What to Bring on a Backpacking Trip: Backpacking Checklist

Here’s your complete backpacking checklist, including everything you need to bring along on your next adventure.

Just one bag, so many things to bring. This is the problem everyone faces at the start of a backpacking trip.

Backpacking is one of the most adventurous activities for outdoor enthusiasts. The thrill of exploring new territories, experiencing the natural wonders of the world, and getting away from the hustle and bustle of daily life are just a few reasons why backpacking is a popular activity.

However, it’s also important to ensure that you are well-prepared for your backpacking trip. In this guide, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive backpacking checklist to help you prepare for your next backpacking adventure.

No matter where you’re going, you need to bring these things.

1. 3 Essential Tips Before Packing Backpacking Gear

2. Backpacking Checklist: Essential Backpacking Gear

3. Backpacking Checklist: Clothing and Footwear

4. Backpacking Checklist: Food and Water

5. Backpacking Checklist: Other Important Items

6. Backpacking Checklist: Electronics and Gadgets

3 Essential Tips Before Packing Backpacking Gear

Backpacking can be a fantastic way to explore the outdoors, but it can also be a daunting experience, especially if you’re new to it. Here are some essential tips to help you prepare for your next backpacking trip and make the most of your adventure.

1. Travel Light

Hands down, the most important thing to remember when backpacking is to travel light. Only pack the essentials and avoid bringing unnecessary items that will weigh you down. This will make your backpacking trip a lot more enjoyable.

Consider the weight and size of each item before adding it to your backpack. Also, try to pack multi-functional items, such as a sleeping bag that can double as a blanket, to save space and weight.

2. Know Your Destination

Before heading out, research your destination to understand the terrain, weather, and other factors that may affect your trip. This will help you choose the appropriate gear and pack accordingly.

For instance, if you’re going on a high-altitude hike, you may need warmer clothes and gear with insulation. Also, make sure to check if there are any permits or restrictions you need to comply with before starting your journey.

3. Buy Quality Gear

Investing in quality gear is essential for a successful and safe backpacking trip. Quality gear may be more expensive, but it will last longer and perform better than cheaper, lower-quality gear. Additionally, good gear can save you from potential disasters, such as a waterproof tent that will keep you dry during a sudden downpour.

Don’t be tempted to buy cheap. It will probably cost you more in the long run!

Backpacking Checklist: Essential Backpacking Gear

First things first, let’s get the essentials down.

If you’re going on a hiking and camping backpacking trip, you’ll need to bring along these items.

Backpack

Obviously, the first item on your backpacking checklist is a really great backpack. This is what you’re going to carry around with you, and it’s what will protect and store all of your gear. The importance of traveling with a good-quality backpack cannot be understated.

A good backpack should be comfortable, durable, and large enough to carry all of your gear. The size of the backpack you use determines how much gear you can bring.

Pay attention to special features, like waterproofing, separate compartments, and protected areas. If you’re traveling with a laptop, you’ll want to look for a backpack that has padded laptop space.

Also, pay attention to the size of individual areas in your backpack. The backpack itself may be large, but if it’s made up of small compartments, you might struggle to bring along your heavier gear.

Generally, a good backpack for traveling should be at least 60L in size, going up to about 100L max.

Tent

Your most important piece of camping equipment. If you’re planning overnight camping trips, you’ll need a great tent.

And when it comes to choosing a tent, the difference between good and bad quality makes an enormous impact on your experience.

Choose a tent that is lightweight, easy to set up, and can accommodate the number of people on your trip. Pay attention to how waterproof and weatherproof the tent is. You also want to make sure it can accommodate you, as well as your backpack. Some tents have a protected front area for this.

If you’re traveling solo, go for a one-man tent. If you’re backpacking as a group, you might want to share the load. For example, one person carries the tent, and one person carries the stove.

Sleeping Bag

When it comes to backpacking essentials, your sleeping bag has a major effect on your entire trip. Your sleeping bag determines how well you sleep. Get a good night’s rest, and your days will be a lot more enjoyable. So, investing in a quality sleeping bag is well worth it.

Select a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the climate you will be in. Understand how sleeping bags are rated for seasons and temperatures, and make sure yours is suitable for where you plan to camp.

If the bag is too thick and warm, it will be a mission to carry it around. If it’s too thin, you’ll freeze at night.

Choosing the right sleeping bag for backpacking is all about finding a balance between comfort and lightweight packability.

Sleeping Pads

A good sleeping pad will provide insulation and cushioning for a comfortable night’s sleep. This is one of your most important pieces of camping gear.

You can choose inflatable sleeping pads (which you could inflate with your mouth or a pump), or choose a simple rolled-up mat. Your aim is to get a mat that is as thin as possible while offering maximum comfort and padding.

Stove and Fuel

A backpacking stove is necessary for cooking meals and boiling water. You want something as lightweight and compact as possible, that still gives you room to cook a great meal.

One of the best backpacking stove options is a small handheld stove. These are extremely compact and convenient. Although, consider whether you’re cooking for just yourself or a group.

Of course, you’ll need to bring along enough fuel for the stove.

Cookware and Utensils

Bring lightweight and durable cookware and utensils for meal preparation. Only bring what you need.

One of the best options for backpacking is a cookware set that fits inside each other. This is ideal for space-saving.

Generally, backpacking food is simple. This means you don’t need to bring along a whole kitchen. It’s amazing how much you can achieve with just one pot and pan.

Don’t forget your coffee and kettle! There’s not much more satisfying that a freshly brewed beverage on your backpacking trip. Some of the best solutions for coffee include an Aeropress, a moka pot, or a drip filter. You can also get some pretty cool portable espresso makers.

Of course, you’ll want eating utensils too, as well as a sharp knife for cooking. Enamel camping mugs are also a good idea, as well as a high-quality thermos.

Headlamp or Flashlight

A reliable light source is essential for navigating in the dark. This cannot be understated.

Always bring along at least two light sources on your backpacking trip. A headlamp is most convenient, but you could also bring along a lantern.

Pay attention to batteries. It’s always a good idea to have spare batteries, or a charging solution when you go on backpacking trips. Solar-charging lights are also a great solution.

First Aid Kit

Pack a first aid kit with essential items like bandages, antiseptic, and pain relievers. You never know when you might need it.

You might also want to bring along an emergency foil blanket, a snakebite kit, and of course any medication you would normally take. Never forget this.

Map and Compass

These tools will help you navigate and stay on track during your backpacking trip.

Sure, you probably rely on digital maps now, but still, remember to have these maps ready and planned out before you head out. This is especially important if you’re doing overnight hiking trips.

While digital maps and GPS are great, you could still lose signal or run out of power. Having a reliable paper map is always a good idea.

If you’re using a paper map, it’s also a good idea to store it in a waterproof sleeve.

Backpacking Checklist: Clothing and Footwear

Choosing the right clothing and footwear is essential for staying comfortable and safe on your backpacking trip.

Our number one tip: choose practical clothing over fashionable clothing! Seriously, nobody cares what you look like while you’re out on the trails. You’ll be way more grateful for a pair of comfortable hiking shoes than you will be for a cute selfie.

Our other tip: You don’t need to change clothes as often as you think. It’s not gross to wear the same clothing for a couple of days – especially if you’re hiking.

Here are a few backpacking clothing essentials you must not forget.

Hiking Boots

Comfortable, practical hiking boots make a massive difference to any trekking excursion. Choose boots that are comfortable, provide good traction, and are appropriate for the terrain you will be on.

Good hiking boots will keep you happy, safe, and comfortable throughout your trip. Take care of your feet, and your backpacking experience will be way better.

Sandals

This depends on where you’re going, but a good pair of sandals can do wonders on a backpacking trip. This is because they don’t take up much space, they’re durable, and a lot easier to wear than bulky hiking boots.

If you want to let your feet breathe after a long day of hiking, or want something more casual as you stroll through a town, then quality sandals are the way to go.

Forget about slip slops though – these are super impractical for outdoor trails. Make sure your sandals offer solid protection, a thick sole, and durable straps.

Socks

Bring several pairs of moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. It’s always a good idea to bring long socks, especially if you’re hiking in short pants. This will protect your legs from prickly plants.

Clothing Layers

Dress in layers to adjust to changing weather conditions. Choose moisture-wicking, quick-drying materials.

Obviously, you’ll want to pack depending on where you’re going. Always check the weather forecast, and make sure your clothing is suitable for these conditions. Although, it’s also important to always be prepared for surprise weather conditions.

Don’t forget to bring plenty of underwear! You can always re-wear your jeans or hiking shorts, but re-wearing underwear? That’s just gross.

Rain Gear

Pack a rain jacket and rainproof pants to stay dry during wet weather. Using a thin rain jacket that you can wear over your clothing is ideal as this lets you wear the jacket in all temperatures and weather conditions.

Hat and Sunglasses

A hat and sunglasses will protect your face and eyes from the sun’s harmful rays. The last thing you want is to end your day of hiking, only to discover you’re sunburned and uncomfortable. Always try to get good quality polarized sunglasses – this makes a big difference.

Wet Bag/Dirty Laundry Bag

One of the most underestimated pieces of backpacking gear. Bring along a waterproof bag inside your backpack for packing away wet and dirty clothes. This is important if you stop for a swim and then carry on hiking. It will keep your fresh clothes fresh.

You can also use this as a stuff sack which doubles up as a pillow.

Microfiber Towel

Towels are notorious for being heavy, bulky items to pack. However, using a microfiber towel is a total game changer. These towels are super absorbent, dry in minutes, and extremely lightweight and compact to pack. If you’ve ever gone hiking with a heavy, damp towel in your pack, you’ll understand just how awesome a microfiber towel is.

Food and Water

Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for backpacking trips. Good food will also make your trip a whole lot more fun. Here are some items to consider.

Water Bottles

Bring enough water bottles to carry the water you need for your trip. A steel or aluminum bottle is best, as these won’t break. You could use glass or plastic too, but they’re not as practical as metal.

If you’re hiking where there is no fresh water for refilling, make sure to bring all the water you need for drinking and cooking.

Water Treatment

It’s always a good idea to bring water treatment options such as tablets, drops, or filters to purify water from natural sources. These won’t take up any space and can be a literal lifesaver when you need them.

High-Energy Snacks

No backpacking checklist is complete without plenty of snacks! Pack high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and beef jerky for quick and easy nourishment on the trail.

Meals

Plan your meals ahead of time and pack lightweight, nutritious food options. Focus on foods that won’t expire or won’t need refrigeration, like pasta, rice, beans, tinned foods, and certain vegetables.

You could also take along dehydrated foods. These are lightweight and convenient, and there are some pretty tasty dehydrated meals out there today!

Try to establish whether you’ll pass any stores or villages along the way if you’re hiking, and plan your meals around this.

Alcohol

If you’re going to bring booze along with you, be smart about what you bring. Lugging a twelve-pack of beers up a mountain just isn’t practical. Instead, opt for something like whiskey that you can travel with in a small flask.

Backpacking Checklist: Other Important Items

We’ve covered the basics of your backpacking checklist. Although, there are so many more useful pieces of backpacking gear you can bring. This really just depends on where you’re going and what you plan on doing.

Here are a few other important items to bring with you on backpacking trips.

Insect Repellent

Protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects by packing insect repellent. It’s a good idea to check what kind of insects will be present where you’re going so that you can pack the right type of repellant.

Sunscreen

Protect your skin from harmful UV rays by applying sunscreen regularly. The importance of sunscreen, even if you’re going somewhere cold and cloudy, cannot be understated.

Personal Hygiene Items

Bring personal hygiene items like toilet paper, wet wipes, a toothbrush, and hand sanitizer. You don’t need a massive toiletries kit, but bring along the essentials.

Multi-Tool or Knife

A multi-tool or knife can come in handy for a variety of tasks. When you have one, you’ll be amazed at how many times you pull it out and use it. If you bring one of these along, it can make a massive difference to your backpacking experience

Cash and Identification

Bring cash and identification for emergencies or unexpected situations. Keep all of your important documents in a secure area of your backpack.

Water Filtration System

A water filtration system will allow you to filter water from natural sources, ensuring that it is safe to drink. This isn’t always necessary, but it can be useful depending on where you’re traveling.

Trash Disposal

Leave nothing but your footprints behind. Always bring along a roll of trash bags. This is necessary for your waste, but you can also use trash bags for things like storing leftover food or wet clothes.

Trowel

If you’re doing overnight hiking trips in nature, or are going wild camping, then you’ll want a simple hand trowel for preparing a hole when nature calls.

Backpacking Checklist: Electronics and Gadgets

You’ll probably want to include a few gadgets and electronic devices in your backpacking gear. Here are a few essentials to consider.

Laptop and Cover

If you’re a digital nomad, you’re probably traveling with a laptop.

If you’re planning to bring a laptop on your backpacking trip, make sure to pack it securely in a sturdy case or cover to protect it from bumps and scratches. A padded sleeve is a good option as it adds extra protection while also being lightweight and easy to carry.

Power Bank

A power bank is a must-have item for any backpacking trip. It’s a portable battery that can charge your phone, camera, or other electronic devices on the go. Make sure to choose a power bank with enough capacity to keep your devices charged for the duration of your trip.

When choosing a power bank for camping or backpacking, look for one that’s rugged and durable. A waterproof and dustproof model is ideal as it can withstand the elements and rough handling. Also, consider the weight and size of the power bank as you don’t want it to add too much weight to your backpack.

Remember to charge your power bank before you go and bring the necessary charging cables. A power bank can be a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of nowhere and need to stay connected or capture that perfect photo. So, don’t forget to add it to your backpacking checklist!

Travel Adapter

A travel adapter is an essential item for any backpacker traveling internationally. It allows you to plug your electronic devices into foreign power outlets. When choosing a travel adapter for camping or backpacking, look for one that’s lightweight and compact, so it won’t take up too much space in your backpack.

Make sure to research the type of power outlets used in the countries you’ll be visiting, as different countries have different electrical standards. Some adapters come with interchangeable plugs, so you can use them in multiple countries.

If you’re planning to bring multiple devices that need to be charged simultaneously, consider a travel adapter with multiple USB ports. This will save you from having to carry multiple adapters or waiting for one device to charge before charging another.

Camera Gear

Capturing memories is an important part of any backpacking trip, so don’t forget to bring your camera gear. Whether you prefer a DSLR camera or a smartphone with a good camera, make sure to pack the necessary accessories such as extra batteries, memory cards, and a protective case.

When choosing the best camera gear for camping or backpacking, consider the weight and size of your equipment. A bulky camera or heavy lens might be too cumbersome to carry on a long hike. Also, think about the type of photos you want to take and choose the appropriate equipment.

If you’re planning to go on a night hike or capture the stars at night, a tripod can be useful to stabilize your camera. Additionally, a camera with weather-resistant features can come in handy when you’re out in the elements.

Remember, camera gear can add weight to your backpack, so choose wisely and pack only what you need.

Binoculars

Binoculars can be a fun and useful addition to your backpacking trip. They allow you to get a closer look at wildlife, scenery, and other interesting sights along the way. When choosing the best binoculars for camping or backpacking, consider the magnification, weight, and durability.

Binoculars are not a must-have item, but they can add to your backpacking experience. So, if you’re interested in bird watching, wildlife spotting, or just want to get a better view of the stunning scenery, add a pair of binoculars to your backpacking checklist.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive backpacking checklist, you will be well-prepared for your next backpacking adventure. Don’t forget to double-check your gear and supplies before hitting the trail to make sure everything works and that you’re not forgetting anything.

Of course, you don’t need to take EVERYTHING on this list. The more you travel, hike, and camp, the better you’ll get at packing for your adventures.