Backpacking Checklist: Complete Packing Guide Overnight Backpacking Trips

Backpacking Checklist: Complete Packing Guide Overnight Backpacking Trips

When my parents brought my backpacking on Lake Michigan as a kid and I would fill my tiny backpack until the zipper would nearly burst. The trail to camp wasn’t any longer than a mile, but every year I would sit down, convinced I couldn’t continue, regretting the extra pound of candy I just *had* to pack. 

Since then I’ve probably trekked a thousand miles or so in the backcountry. There are still times I sit on a stump next to the dusty trail and wonder what I’m doing out there. But man, there’s nothing like it. Somehow a view, a mountain, a moment is always sweeter when you have it all to yourself, miles away from the world.

Backpacking Checklist: Important Notes 

Before I list out every item, I want to make it clear WHY I’m included what I am. Anyone can make a standard backpacking checklist after a few minutes of research on the web. The reason I’ve built mine is because a lot of those internet checklists seem to be written by people who

1. Have never been backpacking and make their list purely off internet research 
2. Expect people to go out and buy the world’s best and most expensive equipment
3. Include too many unnecessary things that only add weight to your pack 

My list combines a lot of different aspects, including weight, affordability, and necessities. To be honest, I like to think of myself as ‘lazy backpacker,’ meaning I keep things minimal and practical. I don’t like weighing down my pack to bring something 20 miles into the backcountry that I ‘might’ use. So I reduce a lot of fluff.

I also don’t like when people say that in order to get into backpacking you need to drop $1000 on the best gear. As someone who couldn’t afford a lot of ‘professional’ gear in the beginning, I can tell you that some of the stuff is worth it and some aren’t. Upgrading to a better sleeping bag was DEFINITELY worth it. Spending $100 on a Jetboil when my $50 Fire Maple stove is the same thing, makes it not. That’s why I’ve left a lot of links in my backpacking checklist so you can see exactly what I use. 

Things I DON’T Bring That You Probably See on Other Lists (And Why I Leave Them Behind) 

1. Axe: This is one of the heaviest items in your pack and most of the time you can collect scrap firewood instead of cutting away at large trees and branches. 
2. Hammock: They are cute and create a vibe around camp but unless you are sleeping in it, it takes up weight and space in your pack that you could be saving. 
3. Backpacking meals: This is more of a ‘sometimes’ leave behind. I’ll bring one every now and again, but they are pretty expensive and can also be pretty heavy. When it comes to backpacking food I stick to cheap or lightweight. Carbs, protein, calories.
4. Extra clothes: You’re always going to emerge out of a backpacking trip dirty and smelly. And sure, wearing the same clothes three days in the real world might look a little strange, but there are different rules in the wilderness. Disgusting, multi-day clothes are welcomed, sometimes even encouraged. 
5. Beer: It’s just too heavy and adds to the trash you have to pack back out. 
6. Trekking poles: This one is purely personal preference. I’ve just never enjoyed hiking with trekking poles so it’s one less thing to pack for me. 
7. Dishes/Mugs: I have one plastic cup I use as a mug and all meals we eat straight out of the cooking pot. Less weight and fewer dishes. 

Backing Checklist: The Essentials

Okay, now that I’ve gone over some of the things I leave behind, here is what are essentials when it comes to a backpacking checklist. For perspective: I am 5’2 and carry a 40L backpack.The only thing I might not carry is the tent if I’m with my husband, then he will strap that to the outside of his pack. 

Typically with what I pack I have extra room for my camera if I decide to bring it. Sticking to these essentials usually keeps my pack pretty light. I’ve included links to what product I use for each: 

General backpacking supplies: 

• Backpacking tent (under 5lbs) 
• Sleeping bag (under 4lbs, minimum 40F thermal) 
• Inflatable sleeping pad
• Inflatable Pillow 
• Stove & pot 
• Stove fuel 
• One fork 
• One spoon
• Sunglasses 
• 2 liters water 
• Platypus Bladder
• Food (full list of what I pack for food below) 
• Headlamp 
• Emergency beacon 
• Camp knife 
• Walter filter 
• Hat 
• Waterproof hiking boots 
• Compact first aid kit 
• Waterproof/bear bag 
• Rope  
• Sandals (lifesaver around camp and river crossings) 
• Plastic bag (for wrappers, toilet paper, trash. Leave no trace!)  

Clothing: 

• One jacket (wind or down - based on weather) 
• One pair of hiking pants 
• Two tank tops 
• One long sleeve (type depends on the season) 
• One thermal 
• One pair Kuhl shorts 
• Socks (don’t skimp on socks! I typically pack one for each + 2 additional pairs) 
• Underwear (one pair/day)

Sporting my dusty rose Kuhl shorts

Things that I pack into a small cosmetic bag: 

• Sunscreen
• Tweezers  
• Lip balm
• Wet Wipes 
• Insect repellent 
• Two lighters 
• Hair ties
• Folded toilet paper

Optional depending on location/time of year: 

• Bear spray (if in grizzly country) 
• Winter hat 
• Gloves 
• Hand warmers
• Permit (if location requires it) 
• Wag bag (if location requires it) 
• Portable speaker 

You can shop my entire backpacking gear list here. 

Backpacking Checklist: What I Pack for FOOD 

In recent years I think that people have started thinking that the best backpacking foods are high-protein, healthy, and low-calorie. Healthy and high-protein are very important when hiking, but so are calories. 

If you are only eating super healthy, protein-packed food, your body is probably lacking the calories it needs to burn. Don’t be afraid to pack lightweight and calorie-packed foods like chips, cookies, etc. My backpack tends to be a mix of things depending on what I am craving, but here is a general list of something I would pack for a two-night, three-day backpacking excursion: 

• 3 granola bars 
• 2 packs ramen 
• 2 Tuna & apple sandwiches on a bagel OR peanut butter sandwiches 
• 2 personal-sized chips 
• Peanut butter crackers 
• M&Ms 
• Combos 
• Cookies 
• 1 Tuna Creations packet 
• Veggie straws 
• 3 Annie’s fruit snacks 
• 1 backpacking meal 
• Almonds 
• 2 bean & rice burritos (tortillas, cheese, brown rice, black beans, salsa)
• Two individual packets of instant coffee 

You’ll probably notice that this is more than enough food for two days - but I always pack extra. This is for two reasons

1. Emergency food supply - you never want to be caught without enough food in the wilderness, especially in an emergency 
2. Half this stuff won’t sound even remotely appetizing by day two. A healthy variety is good for making sure you keep intaking food and don’t malnourish yourself just because you’re tired of granola bars after the first day.

And that’s the complete backpacking checklist! No matter what you pack - the most important thing is to get out, have fun, and enjoy the great outdoors. 

Happy hiking!