{"id":6788,"date":"2022-03-11T08:22:00","date_gmt":"2022-03-11T13:22:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/?p=6788"},"modified":"2022-06-05T19:31:40","modified_gmt":"2022-06-05T23:31:40","slug":"backpacking-checklist","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shaleewanders.com\/backpacking-checklist\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking Checklist: Complete Packing Guide for Overnight Backpacking Trips"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"Shalee\n\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n

\n\t\tBackpacking Checklist: Complete Packing Guide Overnight Backpacking Trips\n\t<\/h1>\n\t

March 11, 2022<\/p>\n\t

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Backpacking Checklist: Complete Packing Guide Overnight Backpacking Trips<\/b><\/h3>\n

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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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Backpacking Checklist: Important Notes<\/b>\u00a0<\/h3>\n

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<\/p>\n

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  1. Have never been backpacking and make their list purely off internet research\u00a0<\/li>\n
  2. Expect people to go out and buy the world’s best and most expensive equipment<\/li>\n
  3. Include too many unnecessary things that only add weight to your pack\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    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.<\/p>\n

    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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

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    Things I DON’T Bring That You Probably See on Other Lists (And Why I Leave Them Behind)\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n
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    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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
    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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
    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.<\/li>\n
    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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
    5. Beer: It’s just too heavy and adds to the trash you have to pack back out.\u00a0<\/li>\n
    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.\u00a0<\/li>\n
    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.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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      Backing Checklist: The Essentials<\/b><\/h3>\n

      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.\u00a0<\/p>\n

      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:\u00a0 <\/p>\n

      General backpacking supplies:\u00a0<\/p>\n