Backpacking Checklist
Backpacking Checklist Essentials - Weekend
Backpacking Checklist Essentials - Weekend
- Know where you are going - print out a map of the trails and have a plan to get out to a nearest road if you need to
- Headlamp with an extra set of batteries - test them!
- A small first aid kit is very helpful
- Matches / lighter that is inside a ziploc baggie
- Bring several different sizes of ziploc baggies and a trash bag - this helps if it rains
- Water is essential - bring a water bottle [REI], water filter [Rentable] and a water bladder [REI] to store additional water: check out the trail and know where you will get your water supply from
- Food - bring an additional day's worth - plan out what you think you will eat at every meal
- Food - bring snacks for along the trail like bars, trail mix
- Hiking boots - REI
- Sleeping bag - borrowable / REI
- Sleeping mat - rentable
- Tent - rentable
- Clothing
- Light rain coat
- Hiking pants (anything but jeans) - REI
- Workout breathable shirts (anything but cotton) - any sporting goods store / Target, etc.
- Stuff sacks are very nice to have to store things in like food and clothes [REI]
Great resource: My Mountain Therapy - Backpacking Checklist especially for newbies
Backpacking Checklist - REI
Backpacking Checklist - REI
Our backpacking checklist is your tried-and-true guide to packing smart. The list is intentionally comprehensive so you don’t forget anything important.
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Art of Manliness
Art of Manliness
The Complete Guide to Hiking (And Enjoying It)
The Ten Essentials
The Ten Essentials
For safety, survival and basic comfort:
1. Navigation
1. Navigation
- Map (with protective case)
- Compass
- GPS (optional)
- Altimeter (optional)
2. Sun protection
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing, below)
4. Illumination
4. Illumination
5. First-aid supplies
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-Aid Checklist)
6. Fire
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
7. Repair kit and tools
8. Nutrition
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
9. Hydration
10. Emergency shelter
10. Emergency shelter
Beyond the Ten Essentials
Beyond the Ten Essentials
- Backpack
- Daypack or summit pack
- Pack cover
- Tent, tarp or bivy sack (with stakes, guylines)
- Tent-pole repair sleeve
- Footprint (if desired for tent)
- Sleeping bag
- Stuff sack or compression sack
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow or stuffable pillow case
- Whistle (plus signaling mirror)
- Multifunction watch with altimeter
- Trekking poles
- Ice axe
- Meals
- Energy food (bars, gels, chews, trail mix)
- Energy beverages or drink mixes
- Stove
- Fuel
- Cookset (with pot grabber)
- Dishes or bowls
- Utensils
- Cups (measuring cups)
- Bear canister (or hang bags for food)
- Nylon cord (50' for hanging food)
- Backup water treatment
- Collapsible sink or container
- Packable lantern
Clothing: Warm Weather
Clothing: Warm Weather
- Wicking T-shirt (synthetic or wool)
- Wicking underwear
- Quick-drying pants or shorts
- Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
- Sun-shielding hat
- Bandana or Buff
- _______________
Clothing: Cool Weather
Clothing: Cool Weather
- Wicking long-sleeve T-shirt
- Wicking long underwear (good sleepwear)
- Hat, cap, skullcap, balaclava or headband
- Gloves or mittens
- Rainwear (jacket, pants)
- Fleece jacket or vest, and pants
- _______________
Footwear; Assorted Personal Items
Footwear; Assorted Personal Items
- Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for fording, in camp)
- Camera or helmet cam
- Extra memory cards
- Binoculars
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Field guide(s); star identifier
- Outdoor journal and pen or pencil
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Earplugs and eye shade
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellent
- Bear spray
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap (and shower bag)
- Quick-dry towel
- Cell phone / satellite communicator / 2-way radios
- Personal locator beacon
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left with friend and under car seat