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🥾 Backpacking Packing List
Everything on your back: shelter, sleep system, water treatment, and food, plus the repair and emergency items that live in the pack all season.
🗓 Planning the days too? Backpacking Itinerary Template
| Category | Item | Qty | Packed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Documents & money | Wallet | 1 | |
| Documents & money | Photo ID / driver's license | 1 | |
| Documents & money | Debit / credit card | ||
| Documents & money | Cash in small bills | ||
| Documents & money | Keys | 1 | |
| Clothing | Underwear | 1 per day + 2 | |
| Clothing | Socks | 1 per day + 2 | |
| Clothing | T-shirts / tops | 1 per day | |
| Clothing | Pants, jeans, or skirts | 1 per 2–3 days | |
| Clothing | Sleepwear | ||
| Clothing | Insulated jacket | 1 | |
| Clothing | Fleece or mid-layer | ||
| Clothing | Base layers — wool or synthetic, since cotton stays wet | ||
| Clothing | Warm hat + gloves | ||
| Clothing | Scarf or neck gaiter | ||
| Clothing | Wool socks | ||
| Clothing | Waterproof rain jacket or packable poncho | 1 | |
| Clothing | Quick-dry trousers or shorts (not cotton) | ||
| Footwear | Everyday shoes | 1 pair | |
| Footwear | Waterproof boots | 1 pair | |
| Footwear | Hiking boots or trail runners, broken in | 1 pair | |
| Toiletries & health | Prescription medication in its original bottle | ||
| Toiletries & health | Pain reliever (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) | 1 | |
| Toiletries & health | Adhesive bandages + antiseptic wipes | ||
| Toiletries & health | Toothbrush + toothpaste | 1 | |
| Toiletries & health | Deodorant | 1 | |
| Toiletries & health | Shampoo + conditioner | ||
| Toiletries & health | Body wash or soap | ||
| Toiletries & health | Hairbrush or comb | 1 | |
| Toiletries & health | Razor + shaving cream | ||
| Toiletries & health | Glasses or contacts + solution | ||
| Toiletries & health | Blister tape or moleskin | 1 | |
| Tech | Phone | 1 | |
| Tech | Phone charger + cable | 1 | |
| Tech | Headphones | 1 | |
| Tech | Satellite messenger or beacon for areas with no signal | ||
| Bags & carry-on | Dry bag or waterproof pack cover | ||
| Bags & carry-on | Backpack with a fitted hip belt | 1 | |
| Bags & carry-on | Stuff sacks or dry bags to sort the pack | ||
| Bags & carry-on | Daypack | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Tent with stakes and guylines | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Sleeping bag rated below the forecast night low | 1 each | |
| Outdoor & camp | Insulated sleeping pad | 1 each | |
| Outdoor & camp | Headlamp + spare batteries | 1 each | |
| Outdoor & camp | Lighter + matches in a waterproof case | ||
| Outdoor & camp | First-aid kit | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Multi-tool or knife | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Duct tape wrapped around a bottle | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Trash bags — pack out what you bring in | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Quick-dry camp towel | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Biodegradable soap | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Toilet paper + trowel | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Bear-resistant food storage where the park requires it | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Water filter or purification tablets | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Backpacking stove + fuel canister | 1 | |
| Outdoor & camp | Dinners and trail food for every day, plus one spare | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Paper map + compass | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Emergency shelter or bivy | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Repair kit — pad patch, cord, spare buckle | ||
| Outdoor & camp | Trekking poles | ||
| Extras | Reusable water bottle | 1 | |
| Extras | Compact umbrella | ||
| Extras | Binoculars for wildlife and scenery |
Free packing list — itinerarysheets.com/packing-lists/backpacking/
Tick items off here — this browser remembers what you packed. Print it for a paper copy, download the CSV for Excel, or open it in the builder to add your own rows. Free, no signup, nothing uploaded.
Backpacking Packing List FAQ
What is base weight?
Base weight is everything in your pack except food, water, and fuel — the part that does not shrink as you walk. It is the number worth tracking because it is the only one you control before you leave; a liter of water is another 2.2 lb no matter how light your gear is.
How should I treat water?
A squeeze or gravity filter handles bacteria and protozoa and works immediately; chemical tablets weigh almost nothing and make a good backup for when a filter clogs or freezes. Carry one of each on longer trips and check whether your route has reliable sources before you plan the day.
Do I need a bear canister?
In many parks and wilderness areas, yes — an approved hard-sided canister is required, and rangers check. Elsewhere a hang or an odor-proof bag may be allowed. Requirements are set per unit and change year to year, so read the permit conditions for the specific area rather than the general advice.
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