Backpacking Packing List
The lightweight backpacking checklist — what to bring, what to leave, and how to get your base weight under 20 lbs.
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The Backpacking Big Three (Start Here)
Before anything else, get your Big Three right:
- Shelter — Ultralight tents (e.g., Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2: 2 lbs 6 oz)
- Sleep system — Sleeping bag + pad. Down sleeping bag + inflatable pad = best weight-to-warmth ratio
- Pack — 40–55L for most trips. Osprey Exos/Eja, Zpacks Arc, or ULA Circuit are popular options
Full Backpacking Checklist
Shelter
- Backpacking tent or tarp
- Tent stakes (titanium saves weight)
- Emergency bivy
Sleep
- Sleeping bag (down, rated for expected lows)
- Sleeping pad (R-value 2+ for summer, 3+ for 3-season)
- Earplugs
Cooking
- Ultralight stove (canister or alcohol)
- Fuel canister
- Titanium pot
- Spork
- Lighter + backup matches
- Bear canister (required in many areas)
Water
- Sawyer Squeeze filter OR SteriPen UV purifier
- 2-liter soft flask or Nalgene
- Backup chemical tablets
Navigation
- Downloaded offline map (Gaia GPS)
- Paper topo map of the area
- Compass
Clothing (3-Season)
- Moisture-wicking hiking shirt
- Insulating mid-layer (down or synthetic jacket)
- Rain jacket and pants
- Hiking pants or shorts
- Merino wool base layer
- Hiking socks x3 pairs (merino wool)
- Camp shoes (lightweight sandals)
- Warm hat and gloves
- Sun hat and sun gloves
Health & Safety
- First aid kit
- Bear spray (in bear country)
- Emergency whistle
- Emergency blanket
- Sunscreen and lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Personal medications
Hygiene & Leave No Trace
- Cat hole trowel
- Waste bags
- Biodegradable soap
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush + toothpaste
- Menstrual products + waste bags if applicable
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