Backpacking Pack List
Ready to go out on a big backpacking trip? Here are some of the things I recommend getting and taking. Of course, this list has a lot of options, please don't bring everything on this list unless you're looking to pack to get in shape.
- Good hiking backpack (I recommend Deuter bags, not sponsored, just really really like their bags and am totally biased from being a hiking guide in the Alps)
- Tent, Bivy, or Hammock (Nowadays there are so many options for camping. Tents are essential, but you may want a super light 3 season tent, or you may want a heavier 4 season, or get a light 4 season like what I have from Mountain Hardwear...and I love. Bivies are also a great new option. I have one from Outdoor Research that does wonders for when I'm hiking solo. Thing is ultralight and does everything I need it to do. Hammocks right now are all the rage, and I'll just say I love my hammock...I have one from Kammok that I really love...But hammocks don't end up being as lightweight as they're promised to be, so keep that in mind, because you have to get the hammock, the straps, a tarp for protection, a bug net, and maybe even a little gear holder to take all your gear. Plus you still need to sleep with a pad and hammocks put a lot of pressure on your back sleeping even when you sleep diagonally on it. And then you need good trees to sleep between. So just some things to keep in mind. I like mine, but it's a steep learning curve and you'll have a few bad nights before it gets ok.)
- Food - Dehydrated meals, ramen, rice - I think you would be hard pressed to find a better backpacking meal than the dehydrated meals. Lots of different companies make these now, so I won't belabor the point, but they are usually a little expensive. The cheaper options are things like ramen, rice, soup, tuna, or anything somewhat dehydrated and light. Other good things to have are trail mix and granola. Beware bringing anything with chocolate because it doesn't do well in warm or cold temps. The same goes for granola or snack bars, especially in the winter. Nothing is worse than opening a bar only to discover it's frozen solid.
- Stove - There are a lot of different stoves, but I honestly don't understand why some cost over $100, when you can get just as small and packable of one at REI for $20.
- Pots
- Fork
- Knife - I usually bring a couple depending on the trip. From big hunting knives to small pocket knives for cutting fishing line to a filet knife if I'm going to be doing a lot of fishing.
- Hatchet
- Gun - That's right, I recommend bringing a weapon with you when you're in the backcountry. There has been a lot of false lore over the years that a pistol wouldn't bring down or deter a bear. I remember growing up in the Rockies and hearing this all the time and that you needed a rifle if you were going to take down a Grizzly. This has been largely proven false. Numerous incidents have occurred where a bear has attacked, bear spray has been utilized and hasn't stopped the bear and a 9mm or .40 were able to either kill the bear or immediately end the attack. Recently there was even a mortal wounding of a bear from park rangers at Grand Teton, where the ranger shot a black bear with a rubber bullet and mortally wounded the bear. But bears aren't the only things that can attack you. Anything from moose, which are surprisingly dangerous, to cougars, to a recent attack by a bobcat on a family of 4 in Arizona, nothing makes you quite as formidable with as little weight and packing space as a 9mm or .40. If you're new to weapons, but would like to have that added security find a gun range near you, most of them let you rent weapons and you can learn how to use one safely before you decide to buy one. I personally carry my duty glock 26 because it's small and still packs that 9mm punch, but learn what works for you and stay safe!
- Sleeping Bag - Here I have quite a big preference. If you can afford one, get a down sleeping bag. It's like sleeping in a cloud. They're also extremely light. There are a lot of good ones on the market, so I won't recommend specific ones. But keep in mind with down 850+ usually means it'll be warmer and lighter. Most 3 season bags you won't need below 40 degrees, but if you're looking for good winter bags start looking at 0 degrees. Some go up to -40!
- Pillow - I can't tell you how many times I've not brought a pillow camping and been just fine. If you forget just wad up some clothes or anything remotely soft and bam you're good to go. But there are some good light options out there. My favorite are from Klymit.
- Pad - Once again there are a million options on pads. You can do the old foam pads, which is what I grew up using. Other good options are check out the store Decathlon. It's this cheap French store that recently made their foray into the US. They have stuff for just about every sport and they're all pretty good quality and well priced. The one drawback with Decathlon is their stuff is usually highly functional, but not always the best looking stuff, but they do have pretty soft and warm pads. My favorite, however, is still Klymit pads. They're very packable, soft, and lightweight.
- Fishing Pole
- Fishing Tackle
- Entertainment stuff
- Water Bladder
- Water Purifier - Keep in mind that most water purifier pumps will get rid of bacteria but not viruses, which is fine at higher elevations, but when you get lower you had better either have purifying tablets or boil your water for around 15 minutes.
- Crampons, ice axe, rope, beacon, shovel - You won't need this unless you're going through some big snow patches or it's during the winter. And in either case, you had better know what to do or have someone there with you who knows snow safety. But since I've seen a ton of influencers on insta post about going through snowfields and glaciers without any equipment and more and more people are doing it without knowing what they're doing, here's a short crash course. Ropes are not for climbing in this case or for in case you start sliding down snow. That's what the axe and crampons are for. The rope is to tie in to someone else in case you encounter a crevice and the snow breaks under you. This is extremely common and one of the biggest causes of death around glaciers. Morale of the story....be careful as it's not just glaciers that have these hidden crevices. For example a big cause of death skiing now is where a crevice hides right under a big pine tree, where snow piles on the branches, but doesn't build up underneath. All it takes is someone on top of the snow, and it'll cause it to collapse. Once again, be careful! Snow some scary shit.
- Socks - Many people swear by wool socks, I'll be honest and say find a pair that's comfortable for you. Wool works good in the winter, but doesn't do great once it gets wet.
- Water Shoes
- Change of Clothes
- Rain Jacket
- Warm Jacket
- Phone Charger
- Camera
- Drone
- Small Towel
- Pack Raft or Tube
- Wet Suit
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Deodorant
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Bug Spray
- Compass
- Map - Bring a paper copy just in case.
- Flashlight - I really like headlamps but flashlights have their use too. Also no tent is complete without a good lantern. I really like the Black Diamond small lanterns for this.
- Bear Spray - A lot of people think bear spray will just do away with everything, but remember pepper spray doesn't always react the same on every person, the same is true with bear spray on bears. Some won't feel anything at all. That's why I say bring a weapon too, but if you're attacked and bear spray doesn't work and you have a water bottle handy....my advice is throw some water on the bear if you can. Water makes the chemicals react and even on things where pepper spray didn't work initially, water will cause searing pain. But let's be honest, you're unlikely to have that much time. If attacked during the day on the trail, get off the trail and get small and play dead. If the bear attacks and keeps attacking, fight for your life. If you have a large group, stay together and try to get big. If my advice is the only bear advice you're reading before going into bear country, you're wrong.
- Emergency Blanket
- First Aid Kit
- Blister Fixers - Moleskin is pretty common here in the US, but now you can finally buy what the rest of the world has been using for a long time. They're like blister patches that you put over blisters, and they are AMAZING!! Bring a couple that'll literally save your life.
- Duct Tape