Overnight Backpacking Checklist

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

The 10+ Essentials

• Extra clothing layer(s)
• Drinking water
• Food
• First-aid kit
• Pocket knife
• Matches (in waterproof container) and firestarter

• Map of area (in waterproof case)
• Compass
• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/bulbs)
• Sunscreen
• Sunglasses (with retaining strap)

Hiking Clothing

• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Short-sleeved shirts
• Long-sleeved shirts
• Warm pants (fleece or wool)
• Fleece or wool vest

• Fleece jacket or wool sweater
• Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)
• Regular underwear
• Quick-drying swimsuit

Outerwear

• Rainwear (top/bottoms)
• Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat
• Warm hat (fleece or wool)

• Fleece or wool gloves/mittens
• Waterproof gloves/overmitts
• Bandanna

Footwear

• Hiking socks
• Wicking liner socks
• Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain

• Extra laces
• Gaiters

Camping Gear

• Backpack
• Day/summit pack
• Pack cover
• Tent, tarp or bivy sack
• Rainfly
• Tent stakes
• Footprints
• Tent broom
• Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)
• Compression sack
• Sleeping pad
• Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit
• Extra nylon stuff sacks
• Food (adequate supply for your trip)
• Stove and fuel

• Funnel
• Matches/lighter
• Cookset, dishes
• Cooking/eating utensils
• Drinking cup
• Pot grabber
• Biodegradable soap
• Pot scrubber/dish towel
• Plastic garbage bags
• Resealable plastic bags
• Water filter/purifier
• Water-purification tablets
• Water bottle(s)
• Collapsible water container
• Lantern

Personal Items

• Toilet paper
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Small bath towel
• Brush/comb
• Other personal toiletry items

• Lip balm (with sun protection)
• Insect repellent
• Headnet
• Trowel

Other/Extras

• Altimeter
• Binoculars
• Field guides
• Camera and film
• Notebook and pencil
• Travel games
• Watch/alarm clock
• Weather radio
• Hiking poles

• Repair/sewing kit
• 100-foot accessory cord
• Axe/saw
• Money
• Photo ID
• Camping/fire permits, if needed
• Fishing license
• Trip plan (left with a responsible friend)