Backpacking supply list
A laundry list of supply for a backpacking trip (items in brackets are optional):
Packs
- Backpack (external or internal)
- Waterproof pack cover
- Daypack or lumbar/waist pack
Shelter and Sleeping
- Lightweight tent (includes poles, stakes, and guy-lines)
- Sleeping bag (down or synthetic)
- Sleeping pad (self-inflating pads are more comfortable, but more expensive; closed cell foam pads are more durable and cheaper, but less comfortable)
- Camp pillow
- [Ground cloth]
- [Mosquito netting (for around head when sleeping under the stars)]
Essentials
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle or hydration system (carry two quarts in mountains when water is available; one gallon per day in desert environments)
- Water purification or water filter
- Nylon cord (50 feet)
- Waterproof/windproof matches
- Flashlight/headlamp (extra bulb and batteries)
- Fire starter
- Pocket knife
- Toilet paper
- Topographic map
- Compass
- Emergency blanket
- Whistle
- Signal mirror
- Emergency snacks
Clothing-First layer
- Underwear (symthetic)
- Long underwear (tops and bottoms in either light or midweight; synthetic)
- Liner socks (one extra pair only)
- Wool outer socks (one extra pair only)
- T-shirt (cotton; for sleeping)
- [Sport-specific socks (one extra pair only)]
Clothing-Second Layer
- Fleece, Polartec, or wool sweater
- Long pants/convertible pants (synthetic)
- [Wool shirt]
- [Shorts]
Clothing-Protective Layer
- Polartec hat
- Sun hat
- Fleece or Polartec jacket
- Rain suit (jacket and pants)
- Windbreaker
- Hiking boots
- Sandals (for après-hike)
- [Parka (synthetic fill or down)]
- [Wool mittens]
- [Gaitors]
Kitchen
- Backpacking stove
- Fuel/Fuel bottle
- Lighter/Matches
- Windscreen/3 feet of aluminum foil
- Cookset
- Water bag (collapsible)
- Zip-lock plastic bags (freezer variety)
- Large spoon
- Cup
- Biodegradable soap
- Paper towels
- [Bowl]
- [Cutting board (small nylon variety)]
- [Scrub pads]
- [Spice kit/salt and pepper shakers]
- [Food Storage Containers]
- [Can opener (GI folding variety)]
- [Knife, fork, and spoon]
- [Plate]
First Aid and Toiletries
- First Aid in a pouch
- Antibiotics/Neosporin
- Tylenol/Advil
- Benadryl
- Spyroflex blister kit
- Pencil
- Emergency phone numbers and money for a phone call
- Toothbrush / Toothpaste
- Dental floss
- Deodorant
- Small towel
- Biodegradable soap and shampoo
- Moisturizing lotion
- Towlettes
- Lip balm
- [Snakebite kit (depending on locale)]
- [Comb / Brush]
- [Shaving kit]
- [Tampons]
Miscellaneous Gear/Fun and Games
- Note pad and pencil
- Reading material
- Camera, memory storage, lenses, charger
- [Binoculars]
- [Frisbee]
- [Nerf ball]
- [Animal, flower, or other field guides]
- [Star guide]
- [Bandana]