Trip Preparation
Before we get into the details of the checklist – here are some steps you should take to prepare for your trip. These steps are recommended whether you’re planning your first ever backpacking adventure, or getting back into the swing of things after an extended time away from backpacking.
- Pick Your destination: Use a tool like AllTrails to narrow down your options. For your first hike, pick something easy. Go for light to modest elevation gain and distance. We recommend a close-to-home overnight trip to start. This will allow you to gauge your stamina limits and test all your gear.
- Consider Renting or Borrowing Gear: Proper quality gear can get expensive. Before making a larger investment, consider borrowing gear from a friend or renting gear from a reputable rental service like REI.
- Prep for Your Trip: Plan out your food, start exercising to condition your body, secure all required permits, and research the area before your trip. If heading to an area supported by a ranger station, we recommend a call to the ranger to inquire about trail conditions, current restrictions such as burn bans, etc.
Beginner Backpacking Checklist [2020]
Core Gear
- Backpack with rain cover
- Tent or hammock setup
- Sleeping bag or quilt
- Backpacking pillow
- Sleeping pad
- Trekking poles
Clothing
- Trail running shoes or hiking boots
- Socks (bring extra pair, 2 extra pair if wet conditions expected)
- Crocs or sandals
- Underwear
- Base layer (quick-dry fabric)
- Convertible hiking pants
- T-shirt (quick-dry fabric)
- Long-sleeve shirt (quick dry fabric)
- Light jacket
- Rain jacket
- Additional layers such as fleece depending on conditions
- Hat for sun protection
- Warm hat and gloves depending on weather
Food/H2O
- Meals in snacks appropriate for trip duration + 1 extra day supply
- Dry bag for food storage
- Stove and fuel
- Lighter
- Cookwear
- Cups/Mugs/Plates/Bowls
- Utensils
- Biodegradable soap
- Microfiber towel
- Water bottle(s)
- Water filter or treatment
- Bear Canister [if required]
- Nylon cord [if hanging food]
- Odor-proof bags for food and scented items [optional]
Protective Items
- Sunblock
- Lip balm with SPF
- Sunglasses
- Insect Repellent
- Bear spray [if bears present in area]
Wayfinding/Emergency
- Printed Topo Map
- Compass
- Guidebook
- Cellphone with GPS and maps preloaded (with extra battery solution such as solar)
- Emergency whistle
- Watch
- Fire starter (make sure matches are weatherproof)
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
Bathroom
- Toilet paper
- Trowel
- Hand sanitizer
- Menstral products
- Plastic bags (to carry out used products)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (toothpaste should be biodegradable)
Tools
- Multitool
- Duct tape strips (in small roll or around trekking poles)
Other
- Any required permits
- Keys, ID, credit card/cash
- Trip itinerary and details (leave with friend and at trailhead check-in if available)
- Prescription medications
- Binoculars
- Luxury items (weight permitting)
COVID Items
- Face coverings
- Hand sanitizer
- Disinfectant wipes
Tip: When prepping, lay out all your gear on the floor and take a picture before putting in backpack. Send to a friend experienced with backpacking, or share on a backpacking focused social media group for input.
Bonus Tip: When you get back from your trip, make a note in your phone listing anything you forgot, things you over-packed, etc. to be better prepared next trip.
