The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist

No matter how many times you have backpacked in your life, a useful backpacking checklist will get your ducks in a row before you start your adventure. Forgetting even just one of the items on the list can be crucial to your safety or comfort. Before a long backpacking trip, I make sure I have all these items crossed off and packed in my bag. So check out all the equipment you need for the perfect backpacking trip. You can even download the checklist below and print it off before your magnificent adventure. Enjoy!

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Backpacking Checklist

Read all about my backpacking equipment and what to buy: Backpacking Essentials

Quick Guide To Backpacking Supplies

Below is a quick guide to the backpacking equipment, but if you want a more thorough guide on gear reviews, make sure to check out my backpacking essentials guide here.

Tent

One of the most essential equipments for backpacking is a tent ⛺️ . Usually, the more compact and lightweight, the better. Nemo is known to have some of the best backpacking tents. >Check Out This Backpacking Tent Here

Want to learn more about Backpacking Tents? Read: 10 Best Backpacking Tents

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags should keep you warm and comfortable. It is crucial to pick a great sleeping bag that can handle the temperatures outside. Feathered Friends have some of the best sleeping bags in the market. They are lightweight and warm. >Check Out The Feathered Friends Sleeping Bags

Read All About Women’s Sleeping Bags: 10 Best Sleeping Bags in the Market

Sleeping Pads

I know sleeping pads are probably on the bottom of your list of things to bring, but trust me, you need this. Sleeping pads help provide insulation and comfort while you are sleeping. I have had instances where I have camped without one, and it is the worst feeling! >Check Out My Fav Sleeping Pad

Read All About Sleeping Pads: 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads In The Market

Stove, Fuel and Backpacking Food

A lot of people ask me how do I eat when I go backpacking. The answer is simple. Dried food. Dried food does need water to eat, so I recommend you always think about water consumption in desert regions. All you need to do is boil water in your stove and pour it over in the dry food and let it sit. You can even eat it out of the bag, so you don’t need to bring plates. Only forks and spoons. >Check Out My Jet Boil >Check Out Some Of My Fav Dry Food

Want to learn more about stoves? Read: 10 Best Backpacking Stoves

Water Filter

Even if you bring a ton of water, it is always recommended to bring water filters. I usually bring three different types of water filters (I had one break on me one time). I typically bring a chemical tablet, a blue straw, and a pump. There is also a gravity water filter that is pretty popular. >Check Out My Pump Water Filter Here >And My Chemical Treatment Tablets Here

Want To Learn More On Filters: The Best Backpacking Water Filters

Water Bottle Or Water Reservoir

You can either bring a water bottle, a water reservoir or both to carry your water. Most beginner hikers and backpackers prefer water bottles because it is what they are used to, but I feel like water reservoirs are better for hydration. The water hose is easy to take a sip from at any time while you are hiking. Also, water bottles tend to weigh more. >Check Out My Fav Water Reservoir >Checkout My Fav Water Bottle

Headlamp

A headlamp is a small but necessary item. It should be a part of everyone’s backpacker checklist. You never know how long the trail will take you. We have been stuck out backpacking in the middle of the night due to time constraints! Not fun. >Check Out The Headlamp that I have had for EIGHT years now

Read All About Headlamps: 10 Best Hiking Headlamps

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is always a part of my overnight backpacking checklist. I love my first aid kit. There have been so many times that I needed it. The kit is filled with bandages, medicines, and survival tips. Make sure the size of your kit mirrors the length and amount of people. >Check Out My Backpacking First Aid Kit Here

Navigation

Physical maps and compasses are the best way to be 100% safe and should always be a part of your backpacking list. Phones can die, personal locator beacons can as well, so always carry a physical map! I do like to use Apps as well. I use AllTrails, and I also have a personal locator beacon device for safety. I also bring an external charger with me. >Check Out My Personal Locator Beacon Here

Trekking Poles

Poles are an optional item, but I must carry my trekking poles when I go backpacking. They help with balance and keep my knees safe. >Check Out My Trekking Poles Here

Read All About Poles: 10 Best Trekking Poles In The Market

Backpacking Clothing

Sweat Wicking Shirt

The trick with wearing the perfect shirt is not wearing cotton. Cotton soaks up your sweat, which is extremely uncomfortable, and it can cause hypothermia. An excellent breathable workout shirt is enough >>>but you can also use my extra fav hiking shirt here

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

I highly recommend buying shoes that are specifically made for hiking or backpacking. Hiking boots or shoes should have incredible comfort, traction, and support. Your feet will be working the hardest to get you from point A to point B, so you need to make it as easy as possible for them. >>>Check Out My Fav Hiking Boots Here

Also, I wrote a whole blog post on the best hiking boots: 10 Best Hiking Boots In The Market

Hiking Pants

When it comes to backpacking or hiking, I honestly love leggings. They are comfy, look great on me, and they are cheaper then good hiking pants. I am all about comfort, but I know backpacking is more intense than a regular day hike, so I always bring my hiking pants just in case. >Check out the ONLY hiking pants I have ever liked

Hiking Socks

Wool is the way to go. Your socks need to be breathable to prevent blisters. >Check Out My Fav Hiking Socks Here

Insulated Jacket

Even if you are backpacking through the middle of the desert, always bring an insulated jacket. First off, desert regions are usually chilly at night; second, it is part of the ten essentials. If you are worried about space and weight, don’t worry I got you covered. The Ghost Whisperer is my fav jacket that I always take it with me because it is so lightweight and it compresses nicely. >Check Out The Jacket You See In Literally ALL my Pictures

Read All About Jackets: 10 Best Down Jackets For Women

Rain Jacket

A rain jacket or a poncho is always on my hiking gear list. I backpacked many times in the pouring rain, and I have been lucky to have had a poncho or a rain jacket. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here

Read More On Rain Jackets: 10 Best Rain Jackets For Women

Final Thoughts On Backpackers Checklist

I hope this backpacking packing list helped you out on planning the ultimate backpacking adventure. Now make sure to check out some other blog posts on backpacking and hiking:

• 17 Tips On Backpacking For Beginners
• Backpacking Essentials For Beginners
• Best Backpacking Sleeping Pad
• Hiking Essentials
• Beginners Guide To Winter Backpacking

Pin For Later: Backpacking Gear List