Backpacking list

Backpacking List
Updated 16 August 2023

General hardware items:

1. One pack frame per person
2. One pair of collapsable trekking poles per person
3. One 2-person backpacking tent and footprint tarp for each pair of campers
4. One lightweight sleeping bag, compact mattress and pillow per person
5. Small first aid kit: 10+ multi-size bandages, tweezers and small antiseptic ointment
6. Compact lightweight pocket knife and fingernail clippers
7. Bear-proof food canister
8. Backpacking water filter with input and outflow plastic bags

Technology items:

1. Pocket compass and paper copy of topographic map
2. Optional alternative: GPS receiver with built-in high-res topo maps and charged-up batteries
3. One LED headlamp and/or one LED flashlight per person
4. Smartphone in heavy-duty sealable plastic bag
5. Optional: rechargeable battery back, solar charger, compact binoculars, walkie-talkie

Clothing and personal items (per person):

1. Long or short sleeve shirt and hiking pants, preferably with detachable lower legs
2. Hiking shoes or boots and two pairs socks; optional: flip-flops for crossing water
3. Light nylon coat and sweatshirt (it gets cold at night)
4. Hat with front and back sun protection
5. Sunglasses
6. Toilet paper, sunscreen, insect repellent, chapstick, hand sanitizer, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant and other needed items
7. Prescription medicine if any, plus Ibuprofen or Anacin tablets
8. Wash cloth and small towel
9. One or two sealable water bottles, 750 ml or 1 liter
10. Paperback book or reading material on smartphone
11. Light nylon pack for day hikes

Cooking and cleaning equipment:

1. Propane backpacking stove, plus one propane fuel canister per three days for every pair of campers
2. Lighter or matches in plastic bag (needed to start backpacking stove)
3. Small cooking pot with handle for heating water; small hot pad or handkerchief
4. Cup, fork and spoon per person
5. Small container of dish detergent (also for hand washing) and small scrubber
6. Plastic bag for trash

Food (per person, per day):

1. One freeze-dried backpacking dinner entree or ramen soup packet
2. One or two oatmeal packets or freeze-dried breakfast items
3. Three hot chocolate or apple cider packets
4. Two or three granola bar packets or equivalent for lunch
5. Country Time Lemonade or Tang powder, enough for one or two liters

Optional: Fishing equipment:

1. Fishing license
2. Reel and collapsable rod
3. Bubbles and flies or other bait