Backpacking Checklist
Note: This list is intentionally extensive; not every backpacker will bring every item on every trip.
The Ten Essentials
(for safety, survival and basic comfort)
1. Navigation
2. Sun protection
3. Insulation
- Jacket, vest, pants, gloves, hat (see Clothing)
4. Illumination
- Headlamp or flashlight (plus spare)
5. First-aid supplies
- First-aid kit (see our First-aid checklist)
6. Fire
7. Repair kit and tools
- Knife or multi-tool
8. Nutrition
9. Hydration
10. Emergency shelter
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 needed 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 conister (or hang bags for food)
- Nylon cord (50 feet for hanging food)
- Backup water treatment (e.g., halogens)
- Collapsible sink or container
- Packable lantern
Clothing options: 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
Cool weather (insulation in Ten Essentials)
- 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
- Boots or shoes suited to terrain
- Socks (synthetic or wool) plus spares
- Gaiters
- Sandals (for fording, in camp)
- Camera and memory cards
- Binoculars
- Permits
- Route description or guidebook
- Field guide(s); star identifier
- Notebook and pen or pencil
- Credit card; small amount of cash
- Earplugs and eye shade
- _______________
- Toilet paper
- Sanitation trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Insect repellant
- Headnet
- Bear Spray
- Toothbrush and/or toiletry kit
- Biodegradable soap (and shower bag)
- Quick-dry towel
- Cell phone/satellite comunicator/2-way radios
- Post-hike snacks, water, towel, clothing change
- Trip itinerary left w/ friend + under car seat
- _______________
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