Backpacking; What to Bring

Backpacking Packing List

Backpacking Supplies

If you are going to go backpacking it is a good idea to plan your trip by making a list of the things you will be carrying in your backpack. Listed here are the basics and a few of my personal favorites. This is by no means a complete list but intended as a framework to build upon. There will be considerable controversy over this list from ultralight packers and minimalists. I will wright another post covering what I know about ultralight backpacking. Use this list as a basic camping guide. The basics of food water and shelter can be assembled in millions of combinations.

The length of your backpacking adventure in distance, the number of days and nights, the altitude, the climate and potential inclement weather conditions are all considerations that need to be considered when assembling a backpacking list.

Planing ahead will help you think of potential items you would like to have with you. You may decide to bring some non necessities along. I always bring a deck of cards for example.

Backpack

Backpacks come in many different shapes and sizes. Choosing the correct pack requires you to consider what type of backpacking you will be doing. Are you a minimalist, finding ways to live on the land and carrying as little as possible? Or will you bring everything except the kitchen sink? Your pack must fit your body well if you are going to be comfortable on the trails. The weight of each item must eventually be considered. When car camping I love to have my axe with me but wouldn’t even consider bringing it in my backpack. It is way too heavy. If your pack capacity is too large you will have the tenancy to over pack and end up with a heavy pack. Minimalists and ultralight backpackers keep packs small and take every ounce of pack and contents into consideration. It is common for ultralight enthusiasts to remove labels, extra strap lengths and anything that is not 100% necessary.

Tent

One Man? Two Man? Bivey Sack, no tent? Your tent is your protection against the elements and the importance of shelter cannot be understated. Your backpacking tent can be one of the heaviest items in your pack. Cost is a factor here, the lightest tents cost the most. There is a balance between price, interior space and weight.

Sleeping Pad

Bulk is the keyword in this important decision. Sleeping pads for backpacking differ in their ability to protect you from the hard and cold ground. i have found that if you have the correct sleeping pad, you can sleep directly on the snow with incredible comfort. The issues here again are cost, size and weight. If it is inflatable, you also run the risk of a leak or non-repairable puncture. Non-inflatable foam pads provide are immune from deflation but can be incredibly bulky. There is much home work to do in this category and luckily, many options. Size, shape and material are all factors, you can get a good backpacking sleeping pad for under a hundred dollars. Ultra light sleeping pads are usually self inflating and roll up to the size of a one liter bottle.

Sleeping Bag

Always carry a sleeping bag that is rated at least ten degrees colder than the most recent over night low temperature. backpacking sleeping bags are not the place to skimp. Use the best backpacking sleeping bag you can afford. Even in summer, I carry my zero degree bag. It is light weight and if it happens to be hot at night, I can always unzip it or sleep on top of it. The most common complaint hikers and campers have when sleeping is being cold. Buy a good backpacking sleeping bag, you will be glad you did. To increase the comfort and warmth of a sleeping bag, you can add a liner. Liners come in various materials and can make a huge difference.

Flashlight, Headlamp

Flashlight technology has come along way in the last few years. I recently read about a flashlight that can recharge in ninety seconds, last for twenty three hours of ‘on’ time and be recharged more than 10,000 times. Even though it was over $150 dollars the ten year cost of ownership was lower than any other flashlight on the market because there are no batteries or any other replaceable parts. LED technology has made flashlights lighter, brighter and has increased battery life. Cary a headlamp, a handheld flashlight and extra batteries. There are many choices available with many cool and interesting configurations, making flashlight shopping pretty darn fun.

Trekking Poles

If you want, just wait til you are on the trail and choose a nice stick or a pair of sticks to use as trekking poles. If you choose to buy trekking poles you will be adding weight to your load. Choose the lightest most collapsible trekking poles. The lightest ones are made from carbon fiber. Non collapsible poles are burdensome because of their bulkiness. They don’t fit in your pack and can be difficult to manage.

Clothes

Lightweight is the rule here but you must consider the weather’s worst case scenario. Don’t forget a hat, work gloves and rain gear but be conservative with clothing. Clothing is the easiest category to overpack. Bring only what you need. Clothing is heavy, so think it through.

Knife

Bring at least two. Size and style is your own personal choice but make sure one is large enough to chop down small trees.

Rope

Some extra cordage that can hold your body weight could come in handy.

Food

Light weight, freeze dried meals. Trail mix, nuts .

Lighter

It’s not as macho as starting a friction fire with a bow and spindle, but there is nothing like the convenience of a Bic lighter.

Matches

Strike anywhere matches kept in a waterproof container.

Flint & Steel

Maybe a little primitive but when you need a fire and all the matches are wet it can be a lifesaver.

Camera

Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

First Aid Kit

Duh.

Hiking Boots

If the fit and are comfortable, they may not need to be broken in but don’t skimp on the quality of your socks and don’t forget the moleskin or duct tape in case of blisters.