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)