Overnight Backpacking Checklist

Choose items that match your trip plans and expected weather conditons.

The 10+ Essentials

Extra clothing in layers

Map of hiking area (in waterproof case)

Drinking water (1+ gallon per person per day)

Compass

Food

Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries/ bulbs)

First-aid kit

Sunglasses

Pocket knife

Sunscreen

Matches (in waterproof container) and fire-starter

A pack to carry all the above

Hiking Clothing

Quick-drying pants/shorts

Fleece jacket or wool sweater

Short-sleeved shirts

Wicking long underwear (top/bottoms)

Long-sleeved shirts

Regular underwear

Warm pants (fleece or wool)

Quick-drying swimsuit

Fleece, down or wool vest

Outerwear

Jacket or Coat

Rainwear (top/bottom)

Windbreaker

Gloves/mittens

Wide-brimmed rain/sun hat)

Waterproof gloves/overmitts

Warm hat (fleece or wool)

Bandana

Balaclava

Footwear

Hiking boots/shoes that match the terrain

Hiking socks

Wicking liner socks

Camp shoes/slippers

Water shoes

Extra laces

Gaiters

Moleskin

Camping Gear

Backpack

Pack cover

Small day/summit pack

Hiking poles

Tent, tarp or bivy sack

Rainfly

Tent stakes

Footprint for tent

Sleeping bag (in waterproof stuff sack)

Sleeping pad/matress

Ground cloth

Pillow

Sit pad or sleeping pad chair kit

Food (adequate supply for trip)

Stove and fuel

Matches/lighter

Cook set, dishes

Cooking/eating utinsils

Drinking cup

Pot grabber

Biodegradable soap

Pot scrubber/dish towel

Plastic garbage bags

Resealable plastic bags

Water filter/purifier

Water bottle(s)

Collapsible water container

Lantern

Nylon stuff sacks

Compression sack

Personal Items

Toilet paper

Sanitation Trowel

Lip balm (with sun protection)

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Insect repellent

Small bath towel

Head net

Brush/comb

Other personal toiletry items

Other/Extras

Personal Locator Beacon

Smart Phone with GPS and downloaded maps

Battery charger and cable

Two-Way Radio

Satellite Phone

Repair/sewing kit

Binoculars

100-foot accessory cord

Field guides

Axe/saw

Camera and film or memory card

Money

Notebook and pencil

Photo ID

Travel games

Camping/fire permits, if needed

Watch/alarm clock

Fishing license

Fishing gear

Weather radio

Extra Batteries for the above gadgets

Trip Plan with return time (left with a responsible friend)