Backpacking Checklist
Going backpacking is often something that most people plan for a long time before
it actually happens. If you're like me, at one time or another you've arrived at
your destination only to find that you've forgotten some important item that could
either ruin your trip or make you waste money buying it again. That's why this page
exists.
This page is open to anyone that finds it useful. Help me make these lists more
complete by letting me know if I forgot something using our
feedback page.
General High Country Suggestions
- Don't bring condiments in the plastic pouches you find at restaurants because they'll
explode at high altitudes. I've done this and it ain't pretty.
- Don't bring foods that are hard to cook or cleanup because they'll be HARDER to
cook and cleanup in the mountains.
- Altitude sickness sometimes strikes in the form of headaches or a rapid heartbeat.
Remember that sugar is brain food and aspirin thins the blood.
General Packing Concepts
- Weight, size, and collapsibility should always be considered when choosing what
to bring on a backpacking trip.
- Use collapsible tubs and smaller containers for backpacking so that you only bring
what you need.
- You'd do yourself a favor by not buying the freeze-dried food found in sporting
goods stores. It usually doesn't taste very good and it's always more expensive
than something you could by in a normal grocery store.
- Try not to bring more than one of an item that can be easily shared with a backing
partner. Items like first aid kits, matches, bug repellant, aspirin, floss, toothpaste,
string, hand shovels, and cameras are good examples of things that can be shared.
How to Use the Lists
Don't be afraid. You're not expected to bring everything you see on these lists.
These lists should only serve to remind you to think about bringing something. For
example, if you see 'eggs' but don't like eggs, then don't bring eggs. Bring something
you like instead. Get it?
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Shelter/Basics
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Cooking
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Eating
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- Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Therm-a-Rest
- Backpack Pillow
- Flash/Head Lights
- Back Pack
- Water Bottles
- Water Filter
- Compass
- Maps
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- Matches
- Cooking Utensils
- Water Storage
- Sugar
- White Gas Stove
- White Gas Cyl.
- Scrub Sponge
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- Plate
- Bowl
- Thermo Cup
- Eating Utensils
- Napkins
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Clothing
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Activity
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Miscellaneous
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- Hat (Shade/Warmth)
- Sandals
- Hiking Boots
- River Boots
- Jacket
- Pants
- Shirts
- Under Stuff
- Wool & Silk Socks
- Fleece/Sweatshirt
- Polypropylene
- Bandana
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- Fishing Equipment
- Reading Material
- Camera and Film
- Sun Glasses
- Yo-Yo
- Camp/Fire Permit
- Fishing License
- Playing Cards
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- Trash Bags
- Leather Gloves
- Bug Repellant
- First Aid Kit
- Spare Ditty Bag
- String/Twine
- Aspirin
- 2nd Skin
- Hand Shovel
- Zip-Lock Bags
- Personal ID
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Breakfast
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Lunch/Dinner
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Lunch/Dinner
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- Instant Oatmeal
- Coffee
- Tea
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- Sandwich Rolls
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Instant Soup
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- Instant Potatoes
- Instant Pasta
- Instant Soup
- Instant Rice
- Instant Anything
- Hot Chocolate
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Snack
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Additional
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Toiletries
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- Granola Bars
- Crackers
- M&M's
- Trail Mix
- Hard Candy
- Raisins
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- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Margarine
- Cooking Oil
- Spices/Seasonings
- Iced Tea Mix
- Sugar Kool-Aid
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- Toilet Paper
- Tooth Brush/paste
- Floss
- Bio Soap
- Towel/Washcloth
- Lip Balm
- Sun Screen
- Shaving Gear
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