REI's Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

By REI staff

The Ten Essentials (for safety, survival and basic comfort)

  • 1. Navigation
  • Expert Advice Image Map
  • Expert Advice Image Compass (or watch w/compass)
  • 2. Sun protection
  • Expert Advice Image Sunscreen and lip balm
  • Expert Advice Image Sunglasses
  • Expert Advice Image Sun-shielding hat and clothing
  • 3. Insulation
  • Expert Advice Image Jacket or vest
  • 4. Illumination
  • Expert Advice Image Headlamp
  • Expert Advice Image Extra batteries
  • 5. First-aid supplies
  • Expert Advice Image First-aid kit (see first-aid checklist)
  • 6. Fire
  • Expert Advice Image Matches
  • Expert Advice Image Fire Starter
  • 7. Tools, repair items
  • Expert Advice Image Knife or multi-tool
  • Expert Advice Image Duct tape strips on bottle
  • 8. Nutrition
  • Expert Advice Image Extra day's supply of food
  • Expert Advice Image Spare energy bars, gels, trail mix
  • 9. Hydration
  • Expert Advice Image Water bottle or reservoir
  • Expert Advice Image Water treatment system
  • 10. Emergency shelter
  • Expert Advice Image Tarp, bivy sack, reflective blanket

Beyond the Essentials (Note: Not every person will carry every item)

  • Expert Advice Image Backpack
  • Expert Advice Image Tent, tarp or bivy sack
  • Expert Advice Image Stakes and guylines
  • Expert Advice Image Footprint
  • Expert Advice Image Sleeping bag
  • Expert Advice Image Stuff sack or compression sack
  • Expert Advice Image Sleeping pad
  • Expert Advice Image Whistle
  • Expert Advice Image Ice axe
  • Expert Advice Image Trekking poles
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________
  • Expert Advice Image Meals
  • Expert Advice Image Energy food
  • Expert Advice Image Powdered drinks
  • Expert Advice Image Stove
  • Expert Advice Image Fuel
  • Expert Advice Image Cook pot
  • Expert Advice Image Utensil(s)
  • Expert Advice Image Measuring cup/mug
  • Expert Advice Image Food-storage sacks or canister
  • Expert Advice Image 25 to 50-foot nylon cord
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________

Clothing options (base choices on trip length, possible weather extremes)

  • Expert Advice Image Wicking T-shirt
  • Expert Advice Image Wicking underwear
  • Expert Advice Image Quick-drying pants/shorts
  • Expert Advice Image Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
  • Expert Advice Image Hat
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________
  • Expert Advice Image Insulating jacket or vest
  • Expert Advice Image Waterproof/breathable shell
  • Expert Advice Image Waterproof/breathable rain pants
  • Expert Advice Image Bandana of buff
  • Expert Advice Image Gloves or mittens
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________

Footwear

  • Expert Advice Image Light-hiking or trail-running shoes
  • Expert Advice Image Socks (synthetic or wool)
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________
  • Expert Advice Image Gaiters (if needed for conditions)
  • Expert Advice Image Water sandals (if needed for fords)
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________

Personal options

  • Expert Advice Image Insect repellent
  • Expert Advice Image Headnet
  • Expert Advice Image Toilet paper
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________
  • Expert Advice Image Sanitation trowel
  • Expert Advice Image Biodegradable soap
  • Expert Advice Image Toothbrush
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________

Other possibilities

  • Expert Advice Image Permits
  • Expert Advice Image Route description or guidebook
  • Expert Advice Image Camera
  • Expert Advice Image GPS receiver
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________
  • Expert Advice Image Two-way radios
  • Expert Advice Image Cell or satellite phone
  • Expert Advice Image Cash and credit card
  • Expert Advice Image Trip itinerary left with a friend
  • Expert Advice Image _________________________

For an expanded backpacking gear list, see REI's Backpacking Checklist.

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