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Backpacking Checklist

Pack your bag (lightly, of course)ーyou're going camping!

No need to reinvent the wheel. Use a handy checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a weekend away from the bustle of the city. Many estimates say your pack weight should not exceed 20% of your body weight, though your mileage may vary.

This checklist was used recently for a 2-night trip in Yosemite during the summer. Adapt this checklist to your own needs, and don't forget the sunscreen. 😎

Backpacking Checklist

Backpacking Checklist

Category

Item

Notes

Packed

Group

Alcohol

Optional. Nice to have at the end of a long hiking day, but stick to whiskey or another liquor. Wine and beer adds weight quickly!

Bear Canister

Bug Spray

Dish soap/sponge

Optional. If you want this level of cleanliness, cut away 3/4 of an older sponge to save space and siphon soap into a small container since you only need a little.

First Aid Kit basics

I typically pack: Neosporin, bandages, gauze, blister bandages, athletic tape, tweezers, alcohol pads, moleskin. For meds, I pack a few pills of each: anti-diarrheal, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, antacid, antihistamine

Fuel (for stove)

I use Jetboil Jetpower fuel

Hand sanitizer

Lighter(s)

Permit and photo ID

Rope

Two lengths for tying on items to your pack, etc.

Sharp Knife

A reliable pocket knife works well here

Stove

Jetboil is greatーyou’ll need at least one, maybe more depending on the size of your group

Sunscreen

Tent(s)

Trail map (USGS)

Water filter

I’ve used a Katadyn Hiker Microfilter for years and like it

Water filtration tablets

Emergency tablets are handy if the water filter breaks

Count

Food

Breakfast

Instant oatmeal, cereal bars, etc.

Coffee or tea

For coffee, try instant or else you’ll need a filter

Dessert

Optional. Try freeze-dried ice cream or freeze-dried desserts

Dinners (freeze-dried)

I usually go with Mountain House or Backpacker’s Pantry

Lunch

Tuna (in a packet, not a can that you can’t easily flatten and carry out), Easy Mac, instant ramen

Snacks

Dried fruit, trail mix, energy bars, cereal bars, nuts

Count

Personal

Backpack to carry it all

Get fitted by a professional who can measure your torso at a place like REI. It will make a huge difference.

Bowl

Collapsible silicone is great

Chair

Optional. It’s a luxury I now love, but keep it lightweight, like the Helinox Chair Zero (only 1.2 lb!)

Cup

Deodorant

Scentless, ideally. Even travel-sized deodorant can take up way too much room. If you’re OK with a finger application, I pack some in a tiny container to save space.

Garbage bag(s)

Helpful to store wet clothes or used as a poncho in a pinch

Hair tie

Hats

1 wide-brimmed hat or cap for day and 1 beanie or knit headband for night

Headlamp

An additional flashlight or lightweight lantern is a nice-to-have, but not essential

Hiking Boots

Hiking shorts

Beware the chub rub! Wear longer shorts or compression shorts, as needed

Jacket (rain)

Lip balm

Medicine

Daily meds, contacts, etc.

Pants/leggings

One pair can be re-used to stay warm at night

Poles for trekking

Shirts

Shoes (water/camping)

Tevas are a classic and lightweight option. For night, enjoy the wool socks + sandals lewk. 💅

Sleeping Bag with stuff sack

Sleeping Pad

Soap/wipes

Good for a micro-bath at the end of the day

Socks for every day of hiking

Wool is best, and they should be tall enough to sit above the top of your boot

Spork

Sunglasses

Sweater

An insulating layer or second, lightweight jacket works too, depending on temperatures

Swimsuit

Tampons/menstrual cup

Toilet paper

Toothbrush/toothpaste

Towel (small microfiber)

Underwear

For every day of hiking, plus one or two extra

Water bottles + blister pack

Calculate how much water you’ll expect to drink between water sources. To give you an idea, I brought one 3L HydraPak and two 32oz Nalgenes, which was an appropriate amount for my body and hiking conditions, where I refilled 1-2x/day.

Ziploc(s)

Good for carrying trash and storing used toilet paper (separately!)

Count

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