Backpacking Checklist

Gear for a typical 3-season weekend backpacking trip.

Core Items

• BACKPACK
• SLEEPING BAG
• SLEEPING PAD
• TENT

General Items

• BACKPACK RAIN COVER
• BEAR CANISTER*
• BEAR SPRAY*
• BUG REPELLENT
• CELL PHONE AND CASE
• COMPASS
• GPS DEVICE (OPTIONAL)
• HEADLAMP OR FLASHLIGHT
• MAP (HARD COPY)
• NYLON CORD
• SPARE BATTERIES
• SUNGLASSES
• TENT FOOTPRINT/FLOOR GUARD
• TREKKING POLES
• WATER BOTTLE(S)
• WATER FILTER
• WHISTLE

Kitchen

• COOK POT WITH LID
• CUPFOOD
• FUEL
• KNIFE OR MULTITOOL
• MATCHES OR LIGHTER
• PLATE
• SPOON AND FORK
• STOVE

Gear Repair

• DUCT TAPE
• SEAM SEALANT
• STOVE MAINTENANCE KIT
• TENT POLE REPAIR SLEEVE

Personal

• BIODEGRADABLE SOAP
• LIP BALM
• PACK TOWEL
• SUNSCREEN
• Toilet paper
• TOOTHBRUSH

First Aid

• Antibiotic ointment
• BANDAGES
• Cotton swabs
• FIRST-AID KIT
• Gauze
• Medical tape
• MOLESKIN
• Pain medicine
• Popsicle sticks

Clothing

• BACKPACKING/HIKING BOOTS
• BACKPACKING/HIKING SOCKS
• BASE LAYER (SYNTHETIC)
• FULL-ZIP FLEECE
• HAT WITH VISOR/BRIM
• PANTS/SHORTS (SYNTHETIC)
• RAIN JACKET

Tasks

• Obtain permits
• Notify others of trip plan

• Check weather

  *Check local regulations.

Backpacking in unique environments like the desert, tropical forests, or in winter conditions require a modified checklist. If hiking with others, some items need to be carried by only one person in the group.