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.
Essential Equipment:
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Tent**
- Sleeping pad
- Pillow
- Stove, pot, fuel, lighter**
- Spoon
- Mug
- Headlamp
- Compass + map
- Pen + notepad
- Phone (offline maps)
- Water bottles (x2) or a 2L bladder
- Water filtration**
- Watch (ideally with GPS)
- Knife or leatherman tool
- "Oh, shit!" kit (matches, tinder, whistle, duct tape, repair kit)**
- Food for duration of trip
Clothing:
- Trail shoes
- 2-3 pairs of socks
- Pants
- Running shorts
- Ball cap or wide brimmed hat
- Thin belt
- Bandana
- Shirt
- Insulating layer
- Beanie
- Rain jacket or poncho
Hygiene & Medical:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
- Deodorant**
- Toilet paper and hand sanitizer**
- First aid kit**
- Trauma kit**
- Trough**
Optional Equipment and Clothing
- Crocs or camp shoes
- Sleep shirt / pants
- Camp chair
- Chapstick
- Sunblock**
- Bug spray**
- Trekking poles
- 2L dromedary or collapsible bottle**
- 50 gallon trash bag
- Garmin Inreach**
- Book
- Pistol
- Binos**
- Charging brick + cords**
- Radio
- Flash pack or fanny pack
- Flask**
- Sunglasses
- Gaiters / rain pants
- Wet wipes**
If you pack everything on this list, you can expect a 45 pound pack.