BackpackingGear

Backpacking Gear

Packs

• Backpack (external or internal)
• Waterproof pack cover
• Child carrier
• Daypack or lumbar/waist pack

Shelter and Sleeping

• Lightweight tent (includes poles, stakes, and guy-lines)
• Mosquito netting (for around head when sleeping under the stars)
• 9 foot by 12 foot nylon tarp with grommets if traveling with a group
• Sleeping bag (down or synthetic)
• Sleeping pad (self-inflating pads are more comfortable, but more expensive; closed cell foam pads are more durable and cheaper, but less comfortable)
• Camp pillow
• Ground cloth

Essentials

• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Water bottle or hydration system (carry two quarts in mountains when water is available; one gallon per day in desert environments)
• Water purification or water filter
• Nylon cord (50 feet)
• Waterproof/windproof matches
• Flashlight (extra bulb and batteries)
• Fire starter
• Pocket knife
• Toilet paper
• Topographic map
• Compass
• Emergency blanket
• Whistle
• Signal mirror
• Emergency snacks

First Aid and Toiletries

• Antibiotics
• Antiseptics
• Tylenol
• Benadryl
• Tincture of Benzoin
• Sterile gauze pads
• Roller gauze
• Nonadherent dressing
• One-inch adhesive tape
• Steristrips
• Ace wrap
• Large compress
• Moleskin
• Second Skin
• Tweezers
• Bandage scissors
• Irrigation syringe
• Low-reading thermometer
• SAM splint
• Space blanket
• Snakebite kit
• Emergency report form
• Pencil
• Emergency phone numbers and money for a phone call
• Comb / Brush
• Toothbrush / Toothpaste
• Dental floss
• Deodorant
• Small towel
• Shaving kit
• Biodegradable soap and shampoo
• Moisturizing lotion
• Towlettes
• Sunscreen (25 spf or better)
• Lip balm
• Tampons

Clothing-First layer

• Underwear
• Long underwear (tops and bottoms in either light or midweight; synthetic is best, or wool/synthetic/cotton blend)
• Liner socks (one extra pair only)
• Wool outer socks (one extra pair only)
• Sport-specific socks (one extra pair only)
• T-shirt (cotton/synthetic blends or synthetic blends)

Clothing-Second Layer

• Wool shirt
• Fleece, Polartec, or wool sweater
• Shorts
• Long pants

Clothing-Protective Layer

• Wool, Bomber, Polartec hat
• Sun hat
• Fleece or Polartec jacket
• Parka (synthetic fill or down)
• Wool mittens
• Rain suit (jacket and pants)
• Gaitors
• Windbreaker
• Hiking boots (Men's and Women's)

Kitchen

• Backpacking stove
• Fuel/Fuel bottle
• Primer paste
• Lighter/Matches
• Windscreen
• Cookset
• Water bag (collapsible)
• Food Storage Containers
• Zip-lock plastic bags (freezer variety)
• Large spoon
• Knife
• Spatula
• Can opener (GI folding variety)
• Small whisk
• Small grater
• Pot grips
• Knife, fork, and spoon
• Plate
• Cup
• Bowl
• Cutting board (small nylon variety)
• Scrub pads
• Biodegradable soap
• Paper towels
• Aluminum foil
• Spice kit

Miscellaneous Gear/Fun and Games

• Fishing gear and license
• Thermometer
• Bandanna
• Note pad and pencil
• Camera, film, and lenses
• Binoculars
• Frisbee
• Nerf ball
• Hacky sack
• Harmonica
• Kazoo
• Animal, flower, or other field guides
• Star guide
• Mini microscope
• Magnifying glass
• Small plastic collection containers
• Aquarium net
• Sketch pad
• Pencils
• Crayons
• Colored felt-tip pens
• Gold pan and mineral book