Pack Like a Pro: The Ultimate Backpacking Packing List for Unforgettable Adventures
Planning a backpacking adventure? Look no further! I’ve put together the ultimate backpacking packing list, filled with essential gear and must-have items for an unforgettable journey. Get ready to pack like a pro and be prepped for your next trip!
Getting prepped for any backpacking adventure can be a super fun experience, especially when geeking out over gear. But ensuring that you’ve got the right and most essential gear is a must!
So, I’ve put together my gear favorites and what I’ve been using for years to ensure that you have a seamless and great experience all in this ultimate backpacking packing article.
I’m not sure if you’ve ever seen that movie, WILD, but overpacking or not knowing what to pack can really be a back buster! I guarantee, that if you go without a packing list, especially the essentials, you’ll be thinking about all the things you want to ditch your entire way back.
Regardless, whether you’re a seasoned backpacker looking for some recommendations or even a new backpacker, all these recommendations are great and sure to elevate your trip.
Also, full disclosure, most of the items I have aimed to be lightweight, but I’ve also got some traditional gear in here too. So, be sure to be mindful of specs and weight, you’ll find your balance. Additionally, you’ll notice that I’ll be giving information on the weight of the pack, specs/features, and even the product details. Oftentimes these details are key, it allows us to better optimize our gear, factor in total body-to-weight ratio, and make sure our essentials are covered.
So, grab your backpack, lace up your hiking boots, and let’s dive into the ultimate backpacking packing list that will equip you for unforgettable adventures.
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#1. Backpacking Backpack – GREGORY Maven 65
After trying many backpacking packs, I’ve found two really amazing ones that are both great in their own way. In fact, I have one of each, both a Gregory & an Osprey.
So, this one is the Gregory Maven’s 65 pack!! I totally adore it!
Best Feature: Lightweight & Pocket Variety
Disclaimer: This is a XS women’s pack, but not to worry! They have many styles and sizes available – click here to view their inventory!
PS: Just make sure to get a pack 65 liters or larger! The smaller size barely fits a bear canister and the essentials with it!
Gregory packs are my #1 choice!
SPECS:
- 62 -65 Liters
- Lightweight : 3lb 8 oz
- Easily Adjusted
- Large & Deep Storage Pockets (6 Exterior Pockets – 2 Being Hip Belt Pockets)
- Removable Day Pack
- Rain Cover Included
- Aluminum Frame
#2. Backpacking Backpack – OSPREY
So, this is the other brand of backpacking packs I have had the pleasure of trying and honestly, both are worth mentioning.
Comparatively, these Osprey packs are quite a bit different.
Firstly, they are much thicker in material, which also means more sturdy but also heavier.
So, each backpacking backpack has it’s own benefits.
Also, this Osprey’s front pocket is more sturdy and less likely to get stretched out, but the Gregory pack’s front pocket can fit more because of the elastic.
However, if you’re looking for a strong, sturdy pack, that can endure some nature-based beatings, this is the pack for you!
SPECS:
- 62-65 Liters
- Weight: 4 lbs. 13.55 oz.
- Easily Adjusted
- Rain Cover Included
- Contains Bluesign® Criteria Material (Sustainable Fabrics)
- Storage Pockets (5 Exterior Pockets – 2 Being Hip Belt Pockets)
SLEEP & SHELTER
#3. SHELTER OPTION #1: Dragonfly OSMO™ Ultralight Backpacking Tent
Of course, having a tent is always a great go-to and can be convenient when having two or more people.
Also, tents allow for lots of wiggle room, are great for people who prefer open spaces, can hold extra gear, accommodate taller people, and ventilate better to reduce condensation.
I previously tested out an REI Co-op flash air tent and was so disappointed that many tents can’t take the top layer off to look at the stars. I’m so glad that the NEMO tent allows me to see the stars – I’ve gained a new-found appreciation. Plus, it’s got a way better ventilation setup.
SPECS:
- 2 person
- Ultralight – Only 2 lb (0.91 kg) 10 oz base weight
- 100% recycled composite fabric
- 20% increase in strength compared to similar fabrics
SPECS:
- 3–4 seasons
- Sleeping capacity: 1 Person
- Weight: With pole: 15.8 oz.; without pole: 14.5 oz
- Contains sustainable materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
#4. SHELTER OPTION 2 –Outdoor Research Helium Bivy
Alright, yes, having a tent is the typical shelter most people know of, but there’s also a bivy.
I absolutely adore bivy’s because they are significantly lighter, typically hold the heat in much easier (up to 10 degrees more), and are generally easier to set up!
However, just like any piece of gear it can have it’s own challenges, like being a bit more difficult to get in, the bivy gets really warm, not great for people with claustrophobia, doesn’t protect gear, and can condensate if not well ventilated.
But as someone who’s almost always cold, doesn’t put my dirty gear inside my tent, and have found that tents will typically have condensation anyways, I just stick with the bivy now. Especially because I’m not normally sharing a tent with anyone else.
#5. BLOW UP SLEEPING PAD: Thermarest Trail Scout Sleeping Pad
After trying about 4 or 5 sleeping pads, I’ve landed on Thermarest. These two are the most comfortable, most quiet, easy to pack, and offer a nice padding.
The Thermarest Trail Scout Sleeping Pad is a bit better price-wise, thicker, and although not ultralight it’s still great for backpacking!
SPECS:
- 1 lb. 8 oz for the regular & 2 lbs. 1 oz for the tall
- Self-inflating (For the most part! These still need a bit of breath, for all “self-inflating pads.”)
- Made in USA
- R-value of 3.1, – 3-season warmth
#6. SLEEPING BAG – Marmot Trestles Elite Eco 0 Sleeping Bag
After searching for a sleeping bag that fit my comforts and ethics, I’ve finally found it and this is it!!
You’re looking at a 0-degree mummy sleeping bag, made of recycled polyester. JUST WOW!
As someone who is almost always cold when camping/backpacking. I’ve found this sleeping bag to be an absolute essential!! It’s always easier to zipper down to cool down, but always harder when a sleeping bag fails to stay warm. So opt for something that will keep you a bit warmer, like this one!
SPECS:
- Recycled Ripstop Polyester (Even if it’s wet it will keep you warm – unlike down)
- Weight: 2 lbs. 9.3 oz.
- Shape: Mummy (Great for keeping your head warm)
- Unisex
- Main zipper has an antisnag slider to reduce snagging
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Personally, having a comfortable sleep setup is truly essential. If we have poor sleep, then that means our recovery is also going to be impacted. I can speak from experience!
Firstly, this base layer Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite Sol Sleeping Pad protects your blow-up pad from rocks, adds extra cushion, and even gives another layer of blockage from the cold ground.
SPECS:
- Thickness = .75
- Weight = 14 oz
- Heat-trapping dimples and reflective ThermaCapture™ coating to reflect heat.
#7. EYE MASK
Firstly, this Bamboo Eye Mask is an absolute essential.
I personally notice a huge difference in sleep after using an eye mask regularly & traveling, but this isn’t just any eye mask.
So, this eye mask is made from 100% organic bamboo. As well as sourced from naturally renewable and sustainably harvested bamboo forests, using less resources than cotton.
This eco-friendly sleep mask is breathable and hypoallergenic to gently keep your eyes cool while blocking out light.
Sleep is an essential part of recovery with backpacking – don’t risk it with poor sleep!
#8. EAR PLUGS
I’m not sure if you’ve ever experienced earplugs before, but they are an absolute must for good sleep.
Ever hear people snoring or someone tossing and turning on their loud sleeping pad? Plus, I’m not sure if you’re like me and want no part in hearing rustling bushes – but these are a must!
Plus, they conveniently clip to your keys or bag to be readily available for you whenever you need them!
#9. SLEEP AID
As someone who can have a hard time sleeping on flights, at hostels, hotels, or just flat out from noisy animals; we’ve got to have something. So far, this one has worked best for me and I wake up with an incredible amount of relief.
These natural melatonin tablets help with natural relief of occasional sleeplessness and restlessness with accompanying stress, anxiousness, nervousness, and irritability
#10. Pillow:
In all honesty, a pillow can be a bit of an extra for me, but for most, a pillow is a must! Another alternative is using your clothes as your pillow.
However, if you’re jet-set on having a pillow or want to try one first, this is a great option.
The best part is that it completely stuffs into itself, is made of fully recycled materials, and weighs only 3 ounces (0.11 kg)!
SAFETY & FIRST AID
#11. FIRST AID KIT
Surely this is one of the best first aid kits I’ve had.
Not only is it stocked full of almost all of the basics, but it comes in a heavy-duty ripstop bag for most adventures and ensures contents are kept clean and dry.
Pared down to a weight-saving bare minimum, this Adventure Medical Ultralight/Watertight .7 medical kit contains the most essential supplies.
#11. BEAR MACE/SPRAY
Thankfully, I’ve not had to use this Bear Mace yet, but having that extra step of protection can truly be life-saving and even ward off any anxiety.
It’s worth having multiple forms of protection.
Simply pull the tab, aim, and then shoot the spray out at the target.
#12. AIR HORN
Although what may work for some predators doesn’t work for others, It’s worth having multiple forms of protection.
As far as bears – mace and the air horn are said to work, but with larger cats, I’ve read that the air horn can be more effective since they move so incredibly fast.
Just screw the top on tight and push down to get the noise out. When not using, try keeping it slightly loose so that it doesn’t go off accidentally. (I’ve not yet had that happen)
#13. HEADLAMP
After having these headlamps for years, I can truly say that this two-pack is an amazing deal!
Not only do you get one, but you get two of these rechargeable, 1000 lumens (lumens measures brightness), and adjustable headlamps.
Oftentimes, we can lose track of daylight, or maybe an emergency happens, a magical cave appears, or something gets dropped between some dark rocks, a headlamp is always a great adventure essential!
#14. MAP: Paper and/or digitally downloaded
Although I typically opt for a digital map and download it, paper maps are essential to have as well. Especially for lesser traveled trails or ones that people have often gotten lost on.
Not to mention, a phone could die, get lost, drop, or get damaged. So, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
For one to two nights, if you’re going backpacking with a friend, be sure to have them download the map on their phone too, and pint one with your permits. But if you’re going longer, it’s a good idea to have maps.
HYGIENE & SELF CARE
#15. Trowel
Overall, trowels are used to bury human waste but can be multipurpose tools too, if you get the right one!
This one here has serrated edges to slice through tough ground and roots, so this can dig where other tools struggle in comparison.
#16. HAND SANITIZER
Hand Sanitizer is perfect for using on the go, on your sticky hands and faces, and even as an air freshener or deodorant. Which is great, especially when out in the woods – two for ones are better!
Plus, it’s simple ingredients; organic ethyl alcohol, water, organic lavender oil, and organic glycerin – that’s it!
#17. UPASTE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
As far as the Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets go, they are a truly zero-waste alternative to conventional toothpaste, which means no plastic!
Not only that, the Unpaste Toothpaste Tablets are made without preservatives, artificial colors, or any other synthetic ingredients that would otherwise be absorbed in your mouth.
Overall, the tablets are so simple and easy to use, great for travel, and weigh almost nothing for backpacking.
Simply pop it in your mouth, chew it like a mint, and start brushing (add a tiny bit of water if need be).
#18. DIY Reusable wipes
Alright, it’s no secret that we’re going to get sweaty, dirty, and undoubtedly messy while out on the trails. So, having reusable and soapy cloths can make a huge difference.
I personally have come to find that I like the reusable ones much better and can ensure the solution is safe/nontoxic as well as low waste.
Simply just put a little water, your favorite soap, (Dr.Bronner’s is a great option) into a reusable bag, and viola you’ve got reusable wipes!
Simply use, wash, and reuse!
#19. MUSCLE RUB & Care Balm: SallyeAnder Rescue Me Intensive Care Balm – 2 oz.
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#20. KNEE BRACES
A knee brace unloads stress from the knees and pushes the pressure to the thigh, creating better mobility in the knee joint while reducing stiffness.
Have you ever seen people with tape on their knees? Whelp, this is the more sustainable and easier option!
I absolutely love these! I use them on any hike longer than 2 miles, and on every backpacking trip.
They also pair well with the pain relief slaves I have posted in the shop here too, just place it under the knee brace.
#21. Anti-inflammatories
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Disclosure: I’m not a doctor, please consult a professional before combining any supplements with medications. I’m not responsible for anything, and this is purely suggestive.
#22. BUG SPRAY/BUG BALM
After trying a wide array of products, I’ve personally found this natural bug spray to work the best.
To get started, this bug spray is nontoxic, conveniently in a spray bottle, and in eco-friendly packaging.
Compared to, most bug sprays that come with DEET, in aerosol cans, plastic bottles, and all options are incredibly toxic or harmful to the environment.
#23. SUNSCREEN: RAW ELEMENTS
Prevention is always the way to go! I recommend this sunscreen here. Raw Elements sunscreen is lightweight and safe with TSA, so it’s backpacking, hiking, and travel friendly too.
The consistency is a thick white paste and is best applied with a light lotion underneath it to help the sunscreen spread.
Raw Elements is toxin-free, all-natural, and comes in a metal container making it more eco-friendly. (I was recommended this product by the flight attendants on Hawaiian Airlines to protect their coral reefs!)
#24. MATADOR TRAVEL TOWEL
This full-size shower towel uses a lightweight, fast-drying nanofiber fabric to absorb 2.3 times its own weight in water, making it the perfect travel companion!
Plus, it’s machine washable.
Personally, I love that this towel is full-body, has a case, and can be clipped anywhere!
#25. CHAPSTICK/LIP BALM
So, I have a bit of a confession, I’m a bit of lip gloss/chapstick addict. I’ve always got to have one on me! But, I’ve recently been a bit more mindful of what the packaging and containers are and if they are less harmful to the environment as well as my body.
I’ve recently discovered these EcoLips Chapsticks and I’m obsessed! They go on super smooth, are moisturizing, easy to apply, taste great, feel great, natural/non-toxic and are in compostable plant tubes! ECO-WIN!
FOOD & WATER SUPPLIES
#26. FILTER OPTION 1: Katadyn Hiker Pro Clear Microfilter
This Katadyn water filter pump has been absolutely amazing and very user-friendly.
I personally chose to get the clear Katadyn Hiker Pro because I had wanted to see the filter at work, especially since this filter easy to clean.
To clean the filter, simply swish in the water. How easy is that?!
As far as the durable structure, it’s made of a Glass-fiber element that’s pleated for increased surface area to handle silt and muddy water
Lastly, when considering a filter, make sure it physically removes particles, protozoa and bacteria down to 0.2 microns in size, including giardia, salmonella, cryptosporidia and others
#27. STRIPEN (STERILIZATION)
Although the Katadyn Filter gets a majority of everything, there’s still places around the world that I’ve traveled and been unsure about. Having a UV sterilizer kinda puts my mind to ease, and I’m sure yours as well!
There are just a few forms of bacteria/viruses that the filter can’t kill, and this finishes the job!
I have met other backpackers that prefer to use chlorine tablets, but I’m weary of disturbing or destroying the good bacteria in my stomach. Plus, I love the pure taste of fresh spring water! So, this steripen is a bit more preferred.
#28. HYDRAPAKS (x2)
After trying the hard plastic water bladders and having them crack after just a couple of uses, I found these silicone ones are SO MUCH BETTER, and I’ve not looked back since!
They are perfect for travel, backpacking, hiking, etc. Especially because they can be completely collapsed and crushed down to fit in most crevices.
#29. SPORK: GoBites Ti-Uno Titanium Spork
Having a titanium spork has been my favorite go-to utensil for zero waste as well as backpacking. It’s durable, non-toxic, easy to clean, and incredibly lightweight. Plus, it’s safe to take on planes for travel!
Plus, it doesn’t melt when mixing boiling hot liquids. So, that’s a plus!
#30. STOVE: MSR POCKET ROCKET
When backpacking, cooking can sometimes be avoided by packing just snacks. But that’s not something most people do, nor what I do. I personally prefer a nice warm meal after a long day or to help warm me up!
I’ve had this pocket rocket for years, and it’s been simply easy to use, lightweight, and high quality. Both the pocket rockets styles are great btw!
#. FUEL TANK
To be able to use the pocket rocket or even boil up some water, fuel is a must!
Any of the fuel canisters work well, they are typically all the same price. But I personally prefer to use the one that’s labeled MSR for compatibility with my stove.
3ish oz = 60–70 minutes of burn time / OR/ 6–7 uses
8ish oz = 180-200 minutes of burn time
#. COOK POT: TOAKS Titanium 750ml Pot
Another hand favorite that’s last me years. I’d chosen titanium because of the durability, longevity, and lightweight aspects. I’ve not been disappointed.
This 750 ml, holds the perfect amount of water for meals plus a bit more for coffee or tea too. Best of all, it’s extremely lightweight, and only weighs 3.6 ounces (0.14 kg).
#. Food Protection: BearVault BV475 Trek Bear Canister
Although I’ve seen many people have bear bags and lines, I find them to be an extra step and hassle. Plus, many National Parks and wilderness areas still require a bear canister regardless. So, I’ve just kept it simple and stick to the bear canister.
Just be sure to keep it in the center of your pack or even weight distribution, and 100 ft (ca. 30 m) from your campsite.
SPECS:
- 2-3 lbs
- Enough food for 3-5 days and toiletries for 1 person
- Approved in all national parks and wilderness areas
- Bear Proof
Find A New Favorite From This Ultimate Backpacking Packing List?
PHEW, I knew that was going to be a lot to put in this ultimate backpacking packing article! But after many…and I mean many requests, I found that it was finally time to put this together for your next trip!
Did you know that I actually host and put together backpacking trips that you’re able to join in on?
Well, let’s get our gear together and head out together!!
Still not feeling completely ready? Well, that’s no problem at all because I’ve actually also got a monthly webinar that I host to get you up and ready for your next adventure!
By clicking HERE, you’ll be able to find all the webinars I host to get you ready & confident!!
Wait, before you go, these other articles may also be of use to you as well:
- HOW TO UTILIZE THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE
- WHAT HIKE ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR A DAY FULL OF ADVENTURE
BACKPACKING TRIPS THAT YOU MAY ENJOY:
- A GUIDE TO BACKPACKING THE HOH RAINFOREST IN WASHINGTON STATE
- A GUIDE TO BACKPACKING WASHINGTON’S OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK – 7 LAKES BASIN HIGH DIVIDE
- A GUIDE TO BACKPACKING & HIKING RINGBOLT ARIZONA HOT SPRING
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