Backpacking Packing List

This is a packing list for a backpacking trip of 2-3 nights. For a longer trip, you should not need much else ... except maybe some additional clothing. You may also not need some of the gear in warm environments. I will try to make these things clear. This list includes the clothing that you will start out wearing.

Clothing should not be cotton if possible. You can probably get away with underwear, but the less cotton the better. Cotton T-shirts suck after they are covered with dirt and sweat. Sweatshirts are also crappy.

Group Gear
[ ] Tent
- Tent, Rain Fly, Steaks, Poles
[ ] Water Filter
[ ] Water Purification Tablets (critical when your filter breaks/clogs)
[ ] Stove
[ ] Cook Gear
[ ] Rope
[ ] Compass
[ ] GPS
[ ] Field Guide for those unexpected events
[ ] Topo Maps
[ ] Trowel
[ ] Matches (waterproof), Lighter
[ ] Toilet Paper
[ ] MSR DromLite Water Bag (so you don't have to pump in the morning)

Base Clothing/Gear
[ ] 2 Pair Underwear
- non-cotton are preferable
[ ] 1-2 Pair Pants w/ Zip-Off Shorts
- Can be expensive, 1 pair w/ a pair of regular shorts is an option
[ ] 2 Short-sleave light weight shirts
- REI and Pategonia both have these, cost ~$25 a piece
[ ] Rain Gear - Top and Bottom
- Poncho is a Cheap Alternative
- Sierra Designs makes some nice cheaper raingear, breathable is best though
[ ] Sun Glasses
[ ] Watch
[ ] Boots
[ ] 2-3 Pair Wool Socks
[ ] 2-3 Pair Liner Socks
- The silk variety cost a bit more but are worth it
[ ] Sandals or tennis shoes for camp
[ ] Hat (anything with a brim)

Cool-Weather Clothing (layers are best)
[ ] 1-2 Pair Light or Medium Weight Long-Sleave base layer
[ ] Fleece
[ ] Gloves (2-3 pairs for snow, or 1 pair with 2-3 pairs of liners)
[ ] Stocking Cap
[ ] Water-proof pants or snow-pants

Additional (optional) Clothing
[ ] Gaiters (necessary in some cold-weather environments)
[ ] Biking Gloves - good for Trekking Poles and Climbing on Things
[ ] Trekking Poles
[ ] Swimsuit

Hygene and Misc
Some of this gear can be shared ...
[ ] Toothbrush
[ ] Toothpaste
[ ] Sunscreen
[ ] Insect Repelant (100% Deet)

Personal Gear
[ ] Sleeping Bag
[ ] Air Mattress
[ ] Backpack
[ ] Backpack Rain Cover (a poncho can do the trick too)
[ ] Knife (at least one person in the group should have one)
[ ] Nelgene Bottle(s) and/or Hydration Bag - enough to hold ~100oz
[ ] Cup
[ ] Spoon
[ ] Camera
[ ] Head Lamp w/ Extra Batteries (or flashlight)
[ ] Book?
[ ] Camping Towel (Brand: MSR PackTowel, Medium or Large)

First Aid Gear
[ ] Mole Skin
[ ] Medical Tape
[ ] Duct Tape
[ ] Ibuprofen (more than you think you will need)
[ ] Tylenol w/ Codeine or Vycodin if you can get it
[ ] Imodium
[ ] Band-Aids
[ ] Ace Bandage
[ ] Gauze Roll
[ ] Benadril (a small amount)
[ ] Wound Dressing
[ ] Triple Antibiotic Ointment
[ ] Antiseptic
[ ] Small First-Aid book

Other Stuff Not to Forget
[ ] Tampons
[ ] Prescriptions
[ ] Glasses preferably, or Contacts
[ ] Contact Care Stuff (grab a travel size)

Food and Such
In general, the average person requires ~2 lbs of food per day. Food should all be repacked (except for freeze-dried dinners). This will reduce size and garbage.

The meals listed below are just some options.

[ ] Vitamins (this is optional for shorter trips, necessary for longer)
[ ] 2 Garbage Bags
[ ] Zip-lock bags to contain all meals
[ ] 4 Extra Large Ziplocks
[ ] 4 Extra Small Ziplocks

Breakfast
Pop Tarts
Instant Oatmeal
Granola

Lunch
Pita Bread / Lavash
Peanut Butter and Jelly
Sausage (good to freeze it before you go) - will last a day or two
Dried Fruit
Apple for Day 1 is good

Dinner
Freeze dried stuff is best. Beef Stroganoff is the best.

Snacks
Granola Bars
Cliff Bars
Pop Tarts
Trail Mix