The Essential Checklist for Backpacking Gear and Supplies

Outdoor specialists share their essential checklist items for trail adventures.

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• Essential Items for Packing
  
• T+L’s Best Choices and Expert Advice
  
• Key Information to Understand
  
• FAQ
  
• Why Trust Travel + Leisure
  

Being well-prepared for the wilderness is essential—not only for staying safe but also to ensure a more fulfilling adventure. Having spent my childhood in the Cascade Mountain Range, I began backpacking with my father at a young age and continue to do so twenty years later. Getting ready for a backpacking journey can feel overwhelming, so I drew from my personal outdoor experience and consulted a seasoned backpacker to share advice that will help you feel comfortable in nature quickly.

Beginning your backpacking journey may feel daunting and costly, but the effort pays off once you hit the trails. Check out our detailed packing guide below, along with professional recommendations and insights to help you prepare.

Essential Items to Pack for a Backpacking Adventure

For your next overnight adventure in the wild, this guide covers all the essentials. Discover how to assemble a cozy sleep setup and prepare a compact cooking kit, along with top product recommendations and expert advice.

Gear

• Top Backpacking Tent Choice: Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent
• Top-Rated Sleeping Bag: Therm-a-rest Hyperion 20F/-6C Ultralight Down Mummy Sleeping Bag
• Top-Rated Sleeping Pad:
• Top Backpack Choice: REI Co-op Traverse 32 Pack
• Top Compressible Daypack: Sea to Summit Ultra-sil Travel Day Pack

Apparel

• Top Rain Jacket Choice: Columbia Switchback III Jacket
• Top Base Layer Choice: Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top
• Top Fleece Layer: REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket
• Best Packable Jacket: L.L.Bean PrimaLoft Packaway Jacket
• Top Hiking Pants: Helly Hansen Brona Softshell Pants
• Best Hiking Socks: Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew Midweight Hiking Sock

Shoes

• Top Hiking Boots:
• Top Hiking Footwear: Merrell Speed Eco
• Top Hiking Sandals: Bedrock Cairn Evo Sandals

Cuisine and Culinary Spaces

• Top Backpacking Stove and Fuel Choice: MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Ultralight Camping and Backpacking Stove
• Top Cookware Collection: Snow Peak Titanium Mini Solo Cookset
• Top Water Filter: MSR AutoFlow XL 10-liter Backcountry Gravity Water Filter
• Top Water Bottle Choice: Healthy Human Stainless Steel Water Bottle
• Top Backpacking Meals: Backpacker’s Pantry

Accessories

• Top Handheld GPS Device: Garmin GPSMAP 67i
• Top Hygiene Wipes: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes
• Top Headlamp Choice: BioLite HeadLamp 425
• Top First Aid Kit: Adventure .3 Medical Kit
• Top Trekking Poles: REI Co-op Traverse Trekking Poles

T+L’s Best Choices and Expert Advice

Gear

Since gear tends to be the bulkiest and heaviest part of your backpack, prioritizing lightweight options that save space is essential. Start your packing list with key items like a backpack, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. If you often experience neck discomfort, consider adding a camping pillow. Your sleeping setup should ideally stay under 7 pounds, though your tent may weigh slightly more. Regardless of the tent style you choose, aim for one that’s under 3 pounds to keep your load manageable on the trail.

When selecting a backpack, Leila Grace — the American Perimeter Trail’s vice president — emphasizes choosing one that fits your frame comfortably and isn’t overly heavy. “At 5-foot-3-inches, I find it consistently difficult. Trying on a pack is crucial, especially when considering fit,” Grace noted. She also advises buying from stores with flexible return policies, such as REI, in case the backpack doesn’t suit your body properly.

Top Backpacking Tent for Outdoor Adventures

The Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent offers a lightweight and durable shelter designed for two people. Its innovative Osmo fabric combines weather resistance with breathability, ensuring comfort in various conditions. The tent features dual doors and vestibules for easy access and ample storage. With its intuitive setup and spacious interior, the Nemo Dagger Osmo 2P Tent is ideal for backpacking and camping adventures.

Even when traveling alone, Grace suggests opting for a two-person tent. “You’ll have more space, so you won’t feel as confined at night or during rainy weather when you’re stuck inside,” she explained. Among the tents we evaluated for backpacking, this Nemo model stood out as the top choice. Its color-coded components make setup effortless, and at just over 3 pounds, it’s remarkably lightweight and built to last. The innovative yet practical design truly impressed us.

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Top-Rated Sleeping Bag

Therm-a-rest Hyperion 20F/-6C Ultra-Lightweight Down Mummy Sleeping Bag

The Therm-a-rest Hyperion mummy sleeping bag is my go-to choice for both camping and backpacking. It offers a cozy and insulated rest with its 900-fill Nikwax Hydrophobic Down, which helps manage warmth and resist moisture. What makes it even better is its lightweight design at only 20 ounces, and it compresses into a stuff sack as small as a 32-ounce water bottle.

Top-Rated Sleeping Pad

Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Inflatable Sleeping Mat

For your ideal backpacking sleep setup, we suggest the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Pad based on our lab evaluations. This inflatable pad quickly inflates using the included stuff sack, offering plush cushioning between you and your tent floor to ensure a restful night outdoors. At slightly more than 1 pound, this lightweight pad is also compact enough to fit effortlessly into your backpack.

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Top Backpack Choice

REI Co-op Women’s Traverse 60 Backpack

Grace typically uses her REI Co-op Traverse backpack in the discontinued 35-liter size for her backpacking trips. While that specific size is no longer available, REI continues to offer the Traverse Pack in other sizes, such as the 32-liter option (men’s version here) for day or overnight outings and the 60-liter version (men’s version here) suited for weekend getaways or extended adventures. “I consider myself a fairly minimalist backpacker—I don’t carry unnecessary extras. But with my Traverse Pack, I’ve managed to stretch it to five days and four nights by packing creatively,” Grace remarked, highlighting the pack’s comfort and smart design. The Traverse Packs feature generous padding on the back, shoulder straps, and hip belt, along with top compression straps to secure gear and a dedicated sleeping bag compartment at the bottom for trail organization.

Top Portable Daypack for Everyday Use

Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Compact Travel Daypack

While we don’t advise carrying a full-size daypack alongside your backpacking bag, the Sea to Summit daypack is exceptionally useful, as it folds down to the size of an egg—yes, an egg. This incredibly compact, packable backpack is perfect for holding snacks, a water bottle, or sunscreen during a short day hike to a waterfall or lake amid your extended journey. Nearly weightless, it includes a convenient stuff sack and carabiner for effortless attachment to your backpacking bag.

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Apparel

To avoid overpacking, focus on essentials by including a base layer top and bottom, a mid-layer top, and one or two outer layers. Since you’ll likely wear the same items for multiple days, investing in high-quality pieces is worthwhile. Regardless of the season, Grace packs one or two jackets for her backpacking trips. “I usually carry my puffer, along with a raincoat, and sometimes a lightweight shell that layers well and compacts easily. I often bring it and just attach it to my pack,” Grace said.

Along with her outerwear, Grace always remembers to bring additional socks from her preferred brand, Darn Tough. “I make sure to carry an extra pair of socks with me every day. If you’re outside for an extended period, swapping your socks halfway through can significantly improve how your feet feel,” Grace explained. “During a lunch break or a quick snack stop, removing your socks to let your feet air out before putting on a fresh pair makes a world of difference.”

Top Rain Jacket

The Columbia Women’s Switchback III Jacket

A lightweight rain jacket is an essential outer layer for hiking, and Columbia’s Switchback III Rain Jacket for men and women stands out as a top choice. This jacket offers reliable protection from the elements while ensuring freedom of movement, making it our preferred lightweight option. Grace always packs a rain jacket, regardless of the forecast. “I typically carry my raincoat since it doubles as a wind layer and is lightweight. Even if rain isn’t expected, I appreciate having that extra barrier against the wind,” she explained.

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Top Base Layer

Icebreaker Merino 200 Oasis Long Sleeve Crewe Thermal Top for Women

These Icebreaker tops (men’s version here) serve as an excellent base layer for hiking outfits. Designed with a crewneck and long sleeves, they feature lightweight merino wool and off-the-shoulder seams to minimize shoulder irritation, making them perfect for extended backpack use. The fabric’s quick-drying, temperature-regulating, and odor-resistant properties ensure comfort during active pursuits, managing sweat and adapting to changing weather conditions.

Top Fleece Layer

REI Co-op Trailmade Fleece Jacket

The REI fleece jacket (men’s version available here) is our top pick for hiking, offering a perfect balance of lightweight comfort and warmth. Its slim yet insulating fabric makes it great for climbing rugged trails or cooling off in lower elevations when a puffer jacket isn’t necessary. Thanks to its low-profile design, we noticed it packs effortlessly into a backpack without consuming much space.

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Most Compact Travel Jacket

L.L.Bean Women’s PrimaLoft Packable Jacket

Planning a backpacking trip in colder weather or higher elevations? Don’t forget to pack a lightweight, insulated, and compressible jacket such as L.L. Bean’s PrimaLoft Packaway Hooded Jacket (men’s version here). Built for trekking in chilly conditions, this jacket delivered ideal warmth and ventilation during our field tests on a hiking excursion. Additionally, it compresses into a compact size, making it an excellent choice for backpacking.

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Top Hiking Trousers

Helly Hansen Women’s Brona Softshell Pants

A reliable pair of hiking pants is essential for any backpacking adventure, which is why we suggest these from Helly Hansen (men’s option here). They’re built with performance-focused details, including four-way stretch fabric for flexibility, boot hooks, and a DWR coating to keep you dry on the trail. We especially appreciate the articulated knee construction, which enhances movement, comfort, and fit whether you’re ascending or descending.

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Top Hiking Socks for Your Adventures

Darn Tough Women’s Hiker Micro Crew Cushion Socks

Grace highlights that Darn Tough socks (men’s version available here) are invaluable for hiking, justifying their premium cost. She endorses them not just for their performance but also due to the brand’s exceptional warranty, which includes coverage for wear and tear. These midweight hiking socks come with several practical attributes, such as a cushioned footbed, moisture-wicking merino wool material, and a height extending 7.5 inches above the heel.

Shoes

Just like with backpacks, Grace recommends testing multiple hiking boots to identify the perfect match. Your hiking footwear should fit snugly while allowing slight space at the front for toe movement. Choosing boots that are overly tight may lead to significant discomfort during extended treks. If you’re uncertain about sizing, opting for a half-size larger could provide additional comfort.

After hours of trekking, nothing compares to the relief of finally sitting down and removing your socks and hiking shoes. If your backpack has space, consider packing sandals to use at camp or on shorter hikes, allowing your feet a welcome rest from enclosed footwear.

Top Hiking Footwear Choices

Salomon X Ultra 4 Mid Gore-Tex for Women

The men’s Salomon hiking boots combine the lightness of trail runners with the durability and support of traditional hiking boots. Featuring the brand’s Contagrip MA outsoles, they provide detailed traction for steady footing across diverse landscapes. As the top waterproof hiking boots we’ve tested, their Gore-Tex laminate upper ensures dry feet even after crossing streams or navigating wet surfaces. Additionally, the footbed and upper are engineered to securely hold and stabilize your foot, delivering lasting comfort and support for every mile of your backpacking adventures.

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Top Hiking Footwear

Merrell Speed Eco Trail Hiking Shoe

The Merrell Speed Eco (men’s version here) is an excellent choice for hikers seeking a lightweight, breathable shoe perfect for summer trails. These shoes come pre-broken-in, allowing you to wear them comfortably straight away. With an EVA footbed and integrated arch support, they deliver the perfect mix of cushioning and stability. During our test on a scorching Arizona hike, the breathable design effectively prevented our feet from overheating.

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Top Hiking Sandals for Outdoor Adventures

Bedrock Cairn Exploration Sandals

A pair of lightweight sandals like these from Bedrock is a reliable choice for nearly any outdoor pursuit. Whether you’re trekking by a river or pitching a tent, we tested these sandals firsthand and found them ready for any challenge, only becoming more comfortable with each mile. Thanks to the Vibram outsoles and plugless toe post, they’re the ideal option to pack for a multi-day backpacking journey when you need a respite from your hiking boots.

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Cuisine and Culinary Spaces

When backpacking, avoid foods that spoil quickly and opt for non-perishable or freeze-dried options instead. Freeze-dried or dehydrated meals are convenient for outdoor cooking—just add boiling water to rehydrate them. Pack a compact camp stove, fuel, a small pot, and versatile utensils like a multi-tool that functions as a fork, spoon, or knife. Essential kitchen items also include a water filter for safe drinking water and a bottle to store purified water.

Top Backpacking Stove and Fuel Options

MSR PocketRocket Deluxe Ultralight Stove for Camping and Backpacking

For a complete kit featuring fuel and a mini stove, check out this portable, simple-to-assemble choice from MSR. “I’ve used this for the past four years without any problems. It’s fantastic—lightweight and straightforward. The only challenge is dealing with wind, where you might need to improvise a windscreen, but I usually just use my feet, body, or food bag, or a combination,” Grace mentioned. Boiling water takes just over three minutes on average, allowing you to prepare freeze-dried meals swiftly and effectively.

Top-Quality Cookware Collection

Snow Peak’s Titanium Mini Solo Cookset

This ultra-light cookware collection is minimalist by design, perfect for keeping your backpacking gear lightweight. The pair of titanium pots tips the scales at just over six ounces (comparable to a cell phone), ensuring they’re effortless to carry and pack. Whether brewing morning coffee or preparing dinner, the nested pots and silicone-tabbed lid simplify outdoor cooking, making meals in the wild a breeze.

Top Water Purification System

The MSR AutoFlow XL10L Gravity Filter offers a reliable and efficient solution for water filtration in outdoor settings. Its design ensures a steady flow of clean water, making it ideal for group use during extended trips. The system is lightweight and easy to set up, providing a hassle-free way to access safe drinking water in remote locations. With its high-capacity reservoir, the AutoFlow XL10L is perfect for adventurers who need a dependable filtration method without the need for pumping or manual effort.

This durable MSR filter features a reservoir capable of storing 10 liters of purified water, allowing for quick bottle refills to maintain hydration. It filters 1.75 liters per minute—simply fill the bag, hang it from a tree, and let gravity pull water through the straw-like tube. The compact design ensures the bag and tube lie flat, minimizing space in your pack.

Top-Rated Water Bottle

Healthy Human Vacuum-Insulated Dual-Wall Thermos

After thorough testing of various water bottles, we highly recommend the Healthy Human Stainless Steel Water Bottle for hiking. Its wide-mouth design allows for effortless drinking, and it maintains water temperature for a full day. Additionally, the lightweight stainless steel construction ensures it can be attached to a backpack or carried comfortably without adding bulk.

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Top Meals for Backpacking Adventures

Backpacker’s Pantry offers a selection of freeze-dried meals.

Freeze-dried dishes might not seem like the most appetizing option at first glance, but your opinion will change once you try Backpacker’s Pantry offerings. Their menu features favorites such as Pad Thai, lasagna, chicken risotto, Cuban coconut rice and black beans, or the rich and satisfying three cheese mac and cheese. In addition to hearty main courses, the brand also provides wholesome oatmeal and granola for breakfast, along with indulgent treats like crème brûlée and mango sticky rice.

Accessories

Even minor accessories can make a significant difference during backpacking trips. Safety should never be compromised, which is why we advise carrying essential just-in-case gear such as a first aid kit and a handheld GPS device. Additional must-have items include a lighter, toilet paper (always verify local rules regarding packing it in and out), compact trash bags, and a rain cover for your backpack. Don’t overlook the practicality of a small pocket knife, either.

Grace revealed that a reliable headlamp is the one item she can’t go backpacking without, especially for nighttime camping. “Being able to see in the dark is crucial, so a quality headlamp is a must. You need a solid light source, whether it’s a headlamp or another option,” she emphasized.

Top Portable GPS Devices

The Garmin GPSMAP 67i is a rugged, reliable handheld GPS device designed for outdoor enthusiasts. It features satellite communication capabilities, preloaded topographic maps, and a long-lasting battery, making it ideal for adventures in remote areas. With its durable construction and advanced navigation tools, the GPSMAP 67i ensures accurate positioning and reliable performance in challenging environments.

Staying safe is essential when venturing off the grid, so carrying a reliable navigation tool is a smart way to stay on course. This compact device doubles as a satellite communicator, allowing backpackers to exchange messages, access topographic maps, monitor weather conditions, and dispatch SOS signals around the clock to guide search and rescue teams during emergencies. Even without cellular coverage, the gadget connects through the worldwide Iridium satellite network, ensuring peace of mind as you immerse yourself in nature’s beauty.

Premium Hygiene Wipes

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes

Although embracing your natural scent after skipping showers for a few days is an option, keeping biodegradable, fragrance-free hygiene wipes—such as these from Sea to Summit—can be practical. These wipes serve multiple cleaning purposes, including as an alternative to toilet paper, but remember to carry out all used wipes to minimize environmental impact.

Top-Rated Headlamp

BioLite HeadLamp 425

BioLite’s latest headlamp is an essential safety item for nighttime use. Featuring a sleek yet robust light unit, this battery-operated design sits flush against the headband to prevent wobbling or discomfort. With adjustable settings, it delivers 425 lumens of illumination and offers up to 60 hours of battery life, making it ideal for moving around camp after sunset.

Top Emergency Medical Kit

Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Watertight .3 First Aid Kit

Nature’s unpredictability demands thorough preparation when venturing into the wilderness. This portable first aid kit contains all the essentials for treating scrapes, cuts, blisters, and other minor hiking-related injuries. Inside, you’ll find medical supplies such as assorted bandages, antibiotic ointment, sterile non-woven sponges, antiseptic wipes, moleskin, and AfterBite wipes for insect stings. To enhance protection, pair this kit with insect repellent.

Top Hiking Poles

REI Co-op Traverse Hiking Poles

Trekking poles serve multiple functions during backpacking trips, which is why we suggest carrying REI’s Traverse poles. Ideal for maintaining balance or pitching your tent, these aluminum poles are exceptionally light, with both sizes tipping the scales at slightly more than 1 pound. When not in use, they compress to a compact size, making them simple to attach to your backpack or store at home.

Essential Tips to Consider Before Preparing for a Backpacking Adventure

Cut costs by making the most of items you already have.

If you’re new to backpacking, Grace suggests checking your existing belongings before spending money on expensive camping equipment. “Take a look around your home because you might be able to reuse some items,” Grace mentioned. For instance, that multi-purpose fanny pack from your European vacation could be ideal for shorter day hikes. “I’ve found it’s about balancing advice from others on what they use and then evaluating what I already own versus what I truly need to purchase.”

Test your equipment thoroughly before your trip and ensure you’re familiar with its operation.

Before heading out on an overnight trip, make sure all your equipment has been tested and broken in through day hikes or practice at home. Using unfamiliar gear or stiff hiking boots can be dangerous, potentially leading to injuries. Test new walkie-talkies before relying on them in remote areas. If you’re unsure, visit an outdoor retailer like REI for expert advice or, as Grace suggests, reach out to local hikers on social media for guidance. “My tip is to connect with someone in the hiking community,” she said. “I’m part of several Facebook groups and often get useful recommendations. It’s the simplest way—that’s how I started.”

Common Inquiries

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  What items should be left behind when backpacking?

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  Deciding what to pack for a backpacking trip is up to you, but some items are better left at home. Valuables like jewelry should stay behind to avoid loss or damage during outdoor adventures. Similarly, skip bulky outfits or excessive extra clothing to free up room in your pack.

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  What are the best ways to reduce weight when preparing for a backpacking trip?

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  To minimize your backpack’s weight, pack only what you truly need and resist the urge to overpack. While essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, and the backpack itself can add significant weight, opting for lighter equipment can help reduce the overall load. When hiking in a group, share the burden by splitting heavier shared items—like the tent, tarp, cooking gear, and food—among all participants to balance the weight more evenly.

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Deciding what to pack for a backpacking trip is up to each individual, but some items are better left at home and likely won’t be needed. Valuables like jewelry should stay behind to avoid loss or damage during outdoor adventures. Similarly, skip bulky outfits or packing excessive extra clothing to free up room in your bag.

To minimize your backpack’s weight, pack only the essentials and resist the urge to overpack. While certain necessities such as a tent, sleeping bag, and the backpack itself can be heavy, opting for lighter equipment helps reduce the overall load. When hiking in a group, split shared gear like the tent, tarp, cooking supplies, and food among everyone to balance the weight more effectively.

Why Should You Trust Travel + Leisure

Associate editor Anna Popp spent her childhood exploring the Cascade mountains near Bend, Oregon, through hiking and backpacking. Among her most memorable achievements are reaching the summit of South Sister for a sunrise view after an overnight climb and trekking sections of the Pacific Crest Trail. For product selections, Anna relied on her expertise and evaluations from T+L. Additionally, she spoke with the vice president of the American Perimeter Trail.

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