What to Pack for a Backpacking Trip

The Weight Principle: Every Ounce Matters

Here's the most important backpacking advice you'll get: pack less than you think you need. Your back, knees, and feet will thank you at mile eight when you're climbing a switchback with everything you own strapped to your body.

A fully loaded pack for a 1-3 night trip should weigh between 25-35 pounds, including food and water. If you're over 40 pounds, you've packed too much. If you're flying to your trailhead, you've also got airline rules to deal with, which adds another layer of planning.

Flying with a Backpacking Pack

Your backpacking pack won't fit in an overhead bin. That's fine. Check it.

Before checking your pack, protect it. Airlines are rough on luggage, and external straps, hip belt webbing, and buckles love to get caught in conveyor belts. Use a large duffel bag, a pack cover, or even a heavy-duty trash bag cinched tight around the whole thing. Tuck all straps inside or strap them down flat.

Keep your fuel canisters out of your luggage entirely. Pressurized camping fuel canisters are prohibited on planes, both carry-on and checked. Buy fuel at your destination. REI, outdoor shops near popular trailheads, and even some gas stations carry them.

What Goes in Your Carry-On

Pack a small daypack as your personal item with these essentials:

• Valuables (wallet, phone, ID, permits)
• Medications
• One change of clothes (in case your checked bag is delayed)
• Electronics and chargers
• Maps and navigation tools
• Satellite communicator (lithium batteries should fly in the cabin)

The Ten Essentials

The outdoor community has used this list for decades because it works. Don't hit the trail without every single one:

• Navigation (map, compass, GPS device or phone with downloaded offline maps)
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, lip balm)
• Insulation (extra layers beyond what you expect to need)
• Illumination (headlamp with extra batteries)
• First aid kit
• Fire (waterproof matches, lighter, fire starter)
• Repair kit and tools (knife, duct tape, gear repair supplies)
• Nutrition (extra food beyond your planned meals)
• Hydration (water bottles or reservoir, plus purification method)
• Emergency shelter (emergency bivy or space blanket)

These aren't suggestions. They're the bare minimum for staying alive if something goes wrong on the trail.

The Big Three: Pack, Shelter, Sleep System

These three items make up the majority of your pack weight. Invest here if you can.

Backpack

• 30-50 liters for 1-3 night trips
• 50-70 liters for longer trips or winter conditions
• Proper hip belt that transfers weight to your hips
• Rain cover or pack liner (packs aren't waterproof)

Your pack should fit your torso length, not your height. Get fitted at an outdoor store if possible. A poorly fitted pack turns a great trail into a painful slog.

Shelter

• Tent or tarp (freestanding tents are easier for beginners; ultralight tarps save weight)
• Footprint or ground cloth (protects your tent floor from rocks and moisture)
• Stakes (bring extras; they bend and break)

For your first trips, a two-person freestanding tent is the way to go. They're forgiving on different terrain, set up fast, and keep bugs out. You can go ultralight later once you know what you're doing.

Sleep System

• Sleeping bag rated 10-20 degrees below expected nighttime lows
• Sleeping pad (inflatable or foam; R-value of 3+ for three-season use)
• Pillow (optional but worth it; inflatable ones weigh almost nothing)

Down bags are lighter and more compressible but lose insulation when wet. Synthetic bags perform better in wet conditions but are heavier and bulkier. If you go down, use a dry bag or compression sack to keep it dry.

Clothing

The golden rule: no cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture, takes forever to dry, and loses all insulating ability when wet. Stick to merino wool and synthetics.

• 2 moisture-wicking shirts (one for hiking, one dry for camp)
• 1 pair of hiking pants or shorts (convertible zip-offs are versatile)
• 1 warm mid-layer (fleece or light puffy)
• 1 rain jacket (waterproof and breathable)
• Rain pants (optional but recommended in wet climates)
• 2-3 pairs of merino wool hiking socks
• 2-3 pairs of underwear (merino or synthetic)
• Warm hat and sun hat
• Lightweight gloves (even in summer at altitude)
• Camp shoes (lightweight sandals or foam slides for letting your feet breathe)

Two shirts sounds crazy for a week-long trip, but it works. Wear one, hang the other to air out. Merino wool can go days without smelling. Your hiking pants will get dirty no matter what, so one pair is fine.

Kitchen

• Backpacking stove (canister stoves are lightest and easiest)
• Fuel canister (buy at destination if flying)
• Pot (750ml-1L is enough for most solo hikers)
• Spork or long-handled spoon
• Mug or insulated cup
• Lighter (keep one in a ziplock as backup)
• Water treatment (filter, chemical drops, or UV purifier)
• Water bottles or hydration reservoir (carry at least 2L capacity)
• Bear canister or bear bag (required in many wilderness areas)

Check whether your destination requires a bear canister. Many popular wilderness areas mandate them, and you can often rent them at ranger stations near the trailhead if you don't want to fly with one.

Safety and Navigation

• Satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or similar; allows SOS and messaging without cell service)
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Whistle
• First aid kit (bandages, blister treatment, pain relievers, antihistamines, tape, gauze, tweezers)
• Knife or multitool (must go in checked luggage when flying)
• Map and compass (don't rely solely on your phone)
• Permits and trail info printouts

A satellite communicator isn't optional for remote backcountry trips. Cell service doesn't exist out there. If you break an ankle at mile 12, an SOS button is the difference between a rescue and a very bad situation.

Hygiene

• Biodegradable soap (tiny bottle)
• Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
• Sunscreen and lip balm
• Insect repellent
• Trowel (for digging cat holes; it's Leave No Trace practice)
• Toilet paper (and ziplock bags to pack it out)
• Hand sanitizer

Common Mistakes First-Timers Make

• Packing too many clothes - You need two of most things, not seven.
• Skipping the shakedown hike - Do an overnight trip close to home before flying somewhere remote.
• Forgetting to check fire and permit regulations - Many areas ban stoves during fire season.
• Not waterproofing gear - Use a pack liner or dry bags. Your pack is not waterproof even with a rain cover.
• Buying everything new - Rent or borrow expensive items like tents and sleeping bags for your first trip.
• Packing fuel canisters in luggage - Pressurized fuel is banned on planes. Buy it at your destination.