Backpacking Checklist

The list below is a starting point for the thinking process in preparation for a trip. You don’t need to take all of these items on every trip. Factors which dictate what gets taken:

  • how many will be on the trip to share common gear
  • anticipated weather conditions
  • weight of the pack after you finish loading it
  • what doesn’t fit into the pack as you finish loading it
  • personal preference
  • how many days the trip will last

In addition, you can read recommendations on gear here.

Gear

  • [  ] backpack
  • [  ] backpack rain cover
  • [  ] stuff sacks

Emergency gear

  • [  ] mirror & whistle
  • [  ] spare glasses
  • [  ] waterproof/windproof matches/firestarter
  • [  ] compass & physical maps
  • [  ] duct tape
  • [  ] rubber bands
  • [  ] tent repair kit
  • [  ] sleeping pad repair kit
  • [  ] seam sealer
  • [  ] sewing kit
  • [  ] emergency blanket
  • [  ] backpack repair pieces
  • [  ] spare batteries
  • [  ] Swiss Army knife/multi-tool
  • [  ] 50-foot cord/rope
  • [  ] flashlight or headlamp
  • [  ] garbage bags (2) (tie type)

First Aid Supplies

  • [  ] Wilderness Medicine (First Aid book)
  • [  ] topical antibiotic ointment (e.g. Neosporin)
  • [  ] Pepto Bismol tablets
  • [  ] gauze/gauze pads
  • [  ] muscle pain relief cream
  • [  ] adhesive bandages
  • [  ] antacid
  • [  ] adhesive tape
  • [  ] safety pins
  • [  ] tweezers
  • [  ] cough drops
  • [  ] moleskin/molefoam
  • [  ] self-adhering wrap (e.g. Coban)
  • [  ] anti-gas pills
  • [  ] Irrigation syringe
  • [  ] ibuprofen/acetaminophen/naproxen/aspirin
  • [  ] lip balm
  • [  ] nail clippers
  • [  ] nitrile gloves
  • [  ] sun block
  • [  ] thermometer
  • [  ] povidone-iodine
  • [  ] Ace bandages
  • [  ] Insect bite cream (e.g. Cortizone-10)
  • [  ] antihistamine drugs (e.g. Benadryl)
  • [  ] Burn cream

Health/Personal Toiletries

  • [  ] water filter/treatment
  • [  ] water bottles (2 to 3)
  • [  ] toothbrush & toothpaste
  • [  ] deodorant & soap
  • [  ] pack towel
  • [  ] trowel & toilet paper
  • [  ] insect repellent
  • [  ] eyeglass strap
  • [  ] clothes pins
  • [  ] medications/vitamins

Sleeping Gear

  • [  ] tent/ground cloth
  • [  ] sleeping bag
  • [  ] pillow
  • [  ] sleeping pad

Clothing

  • [  ] Raingear top & bottom
  • [  ] Long underwear (top & bottom)
  • [  ] hiking shorts/pants
  • [  ] Outerwear based on forecast (fleece or down jacket + warm hat/gloves)
  • [  ] Synthetic or wool t-shirt
  • [  ] Rain/sun hat
  • [  ] Bandanas
  • [  ] camp shoes
  • [  ] hiking boots
  • [  ] socks (synthetic or wool)
  • [  ] underwear

Cooking

  • [  ] cook set
  • [  ] spatula
  • [  ] lighter/matches
  • [  ] cup/mug
  • [  ] utensils
  • [  ] stove
  • [  ] spare gas/ cartridge
  • [  ] trash bags (for toting out your garbage)

Food

  • [  ] freeze-dried food
  • [  ] vegetables
  • [  ] tortillas
  • [  ] raisins
  • [  ] tuna fish/bread/crackers
  • [  ] apples
  • [  ] hot chocolate
  • [  ] licorice bites
  • [  ] mayo packets
  • [  ] soup
  • [  ] cashews
  • [  ] trail mix

Entertainment

  • [  ] deck of cards
  • [  ] steno pad/pen/pencil
  • [  ] book(s) to read
  • [  ] binoculars

Fishing

  • [  ] fishing pole/lures
  • [  ] Teflon fry pan
  • [  ] filet knife

Photography

  • [  ] camera
  • [  ] spare camera batteries
  • [  ] lightweight compact tripod