Outdoors Camping Explore This Guide Overview Planning Your Trip Tips for First-Time Campers Camping on a Budget Destinations Top Camping Destinations Best States to Camp Top National Parks Camping in the Fall Spring Camping Getaways Backpacking How to Go Backpacking Complete Checklist Backpacking Destinations Essentials Setting Up Camp FAQs About Camping Tips for Non-Campers First Aid Packing List Gear Tents Camping Chairs Hammocks Camping Accessories Lanterns Camping Pillows Air Mattresses Camping Stoves Hiking Snacks CLOSE Part of Planning a Camping Trip: The Complete Guide The Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist By Monica Prelle Monica Prelle Monica Prelle is an award-winning outdoor travel writer and backcountry snowboarder who has contributed to numerous adventure publications, including Afar and Backcountry. Travel's editorial guidelines Updated on July 28, 2022 Photo: Jordan Siemens / Getty Images So you want to learn how to pack a backpack for camping? Whether you are new to backcountry camping or just want a backpacking checklist to help you get on the trail, you'll want to consider this list of gear for your big adventure. This checklist list is intended to be more than complete—you will not need everything. In fact, it is best to pack a minimal amount of backpacking gear and luxury items at home. The lighter your pack, the better you'll feel, but don't leave out the essentials. Be sure to research the weather and climate of your destination and adjust your packing accordingly. If you'll be hiking in a cold or rainy region, pay special attention to waterproof equipment. If it's going to be cold, plan to carry extra layers of clothing. If you are lucky enough to hike and camp in warm weather, you might not need as much gear. Backpacking Essentials Hero Images/Getty Images Whether you are expecting warm, cold, sunny, or rainy weather, there are basic backpacking items that you'll need to take. Shelter, bedding, cooking equipment, and minimal clothing are required for any overnight trip. Here's what you should pack. A backpack Tent or tarp with poles or guy lines Sleeping bag Sleeping pad Camp Stove and lighter Food Water bottle and water purification system Headlamp Sun protection Extra layers of clothing Camping Shelter Greg Jaggears / Getty Images To be safe and comfortable you will want a good camping shelter for your backpacking trip. Here are the basics for a good night's rest in the wild. Tent or tarpTent poles, stakes, and/or guy linesGround cloth or tarpSleeping bagWaterproof stuff sack for sleeping bagSleeping padCamp pillowMosquito netting Clothing for Backpacking Westend61 / Getty Images Backpacking clothing is just like hiking except you'll be spending the night. Carefully consider the weather, expect for the worst, and be prepared. Hiking bootsSandals (select a pair that will work for wading streams)Zip-off convertible pants/shortsThermal underwear top and bottomLightweight down or synthetic jacketFleece jacket or vestFleece pantsRaincoat and pants - fully waterproofBeanieGlovesMoisture-wicking t-shirtHiking socks (an extra pair is recommended)Camp socksDown booties Backcountry Kitchen HansChris / Getty Images It's true—food tastes better in the great outdoors and especially when you carried it to a beautiful destination. Here's what you'll need to cook. If you like to cook on a fire, be sure to check area regulations. Food (dehydrated or quick cook food items are recommended)StoveFuelPotsPot grabberUtensilsUtility knife or multi-toolLighter and/or matchesWater bottle (an extra water bottle is recommended)Water filter or other purification systemBiodegradable soapFrench pressCoffee cupDishes or bowlsBear canister or hang bags and ropes for food storage First-Aid and Safety Lebazele/Getty Images Your trip will most likely be safe and free of accidents, but if you have a wilderness emergency you'll want a few basic supplies to help the injured be more comfortable before getting them back to civilization. Wilderness First Aid KitCell-phone, two-way radio or satellite phoneEmergency tarp (reflective blanket)WhistleWatch (with altimeter and barometer)Duct tape Navigation Cultura/Ross Woodhall/Getty Images Know your route, have a map, and carry a compass. MapCompassGPS (optional)Wilderness permitField guideGuidebook Sun and Weather Protection Michael Jones / Getty Images Since you'll be outdoors all day long while backpacking, you really need to protect yourself from the sun. Here's what you'll need. SunscreenSunglassesLip balmHatMosquito head netInsect repellantBandana or neck gaiter Personal Items stockstudioX / Getty Images You don't necessarily need personal items, but if it makes you comfortable and you don't mind the extra weight, some of this stuff is nice to have. Camp towelToilet paperSmall shovelToothbrush and pastePersonal hygiene itemsHeadlampVitaminsPrescription medicinesPrescription glasses Other Optional Backpacking Gear Maya Karkalicheva / Getty Images These luxuries are not necessary, but to make your trip extra awesome consider packing a few of these optional items. Trekking polesEnergy food (bars and drink mixes)BandanaGaitersBinocularsDigital cameraWaterproof pack coverJournalBookBackpacker guitar or other instrumentIce axeCramponsRope The 8 Best Backpack Coolers of 2024, Tested and Reviewed Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit