Are you interested in learning how to pack a backpack for camping? If you are new to backcountry camping or simply need a backpacking checklist to assist you in getting started, it is important to consider this gear list for your significant expedition. This comprehensive checklist is designed to be more than exhaustive, as not all items are necessary. In fact, it is advisable to leave behind unnecessary backpacking gear and luxury items at home, and instead pack a minimal amount. The lighter your backpack, the greater your comfort, but be sure not to overlook the essentials.
Before traveling, it is important to thoroughly research the weather and climate of your destination. This will allow you to pack accordingly, taking into consideration any potential cold or rainy conditions, especially if you plan to go hiking. In such cases, waterproof equipment should be given special attention. Additionally, if the weather is expected to be chilly, it is wise to pack extra layers of clothing. On the other hand, if you are fortunate enough to be hiking and camping in warm weather, you may not require as much gear.
How to Decide What Gear to Pack
I streamline my checklist for each specific trip, including only the essentials that are necessary. For example, I may bring a warmer down jacket for some trips, a lighter one for others, or a synthetic puffy jacket if I anticipate wet weather. In most cases, I only bring one puffy jacket and do not require an additional fleece or vest on most three-season trips. If it’s cool in the morning, I will hike in my long-sleeve jersey over my T-shirt, wearing my shell jacket for added warmth if necessary. Typically, I only need to wear these extra layers for an hour or two until it becomes warm enough to remove one or two of them.
In situations where bugs or heavy rain are anticipated, I prefer to bring a tent. However, during late summer or early fall scenarios where rain is the only concern, such as post Labor Day visits to Yosemite or Sequoia national parks, or any of the High Sierra wilderness areas like the John Muir Wilderness, where mosquitoes are not a concern and rain is infrequent, I opt for a tarp for just rain protection.
When it comes to base layers, I’ll pack one T-shirt and one midweight long-sleeve jersey. I will typically only use them on cool mornings while hiking, so that I can keep them dry for sleeping if necessary. For trips lasting up to five days, I will bring two pairs of socks, and for trips longer than five days, I will bring a maximum of three pairs. However, if I anticipate very dry conditions, even on longer trips, two pairs of socks may be enough.
During most of my backpacking trips, I give myself the privilege of having a few indulgences. These include having a cozy and lightweight air mattress, or sometimes an ultralight one. In addition, I also bring along a compact foam pad that serves multiple purposes such as providing a comfortable surface for lounging around camp, acting as a yoga or stretching mat which improves my well-being, and offering extra cushioning under my air mattress while sleeping. Furthermore, I bring an inflatable pillow and often carry a lightweight camp chair designed specifically for backpacking.
Backpacking Gear Checklist
– GPS or a mapping app (such as Gaia) – Trail map(s) – First-aid kit – Permit and passport, if required – Camera, batteries, camera pack – Book or e-reader – Backpack, optional pack cover – Daypack, if necessary – Sleeping bag, inflatable pillow – Air mattress or sleeping pad – Chair kit – Tent or tarp – Toiletries, toothbrush, toothpaste – Double-bagged toilet paper – Stove, fuel – Cooking kit – Utensil – Mug, bowl, plate – Water bottle or bladder – Water treatment – Trekking poles – Headlamp, batteries – Compass, GPS, altimeter – Matches or lighter – Multi-tool or knife – Stuff sacks – Lashing straps, mini-biners – Sunglasses, eyeglasses, case – Bug repellent or bug nets, if necessary – Sunscreen, lip balm – Boots or shoes, camp footwear if needed – Gaiters or low gaiters – Gloves or mittens – Warm hat, earband, sun hat, rain hat – Rain shell – T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt – Shorts, pants – Long underwear, if needed – Underwear – Insulation or puffy jacket – Socks
