Your Ultimate Back-PACKING List
Gearing up for a backpacking adventure? Here is your guide to packing for a trip in the backcountry.
Packing for a backpacking trip can definitely feel stressful, especially when you are trying to balance over-packing and under-packing. Bring too much, and your pack will be uncomfortably heavy. Bring too little, and you could end up cold, hungry and miserable. So, use this as your guide to backpacking gear, clothing, safety items, toiletries and even luxury items for your next backcountry adventure.
Camping Gear
Tent - Unless you plan on cowboy camping (also not a bad option!), a tent will likely be your most important item to pack. Ideally, your tent is lightweight, easy to set up and comfortable for you and whoever you’re with. I’m a fan of Big Agnes’ Mountain Tent for these reasons.
Sleeping Pad - A good backpacking sleeping pad is one that is lightweight and comfortable enough for you, for however long you’ll be out. While foam pads are common, I personally prefer an inflatable sleeping pad that’s easy to pack down, like Sea to Summit’s Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad.
Sleeping Bag - Call me crazy, but I like to sleep in a winter bag (0-19 degrees) all year round. When you’re camping at high elevations, temps can drop quickly and I personally prefer to be as warm as I can be. I’ve had my North Face sleeping bag for over 10 years and it still holds up great! That said, a lighter sleeping bag paired with a Sleeping Bag Liner, can definitely work well too.
Camp Shoes - Shoes that are comfortable to put on your feet when you just can’t wear those boots any longer. For backpacking, I personally like having a pair of Teva’s or Chaco’s to strap on that are comfortable, breathable and waterproof, in case I want to dip my feet in a nearby lake after a day of hiking.
Headlamp - Don’t forget this one! If you want to see at night when you’re around the campfire, walking to your tent or need to get up to pee, you’ll be happy you have a good Headlamp around your neck, lighting the way.
Hiking Gear
Hiking Boots - While very personal to every hiker, hiking boots or trail shoes are vital to a successful backpacking trek. There are a lottt of options out there, so make sure to find footwear that is comfortable and sturdy enough for you and the trails you’ll be hiking. I am personally a big fan of Keen Hiking Boots, because they are comfy, sturdy, waterproof and have a wide toe box.
Trekking Poles - If I could make this item mandatory, I would! While not everyone feels the need to use trekking poles, they are actually an incredibly helpful tool to provide support + stability, prevent falls + sprains, and to reduce stress on your joints + muscles. I guarantee your knees will thank you for using them! My favorite are Leki’s Cressida Cork Trekking Poles - I’ve had them for years!
Bandana - Truly the most handy, versatile and lightweight item in my pack, a bandana can be used to wipe off my sweat, tie up my hair, blow my nose, wrap up a wound, and so much more. Stash a cute Bandana in your pack (and thank me later!).
Sunglasses - Protect those pretty eyes and give them a chance to gaze upon those gorgeous views without being blinded by the sun. I love Goodr’s OG Polarized Sunglasses because they actually stay on my head (even when I sweat), they look cool and they’re very inexpensive too.
Water Bladder/Bottle - Pack plenty of water using either a Water Bladder or Water Bottle that fits easily into your pack and is easy to access. I also love bringing my LifeStraw Bottle which has a filter right inside, juuust in case I need it.
Cooking Gear
Jet Boil - If you want any hot meals while you’re out in the backcountry (or hot drinks for that matter), a Jet Boil is an easy solution and a great investment to make. It is one of the easier-to-use cooking stoves that heats water rapidly, so you don’t have to wait long for dinner (or coffee). That said, it is on the smaller side, and more suitable for a smaller group of people.
Pocket Knife - A small knife is an incredibly handy item for a variety of situations in the backcountry, whether it be for safety, convenience or even cooking. Something like a Swiss Army Knife has a lot of different tools, is lightweight and fits easily into your pocket too.
Mess Kit - A mess kit typically contains a plate/bowl, a spork and a cup - everything you need for a meal in the backcountry. There are a lot of options out there, so find something that is lightweight, easy-to-pack and convenient. The Humangear GoKit is a great option.
Camp Mug - Because coffee is a necessity on every backpacking adventure, I always bring my Camp Mug on my trips. It’s an easy, lightweight item to strap on the outside of your pack too.
Water Filter - This item really is mandatory if you plan on going out for more than one night. A water filter is incredibly important to ensure that you’re drinking water is clean and safe to consume. I personally love a Squeeze Water Filter System because it is small, lightweight and easy to use. It’s also not a bad idea to bring Water Tabs as a backup method, just in case!
Bear Canister - While not used for cooking per se, a Bear Canister is an item used to store your food (and hygiene items) away from your camp at night. The canisters are designed so that if a bear came along, they wouldn’t be able to get and eat all of your food and supplies. Some places do require one if you are in the backcountry, so make sure to double-check the regulations where you are headed!
Safety Gear
First Aid Kit - Be safe rather than sorry and pack a first aid kit! Hopefully this isn’t something you will need to use, but it is definitely something you will want to have. Grab an Ultralight Watertight Medical Kit, made in a variety of sizes to ensure you have everything you need for the amount of people you are with and the number of days you will be out.
Bear Spray - Again, something you hope not to use, but most definitely want to have, whether for bears or other backcountry predators… Please just make sure you know how to use your Bear Spray appropriately, and be safe out there!
Emergency Communication Device - As an extra precaution, it is never a bad idea to bring an emergency communication device along on your journey, like the Garmin inReach, which has SOS capabilities, route navigation, a digital compass, lots of battery life and is of course, lightweight.
Clothing
Hiking Bottoms - Depending on the weather, as well as your own comfort and style, you’ll want to wear and/or pack either hiking pants, leggings or shorts. I personally like to wear my Coalatree Trailhead Pants, and bring a pair of Hiking Tights or Baggies Shorts to change into if needed.
Hiking Tops - Whether a tee, tank or sun-shirt, your hiking tops should be lightweight, moisture-wicking and quick-drying. I love love love Patagonia’s Capilene Cool Trail Shirt and wear it almost every day on the trail. A Sun Shirt or Hoodie is also an excellent idea, whether to protect your skin while hiking, or to throw on once you get to camp.
Camp Clothes - Clothes that you change into at camp at the end of the day. Everyone has their own preferences here - some people like cotton, some people don’t feel the need to change at all. Personally, I throw on a pair of Vuori Joggers and a Sun Hoodie while I let my hiking clothes dry off. To each their own!
Rain Jacket - An absolute must (especially if you live in Colorado where thunderstorms are daily). A Rain Jacket will keep you dry and happy if and when you get caught up in a storm.
Insulating Jacket - Consider packing an insulating layer to keep you warm when the temps drop. A great, lightweight and easily packable option is Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket. I also often bring my Fleece Pullover to sleep in at night - so cozy!
Bras/Undies/Socks - Whether you want to bring ten pairs of underwear or one is totally up to you. I only recommend under garments that are comfortable and ideally moisture-wicking and quick-drying. I personally love Bombas for bras, undies and socks!
Toiletries
Trowel - While some people love it, and some people hate it, chances are, you are going to have to go #2 outside, which means that a Backcountry Trowel is mandatory for digging and burying your doo.
Baby Wipes - Wilderness Wipes are in my book, amazing. After spending all day sweaty and dirty, I love using wipes to clean up before I get into my camp clothes for the night,
Toilet Paper - I think this one is pretty self-explanatory. Bring it or don’t, but I am prettyyy sure you want some TP in your pack.
Soap/Sanitizer - Whether for washing hands, dishes or dirty underwear, Wilderness Wash is incredibly useful and something I always make room for in my pack.
Meds/Supplements - Totally personal, and something you definitely don’t want to forget! (Hot Tip: I often bring digestive enzymes with me to ease my digestion on the trails. IYKYK)
Chapstick - If you aren’t someone who carries around chapstick in every pocket and bag already, do yourself a favor and put some SPF Chapstick in your backpack and thank me later.
Sunscreen - Protect your beautiful skin, babe! Pack your favorite, small bottle/stick/roll-on SPF Sunscreen.
Trail Food
Drinks: Water, Electrolytes, Coffee - Stay hydrated and caffeinated!
Trail Snacks: Protein Bars, Trail Mix, Jerky, Fruit, Energy Chews - Replenish and repair by keeping your body fueled on the trails.
Meals: Breakfast (Oatmeal), Lunch (PB&J), Dinner (Dehydrated Meals) - Consider your calories, macros and of course, preferences.
These are just a few suggestions. Food on the trails will be very personal to you and your dietary needs and preferences.
For more detailed nutrition info and recommendations on trail food, check out this Nutrition Guide for Hikers & Backpackers.
Luxury Items
Pillow - If you have the space for it, a camp pillow can be a major blessing and added comfort especially if you are out in the backcountry for awhile. Try out Sea to Summit’s Aeros Down Pillow for a super light, warm and comfortable option.
Camp Chair - Having a place to sit besides the cold, hard ground is another luxury while backpacking. Fortunately, there are backpacking chairs out there that are lightweight and small enough to clip onto your pack, like REI’s Flexlite Air Chair.
Hammock - Another amazing way to get off your feet after a long day is by hanging them up in a Hammock. It can be a a great place to nap, to read a book, to just hang out or even to sleep!
Book - If you have the space for it and know you’ll have the time to actually read, a book is a great luxury item to squeeze into your pack. Just make sure it is paperback and not tooo many pages. (Or you can download a digital book onto a Kindle App on your phone and it can be as long as you’d like!)
Journal - A small journal is a great way to download, doodle and just get your thoughts onto paper when you are the most present and connected - thank you, Mother Nature!
Remember that everything your pack needs to be carried in and carried out on your back, so the lighter the better. Be mindful of what you need vs. what you want so you can avoid a super heavy pack. Don’t have a pack yet? Here’s some info on how to choose one.
And don’t forget to download your copy of the Ultimate Backpacking Checklist, to make packing for your next backcountry adventure simple and easy. Happy Trails!
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