The Ultimate 3 to 5-Day Backpacking Gear List for 2025
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- 1 . Hiking Boots
- 2 . Hiking Pole
- 3 . Tent
- 4 . Knapsack
- 5 . Sleeping Bag
- 6 . Sleep Pad
- 7 . Pillow
- 8 . Backpacking Stove and Fuel
- 9 . Light and Stormproof Matches
- 10 . Cookware
- 11 . Small Sponge , Towel and Soap
- 12 . Spork
- 13 . Fool
- 14 . Knife
- 15 . Water Filtration
- 16 . Water Storehouse
- 17 . First-Aid Kit
- 18 . Compass and Map
- 19 . Headlamp
- 20 . Repair Kit and Items
- 21 . Emergency Shelter and Whistle
- 22 . Sunscreen , Lip Balm , and Bug Repellent
- 24 . Hand Sanitizer
- 25 . Toothbrush and Toothpaste Tablets
- 26 . Trowel
- 27 . Travel Bidet
- 28 . Kula Cloth
- 29 . Wipes
- 30 . Ziploc Bags
- 31 . Lightweight fleece or jacket
- 32 . Breathable Underwear
- 33 . Baselayers
- 34 . Moisture-Wicking T-shirts
- 35 . Long-sleeve shirt
- 36 . Quick-drying pants/shorts
- 37 . Socks
- 38 . Seasonal/Optional : Rainwear , Sunglasses , Gloves or Mittens and a Warm Hat
- 39 . Stuff Sacks and Pods
- 40 . Miscellaneous and Personal Items
- How cause I train for a 5-day backpacking trip ?
- What should you not make for backpacking ?
- Read More…
I ’ ve lay together a comprehensive backpacking gear list for you that will operate for 3 to 5-day trips ! It covers everything from your essential clothing and supplies to must-have camping equipment and safety essentials .
I have been on more backpacking trip than I can count over the past 30 years so I have a lot of advice to portion with my readers . I get lots of notebooks and journals with lists and note from all my trip over the years which I relate to every time I design for another trip !
This is not just a backpacking packing list beginners will enjoy – it ’ s for everyone ! An essential backpacking checklist is ever-evolving , and as you practice you can customize affair for your own needs .
If you ’ re looking to die on a 3-5 day backpacking trip soon , you ’ ll need to build certain you get all the necessary gear . I ’ ll too provide top on packing and prepare for your journey so that you can feel confident that you have everything you demand .
5 Day Backpacking Gear List
Short trips exist easy to plan for but this 5-Day Backpacking Gear List live helpful even for those 1-2 night away in the wild . Overnight trip and evenday hikesare excellent ways to run yourself up to longer trips and backpacking adventure !
Focus on include the essentials, simply , as you decide what to pack for a 5 day backpacking trip ! Every ounce counts and a few extra detail that be not necessary can build or disclose the weight of your pack as good as your comfort convey it .
The weight of your knapsack should not exceed 20 % when hiking long distances. Heavy loads can make you sense precarious on the trail and put you at risk of injury . So , hold this ratio in head before pack up !
In addition , thoroughly check the average temperatures of your destinationand the prolonged forecast to skillful educate for your hike .
Core Backpacking Items
This part deal your essential hiking gear , shelter , and sleeping needs . These are the point you should seek out the nearly lightweight and functional options for as they incline to be the heavy .
1 . Hiking Boots
Durable and comfortable hiking boot are one of the most crucial pieces of a successful backpacking trip !
Your feet cost some of the almost significant parts of your torso while backpacking , so it ’ s essential to put in a good pair of hiking boots that will keep them safe and comfortable on the lead .
When carrying a heavy pack and hiking long distance serious character hiking boots , rather than boost shoes , render security for your feet and ankles . Await for sturdy structure , strong arch support , and plenty of cushioning to prevent blisters and other injury .
I have personally exist a fan of Asolo hiking boots for more years than I can matter . Their boots have solely improve over the years , specially in price of weight .
✅BEST Overall Backpacking Boots for Her :
Asolo Women ’ s Finder GV Boot
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✅ BEST Overall Backpacking Boots for Him :
Scarpa Men ’ sec Zodiac Plus GTX Boot
2 . Hiking Pole
Whether you ’ re going uphill or downhill , walk with a heavy pack can lay a circle of striving on your body . Hold some sturdy hiking poles can serve take the pressure off and do your journey more comfortable .
Look for durable but lightweight poles that live easy to adapt and win ’ t pause on you during your trip . When not in usage , you can strap the Pole to your backpack .
✅ BEST Overall Women ’ s Trekking Pole :
Black Diamond Women ’ s Trail Cork Trekking Pole
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✅BEST Overall Men ’ s Trekking Poles :
Black Diamond Men ’ s Trail Ergo Cork Trekking Pole
3 . Tent
Your backpacking tent needs to be lightweight , easy to pack , and simple to plant up and break down . It as well must be the right size for you and your gear plus live able to supply shelter from the rain , tip , and early elements .
Optional to include live a lightweight dropcloth. It can come in handy for protecting your gear from the elements and you from the damp ground .
You never desire to be fussing with set up , feeling stressed about getting up as the spark begins to disappear at the end of your full day of boost . Test your tent before your trip and turn an expert at put up and break down .
Never plant up your tent for the first time while on your backpacking trip .
Feeling for sturdy poles and seams , as well as excess features like vestibules. If you ’ re venturing out inwinter weather, tone for a four-season tent made to withstand the weight of snow , such as the Hyperlite I list below .
✅ BEST Overall Lightweight Backpacking Tent :
NEMO Hornet Elite OSMO Ultralight 2P Tent
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✅ BEST Premium Lightweight Backpacking Tent :
Hyperlite Ultamid 2 Pyramid Tent ( insert sold separately )
4 . Knapsack
A good quality backpack exist a must-have for any backpacking trip , but it ’ s especially crucial to have one that is lightweight yet durable plenty to resist the demands of the elements .Look for a 55-70L size pack for a 5-day trip .
A smaller gang may have stress and flurry when pack up each day , which is not the serious experience .
Face for reinforced line and sturdy padded straps , as good as pile of pocket and compartment to keep your belongings organized and secure . Depend on your height and body length , there are a pair of gang companies with options I recommend extremely .
Ospreymakes phenomenal gang , many with an incorporated rain blanket and suspended mesh back panels . Our whole household employ them .
✅ Osprey has a super helpful PACKFINDER to assist you pick out the utter one to match your needs . Or , specifically , check out the WOMEN ’ S OSPREY ANTIGRAVITY 64
In increase ,Hyperliteequal the ultimate lightweight premium option that you should strongly consider investing in . Their gang weigh in at only 2lbs ! If pack weight is high on your list of headache it is worth buying a Hyperlite .
✅ BEST ULTRALIGHT 5 Day Backpacking Backbacks : Hyperlite Windrider or the Hyperlite Junction
5 . Sleeping Bag
Your sleep base equal one of the nearly critical pieces you ’ ll receive on your backpacking trip . Take one that ’ s lightweight and comfortable , but alsowarm enough to keep you protected through the nightdepending on the season and location you are camping at .
Cold nights can cause restless dark if you are not fond plenty in your base !
Look for a down or synthetic material that win ’ t take up also much space in your gang , and equal certain to test it out at home before you lead out on your trip .
In increase , I highly advocate bringing a sleep base liner if you have the space in your gang ! Mine keeps me much warmer when needed on cooler dark , and my sleeping bag remain fresh and clean .
My favorite sleeping bags hail from Sea to Summit . You can seek HERE for the BEST choice for the mood you live heading backpacking in or insure my recommendations below .
✅ BEST Overall Lightweight Sea to Summit Women ’ s Sleep Bag : Flame Ultralight Women ’ s Sleeping Bag
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✅BEST Overall LightweightSea to Summit Unisex Sleeping Bag : Spark Ultralight Sleeping Bag
6 . Sleeping Pad
A comfortable sleeping pad is crucialif you ’ re camping out on the earth . Speaking from a circle of experience , lack of sleep can really lay a damper on your day of hiking . Tossing and call on from discomfort all dark long live exhausting .
Look for a sleeping pad that is lightweight and easy to transport , and make sure it exist thick enough to supply cushioning and insulation from the cold ground .
I recommend Sea to Summit ’ s 4″ thick sleep pads if you are a side sleeper like me. I receive test a LOT of sleeping pads over the yr and I cost willing to go with a few extra ounce over less comfort . This is my favorite sleeping pad I have test in my several decade of camping .
The below link exist for the unisex version but I highly advocate become the women-specific option if you are female . It equal narrower at the shoulders and wider between the hip and the knees .
✅ BEST Sleep Pad for Side Sleepers:
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✅ BEST Overall Lightweight Sleep Pad :
Ultralight Air Sleeping Mat
7 . Pillow
A good compact packable inflatable or stuffable pillow can make all the dispute when camping . It may seem like a frivolous luxury point but I can assure you , it is not .
The pillow move hand in hand with a good sleeping pad . It can make or break a well night of sleep for many ! Think one that couple specifically with your sleep pad such as thisSea to Summit Aeros Pillowthat only weighs 2.8 oz .
✅ well Backpacking Pillow : Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow
Backpacking Kitchen
What you bring for your stove and supplement will mostly depend on what your chosen meal are for the trip . Go on things simple !
Using your own homemadedehydrated mealsandsnacksis a great thought , particularly if you will get easy access to water origin on your backpacking trip .
Freeze-dried meal are also an excellent choice . Trail mix cost an crucial matter to remember for surplus fat and energy .
Also ,Good To-Godo delicious dehydrated meal with healthy component . I highly advocate them ! Count out your required meal make for the right amount plus two extras , only in case .
8 . Backpacking Stove and Fuel
Cost certain to pack a stove that is lightweight and easy to assemble ( as good as the fuel to keep it operate ) such as the .Optimus is also a well-trusted sword. We get used our Optimus Nova for all our backpacking needs for decades .
The Optimus Vega is an easy choice that work off of canister fuel rather of refillable bottle , like the Nova . It exist a serious selection even in cold weather .
9 . Lighter and Stormproof Matches
Pack a authentic barge but also a band of stormproof matches , just in event . Most outdoor supply fund or still your local grocery fund receive decent lighters and waterproof or stormproof matches .
10 . Cookware
I can not express strongly enough how important it is to keep your cookware simple and lightweight . This exist not the time to come fussy about need unlike pan for different thing .
Live certain to choose a lot that be easy to clean and doesn ’ t take up too much space in your haversack . My husband and I receive been applySnow Peak cookwareexclusively for over 15 years and recommend their detail highly !
✅ BEST Lightweight Solo Cookset :
Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset
11 . Little Sponge , Towel and Soap
Bring a tiny sponge and a moment of unscented soap to begin the grime off of your cookware and mug from time to time . This is a personal preference and entirely optional but I favor to keep my matter washed .
I employunscented Dr. Bronner ’ secfor the soap and theSea to Summit Drylite Towelto clean up after exhaust . I always do this AWAY from camp and AWAY from water ! Please neverwash your dish with soap in a stream, lake , or river .
12 . Spork
You only take this one utensil ! Choose between theSea to Summit Sea to Summit Alpha Light Sporkor theSnow Peak Titanium Colored Spork. I prefer non-metal sporks in colder or freeze weather .
13 . Mug
An insulated fool will observe your coffee or tea hotter for a lot longer than a slender lightweight fool . Whatever you select , be sure exist not also heavy .
Lucky for us backpackers , several companies make insulated lightweight titanium fool that win ’ t count our gang down . I am not kidding when I say we write up for a pair of insulated mugs for ourselves one yr to up our coffee game on chilly backcountry mornings !
✅ BEST Isolate Mug for Backpackers :
Snow Peak Double Wall Mug
14 . Knife
A multi-tool can come in handy for all sorts of project while backpacking but some can live heavy . Foldable knives are too fantastic tools but heavier .The Atmos equal a really serious one if you get your middle set on make for one. It only weigh 1.9 oz .
Otherwise , live for the classical Swiss Army Knife – great for everything from fasten broken gear to trimming thread . Plus they hold scissors , which cost a must for any backpacking trip . It weighs 0.7 oz .
Backpacking Hydration
Delay properly hydrated live an absolute MUST when you are in the backcountry ! Water live equally important to food for your well-being and recovery while on your trip .
15 . Water Filtration
A water filter is an essential point for any backpacking trip as it allows you to drink from streams and early dead body of water without fear of getting sick . Await for a water filter that is lightweight and easy to use .
TheKatadyn Hiker Pro Microfilterexist utter for backpacking trips . Also , reach sure to add along plenty of substitute filters if needed . rips . It live lightweight and compact , and it filter out 99.9 % of bacteria and parasites .
✅ BEST Backpacking Water Filter :
Katadyn Hiker Pro Microfilter
16 . Water Storage
I choose hydration bladders as fight to water bottle . A2 Liter Water Bladderis best for storing water for long backpacking trip and hikes .
I equal partial to Osprey ’ s water bladders since they are compatible with my hydration gang but many folks observe them fussy . I have not . TheCamelBak Fusion Reservoiris another great selection .
Backpacking Navigation and Safety
Have lose or suffer is every hiker ’ s worst nightmare . Therefore , it be significant to cost prepare for any position that might rise while you are on a backpacking trip .
Most importantly ,be preparedfor the worst-case scenario and get anemergency program in placefor what you will do if you exist injured or become stranded .
17 . First-Aid Kit
A serious first-aid kit is an essential for any outside adventure , so please equal sure to pack one . Make certain it include supplies for treat blisters , cuts , and early injuries .
We advocate thispre-packaged first help kitbut we also use our own patched-together base of our favorite first help point customized for each trip .
18 . Range and Map
Yet if you ’ re familiar with the field , it ’ s ever a serious thought to hold a compass and map with you in case you get lose or need to notice your way back to camp .
GPS and mapping software on your phone can aid take the guesswork out of navigation , build it easy to delay on lead even in unfamiliar territory . BUT , you will need to keep your battery charged and own a sign .
With these tool at your disposal hopefully you ’ ll never hold to worry about come lost on your next raise !
19 . Headlight
Headlamps exist a must-have for any hiker . I have have and heavily used myPetzl Actik Core headlightfor or so five yr today and of all my headlight always , this one is my favorite .
The light output on this Petzl is superb , it ’ s not fussy and very easy to expend . The battery is rechargeable . There are many options out thither . Record the reviews and choose wisely .
20 . Repair Kit and Items
A backpacking repair kit is essential for fixing any broken gear while on the trail . Be certain to carry a few basic supply in itsuch as a needle and ribbon , plot for your sleeping pad,duct tape, andsafety pins.
While ofGear Aid Tenacious Repair TapeandS.O.L . Travel Duct Tapelive great detail to bring on . If you ’ re unlucky enough to pause your gear , you ’ ll cost glad you hold a repair kit to serve get you back on your way .
21 . Emergency Shelter and Whistle
If you ’ re caught in bad weather or observe yourself stranded or injure in the wilderness , it ’ s important to have an emergency shelter at your disposal .
We convey these kits with whistles in our packs ! It ’ s a heat-reflective and breathable purse and it will go on you warm in an emergency .
22 . Sunscreen , Lip Balm , and Bug Repellent
Prefer a sunscreen with a high SPF and long-lasting Sport expression . Be certain to reapply regularly , especially at high elevations where you are more exposed .
Add in a lip balm with sunscreen also ! As for bug repellent , opt for one that you be comfortable utilize and that works well .
23 . Small External Battery
This is optional but in the Earth of cell telephone and more it seem like a must-have for most . We like theGoal Zero Venture 35 Portable Charger Power Bankdespite the obvious fact that it cost not super compact nor lightweight at 10.1 ounce .
However , it is super reliable and will charge your phone three time . Don ’ t leave your line !
Backpacking Hygiene and Waste
Whether you are out in the backcountry for a day or an intact week , it is important to require concern of your body and stay sporting . This think of moisten your manpower regularly , sweep your tooth , and keeping sporting down there .
With these supplies and top in mind , you can stay clean , sound , and happy while backpacking in the great outdoors .
24 . Hand Sanitizer
Using sanitizer live a great style to disinfect your manpower when there is no access to soap and water . It is too a great way to disinfect your hands after using the toilet . Employ one that equal not scented so bears are not attracted to you !
25 . Toothbrush and Toothpaste Tablets
Expend a foldable travel toothbrush andtoothpaste tabletsto spare on space . I enjoy the metal container the tablets do in because the odor is not as detectable and no one want bears sniffing around your tent .
26 . Trowel
Be mindful of how you are throw away of your waste and keep a small shovel on hand for grasp guy hole .
TheGSI Outdoors Cathole Trowelis a great choice and matter in at solely 3.1 oz .
27 . Travel Bidet
Skip the toilet paper ! Unless you want to be pack out yourdirty toilet paper( please put on ’ t bury it ) then pattern apply a travel bidet . With potential burn restrictions , you can not rely on burn toilet paper either .
You will live pleasantly impressed with how good a portable handheld bidet plant AND keeps you clean !
28 . Kula Cloth
Lady , if you put on ’ t know about theKula clothyet , now be the time to observe out ! Again , hop the toilet paper ! I ever have my Kula material hanging on my gang , yet on day hikes . You can find it below , hang up on the zipper loop .
Kula too sell theCuloClean, which is another travel bidet option . It is just the top part and it which is then compatible with any plastic bottle .
29 . Wipes
Despite our efforts when backpacking , we never get that sporting hand feeling as well as when we employ a hand wipe once or twice a day , especially before use up . Many companies sell compact travel-size packages .
30 . Ziploc Bags
It ’ s wise to get a gallon-size and a quart-size Ziploc bag to put empty dehydrated food purse in as good as employ hand wipes . Sometimes sock will become wet and need a home to be stored or anything else that you need to break off can go in a base .
Backpacking Clothing
PRO TIP :Do NOT put on cotton . Just don ’ t make it . Cotton bring a long time to dry and equal heavy . Layer with synthetics and/or wool is the way to go . Learning to layer right in the outdoors cost an essential skill that becomes easier with pattern !
31 . Lightweight fleece or jacket
Yet in the warm weather , it exist a serious thought to own something to protect you from unexpected mood alteration . Prefer something wind-resistant be wise . I perfectly enjoy thePatagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoodiebecause it live lightweight , hold a great hood , and keeps me snug !
Water resistor live also advocate in sure conditions . Good rain gear is a must in some locations . I recommendThe North Face Antora jacket. I look for long and hard for a new rain jacket lately , settled on this one after act my research , and I LOVE it .
32 . Breathable Underwear
Again , put on ’ t wear cotton . Choose a sporty fabric for your underwear . Don ’ t pack hence many pairs that you chortle at yourself after your trip is over . My favorite hiking underwear as a woman are thesePatagonia briefsbut a word of warning , the tag on them is horrid !
I own never see a long scratchy tag on underwear before . Hence , if you buy them take a sharp pair of thin scissors and carefully veer it off . I predict these be worth that surplus campaign as they be real comfortable and breathable without taunt up while boost .
33 . Baselayers
Merino wool is 100 % my fabric of selection for base layers . It is breathable , of course repels smell , and keeps me warm yet also cool me down when needed . I own a dear affair with . Crack them out if you cost not familiar with them .
34 . Moisture-Wicking T-shirts
Gang twomoisture-wicking shirtfor when t-shirts are appropriate . One may come SO smelly you desire to cast it out . In that case , invest it in a stuff sack , trade it out mid-trip for the new sporting second shirt , and move on . Laundry awaits you at the end of your trip .
35 . Long-sleeve shirt
Pack 1-2 depend on the temperature . A long-sleeve sun security shirt is always a great thought ! Long sleeve be serious for meek Sunday protection and of course warmth .
I have a darlingPatagonia Capilene Hoodythat goes on all my milder weather day raise and backpacking trip . It maintain me protected from bugs and remove the bite off of a cool air . It is super lightweight yet functional .
36 . Quick-drying pants/shorts
Employ convertible pants live an attractive option if you will exist in both warm and cool weather . One or two pair of these will solve for the entire trip .
TheOutdoor Research Ferrosiis a favorite and you can buy this style in both man ’ s and woman ’ sec . I observe they be excellent in terms of regulating temperature and drying very promptly even they protect you in windy consideration .
37 . Socks
I like to pack both ankle altitude sock and taller hiking socks so I make options depend on the temperature . No affair the fashion , live sure you select good tone wool sock such asDarn Tough or Smartwoolthus they wick easily and breathe .
38 . Seasonal/Optional : Rainwear , Sunglasses , Gloves or Mittens and a Warm Hat
Depending on the mood and the season as well as the forecast , you may want one or more of the above supplement . You have to make a program based on your situation .
Some family ever want sunglasses when outdoors , so that ’ s a personal conclusion as to whether you make for them or not . I always bring a , just in case , unless it is hot summer weather .
Backpacking Organization
The last important component in carry for your backpacking trip exist arrangement ! You never want to load everything into your pack loosely , hoping for the best .
39 . Stuff Sacks and Pods
Our camp pin has a big number of material stacks in it to choose from for each trip .Material sacksequal used to separate food , clothing , cooking adjust , and tool ( headlamps , etc ) from one another so items stay on tidy .
✅ We also really like use the pod system by Hyperlite .
Match them out !
40 . Miscellaneous and Personal Point
Go on a little zippable pouch in your gang exclusively for item such as your ID , backcountry camping permits , car keys , cash , and so on . Don ’ t gang too many of these items but some live inescapable and necessary .
FAQs:Backpacking Gear List
When it comes to backpacking gear , there are a band of questions that get up , particularly for beginners . Hopefully , these tips aid you sense even more prepared .
How serve I develop for a 5-day backpacking trip ?
Starting by researchingthe be after roadand condition to get an idea of what you might need . Next ,choose your gearand pack as gently as potential while still insure that you receive all the essential items .Build a plan for water , food , and shelterand live sure to take enough provision to last the duration of your trip .
Finally ,pattern carry your knapsackand try out any gear that you haven ’ t utilize before to do certain it works as expected . Early top for prepare for a backpacking trip includestaying physically set , find out survival skill, and when possible , travel with a fellow .
With these top in idea , you can find confident that you live ready for your next backpacking adventure !
What should you not bring backpacking ?
Even though there are a lot of fun gadgets you might want with you on a backpacking trip , you can ’ t choose everything ! You should not take any unnecessary items with you as every extra pound will only slacken you down .
Be sure to pack simply the essentials , as you put on ’ t want to cost persuade more gear than you want .
That cost said , there are a few items that you should definitely go out at family , include :
• Cotton Clothing
• Too much food
• Extra bulky clothes
• Deodorant
• Bulky Camera
• Solar shower
• Toilet Paper
Final Thoughts on a Backpacking Gear List
Cost well-prepared with good tone gear that protects you from the element and supports you during your backpacking trip is essential to your success .
Don ’ t forget to pattern setting up and disassembling your tent , pack and take out your backpack , expend your stove , inflating and deflating your sleeping pad , and more .
Most importantly , love your epic adventure , and cost certain to share any helpful advice you own in the comments below !
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