick: Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid GTX ($175)
What we like: Trail runner-like agility with hiking boot protection and stability.
What we don’t: Those shuttling serious weight might want to step up to a more cushioned and supportive design like Salomon’s own Quest 4.

Hiking Socks

Our top pick: Darn Tough Micro Crew Cushion ($25)
What we like: Great padding and breathability for three-season use; backed by Darn Tough’s lifetime warranty.
What we don’t: Highly durable build sacrifices a little plushness; a bit too thick for sweltering summer days (we prefer Smartwool's Run Zero Cushion for hot outings).

Hiking Pants or Hiking Shorts

Our top pick: Prana Stretch Zion ($95)
What we like: Best-in-class comfort, fit, and durability; styling looks good around town, too.
What we don’t: Not the most breathable design for hot-weather use—for that, we turn to Outdoor Research's Ferrosi.

Rain Jacket or Hardshell Jacket

Our top pick: Patagonia Torrentshell 3L ($179)
What we like: Confidence-inspiring protection and classy looks at a hard-to-beat price.
What we don’t: Fairly crinkly and stiff; doesn’t have a chest pocket.

Down Jacket or Synthetic Jacket

Our top pick: Patagonia Down Sweater ($279)
What we like: Comfortable fabrics, competitive warmth for the weight, and highly versatile.
What we don’t: Not the lightest option for dedicated backcountry use—if weight is a top priority, check out Mountain Hardwear's Ghost Whisperer/2.

Baselayers

Our top pick: Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino 1/4 Zip ($120)
What we like: All-merino build is warm and comfortable, regulates temperature well, and doesn’t hold stink like polyester.
What we don’t: Pricey, too warm for high-output use, and requires more care to last than synthetics like Patagonia's Capilene Midweight Crew.

Optional Footwear and Clothing

• Camp shoes
• Ball cap
• Sun protection shirt
• Rain pants
• Beanie
• Gloves
• Gaiters (for snow or water crossings)
• Neck gaiter/buff

Health and Hygiene

Many backpackers are willing to eschew creature comforts in the name of weight savings, but hygiene is one area where we don’t advise skimping. We consider the items below the bare necessities for staying clean and comfortable in the backcountry, and make sure to bring the appropriate sun and bug protection, too.
 

Toiletries

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toilet paper and/or baby wipes
• Wag bags or trowel (check local regulations)
• Hand sanitizer
• Deodorant
• Personal medications
• Lip balm (SPF preferred)
• First aid kit

Sun and Bug Protection

• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Insect repellent

Optional Health and Hygiene Items

• Mosquito net
• Sun hat

Personal Items and Extras

Most items on the above checklist are obvious backpacking essentials that you probably won't leave behind, but forgetting your wallet or cell phone can be just as much of a trip-ender as leaving your tent at home. On that note, here are some of the smaller personal items that you’ll want to consider before heading out. Some of them (like a notebook or Kindle) certainly aren't necessary but can help make your trip more enjoyable.
 

• Basic repair kit (multi-tool, duct tape, extra cord)
• Navigation (map, GPS device, compass)
• Cell phone with charger
• Extra batteries and/or solar charger
• Notebook and pen/pencil
• Book or Kindle
• Bear canister and/or bear spray (if required)
• Ziploc bags (for trash and waterproofing electronics)
• Whistle
• Lighter and/or waterproof matches
• Backup water purification tablets (we like Katadyn's Micropur MP1)
• Pack rain cover (if not included)
• Moleskin
• Quick-drying towel
• ID, cards, and cash
• Backcountry permit or reservation (if required)
• Forest Service/park pass (if required)
• Camera
• Satellite messenger device

Additional Backpacking Tips

• Check restrictions before you go to ensure you're up-to-date on current fire bans, required bear-proofing measures (such as bear canisters or bear bags for food), etc. 
• A balanced and organized load is key for maintaining comfort on the trail. It’s best to place heaviest gear in the middle of your back and pack in a way that allows you to access certain items easily on the go. For a detailed breakdown, see our article on How to Pack a Backpack.
• Use resealable bags for toiletries and other small items you don’t want to lose or get wet, such as lighters and matches.
• If you’re limited on space, consider using dedicated compression sacks for soft gear like your sleeping bag, clothing, etc.
• Research your route ahead of time to verify where you’ll encounter water sources for fill-ups. If they’re plentiful, you may be able to get away with carrying in less water.
• We recommend a 10-degree buffer for your sleeping bag. For example, if your bag is rated to 20 degrees Fahrenheit, expect to be comfortable down to around freezing. A sleeping bag liner can provide a small boost in warmth for a negligible weight penalty.
• Pack foods that you know you’ll enjoy eating and remember to drink water often. It’s common to not feel hungry or thirsty after heavy exertion, but refueling properly is key to maintaining energy and feeling good on the trail. 
• Always bring backup water purification in case your filter fails. Iodine tablets are a cheap and easy way to ensure you’ll have clean drinking water, and adding electrolyte tablets or mixes will help eliminate any aftertaste. 
• Be sure to share your itinerary with a trusted friend or family member before heading out, including your expected route and arrival/departure dates.
   

Where to Buy Backpacking Gear

Perhaps our Seattle roots makes us biased, but we do much of our gear shopping at REI Co-op. The selection is excellent, the return policy is generous (make sure not to abuse it if you want it to continue), the staff generally are knowledgeable and helpful, and you get the brick-and-mortar bonus. A good option for online shopping is Backcountry.com, which has free standard shipping on orders over $50 and solid selection overall (we use Backcountry more for winter purchases, but it does well in the hiking/camping world, as well). For cheaper items and those who need gear quickly, it’s hard to beat Amazon.com and the sheer volume of sellers and product options. Last but not least, we always support buying gear at your local shop. It’s a great way to support the community, get real information about your trip, and be able to try things on in person.
Back to Our Backpacking Checklist  See Our Backpacking Gear Reviews