The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List

The thing about packing for a backpacking trip is that overpacking means being bogged down by unnecessary weight, and underpacking means you'll suffer. We're trying to toe the line between lightweight and comfortable. This list is everything I allow myself to bring on a trip, but depending on the weather and the destination I'll bring less than everything on this list. I've only done day hikes, single overnights, and a few multi-night trips, so this list might change if you're planning a longer hike.

Summer Day Hiking List

• Cap + Sunglasses
• Wicking Base Layer, upper and lower
• Rain / Wind Layers
• Liner Socks + Wool Socks (all year, fuck blisters) + 1 pair of spares
• Trail Runners
• Backpack
• Map + Compass
• Waterproof Bag w/ phone, wallet, keys
• Water Bottles (at least two) + filter or iodine
• Snacks + Lunch (Clif bars, Nature Valley bars, Snickers bars, sandwiches)
• First Aid Kit
• Headlamp + Spare Batteries
• Knife
• Lighter / Waterproof Matches
• Emergency Blanket
• Trekking Poles
• Sun Screen and Bug Spray
• Camp Towel (if swimming)
• Spare Water, Shoes, Clothes (to keep in the car for the drive home)
• Phone Charger (for car)

Summer Overnight Hiking List

• All Summer Day Hiking items
• Stove + Fuel + Pot + Bowl + Spork
• Dry Foods (repackaged for weight/space)
• Bear Can or similar
• Insulating Layers for camp (thick, wind resistant)
• A Change of Underwear
• Plastic Bag (for trash)
• Sleeping Bag (rated for minimum temperature)
• Sleeping Pad
• Tent (w/ groundcloth)
• Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Toilet Paper, Trowel, Hand Sanitizer / Soap, Bidet, Kula Cloth,

Winter Day Hiking List

• Most Summer Day Hiking items
• Warm Hat + Buff + Goggles
• Boots (high ankle and waterproof)
• Gaiters (for snow)
• Gloves
• More Insulating Layers for hiking (thin, breathable) and at rest (thick, wind resistant)
• Sleeping Bag (for emergency bivy)
• Spare Base Layers (for emergencies)

Winter Overnight Hiking List

• Most Summer Overnight Hiking items + All Winter Day Hiking items
• Extra Sleeping Pad
• 4-Season Tent (if camping above tree-line)