Packing Checklist: Backpacking in the Wilderness

Written By Nittany Biggs

Use this simple checklist to pack for your backpacking trip.

Feel free to print out this page and cross off items as you pack to ensure you’re set up for a successful trip.

Packing List

Always Recommended

Circumstantial/Weather Dependent

Optional

Camping Gear

The Big 4

  • Backpack (to carry everything)

  • 50-65 liters is a good, average size

  • Tent

  • Sleeping Bag

  • Sleeping Pad (not 100% necessary, but certainly recommended)

Basics

  • Pillow

  • Optional: You can stuff your unworn clothes into your sleeping bag case and use that as a pillow to reduce the number of things you have to carry.

  • Ear Plugs/Eye Mask

  • Headlamp

  • Flashlight

  • Footprint/Tarp (to put under Tent)

  • Rain Gear (Fly for Tent, Rain Shell for Backpack)

Cooking/Sustainance

Sustainance:

  • Water

  • Food

  • Water Filter

  • Reusable Water Bottle (OR:)

  • Hydration Bladder (my favorite)

Cooking:

  • Packout Bag (Bear bag/Bear canister)

  • Kettle/Pot/Pan

  • Eating Utensils

  • Mug/Cup

  • Seasoning

  • Drink Mix/Electrolytes/Tea/Coffee

IMPORTANT: When cooking food, you may either pack a campstove (usually a lightweight, propane stove) to cook with or build a wood fire and cook food over it. As a beginner, I highly recommend bringing a stove, as campfires can be dangerous for you and the environment.

Always check fire safety rules and notices relevant to the day and location of your trip, whether you are an experienced backpacker or new to the game. Fire danger can change day-to-day, and are not always allowed in certain areas, even in the backcountry.

Fuel:

  • Stove (Propane Stove, normally)

  • Fuel (Propane, normally)

  • Matches/ Lighter

Campfire:

  • Firestarter

  • Grill/Tinfoil

  • to cook food over a campfire

  • Saw/Hatchet

  • to cut firewood

  • Shovel

  • to put it out

Personal Hygiene

Potty Supplies:

You have several options to choose from when it comes to going potty in the backwoods. Depending on how you choose to go about it, you can select your relevant potty supplies from the list below.

  • Toilet Paper

  • Body Wipes

  • Shovel

  • Water Bottle Bidet (Plastic Water Bottle with a hole poked through the cap)

  • Antimicrobial Cloth

  • Trash Bag (to pack out waste)

Toiletries:

  • Hand Sanitizer (and/or:)

  • Body Wipes

  • Sunscreen

  • Chapstick/Lip Balm (SPF recommended)

  • Medication

  • Toothbrush/Toothpaste

  • Toothfloss

  • Hair Elastic

  • Soap

  • Biodegradable Soap

  • Menstrual Items

  • Portable Shower (for longer trips)

  • Portable Washer (for longer trips)

Clothing (Bring Layers!)

Clothes:

  • Shoes with good traction (Terrain appropriate; for example, hiking boots)

  • Synthetic/wool socks (Bring an extra pair!)

  • Underwear

  • 2x the number of days you’ll be hiking. You know, just in case you shit your pants twice a day.

  • Undershirt

  • Long sleeve shirt

  • Shorts/Pants

  • Light Jacket/Windbreaker

  • Sandals (light/comfy shoes to change into)

  • Warmer Jacket (for nighttime)

  • Swimsuit

Accessories:

  • Sunglasses

  • Sunhat

  • Bandana

  • Warm Hat/Beanie

  • Gloves

  • Ear Muffs

  • Microspikes (for hiking in snow)

Tools

First-Aid Kit:

You can buy a premade First-Aid Kit, or DIY your own at home.

Here are good Basics to have in your First-Aid Kit:

  • Bandaids

  • Topical Antibiotic (ex. Neosporin)

  • Ace Bandage

  • Disinfectant Wipes

  • Latex Glove(s)

  • Blister Treatment (ex. Moleskin)

  • Pain Meds (Advil, Ibuprofen, Tylenol, Midol)

  • Prescription Medication/EpiPen (if relevant to your party)

Navigation:

  • Physical Maps (Waterproof recommended)

  • Compass

  • Smartphone (if you have one)

  • Navigation Apps (ex. Alltrails, Google Maps)

  • Download digital maps so you can access them if you no longer have service

  • Do not rely on digital maps. Your phone could die, so bring physical maps as backup

  • GPS

Emergency Preparedness:

  • Emergency Whistle

  • Water Treatment (ex. Iodine, LifeStraw)

  • Bivy

  • Emergency Blanket

  • Emergency Booklets (ex. Pocket Guide to Outdoor Survival/Emergency First Aid)

  • Portable Charger (for Smartphone/Electronics)

Other Tools:

  • Multitool (ex. Swiss Army Knife)

  • Knife

  • Lighter/Matches

  • Backup fire-starter (ex. Flint & Striker)

  • Have a backup that won’t get damaged by rain, like Flint & Steel.

  • Itinerary

  • Print out your route and itinerary

  • Share your planned route with a trusted individual

  • Leave one copy in your car, so in an emergency, people can trace your route

  • Repair Kit (ex. duct tape, sewing kit, etc.)

  • Battery Charger

  • Trowel

  • Parachord

  • Cleaning Towel

  • Hiking Poles Chair/Stool

  • Portable Clothing Washer

  • Portable Shower

  • Bear Spray

  • Bug Spray

Extras

  • ID

  • Cash/Credit Card

  • Playing Cards

  • Dice

  • Hackey Sack

  • Camera

  • Hammock

  • Journal

  • Pen/Pencil

  • Book

Final Thoughts

When backpacking, especially for the first time, every ounce in your pack counts. Pack as light as you can, while still preparing for the possible challenges backpacking may throw at you.

Be intentional with the items you bring; opt for lighter-weight versions of items, if you can. For example, bring plastic cups instead of metal ones, or the lightweight down jacket instead of the bulky sherpa one.

That said, your first few times backpacking are bound to be a little clumsy. Even after years of backpacking, I sometimes forget to pack certain items and have to improvise on the trail. It’s all part of the experience.

Have fun out there, stay safe, and as always, stay scrappy!

Nittany Biggs https://TheScrappyTraveler.com
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