REI's Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

The Ten Essentials

(for safety, survival and basic comfort)

1. Navigation

• Map (w/protective case)
• Compass

• GPS (optional)

2. Sun protection

• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses

• Skin-shielding hat and clothing

3. Insulation

• Jacket or vest (preferably synthetic)

• Fleece pants (sometimes optional)

4. Illumination

• Headlamp or flashlight

• Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

• First-aid kit (see our first-aid checklist)
• GPS (optional)

• Skin-shielding hat and clothing
• Fleece pants (sometimes optional)

6. Fire

• Matches
• Fire starter

• Waterproof container

7. Repair kit and tools

• Knife, and/or
• Multi-tool

• Duct tape strips on bottle, poles

8. Nutrition

• Extra day's supply of food

• Spare energy bars, gels, trail mix

9. Hydration

• Water bottle and/or hydration reservoir

• Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

• Reflective blanket (or tent, tarp or bivy sack)

Beyond the Essentials

(Note: Not every person will carry every item)

• Backpack
• Tent, tarp or bivy sack
• Stakes and guylines
• Footprint
• Sleeping bag
• Stuff sack or compression sack
• Sleeping pad
• Whistle
• Ice axe
• Trekking poles
• _________________________

• Meals
• Energy food
• Powdered drinks
• Stove
• Fuel
• Cook pot
• Utensil(s)
• Measuring cup/mug
• Food-storage sacks or canister
• 25 to 50-foot nylon cord
• _________________________

Clothing options

(base choices on trip length, possible weather extremes)

• Wicking T-shirt
• Wicking underwear
• Quick-drying pants/shorts
• Long-sleeve shirt (for sun, bugs)
• Hat
• _________________________

• Insulating jacket or vest
• Waterproof/breathable shell
• Waterproof/breathable rain pants
• Bandana of buff
• Gloves or mittens
• _________________________

Footwear

• Light-hiking or trail-running shoes
• Socks (synthetic or wool)
• _________________________

• Gaiters (if needed for conditions)
• Water sandals (if needed for fords)
• _________________________

Personal options

• Insect repellent
• Headnet
• Headnet
• _________________________

• Sanitation trowel
• Biodegradable soap
• Toothbrush
• _________________________

Other possibilities

• Permits
• Route description or guidebook
• Camera
• GPS receiver
• _________________________

• Two-way radios
• Cell or satellite phone
• Cash and credit card
• Trip itinerary left with a friend
• _________________________

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

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