Backpacking Checklist & Essentials Guide

Written by Iron Tazz

Learn the very best backpacking essentials from a full-time backpacker with 5,000+ miles of hiking experience.

Follow This Complete Checklist + 23 PRO TIPS to dial in your very own gear set up.

For More Backpacking Tutorials & Insight Visit

WWW.IRONTAZZ.COM

Table of Contents

Backpack 2

Backpack Cover 5

Backpacking Tent 5

Sleeping Bag 7

Sleeping Pad 9

Stove and Fuel 10

Food 11

Food Storage 11

Water Bottle & Reservoir 12

Water Filter or Purification 13

Cookware and Utensils 14

Hiking Shoes or Boots 14

Trail Socks 15

Clothing: Weather Appropriate 16

Headlamp 19

Navigation: Map, Compass, GPS 20

First Aid Kit 21

Emergency/Repair Kit 22

Knife 22

Sun Protection 23

Bug Protection 23

Backpacking Permit 23

Personal S.O.S Device 24

Hygiene Items 25

Trekking Poles 25

Optional Items 26 2

฀ Backpack The Perfect Backpack:

● Has the capacity to hold all of your gear and a little extra ● Lightweight ● Comfortable ● Fits you properly ● Can handle and evenly distribute your heaviest loads ● No unnecessary features

Unsure about how big your backpack should be? The 50 to 70-liter range seems to be a sweet spot for most people.

Whats lightweight? Under 3 pounds.

Frameless, external or internal frame?

● Frameless bags are ideal if you rarely carry loads of more than 20 pounds. I used a frameless bag when I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and my partner currently uses one on all of our trips.

● External frames seem to pair well with OLD SCHOOL HIKERS going on their annual backpacking trip using the same gear they purchased in 1962.

● Internally framed bags are the most commonly used style of backpack providing the best combination of comfort and support.

What are unnecessary features?

EXCESSIVE pockets, zippers, straps and storage compartments.

Why these extras suck:

● They add extra weight to your bag 3

● Increase the number of possible failure points ● Fully waterproofing the contents of your bag becomes a challenge ● The organization of your gear actually becomes more difficult

Unfortunately:

Most first time buyers are attracted to the bag with the most features. Using a few stuff sacks to organize your gear is a MUCH more versatile option.

Having only one big internal pocket allows you to line the inside of your bag with a lightweight trash compacter sack FULLY WATERPROOFING everything inside.

What backpack do I use on all of my trips?

Hyperlight Southwest 70 liter bag -2.43 Pounds-

PRO TIP #1

Buy Light Weight Gear!

The best place to start?

"The Big Three"

1. Backpack 2. Shelter 3. Sleeping bag & pad

They are called the big three because they are typically the biggest, heaviest, most expensive pieces of gear! 4

A scenario I see time and time again (I definitely did this)...

You buy a new gear set up NOT worrying about weight.

Your first trips are all 2-3 days and you have no issues.

Naturally, you decide to do a longer more demanding trip.

Maybe the Wonderland or John Muir Trail.

You get out there and on day 4 you are WRECKED.

Not only are you carrying the same heavy gear, but also the weight of your extra food and maybe a bear can that you had never carried before.

A light base weight enables you to:

● Hike more miles & back to back days pain-free ● Carry more food once you decide to do longer trips ● Bring more non-essentials like camera gear, a book, or maybe a box of wine ● Be nimble, hiking much safer across creek fords, log crossings, slippery rocks or uneven ground.

Don't go "Stupid Light" Never sacrifice your safety by leaving any of the essentials behind!

฀ Backpack Cover If you plan on hiking in any rain you will want to make sure that your gear stays dry. Backpack covers can help but they are definitely not full proof.

PRO TIP #2

Use a Large Trash Compacter Sack To Fully Protect Your Gear.

Line the inside of your bag with it before you put your gear inside.

This will ensure that all of your gear stays 100% dry.

This can be an addition to a pack cover or your only form of waterproof protection. 5

฀ Backpacking Tent

Your shelter should protect you from all elements and have you excited to stay another night inside.

3 season backpacking shelters come in many forms:

● Freestanding double wall tents - Easiest to set up and perform well in almost all conditions. 90 percent of backpackers go this route.

● Single wall non-freestanding tents - Lightest fully enclosed style of shelter. Trekking poles are commonly used in the setup. Best suited for Thru-Hikers and experienced hikers looking to really cut down on weight.

● Bivies - Take up little ground space and are ideal for cowboy camping. Make sure you have a tarp for added rain protection.

● Hammocks - Some sleep best in a hammock. Trees, A tarp, bug netting, and an under quilt are needed for a complete setup.

● Tarps - Lightweight, versatile, well ventilated.

All of these shelters have strengths and weaknesses and excel in specific environments and conditions.

Not sure about Size? Make sure you do your research and look at the dimensions of the tent your thinking about purchasing.

A "2 person" tent might realistically be a "1 person" tent. On the very minimal end, you will want to have at least a few inches of extra space on all sides of you when you are fully sprawled out.

Being pressed up against any wall is a guaranteed way to get wet from condensation if the right conditions present themselves. 6

How much living space do you want? Just enough room for you? You and a partner?

Do you want to store your gear inside?

Personally, I like to keep my gear inside my tent and have plenty of room to move around. I also like to be able to sit up without my head hitting the top of my tent.

This is especially nice if I'm trapped in my tent waiting out a storm. If your planning on sharing a tent with a partner. Make sure it has doors and vestibules on both sides.

What shelters do I currently use?

Zpacks Duplex -1 Pound 3oz- My primary shelter. 120+ nights inside of mine in 2018

MSR Hubba Hubba -3 Pounds 7oz- Have used this shelter for the past 4 years.

Don't forget your tent stakes.

I always carry one extra.

I use full-length MSR Groundhog stakes for all of my shelters.

PRO TIP #3

Buy the best gear you can afford.

I know this can be tough starting out...

Keep this in mind:

When it comes to backpacking gear, you usually get what you pay for. High-quality gear can last a lifetime.

"The poor man pays twice"

I was that poor man and it wasn't long before I replaced all of the gear I first purchased as a newb to backpacking.

Ultimately spending much more in the end.

If you can withstand hundreds of people and chaos you can get some pretty sweet deals on slightly used gear at R.E.I's quarterly garage sales.

฀ Sleeping Bag Choose a bag that is rated for the temperatures you plan on sleeping in.

DUH RIGHT!?

Well, if you plan on backpacking year round in different conditions this can be tricky.

If you're unsure and can only buy one bag:

A good rule of thumb is to go with a rating of 20-degrees Fahrenheit.

If you end up being in colder temps you can always supplement your warmth with extra clothing layers.

Backpack frequently in various temperature conditions?

Having multiple bags might be in your best interest.

For Example:

I own a 30-degree quilt I primarily use in the Spring and Summer.

I also own a 10-degree quilt I use in the Fall and early Winter.

When temps get extremely cold I double up both quilts and stay plenty warm into temps that drop below 0-degrees Fahrenheit.

Traditional Mummy Bag or Quilt?

Benefits of a Quilt:

● Quilts are typically 20-30% lighter than a Mummy Bag of the same temperature rating 8

● Less restricting than mummy bags, great for side and rotisserie sleepers ● Easier to regulate heat when its warmer outside that the rating of my bag

Benefits of a Mummy Bag:

● You don't have to worry about any cold air drafts coming into your bag. ● There is a hood to keep your head warm.

For me, the benefits of the quilt far outweigh those of a mummy bag.

Insulation type: Synthetic, regular down, or treated down?

Synthetic fill: Heaviest. Does not compress as much as down. Great option for those on a budget.

Regular down is great but loses all loft when it becomes wet, potentially transforming your bag into a DEATH TRAP.

Treated down is new. One of the best gear innovations in our time. It starts off like regular down but every single feather is coated in a waterproof repellent before it is stuffed into the bag.

Treated down such as DownTek is the clear winner!

I only buy down products that are treated unless I have no other option.

I use an Enlightened Equipment Enigma 10 & 30-degree quilt.

PRO TIP #4

This One is for Couples That Backpack Together.

Get a 2 person sleeping bag or quilt!

The weight of a 2 person sleeping set up is much lighter than your 2 bags combined.

Plus you get to share body heat and tent snugs ;)

฀ Sleeping Pad Your sleeping pad is going to keep you insulated off the cold ground. 9

It doesn't matter how warm your sleeping bag is if you don't have the proper insulation under you!

How well a pad insulates you is measured by the R-Value of the pad.

The higher the R-Value the warmer you will be.

You have two main choices

A foam pad or an inflatable air pad.

Most people find inflatable air pads to be much more comfortable and they usually have a higher R-Value.

Closed cell foam pads do excel over an air pad in a few areas though:

● Puncture Resistant. ● Easier to set up. ● They cost less. ● Can be sat on around camp or during breaks.

I have spent hundreds of nights on my Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XLite pad since 2011.

It has a reflective material on the inside that returns heat back to your body.

I consider it to be the best option on the market evaluating weight comfort and warmth.

If I'm going to be camping directly on snow. I supplement it with a 1/8 inch Thinlight Gossamer Gear foam pad. PRO TIP #5

Buy From Companies That Stand Behind There Gear!

If a piece of gear is not backed by a warranty you should really question its quality.

I'm happy to pay a premium knowing that if any issues were to arise, I would be able to get my gear fixed or replaced.

Even the socks I hike in have a lifetime warranty.

฀ Stove and Fuel 10

If you enjoy hot food and warm drinks you're going to want a stove.

A stove also turns into an essential resource if you need to melt snow for drinking water.

Hot soups and drinks boost morale and body warmth in cold conditions.

Different kinds of backpacking stoves:

● Liquid fuel stoves: Connect to refillable bottles and can be filled with white gas and other alternative fuels. If you are traveling abroad or backpacking somewhere where fuel canisters are not available this might be your best best.

● Alternative fuel stoves: Wood, pellets and other forms of burnable material are used as fuel. Ideal for the survivalist.

● Canister fuel stoves: The most popular stove with backpackers. These stoves are lightweight & easy to use. They screw on to the top of propane/isobutane fuel canisters.

There is an increasing number of people leaving the stove and fuel behind and "cold soaking" their meals.

I do this in the warmer summer months because I enjoy the simplicity, health benefits, and weight savings.

A large peanut butter jar is my container of choice. A Talenti ice cream container works pretty nice too.

My go-to stove is the Jetboil MiniMo Cooking set up.

PRO TIP #6

Bring a little more fuel than you think you might need.

Never use your stove inside your tent!

฀ Food The best foods for backpacking share these characteristics.

● High energy 11

● Take up little space ● High caloric value ● They taste good

There are a million different ways you can go about food.

I like to always have a good sized meal for dinner and a bunch of snacks to get me through the day.

I'm not a calorie counter but I normally shoot for 1 & 1/2 - 2 pounds of food per day. Ramen & convenient premade freeze-dried meals are popular amongst hikers.

I like to make my own dehydrated meals.

PRO TIP #7

Bring Extra Food.

You burn a lot of calories while hiking. It's very rare that I ever come back home with any food left over, no matter how much I bring. One extra day's worth of food should do the trick.

฀ Food Storage Does the thought of a bear tearing into your tent to get your food scare you? It shouldn't because you store your food properly.

Never store food in your tent or leave it unattended! Not even for a minute! Critters, animals, and birds are smart and opportunistic. Often they are watching and waiting to pull a sneak attack! Common food storage methods:

● Hang from a tree in a stuff sack ● Ursack bag ● Bear can

Some areas have bear wires or metal food storage bins at camp that can be utilized.

Many areas require food to be stored in a bear can.

Always do your research before heading out.

If you do decide to hang your food from a tree, make sure you learn how to do it properly.

PRO TIP #8

Store Your Food in a Scent-Proof 12"x20" Loksak Opsak Bag.

This is an addition to your stuff sack.

If an animal can't smell your food, to begin with, your ahead of the game.

Weighing less than an ounce makes this an essential for me.

I have been using these bags since 2011 and have never had an animal get into my food.

฀ Water Bottle & Reservoir You will most definitely want a bottle to drink out of.

Approximately one liter in size seems to be the golden standard.

Often carrying more than one liter of water is necessary while backpacking.

In addition to my water bottle, I carry (2) 2-liter water bags.

This enables me to carry up to 5 liters of water total.

What about water bladders such as a CamelBak?

Some people really enjoy being able to drink water directly from a tube attached to a water bag inside of there backpack.

Understandable, just be aware of this.

Your water bag can spring a leak potentially causing all of the gear in your bag to become wet. I've seen this happen. NOT GOOD

The water inside of your hose will freeze up in temperatures below freezing.

PRO TIP #9

Ditch the Nalgene Bottle for a Tall "Smart Water" Style Bottle.

One of the lightest bottles available, weighing only a fraction of what a Nalgene bottle weighs. Just as reusable.

Its tall, slender design makes it easier to grab from the side pouch of most backpacks while hiking.

It's cheap & you get some free electrolytes.

A Sawyer water filter can also screw directly to the top of it.

฀ Water Filter or Purification

I hear Giardia sucks. Drink clean water.

Filtration vs Purification?

Filtration removes bacteria from water while purification fights viruses in water.

What does this mean to you?

If you are backpacking in the US or Canada a filtration method will treat your water effectively.

If you are traveling abroad a purification method such as UV light or chemicals is your best bet.

I have been using a Sawyer Squeeze filter primarily since 2011.

Its lightweight, bombproof, one-piece design has never done me wrong.

It also has a million-gallon guarantee.

It will slow down over time. I replace mine every few years.

I have yet to get sick from any water on my travels.

Be wary of any pump style filters with moving parts. I've seen many fail out in the field.

PRO TIP #10

Carry water purification tablets in your emergency kit as a backup to your primary water filter.

Bringing water to a boil is also an effective form of purification. 14

฀ Cookware and Utensils This category is going to vary depending on the style of cooking you do.

Only cooking freeze-dried meals or one pot meals?

A pot & spoon or fork will have you covered.

If you are into cooking more extravagant meals on the trail you might want a few more items.

PRO TIP #11

A long Spoon is Your Best Friend.

Makes getting into the bottom of your freeze-dried meal or Jetboil cup much more enjoyable.

I use a long bamboo spoon

฀ Hiking Shoes or Boots I find lightweight trail runners to be the best form of footwear for almost all forms of hiking.

The only exception to that would be in winter conditions.

Trail runners are extremely comfortable, breathable and lightweight.

Feet love these attributes.

They also dry out extremely fast once wet and can be left on while fording creeks.

Some prefer wearing boots for the added ankle support.

Either way, go up 1/2 - 1 full size from what you normally wear.

Your feet swell up during the day as you hike and having some extra room is critical.

If your toes jam into the front of your shoe while hiking downhill...

You might be returning home with a missing toenail and some trophy blisters.

Optimal footwear definitely varies person to person. Almost more than any other piece of gear.

I have a really wide front foot and have found Altras to be the best fit for me.

I currently use the Altra Superior 3.5's.

PRO TIP #12

Once you go trail runners you never go back.

Don't object unless you have tried both options out.

฀ Trail Socks I take 3 pairs of socks on most all of my trips.

I hike in the thinnest wool socks available to prevent blisters. 2 pairs of those that I can alternate between throughout the day.

Dry feet are happy feet!

One pair of socks is always kept dry and clean and are reserved for sleeping only.

If I plan on being in temps below freezing I will trade out the thin wool socks for something thicker.

PRO TIP #13

Look into Darn Tough socks.

They have a lifetime warranty.

No joke.

฀ Clothing: Weather Appropriate An appropriate layering system is essential in the backcountry.

Going with multiple lighter layers, instead of a single thick or bulky layer, enables you to better adapt to a wider range of conditions.

Layers can be removed or added according to the weather and exertion level at any given time. Your layers should compliment one another providing a flexible system maximizing efficiency and minimizing duplicity.

If the conditions demand, you should be able to comfortably wear all of your clothing simultaneously.

Three principal layers: Base, Insulation, and Outer.

My layering system: Base:

● MeUndies antimicrobial boxers ● Columbia Silverlight button-up shirt ● Smartwool 150 weight leggings and top ● Merriwool Beanie

Insulation:

● Patagonia R1 hooded fleece ● Marmot hooded Polartec fleece ● Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer hooded down jacket ● Mountain Hardwear Flash down pants ● Zpacks possum down gloves

Outer:

● Nike running shorts with liner cut out ● Montbell Dynamo wind pants ● Outdoor Research Helium Pants ● Outdoor Research Helium Jacket ● Umbrella ● Borah eVent Rain Mitts ● Outdoor Research Hat

This is my entire backpacking clothing selection. Depending on the conditions I may leave a few of these items at the house.

PRO TIP #14

Don't bring an extra shirt or pair of undies to change into on your trip.

I see a lot of beginners do this.

Unnecessary weight & hassle.

Buy clothing with antimicrobial properties instead and enjoy the scent you worked so hard for.

SMALL ESSENTIALS

I keep all of my small essentials in my pack pod that's always easily accessible.

My Small Essentials

Being able to grab this bag while taking a break or being in my tent is

MUCH more convenient than rummaging through compartments of a backpack.

Let's break my bag down a bit...

Everything in my Pack Pod

Let's break it down a little more...

Minus Map & Stuff Sacks

I bet your wondering whats in my customized first aid/repair kit?

Wow, I really opened up to you guys!

฀ Headlamp Not planning on doing any hiking at night?

You should still carry a headlamp.

A headlamp can help you find your way to the bathroom at night and could save you in an emergency situation.

Make sure your batteries are charged before you leave the house and as a safety precaution bring an extra set.

I use a Petzl-Actik Core Headlamp.

PRO TIP #15

Use a headlamp with a rechargeable battery.

This especially makes sense if you are carrying an external charger on the trail already.

I've used my headlamp extensively for 2+ years now with no issues and am still only using the original USB rechargeable battery it came with. 20

฀ Navigation: Map, Compass, GPS Never hit the trail without a map that corresponds with the area you will be backpacking into and a compass.

Make sure you learn how to use them proficiently before you go out.

Getting lost happens easier than you might think.

I have been there before and it can be terrifying.

I like to supplement my map and compass with a GPS.

Don't purely rely on a GPS.

Electronic devices can and do fail. Having both options is the best bet to ensure you make it back home.

I use a Suunto Global M3 Compass

The Gaia app on my phone is my go-to for GPS. It has multiple map layers you can switch back and forth between.

I can also save key GPS waypoints.

If you use this app, don't forget to download the maps of the area you will be hiking into before you lose phone service.

I use various paper maps.

When I can't buy a specific map I print one off at home and laminate it with contact paper.

PRO TIP #16

Always tell someone close to you exactly where you will be backpacking and when you plan on being back.

Tell more than one person to further increase your odds of being helped in an emergency situation. 21

฀ First Aid Kit Always carry a first aid kit.

I carry an Adventure Medical KitsUltralight/Watertight .3 Medical Kit.

PRO TIP #17

Customize Your Kit.

Some extras in my personal kit

● Ibuprofen ● Anti-diarrheal pills (Imodium) ● Antihistamine pills ● Super Glue ● Neosporin ● Safety pins ● Electrolyte tablets

(Disclaimer: These first aid items are what I carry. I’m not specifically recommending them for others. Be sure to consult with your physician before taking any medication)

฀ Emergency/Repair Kit Be prepared for the unexpected. What's in my kit?

● About 10 feet of duct tape. ● A few squares of tenacious tape (Great for patching holes or tears in your jacket or tent). ● Sewing needle/floss ● Patch kit for the air mattress ● Ceramic utility blade ● Fire starters- 2 Bic lighters & waterproof matches ● 50' 2mm Dyneema cord ● Whistle (integrated into my backpack sternum strap) ● Small business card with personal information & close contacts

฀ Knife A knife is one of the most valuable tools in your bag. 22

PRO TIP #18

Get Yourself a Mini Army Swiss Knife.

Whether it's your primary knife or just a supplement to something larger.

This knife has a multitude of uses and weighs less than an ounce.

Mine is always with me.

The scissors are great for cutting tape or patches.

The tweezers save the day pulling out thorns or ticks.

This is the only knife I ever carry with me unless I plan on having a fire in wet conditions.

In those conditions, I carry my Mora Light My Fire Knife so I can process wood.

My Mora Knife did just break in half after 3+ years of use...

I plan on repurchasing the same knife because I don't want to carry something heavier.

฀ Sun Protection Best forms:

● Your clothing: long sleeve shirts and pants are one of the best forms of sun protection ● Sunscreen: A carry a small bottle to use on my face. ● SPF Lip Balm: ● Sunglasses: Polarized Sunglasses are your best bet, especially if hiking on snow. Make sure your sunglasses block out 100% UV Rays ● Hat: Bonus if it shades your neck, ears, and face ● Umbrella: Not only does my umbrella provide excellent rain protection it also provides extreme protection from the sun.

The umbrella only makes it in my bag for sun protection in extreme conditions. Mostly in the desert where there is no shade to be found.

PROTIP #19

In some deep heat and there are no shaded areas to hang out?

Maybe there are but the mosquitoes are so thick that you can't bear to be outside?

Put your sleeping bag and extra layers on top of your tent.

This provides excellent insulation from the sun and turns your hot tent into a cool sanctuary.

฀ Bug Protection If hiking in mosquito territory I wear my wind pants and a long sleeve shirt.

I also wear a mosquito head-net.

Deet is an insect repellant most commonly used by backpackers to keep the bugs at bay.

I find it to be pretty toxic and personally only use it as a last resort.

฀ Backpacking Permit

Make sure you do your research and find out if a backpacking permit is required for the area you want to hike into. Permit systems enable areas from becoming overcrowded and abused. They also let someone know where you will be hiking.

PRO TIP #20 Many popular destinations have very high demands for a limited number of permits.

Often you can reserve these permits far ahead of time online before there are all spoken for.

฀ Personal S.O.S Device While this is an optional item for some its a necessity for me.

I was on a backpacking trip in a remote area of the North Cascades when A fellow hiker took a fall that ended his life.

The decision was made for me to hike out as fast as I possibly could and then drive to the nearest town with cell phone service to call emergency services.

This took about 4 hours... 24

I immediately purchased my Garmin after.

TRUST ME:

You don't want a situation like this to open your eyes.

Even if you feel that you might never personally need one it could very well save someone else's life.

I was on an 11-day backpacking trip last year when a friend fell off a 100' + cliff.

We found him in a pool of blood with a compound fractured leg and severe head and body wounds.

We were over 20 miles from the nearest trailhead with no cell phone service.

Luckily another member of our group and I had our Garmin's with us and were able to message for help. A helicopter was there within 3 hours airlifting him to safety.

It saved his life.

PRO TIP #21

If you do decide to get a personal rescue beacon...

Get one with satellite texting abilities.

This is essential for letting someone know exactly what the emergency is.

Your also not left wondering if help is actually going to show up once you set off the S.O.S.

My partner and I also love the fact that I can message her and let her know that I'm safe and sound on my trips.

I take my Garmin inReach Mini on all of my trips.

฀ Hygiene Items You might want a few or all of these

● Hand sanitizer ● Toilet paper & sealable bag to pack it out 25

● Toothbrush ● Toothpaste ● Floss ● Menstrual products

PRO TIP #22

This one is for the Ladies.

Think about using a Pee-Kerchief!

A small reusable cloth that you can clip to the outside of your bag between uses.

My partner has been going this route and loves the fact that she doesn't have to pack out all of the extra toilet paper.

฀ Trekking Poles These are a must for me.

Benefits of trekking poles

● Relieve up to 30% of the pressure of your joints, especially while hiking downhill. ● Aid in balance. ● Can be used to dig cat holes. ● Can also be used to set up certain shelters.

I use the Black Diamond Carbon Cork trekking poles.

After using these extensively for 2 years...

On a recent hike, I let a friend use one of mine.

He ended up breaking it.

I emailed Black Diamond about it and haven't heard back from them yet...

Will report back.

฀ Optional Items I consider these Items to be essential if the right conditions present themselves. 26

● Bear Spray ● Ice Axe ● Microspikes

I use a Petzl Glacier Literide ice ax and Kahtoola Micro Spikes

I only carry bear spray in grizzly bear territory.

I feel pretty safe around black bears.

That is not a recommendation for anyone else.

฀ Luxury Items Most hikers like to bring a few luxury Items to add to the experience.

Your Items could be much different than mine.

Always in my bag

● Blow up Sea to Summit pillow ● Camera gear ● Kindle ● External charger+cords ● Therm-a-rest Z-Seat

Sometimes in my bag

● Camp sandals ● Luci blow up light ● Fishing gear ● Jet Boil Frying Pan ● lightweight grill to cook over a fire ● Mora Light My Fire knife ● Sea to Summit cup ● Hammock

PRO TIP #23 Always remember to leave no trace and take care of the land while you are out there! 27

Happy Trails my Friends!

Iron Tazz