Backcountry Backpacking Gear List

The Essentials

Be Sure to Have These Essentials Along

□  Fire – matches or fire starter
□  Shelter – tent, tarp, bivy
□  Navigation – map, compass, GPS
□  Weather protection – for sun, precipitation and cold
□  Illumination – flashlight or headlamp
□  First aid – appropriate for the activity and group size
□  Repair supplies – multi-tool, duct tape, sewing kit
□  Hydration – water bottles and/or bladders; filtration
□  Nutrition – one day’s extra calories for an emergency
□  Identification – license/passport/credit cards/cell phone

Primary Gear List

Large Camping Gear

□  Internal or external frame pack – properly fitted
□  Pack rain cover
□  Small fanny pack (optional)
□  Tent or bivy shelter, fly
□  Ground cloth/tent footprint
□  Tent stakes – include some spares
□  Sleeping bag – temperature appropriate
□  Waterproof stuff bag for sleeping bag
□  Sleeping pad
□  Technical tools for your trip, as needed – ice axe, climbing rope, crampons, etc.

Small Camping Essentials

□  Water bottles or hydration system
□  Water filtration/purification system
□  Water purification tablets (as a backup to filtration)
□  First aid kit – including foot care, tweezers
□  Survival kit – magnifying lens, fire starter, survival cards, whistle, etc.
□  Emergency fire starting supplies
□  Equipment repair supplies
□  Duct Tape
□  Rope
□  Sewing kit
□  Flashlight or head lamp and/or small lantern
□  Spare batteries
□  Whistle

Navigation

□  Maps
□  Map Case
□  Compass
□  Altimeter, pedometer (optional)
□  Backup compass and maps
□  Field Guide (optional)

Cooking & Kitchen Items

□  Stove
□  Fuel for stove
□  Matches in waterproof container, lighter
□  Cook set/pot grip
□  Camping kitchen and/or cooking supplies – spatula, large spoon, pot holder
□  Knife – Swiss Army™ or other quality folding model
□  Cup, plate
□  Utensils – knife, fork, spoon or spork
□  Dishwashing supplies – remember to only use biodegradable soap, if anything
□  Trash bags
□  Flask (optional)
□  Food (see food suggestions below)

Clothing

□  Waterproof boots
□  Camp shoes or sandals – you'll want to try to keep one pair of footwear dry at all times
□  Spare laces (optional)
□  Socks that wick moisture – hiking weight, liners. Forget all cotton socks! Use merino wool or synthetics.
□  Bandana
□  Waterproof hat
□  Brimmed hat (may be same as above)
□  Stocking cap or ear band (depending on weather and location)
□  Gloves
□  Raingear – waterproof, breathable jacket and pants
□  Fleece, or wool shirt or sweater
□  Long sleeve, light weight shirt – great for sun and bug protection
□  Long sleeve, medium weight shirt
□  Light weight camping pants
□  Shorts
□  T-shirts – synthetic, wicking are best in most situations
□  Underwear
□  Light weight synthetic thermal underwear
□  Swim suit
□  Belt (optional)
□  Watch – waterproof
□  Eyewear – sunglasses, prescription glasses, contact lenses and supplies
□  Glasses band

Personal Hygiene

□  Personal medical supplies – prescriptions, inhaler, antibiotics, etc.
□  Pain reliever
□  Sun screen
□  Sunburn cream
□  Insect repellant
□  Lip balm – with SPF
□  Bathroom supplies – trowel, toilet paper, feminine hygiene products
□  Toothbrush & toothpaste
□  Hair brush/comb
□  Pack towel
□  Antibacterial gel (optional)
□  Moist wipes (optional)

Optional Items (Nice to have, but each adds pack weight)

□  Waterproof stuff sacks – for clothing and other gear. Highly recommended for organization, compression and dryness. 
□  Trekking poles – we also highly recommended these!
□  Camp pillow
□  Water shoes
□  Gaitors
□  1-2 gallon water bag/carrier
□  Mosquito head net
□  Candle lantern/candles
□  Book
□  Journal & pen
□  Playing cards
□  Binoculars
□  Camera, memory cards and spare batteries
□  Waterproof camera bag
□  Music player
□  Fishing gear
□  Hammock
□  Spare eyewear

Food Suggestions

□  Breakfast foods – instant cereals, breakfast bars, high energy bars, etc.
□  Lunch foods – peanut butter, crackers, beef jerky, cheeses
□  Snacks – trail mix, nuts, granola bars, high energy bars, etc.
□  Dinner foods – freeze dried dinners, rice, easy to cook entrees
□  Beverages – powdered drink mixes such as Gatorade, Crystal Light or Tang, coffee, tea, hot cocoa
□  Optional food choices – camp oven, fresh veggies, meat or fruit for start of trip, spices