One of the biggest questions people have before stepping into the field on an overnight adventure is, "What should I pack?".
Below we've outlined a basic packing list for a 2 to 5 day recreational backpacking trip. If you are backpack hunting, expect to add a few more items that will increase your pack weight.
The pack for a 5 day recreational trip will weigh 30 to 40 pounds, depending on the specific items you choose. This includes food and 2 liters of water.
One day of food typically weighs 1.5 to 2 pounds, so shorter trips will make the pack lighter and longer trips will make it a bit heavier. Additionally, "comfort items" (camp chair, book, etc.) will add more weight to the pack - there's always a trade off!
The backpacking packing list below is for one person. Backpacking in a group allows for shared equipment, decreasing the load of each individual's pack. Gear that can be shared on group trips are marked with a double asterisk.
Packs need to have a frame and load bearing waist belt. We suggest a 50+ liter pack.
For a printable version of the packing list click here.
Camp
- Shelter
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad
- Pillow
Cooking / Water
- Stove, pot, fuel, lighter
- Spoon & Mug
- Water Filter and Dirty Bladder
- 1-2 Water Bottles
- Food for duration of trip
Electronics
- Headlamp with spare battery or cord
- Phone with offline maps
- Tools / Misc
- Knife or leatherman tool
- Tenacious Tape / Patch Kit
- Fire starter
Clothing Packed
- 1-2 pairs of socks
- Puffy
- Gloves
- Beanie
- Rain jacket
Clothing Worn
- Shoes / Socks
- Shorts or Pants
- Shirt
- Hat
Hygiene and Medical
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
- Basic Aid & Meds
Optional
- Trekking Poles
- Bandana
- Inreach
- Watch
- Trough
- Deodorant
- Chapstick / Sunblock / Bug spray
- Camp chair
- Camp Shoes
- Shorts or pants
- Pen + notepad
- Sleep shirt / pants
- 50 gallon trash bag
- Book
- Pistol
- Radio
- Sunglasses
- Gaiters or rain pants
- Wet wipes
- Prescription meds
- Binos
- Charging brick + cords
- Flash pack or fanny pack
- Flask
Some items listed as “optional” always go with me, but that is a personal preference. Over time you will ID which items are worth carrying, and which ones can be left behind. Your fitness, as well as the desired level of comfort, will determine which items stay and which go!
I prefer to keep my pack, with food and water, below 30lbs for a 5 day trip.