REI Outlet

Backpacking Checklist

This is an example of a backpacking gear checklist for backpacking in the summer time. Please note that the list includes just the basic gear.

Always check that you have all the needed gear when going backpacking. You really don’t want to notice that you have forgotten for example your tent!

Of course you can always get the list even compact if you want and don’t need anything extra in your gear. Keeping the gear minimal and as light as possible is often called ultralight backpacking. There are many great principals in ultralight backpacking that everyone should take a note of.

After the adventure it’s always good to think the necessity of every single gear and edit the list if needed. Here are essential backpacking gear divided in clothing, cooking and eating, sleeping, and other miscellaneous gear.

Clothing

Hiking clothing
Hiking boots or shoes
Cap or scarf
Rain coat
Rain cover for the backpack
Fleece jacket
Couple of t-shirts
Couple of hiking socks
Underpants
Gloves
Beanie
Sunglasses
Sandals

Cooking and eating

In addition to cooking gear like stove, and eating gear like utensils there is something you should not forget: food!

Stove Cooking Set
Fuel
Matches
Mug
Bowl
Spoon & Fork
Knife
Drinking bottle

Tent etc.

Backpacking tent
Sleeping bag
Sleeping pad
Backpacking backpack

Miscellaneous

Maps
Compass
First aid kit
Mobile phone
Camera
Toilet paper
Plastic bags
Straps
Cord
Tape
Toothbrush and paste
Towel

The most important items in the checklist are maps, first aid kit, and a mobile phone. Without these you should never go backpacking!

The basic gear is usually the same no matter if you are going to a 3 day or a 4 day trip.

Looking for PDF or Excel file?

Please let us know in the comments if you would like to have the backpacking checklist as a PDF or Excel file.

Last update: August 29, 2022

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