| A | B | C | D | E | F | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Backpacking Supply List | |||||
2 | Packed | Chosen? (Y/N) | Type | Item | Description & Use | Importance |
3 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Fire | Matches or Lighter | In case you need to start a fire in case of emergency OR if the ignitor on your stove fails | Essential |
4 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Fire | Waterproof Container | Just in case your pack gets soaked through, makes sure you have a waterproof container to store your matches/lighter & any small electronics | Essential |
5 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Fire | Emergency Fire Starter | Backup for your matches/lighter | Essential |
6 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - First Aid | First Aid Kit | Accidents small and large happen, make sure you have an adequately stocked first aid kit to deal with backcountry injuries | Essential |
7 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Hydration | Water bottles or Hydration Reservoirs | You are going to need water, so make sure you have a recepticle (or two) to store it. | Essential |
8 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Hydration | Water filter or Treatment System | If you are 'filling up' from backcountry sources you will need a system to sterilize/filter your water supply. | Essential |
9 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Illumination | Headlamp or Flashlight | Moving about in the dark isn't fun (or safe), so pack a headlamp (or flashlight) for moving around your campsite in the dark. | Essential |
10 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Illumination | Extra batteries | Batteries die (especially in colder weather) so pack spares to keep your electronics running. | Essential |
11 | ☐ | "Ten Essentials" - Illumination | Packable lantern | Useful if you want a "fixed source" light while carrying out tasks in the dark. | Optional | |
12 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Navigation | Map (with protective sleeve) | Always carry a topo map (with water proof sleeve) of the area & know how to use it. | Essential |
13 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Navigation | Compass | As with the map, this is a must. Again, make sure you know how to use one proficiently! | Essential |
14 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Navigation | GPS | A GPS system for navigation can be useful. | Optional |
15 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Navigation | Altimeter | Useful for checking your elevation | Optional |
16 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Nutrition | Extra days supply of food | Incidents can delay you, so make sure you have an extra days supply of food, just in case you don't make your next stop on schedule. | Essential |
17 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Sun Protection | Sunscreen | Spending all day outside, even on cloudy & cold days, can result in sun skin damage (especially at high elevation). Always pack some just in case. | Essential |
18 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Sun Protection | Lip Balm | Trust us. Your lips will thank you. | Essential |
19 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Sun Protection | Sunglasses | Save yourself squinting for the next trail marker and bring some 'shades'. | Essential |
20 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Tools & Repair Kit | Knife or Multi-tool | Useful for all manner of tasks from kit repair, to making kindling for an emergency fire to cutting rope. Having a sharp blade will come in useful more than once. | Essential |
21 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Tools & Repair Kit | Repair Kits for Equipment | Tent, bag or sleeping pad patch kits. Tent Pole repair kit. Stuff unfortunately breaks, so make sure you can fix something on the trail. | Essential |
22 | ☐ | Y | "Ten Essentials" - Tools & Repair Kit | Duct tape | There is an old joke that an engineer can fix anything with just duct tape and WD40. Thankfully, for most trail repairs WD40 isn't necessary, but a roll of duct tape is again, useful in many situations. | Essential |
23 | ☐ | Y | Backpacks & Organization | Backpack | You are going to have a hard time carrying all your gear without some form of backpack to transport it. Find one that is an appropriate size for your gear. | Essential |
24 | ☐ | Backpacks & Organization | Daypack (Summit Pack) | If your trip will involve some side hikes from a basecamp, consider bringing a smaller day pack. | Optional | |
25 | ☐ | Backpacks & Organization | Pack Rain Cover | Backpacks aren't waterproof, so help protect your gear by using a pack rain cover. | Recommended | |
26 | ☐ | Backpacks & Organization | Stuff sacks | Get the volume of your sleeping bag, clothes down with stuffstacks. This helps you use a smaller pack (and possibly be more organised). | Recommended | |
27 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Balaclava | In cold weather, a balaclava will save your face from taking the brunt of the elements. | Essential | |
28 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Hat | A cold weather essential, make sure it's cozy and quick drying (synthetic or wool). | Essential | |
29 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Gloves | Another cold weather essential, we don't need to tell you why. | Essential | |
30 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Hardshell Jacket | In colder weather, a hardshell jacket will help protect you from the elements better. | Essential | |
31 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Rain Pants | Unless you are hiking in the SW and chance of rain is once every 10 years, then we would recommend packing rainpants. | Essential | |
32 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Fleece/down/wool mid layer jacket/vest | A warm fleece/wool jacket or vest as your middle insulating layer. | Essential | |
33 | ☐ | Clothing: Cool Weather | Fleece/down/wool mid layer pants | A warm fleece/wool pair of mid layer pants for insulation. | Essential | |
34 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | T-shirt (synthetic/wool) | Make sure it's made of a wicking material to quickly transport sweat away from your body and dry quickly. | Essential | |
35 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Wicking Underwear | Underpants, sportsbras etc. These again should be made from a wicking material. | Essential | |
36 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Pants/shorts | Tough but quick drying if you get caught in a shower. | Essential | |
37 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Long-sleeve shirt | Long-sleeve shirt to protect you from the sun and/or bugs. | Essential | |
38 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Hat | Sun protection for your neck, face and ears. | Essential | |
39 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Bandana or Buff | Works two ways, either to help protect you from the sun, or on chillier evenings to give you a little extra warmth. | Essential | |
40 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Light Down or Insulated Jacket | Even during the summer it can get chilly in the evenings, so pack a lightweight jacket to keep you cozy if the mercury drops. | Essential | |
41 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Rain Jacket | Again, unless you are somewhere where it never rains, packing a rain jacket is a must. Yout chances of getting hypothermia increase significantly when wet. | Essential | |
42 | ☐ | Footwear | Socks (several pairs) | Several good pairs of socks are a must if you are going keep your feet in good condition. | Essential | |
43 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Gaiters | If there is a high chance of precipitation or you are hiking through snow then gaiters will help keep you feet, ankles and shins dry. | Optional | |
44 | ☐ | Clothing: Warm Weather | Long Underwear | Good for sleeping in. | Recommended | |
45 | ☐ | Footwear | Sandals | For walking around camp. | Recommended | |
46 | ☐ | Cooking System | Stove | Any form of cooking/boiling will require some type of fire. A small stove is more in keeping with LNT than building your own fire (if that is even legal in the area). | Essential | |
47 | ☐ | Cooking System | Fuel | Any stove will need fuel. Always check and bring extra. | Essential | |
48 | ☐ | Cooking System | Cookset | This can be very extravagent as multiple griddles/pots or as simple as the 0.5L pot that came with your stove, but you will need some form of cookware to carry out your cooking/boiling. | Essential | |
49 | ☐ | Cooking System | Dishes or bowls | Dependent on your level of luxury, could be multiple bowls/plates. You could also do without, and just eat out of your cookware pot. | Optional | |
50 | ☐ | Cooking System | Eating Utensils | At the minimum you will require a fork/spoon or spork to accompany your camping knife (unless you whittle your own on the trail). | Recommended | |
51 | ☐ | Cooking System | Cups | If you are prepared again, to just drink from your hydration bladder/bottle or coffee direct from your stoves pot, then you can do without. Otherwise, bring a cup. | Optional | |
52 | ☐ | Cooking System | Bear Canister or Hang Bag | If you are traveling through bear country this is a MUST. | Optional/Essential | |
53 | ☐ | Food & Drink | Meals | Your body needs fuel, planout and prepare a full meal plan for your trip. | Essential | |
54 | ☐ | Food & Drink | Energy snacks | You are still going to get hungry on the trail, so pack plenty of on the go, calorie dense snacks. | Essential | |
55 | ☐ | Food & Drink | Beverages | Coffee, tea, energy drink powder, whisky nightcap? Possibly not essential as you can survive just on water, but most of the backpackers I know are coffee addicts. | Recommended | |
56 | ☐ | Footwear | HIking boots/shoes | While possible to walk the AT barefoot, it is not recommended. Choose appropriate footwear whether your preference is for heavier, but more protective boots or more lightweight trail runners. | Essential | |
57 | ☐ | Hygiene | Cathole Trowel | Your going to need to go at some point, and you don't want to dig a hole with your hands. | Essential | |
58 | ☐ | Hygiene | Toothbrush + Toiletry Kit | Keep smiling on the trail...don't forget your toothbrush. | Essential | |
59 | ☐ | Hygiene | Biodegradable Soap + Shower Bag | While getting a bit dirty is par for the course...don't be the guy stinking out the overnight shelter and wash occasionally. | Essential | |
60 | ☐ | Hygiene | Towel | Find a quick drying towel to dry yourself off. | Essential | |
61 | ☐ | Hygiene | Collapsible container/sink | To help conserve water while washing your face/armpits/delicate areas and cookware (not all at the same time). | Optional | |
62 | ☐ | Hygiene | Toilet Paper | Moss, dead leaves etc can be used but for most we recommend bringing TP. | Recommended | |
63 | ☐ | Hygiene | Feminine Hygiene Products | We will leave this to your own discretion. | Recommended | |
64 | ☐ | Hygiene | Hand Sanititzer | Good for after those backcountry bathroom breaks. | Recommended | |
65 | ☐ | Hygiene | Wet wipes | We strongly recommend bringing wet wipes along. | Recommended | |
66 | ☐ | Organization | Permits | This will vary dependent where on the globe you are, but always ensure that you have any relevant permits needed for your trip. | Essential | |
67 | ☐ | Organization | Guidebook/Route Description | Again, highly recommended. | Recommended | |
68 | ☐ | Organization | Credit Card + Cash | In case of emergencies or you decide you want some luxuries (candy) as you pass a trail town. | Essential | |
69 | ☐ | Organization | Field Guides/Pocketbooks | Learning more about nature, the outdoors or the areas history/geology is easier with a few choice pocketbooks. | Optional | |
70 | ☐ | Organization | Journal + Pen/Pencil | If you want relive your trip, consider writing a journal or just note thoughts along the way. | Recommended | |
71 | ☐ | Personal Choice | Camera | 99% of us will have a camera on our cell phone, but if you really want to bring home some awesome memories, consider taking a decent camera. | Optional | |
72 | ☐ | Personal Choice | Binoculars | Observing nature without disturbing it (read, keeping a safe distance from that bear) is easier with a pair of binoculars. | Optional | |
73 | ☐ | Personal Choice | Backpacking Chair | After a day on your feet, consider bringing a chair you can spend the evening at camp off them. | Optional | |
74 | ☐ | Personal Choice | Day Hammock | If you plan on having a few no hike days, and just want to lounge/relax then consider bringing a lightweight day hammock to chill in. | Optional | |
75 | ☐ | Personal Choice | Kindle/eBook Reader | If books are your drug of choice then consider taking an ereader which is much lighter than your average paperback. | Optional | |
76 | ☐ | Safety | Watch | Unless you are adept at telling the time by the suns position, a watch is a must. It'll help you keep pace and arrive at camp well before dark. Modern multi-function watches may also incorporate other useful functions such as altimeters, GPS etc. | Essential | |
77 | ☐ | Safety | Cell Phone | While not everywhere in the wild will get a signal, carrying your phone should you run into to trouble is a good idea. Just make sure to have the local emergency services stored on it before leaving. | Essential | |
78 | ☐ | Safety | Satellite Communicator/2 Way Radios | If you are traveling where there will be no cell phone coverage, consider investing in a satellite phone. | Optional | |
79 | ☐ | Safety | Personal Locator Beacon | If you will be off the beatern trail then a great alternative is to carry a PLB for emergencies. | Optional | |
80 | ☐ | Safety | Whistle | This oldschool safety device should be carried by everyone as it is cheap, takes up no room and could potentially save your life. | Recommended | |
81 | ☐ | Safety | Insect Repellent | No one like being bitten to death, so do yourself a favor and bring some even if you don't think it'll be buggy. | Recommended | |
82 | ☐ | Safety | Bear Spray | If in bear country, we highly, highly recommend bringing along bear spray. | Recommended | |
83 | ☐ | Safety | External Battery (+ Solar Charger) | Your phone (or other devices) will only hold a charge for so long (especially if you are taking 500 pictures a day). Bring along a spare external battery. Additional tip is to buy a solar charger. | Recommended | |
84 | ☐ | Shelter | Tent, tarp, hammock/tarp or bivy | You will need some form of shelter for your trip. Some prefer a good tent, others enjoy hammock camping while others will pitch a lean-to with just a tarp. Decide what works best for you before you go on your trip. | Essential | |
85 | ☐ | Shelter | Footprint | A tent footprint for protecting the floor of your tent is optiona. If you expect the ground to be somewhat rocky it could be a good idea. | Optional | |
86 | ☐ | Sleeping System | Sleeping Bag | Choose a sleeping bag (or quilt) suitable for about 10F colder than the expected weather conditions. | Essential | |
87 | ☐ | Sleeping System | Sleeping Pad | While you could forgo one, a good nights sleep is easier with a sleeping pad. Again, dependant on the weather and trail conditions choose your pad wisely. | Essential | |
88 | ☐ | Sleeping System | Pillow | Rollup some clothes and place them under your head or purchase a lightweight backpacking pillow. Your choice, although, in our experience, we would recommend taking a pillow - your neck will thank you. | Recommended | |
89 | ☐ | Sleeping System | Earplugs + eye shade | If you are a light-sleeper then earplugs and an eye-shade may help you get your quotent of 'z's especially in high summer and/or on a heavily trafficked trail. | Recommended | |
90 | ☐ | Tools & Accessories | Ice Axe | This one is only if you expect to encounter snow/icey conditions. Don't pack one unless you are proficient in its use. | Optional | |
91 | ☐ | Tools & Accessories | Trekking poles | Trekking poles can make your trek easier, more efficient and more painless. | Recommended | |
92 | ☐ | Tools & Accessories | Nylon cord | Setting extra guylines for your tent in high wind, setting up an extra rain tarp or lashing together some firewood. Having some cord in your bag can make your trip more comfortable or even help save your life. | Recommended | |
93 | The above list is a suggestion based on our experience. When assembling your own kit, please consider your needs, preferences and the likely conditions of your trip. We hold no responsiblity for your safety or health. | |||||
94 | CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE | |||||
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