Overnight Backpacking Checklist

By REI staff

Choose items that match your trip plans and the expected weather conditions.

The 10+ Essentials

  • Expert Advice Image Extra clothing layer(s)
  • Expert Advice Image Drinking water
  • Expert Advice Image Food
  • Expert Advice Image First-aid kit
  • Expert Advice Image Pocket knife
  • Expert Advice Image Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter
  • Expert Advice Image Map of area (in waterproof case)
  • Expert Advice Image Compass
  • Expert Advice Image Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/bulbs)
  • Expert Advice Image Sunscreen
  • Expert Advice Image Sunglasses (with retaining strap)

Hiking Clothing

  • Expert Advice Image Quick-drying pants/shorts
  • Expert Advice Image Short-sleeved shirts
  • Expert Advice Image Long-sleeved shirts
  • Expert Advice Image Warm pants (fleece or wool)
  • Expert Advice Image Fleece or wool vest
  • Expert Advice Image Fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Expert Advice Image Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
  • Expert Advice Image Regular underwear
  • Expert Advice Image Quick-drying swimsuit

Outerwear

  • Expert Advice Image Rainwear (top/bottoms)
  • Expert Advice Image Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat
  • Expert Advice Image Warm hat (fleece or wool)
  • Expert Advice Image Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
  • Expert Advice Image Waterproof gloves/overmitts
  • Expert Advice Image Bandanna

Footwear

  • Expert Advice Image Hiking socks
  • Expert Advice Image Wicking liner socks
  • Expert Advice Image Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain
  • Expert Advice Image Extra laces
  • Expert Advice Image Gaiters

Camping Gear

  • Expert Advice Image Backpack
  • Expert Advice Image Day/summit pack
  • Expert Advice Image Pack cover
  • Expert Advice Image Tent, tarp or bivy sack
  • Expert Advice Image Rainfly
  • Expert Advice Image Tent stakes
  • Expert Advice Image Footprints
  • Expert Advice Image Tent broom
  • Expert Advice Image Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
  • Expert Advice Image Compression sack
  • Expert Advice Image Sleeping pad
  • Expert Advice Image Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit
  • Expert Advice Image Extra nylon stuff sacks
  • Expert Advice Image Food (adequate supply for your trip)
  • Expert Advice Image Stove and fuel
  • Expert Advice Image Funnel
  • Expert Advice Image Matches/lighter
  • Expert Advice Image Cookset, dishes
  • Expert Advice Image Cooking/eating utensils
  • Expert Advice Image Drinking cup
  • Expert Advice Image Pot grabber
  • Expert Advice Image Biodegradable soap
  • Expert Advice Image Pot scrubber/dish towel
  • Expert Advice Image Plastic garbage bags
  • Expert Advice Image Resealable plastic bags
  • Expert Advice Image Water filter/purifier
  • Expert Advice Image Water-purification tablets
  • Expert Advice Image Water bottle(s)
  • Expert Advice Image Collapsible water container
  • Expert Advice Image Lantern

Personal Items

  • Expert Advice Image Toilet paper
  • Expert Advice Image Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Expert Advice Image Small bath towel
  • Expert Advice Image Brush/comb
  • Expert Advice Image Other personal toiletry items
  • Expert Advice Image Lip balm (with sun protection)
  • Expert Advice Image Insect repellent
  • Expert Advice Image Headnet
  • Expert Advice Image Trowel

Other/Extras

  • Expert Advice Image Altimeter
  • Expert Advice Image Binoculars
  • Expert Advice Image Field guides
  • Expert Advice Image Camera and film
  • Expert Advice Image Notebook and pencil
  • Expert Advice Image Travel games
  • Expert Advice Image Watch/alarm clock
  • Expert Advice Image Weather radio
  • Expert Advice Image Hiking poles
  • Expert Advice Image Repair/sewing kit
  • Expert Advice Image 100-foot accessory cord
  • Expert Advice Image Axe/saw
  • Expert Advice Image Money
  • Expert Advice Image Photo ID
  • Expert Advice Image Camping/fire permits, if needed
  • Expert Advice Image Fishing license
  • Expert Advice Image Trip plan (left with a responsible friend)

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