Below is a list of what I typically bring with me on a backpacking trip. Consider backpacking with a partner and sharing gear to save on weight.
Clothing
- Waterproof and windproof jacket or Parka
- Waterproof pants
- Hiking pants or shorts (zip-on legs are nice)
- Thermal pants
- Thermal long-sleeve shirt
- Warm jacket or vest (like goose down)
- Performance wicking T Shirt(s)
- Optional: For sun protection I prefer a lightweight, long-sleeved, button-up synthetic hiking shirt.
- Nylon/spandex performance underwear / sports bra
- Hiking shoes
Accessories
- Gloves
- Bandana
- Insulating hat
- Sun hat
- Watch
- Sunglasses
- Hiking Poles
Gear
- Backpack
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping pad
- Shelter: tent, tarp-tent, tarp, or bivy-sac
Cooking
- Biodegradable Soap Please don’t use soap in streams
- Small sponge/scrubber for washing dishes
- Spork
- Pan with lid
- Food bowl
- Stove w/ windscreen
- Collapsible water carrier
- Water bottle or water bladder
- Water filter
- Small container of seasonings
Miscellaneous
- Ultralight towel
- Ultralight umbrella
- Nylon cord (50 feet) for hanging food
- Ultralight knife
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Mosquito hat
- Map
- Duct tape
- Plastic trash bag
- First Aid Kit
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- A few iodine tablets
- Toothbrush / small toothpaste
- Toilet paper
- Moist Towlettes
- Chapstick
- Small notebook/pen (recommend waterproof)
- Camera and backup batteries
- Credit card and extra cash
