How to Pack for a Backpacking Trip

Packing for your first overnight in the backcountry can be daunting. A quick Google search will make it clear that it’s all about the gear, and trip to REI will easily load you up with all sorts of things you don’t need. Being prepared is important, and good quality gear will help keep you comfy, but you don’t need to break the bank to have a good time. The key is understanding what you have and knowing how to use it; a backpack stocked full of cutting-edge gear that you’ve never unboxed isn’t going to help you out of a sticky situation.

Here’s my go-to packing list for backcountry adventuring. Sure, it might change a bit based on where I’m going or how long I’m going to be out but, in general, the items listed here will get you through anything from a long weekend or a 2 week expedition.

Packing List

 
Tents pitched in a campsite at Wallace Creek
 
 

Shelter

 

  • Tent

  • Sleeping Bag + Compression Sack

  • Sleeping Pad

  • Camp Pillow (Sea to Summit makes a really tiny inflatable one that fits in the hood of my bag perfectly!)

 
 
Rehydrating food with cook set and bear cannisters
 
 

Food & Water

 

  • Water bladder or water bottles (I prefer the convenience of a water bladder, but always bring a backup water bottle just in case your bladder gets punctured)

  • Water purifier

  • Meals

  • Snacks

  • Cook Stove

  • Igniter

  • Fuel

  • Cook set

  • Spork

  • Secure food storage (Even if your area doesn’t require bear canisters, you’ll want to make sure you’re storing your food securely so that rodents and bugs don’t end up eating your treats)

 
 
Down puffy and beanie in the sand dunes
 
 

Clothing

 

  • Sacred Sleep Clothes (To avoid getting chilled when sleeping, change out of your sweaty clothes, wipe down, and don a clean outfit that is exclusively for sleep)

  • Down Puffy/Warm Layer (depending on temps where you’re hiking–remember to factor in night time and inclement weather temps)

  • Beanie

  • Gloves

  • Baseball cap

  • Sunglasses

  • Rain Jacket

  • Camp Sandals

  • Change of undies (Technical undies are pricey but completely worth the investment. You can wash them at night and they’ll be clean and dry by morning!)

  • Change of socks

 
 
Backpack with gear hanging off
 
 

Storage

 

  • Backpack

  • Rain Cover or Hefty Trash Bag

  • a few Ziplock/Storage Bags

 
 
Looking at the map
 
 

Extras

 

  • Maps, Compass + GPS (I use a Garmin GPS watch, but I always bring a paper map and compass. If you pack them, make sure you know how to use them!)

  • Wipes

  • Poop kit: Shovel, TP, and bag to pack out TP, pee cloth

  • Sanitizer

  • Emergency Kit

  • Toothbrush & Tooth Paste

  • Chapstick

  • Sunscreen

  • Bug Spray

  • Hiking Poles

  • Phone charger & battery

Resources

 

Want to keep track of your pack weight? Here’s a peek at the spreadsheet I use for trip planning. Feel free to make a copy for yourself!

How-ToJulia RennBackpacking, Packing List, Gear Recommendations, Tents, Sleeping Bag, Backcountry Cooking, What to PackComment