What to Pack on a Backpacking Trip: Backpacking Packing List

It can be daunting to pack for a backpacking trip but it is the most freeing notion to learn the only things you truly need in life can fit in a 65L pack on your back. One trip is all it took for our team to fall deeply in love with the breathtaking and remote backcountry terrain - glacier fed lakes, lush forests, towering peaks, creamsicle sunsets - and the simplicity and connection of life off the grid.

There are many factors to consider when determining what you need to pack on an overnight adventure in the summer but every backpacking trip requires the same essentials regardless of distance, remoteness, weather and so on. Here is a list of the gear we will be carrying into the backcountry this summer:

The Big 4

Backpack

A well-fitting pack can make or break your trip. We recommend heading into an outdoor recreation store to get a proper pack fitting and try on multiple packs. Packs are sized based on torso length and finding the correct size will allow the hip belt to rest directly on your hips. Be sure to add weight to the packs as you try them on (ideally 15+ lbs). We have found 55-65L packs to be the sweet spot for most backpacking adventures. This size is great for a weekender but also roomy enough for longer trips. We recommend choosing a durable bag with a lifetime guarantee, hipbelt pockets and side or exterior pockets. Don’t forget your rain cover for unexpected or inclement weather!

Tent

Home away from home in the wilderness. Our team just invested in a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL3 Solution Dye Tent and it has been a great little home so far. This was an upgrade from a 6lb Marmot Tungsten 2P backpacking tent - this tent was incredibly durable and half the cost of an ultralight tent. We point this out as reassurance that it is not necessary to buy an incredibly expensive or lightweight tent to backpack.

Look for a free-standing or semi free-standing 3-season tent with multiple doors, ventilation and interior storage pockets. If your tent does not come with a footprint or ground sheet it is a good idea to buy one to protect the bottom of your tent (also adds a waterproof layer). If you like extra space, purchase a tent that has a capacity for one more than the typical number of people sleeping in the tent.

Sleeping Pad

We have had trouble with air mattresses in the past and there is nothing worse than a slowly deflating mattress that leaves you laying on granite by midnight. Our tried and true recommendation is the NEMO Tensor Insulated Sleeping Pad. It is comfortable, quiet, insulated for cooler nights and comes with a pump sack which makes inflation much easier (and less dizzying). Be sure to carry a small patch kit in case you run into issues with your pad.

Sleeping Bag

Not being able to sleep at night after a hard day of hiking due to being cold is one of our least favorite experiences. Be sure to buy a bag with a temperature rating that will cover you on your coldest nights. Err on the side of more warmth since you can always sleep on top or half-in half-out of your bag.. We use Marmot’s synthetic 20F rated Trestles bags and find them extremely comfortable. For colder adventures, add a Sea to Summit sleeping bag liner.

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Backcountry Kitchen

Stove and Fuel

We are longtime lovers of Jetboil’s cooking systems in the backcountry and currently use the MiniMo. We typically eat dehydrated meals that solely require boiled water and find JetBoil’s to be the most convenient, compact and lightweight option. We add a Sea to Summit Alpha Pan if making homemade backcountry meals.

Dishware and Utensils

We bring a bowl, extra long handle spoon and double walled mug on all trips. We use the bowls for morning oats or to pour our dehydrated dinner packs into if we are feeling fancy.

Food Storage

Bear bins or bear bags are mandatory in the backcountry to avoid unwanted visitors and keep yourself out of harms way. Bear bags are a more lightweight option but they have a much greater margin for error - many wilderness areas and parks now require bear bins to avoid unnecessary risk. BearVault’s are most popular and are our trusted bear bin brand. We find the smaller BearVault 450 has enough space for two people on a weekend trip if packed efficiently. The larger BearVault 500 is required for longer trips or groups.

Water Filtration System and Water Bottle

The Sawyer Squeeze System is super lightweight and incredibly easy to use. Fill the pouch in a water source and squeeze water into a bottle, bladder or Jetboil. We hike with 1L Nalgene bottles as we don’t like to carry more than a litre at a time to stay light (unless necessary due to limited water sources).

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Safety and Hygiene

First Aid Kit

The Ultralight Watertight Medical kit is compact and designed for backcountry adventure. Remember to refill what you’ve used before each trip (typically ibuprofen or moleskin)! We add a piece of rope and small role of duck tape to this kit in case we need to jerry-jig a broken tent piece, backpack strap, etc.

Satellite Messenger / Personal Locator

These devices allow you to text over global satellite networks, view maps and aerial images, review the weather forecast and activate Search & Rescue in an emergency situation. The devices are very pricey and an annual subscription is required for use. They are not necessary but are comforting to have in a worst case scenario situation. The Garmin inReach Mini is recommended.

Waterproof Matches or Lighter

Always bring a set of waterproof matches or a lighter in case of emergency (run out of fuel, warmth, signal help). They also come in handy when self igniting stoves fail and you are relying on them for food.

Head Lamp

Important for any low light hiking and for hanging around camp in the evenings.

Knife or Multi-Tool

Our multi-tool is used most frequently to cut cheese and spread peanut butter but it’s great to have for gear repairs or emergency situations.

Bear Spray

Research the area you are venturing into to find out if bear spray is required or prohibited. Make sure you know how to operate it so it isn’t useless in a serious situation. If you ever discharge it, even a test spray, buy a new one.

Physical Map and Phone Map

Carry a physical topographic map of the area and pre-download a map of the area on your phone (AllTrails or Gaia apps).

Trowel, Hand Sanitizer and Toilet Paper

Bring a trowel, toilet paper, hand sanitizer and a disposal bag for used toilet paper. The trowel is required to dig a 6+” cat-hole to go #2. Always pack out all toilet paper!

Toiletries

Sunscreen, bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, unscented deodorant, face wipes and lip chap