Backpacking Packing List: My Favorite Affordable Gear

Packing for your first backpacking trip can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t need the most expensive gear or a perfectly dialed ultralight setup to have an incredible experience. Hell, I spent months backpacking Europe with a $25 Walmart sleeping bag and no sleeping pad. It wasn't pretty, but it worked! Thankfully, since then, I've learned a lot of lessons. 

There are a lot of dude-bros who will tell you every $400 puffer and $600 backpacking tent you need to get started. And here's the truth: you don't need to spend thousands of dollars to start exploring. You just need the right essentials, a few comfort items, and a mindset ready for adventure.

The longer you backpack, the more comfortable you get. But it's a long-term investment.

This beginner-friendly packing guide breaks everything down into simple categories so you can feel confident heading into your first overnight in the backcountry.

Everything I have linked here is the actual gear I use on the trail. So it's trusted, tried, and true!

My Ultimate Backpacking Packing List

1. The Essentials 

These are the non-negotiables. If you have nothing else, start here.

Backpacking Backpack

Look for a 50–65L pack with a supportive hip belt and adjustable torso length. Fit matters more than brand, so if possible, get fitted at an outdoor store.

My hiking pack: Hyperlite Unbound Ultralight Backpack

My previous budget hiking pack: https://amzn.to/4aeZIj6

Backpacking Tent

A lightweight, easy-to-set-up tent makes life so much easier as a beginner. Aim for something under 5 pounds if possible. If hiking with a partner, you can split tent components to share weight.

Good budget backpacking tent: https://amzn.to/4a44mPU

Down Lightweight Sleeping Bag

Choose a bag rated for colder temperatures than you expect — staying warm is key to sleeping well. Down bags pack smaller and weigh less.

My sleeping bag: Kelty Cosmic Down Sleeping Bag (my husband and I have the mens/womens versions that zip together) 

Inflatable Pillow

Small luxury, big difference. You can also use a stuff sack filled with clothes, but a pillow is worth it.

My inflatable sleeping pillow: Forclaz Inflatable Pillow

Down Puffer Jacket

Perfect for chilly mornings, evenings, and extra warmth while sleeping.

My go-to puffer jacket: REI Down Jacket

LARQ Water Purifier or Water Filtration System

Clean water is essential. Always research water sources along your route and carry enough capacity.

LARQ Water Purifier: https://www.livelarq.com/

GRAYL Water Filter: https://amzn.to/4qHfTf5

Sleeping Pad 

You'll want this purely for comfort, and there are a lot of cheap options out there to get you started! If you plan to do a lot of cold-weather packing, you'll eventually want to upgrade to a sleeping pad that has a higher R rating for insulation.

Beginner sleeping pad: Lightweight Budget Sleeping Bad

High R rated sleeping pad: Nemo Insulated Sleeping Pad (this is what I currently use)

2. The Clothing

One of the biggest mistakes beginner backpackers make on their first backpacking trip is overpacking clothing. 

No, you do not need a fresh outfit for every day! 

No matter what, when you emerge from the wilderness after your backpacking trip, you will be stinky, dirty, and coated in sweat. Wear the same clothes multiple days in a row to save space and weight in your backpack.

 If I am going for a two-night backpacking trip, I will wear the only pair of hiking pants I’m bringing. I will wear one shirt and pack one additional shirt. I’ll usually also wear some sort of button-up camp shirt. 

In my pack, I will add: one additional shirt, one sleep shirt, one pair of sweatpants, and some evening layers. 

What you DON’T want to underpack on are socks. Trust me! 

Stick with lightweight, moisture-wicking, and quick-dry materials. Avoid cotton.

• One pair of sleeping pants
• Two quick-dry shirts
• Waterproof hiking boots (I swear by Timberland Waterproof Hiking Boots)
• Sandals (great for camp and creek crossings)
• Wind/rain jacket
• Merino wool hiking socks (3 pairs)
• Layered clothing (base layer + mid-layer + outer layer)
• Beanie or hat
• Underwear/boxers
  

3. Toiletries 

Keep everything compact and travel-sized.

• Toilet paper
• Wag bags (if required in your area)
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Wet wipes (I like Dude Wipes from Amazon) 
• Ibuprofun 

Pack toiletries in a small waterproof pouch or zip bag.

4. Gear & Accessories

These items boost safety, convenience, and peace of mind.

• Garmin InReach Mini (or similar satellite communicator)
• Small rope
• Bear bag or bear canister (required in grizzly country)
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• First aid kit
• Bear spray (where applicable)
• Water bottles (2–3 liters total capacity)
• Camp knife
• Lighter or waterproof matches
• Headlamp
• External battery charger
• Phone cord
• Dry bags
• Daypack
• Hiking/Trekking Poles (optional)

5. Food + Cooking

Simple meals = happy backpacker. Don’t overthink food. 

Trust me when I say you will want to AVOID making your snack pack only trail mix & protein bars. You’ll look in your bag on day two, and nothing will look appetizing. I use backpacking trips to enjoy many snacks I love guilt-free!

• Fire Maple or Jetboil stove (I like FireMaple - it is the off-brand version of Jetboil) 
• Propane fuel
• Reusable silverware
• Mug (optional)
• Instant coffee packets (optional) 
• Gallon Ziplock bag (for wrappers/trash)
• Electrolytes 
• Dinner meals
  • Backpacking Meals (good but expensive) 
  • Instant Mashed Potatoes 
  • Instant Rice
  • Tuna
  • Ramen

• Snacks & candy
  • Chips (lightweight!)
  • Popcorn (lightweight!)
  • Favorite Candy
  • Beef Jerky
  • Granola Bars
  • High-Calorie Snacks
  • Fruit Snacks

Aim for calorie-dense, lightweight foods that require minimal prep.

More Resources for Your First Backpacking Trip 

Your first backpacking trip is about learning, not perfection. You’ll probably overpack a little. I know I've messed up a lot over the years - but hopefully to your advantage! 

My pack typically weighs about 20-28 pounds, depending on the length of the trip. No matter what, try to keep your pack under 35 pounds. You'll be thanking me on the trail! 

Start with this list, keep your kit simple, and focus on the experience: quiet mornings, starry skies, tired legs, and the kind of satisfaction you only get from carrying everything you need on your back. And don't be afraid to be smelly!! 

More Tips: Best Tips for First-Time Backpackers