Backpacking Checklist

This checklist was given to me on one of my first backpacking trips and I still refer to it as I pack. In my experience, everything one needs for a summer backpacking trip is included on this list. However, beginners should be aware that this list contains much more stuff than most experienced backpackers would ever think of taking with them. Filling the pack is a constant battle between comfort and weight. Everything should be evaluated as it is put in the pack to see whether the comfort provided by the item is worth the weight. Some items such as rain gear, sleeping bags and first aid kits should never be left out of the pack. Other items, like camp shoes, are nice to change into after a long day of hiking but are they worth the weight it takes to carry them in?

Unless you are going alone, many of the items can be shared between two or three people. It is not necessary for each to have their own tent and cooking equipment. If you do not have a backpacking companion, ask the trip leader about pairing you up with someone to share the load.

The items on the list that are marked with a * are those that I take on a typical 2 or 3 day summer trip.

None of the clothing items should be made of cotton!!!

Greg Pazour

• Basic Gear:
  • Backpack*
  • Sleeping Bag*
  • Sleeping Pad*
  • Tent with rain fly*
  • Tarp to place under tent*
  • Maps and Guides*
  • Compass*
  • Knife*
  • Flashlight or headlamp*
  • Spare Batteries
  • Water Bottles*
  • Water Bag to use at the campsite
  • Water Purification Device*
  • Watch
  • Sunglasses*
  • Sunscreen*
  • Bug Repellent*
  • Backpack cover* or large plastic bag
  • Rope to hang food out of bears reach*
  • First Aid Kit*
  • Sitting Pad

• Kitchen Gear:
  • Stove*
  • Stove Repair kit
  • Windscreen
  • Fuel Bottle with extra fuel*
  • Lighter or matches*
  • Cook Pots with lids*
  • Frying Pan
  • Cup*
  • Spoon and Fork*
  • Spatula
  • Pot Gripper*
  • Cooking Oil
  • Condiments
  • Paper Towels
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Scrubbing Sponge
  • Castile Soap (Biodegradable soap)*

• Clothing:
  • Boots*
  • Gaiters
  • Wool or Thorlo Socks*
  • Sock liners*
  • Camp shoes or sandals
  • Wind Gear
  • Rain Gear*
  • Shorts*
  • Light shirt*
  • Fleece Jacket*
  • Long Pants*
  • Long underwear shirt*
  • Long underwear pants*
  • Knitted Hat*
  • Light Gloves or liners*
  • Bandanna or Handkerchief
  • Baseball Cap* (to wear when your hair is a mess)

• Toilet Kit:
  • Toothbrush*
  • Toothpaste*
  • Comb or brush
  • Castile Soap*
  • Towel*
  • Toilet Paper*
  • Toilet Trowel
  • Razor
  • Lip Balm with sunscreen*
  • Hand Lotion
  • Pain Relievers (Nuprin)*
  • Eyeglasses
  • Contact Lens Stuff*

• Food:
  • Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate*
  • Powdered Milk
  • Sugar
  • GORP*
  • Instant Soup
  • Dried Fruit
  • Juice
  • Pita Bread*
  • Main Courses for:
    • Breakfast*
    • Lunch*
    • Dinner*