Backpacking Gear List

The main goal is maintaining a manageable pack weight (%20 of your body weight), while balancing safety and comfort. I will break down the categories at a high level. There are ultra-light options to help maintain a low pack weight.

Always remember the saying – Ounces turn into Pounds and Pounds turn into Pain

Safety

1. First aid kit that includes basic first aid items
2. Emergency blankets (space blankets)
3. Medications that you take regularly
   • Emergency medication such as IBPRUFIN
4. Knives (multi-tools) and pocket knives
5. Headlamps and handheld flashlights
6. Pepper spray for unwanted visitors
7. Sunscreen
8. Compass
9. Vitamins

Room and Board

1. Tent and footprint
2. Sleeping pad (per individual)
3. Sleeping bag (per individual)
4. Blow up pillows
   • I pack two for myself
5. Camp Chairs (per individual)
   • I suggest looking into ultra-light (1lb max)
6. Repair kit for any tears in your tent and/or sleeping bag

Clothing

1. Hiking pants (I typically wear hiking pants the entire camping trip)
2. PJs for kids and adults
3. Moisture wicking shirts
4. Wool shirts (Mid Layer)
5. Base Layer
6. Jacket (waterproof if possible)
7. Wool beanie
8. Hat and Bandana
9. Gators
10. Gloves
11. Hiking socks (wool is optimal)
12. Hiking boots 
13. Camp shoes
    • Remember to maintain weight
14. Summer items:
    • Swimming clothes
    • Water shoes
    • Towels

Comfort and cooking

1. Backpacking Stove
   • There are a lot of options here, do your research!
2. Utensils (Forks and Spoon)
3. Zip lock bags for storage and trash
4. Water filter
   • You will need to filter for drinking, coffee, and cooking

Food

1. Coffee!!!
   • Light with mug such as GSI outdoor
2. Dehydrated meals
   • Breakfast and Dinner
3. Tuna packets for lunch
   • Add packaged pickles or olives for flavor
4. Water filter and bladder to filter along your route
   • Lightweight Tumblr such as a Nalgene to store water
5. Snacks
   • Freeze-dried fruits and/or nuts
   • Protein bars
   • Trail mix

Electronics

1. Camera equipment
   • I only pack one ultra-wide lens to
2. Headphones for downtime listening
   • Make sure to download podcasts/books before your trip
3. Battery pack to recharge phone and cameras
4. GPS Phone if you have one (Garmin)

Backpacks to pack all the gear

There are many options for which backpacks to store all the gear mentioned. Take the time to research, try out the packs, and make sure they 1. Fit your body and 2. Fit all your gear.

The pack’s total weight should not exceed 20% of your body weight.