REI's Ultralight Backpacking Checklist

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

• 1. Navigation
• Map
• Compass (or watch w/compass)
• 2. Sun protection
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Sunglasses
• Sun-shielding hat and clothing
• 3. Insulation
• Jacket or vest
• 4. Illumination
• Headlamp
• Extra batteries
• 5. First-aid supplies
• First-aid kit (see first-aid checklist)

• 6. Fire
• Matches
• Fire Starter
• 7. Tools, repair items
• Knife or multi-tool
• Duct tape strips on bottle
• 8. Nutrition
• Extra day's supply of food
• Spare energy bars, gels, trail mix
• 9. Hydration
• Water bottle or reservoir
• Water treatment system
• 10. Emergency shelter
• Tarp, bivy sack, reflective blanket

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
• Toilet paper
• _________________________

• 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.