Interested in going on your first backpacking trip? Or maybe you’re an experience backpack like myself, but still do your research to ensure you’ve remembered everything. Either way; this article is for you. Read on to find out what I pack, and how I pack it, to stay safe and comfortable for weekend trips.
If this is your first trip or you are newer to backpacking, you may not have all the gear listed below, or the items you have maybe significantly bulkier or heavier. Don’t let any of that put you off! I did not start with this gear, and still want some upgrades myself, but its best to get out there with what you have!
Once you start to enjoy yourself in the outdoors and want to spend money on this hobby, there are so many items to spend on. Below the essential items I will address what upgrades I think you should prioritize along with other packing tips and general advice. There is checklist guide at the end of what my pack looks like on weekend trips. Let’s get to it!
Sleep System
At the top of the list for many backpackers, this is the most important category of items in your pack and subsequently comes with some of the highest price tags. Shop around for the best deals and build your ideal set up over time. A comfortable nights sleep on the trail should never be overlooked, especially when you get into trips longer than a night or two.
1. Sleeping Pad: Together with the sleeping bag, these items are where you get your comfort and can spend some serious dough. On the high end we have things like Sea to Summit Ultralight backpacking Air Mattress, which weights just 14 oz and packs down to 8 x 3 inches, it also includes an inflating pump. And on the cheaper end you can use a closed cell foam pad like the very well known Therm-a -Rest Z Lite. This is what often comes to mind when people hear the word sleeping pad. This folds up bulky, but can be strapped to the outside of your bag, versus rolling up to water bottle side and being store in your pack. This weights the same 14 oz and it what most people start with.
I just started using the Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad. I’ve only had it for one trip so far, and honestly it felt similar to what I had before, from REI. I do appreciate that it comes with a nice repair kit and it is compatible with a pump that’s sold separately. I bought this on sale from REI, which is a great option for the looking to save (I saved $100.) REI’s resale shop, Re/Supply, which sells lightly used products is also a good place to keep out for great deals.
2. Sleeping Bag: Another category with endless options, it’s best to get what fits your budget. On the high end here the best rated is the Western Mountaineering MegaLite Sleeping Bag. It tops most categories you want in a sleeping bag, the price tag is something I can’t get myself to pay. One of the most affordable and best places to start is the Kelty Cosmic 20.
I use a combination of two sleeping bags. The Marmot Aspen 55 and The REI Magma 30. The marmot bag is what I got as my starting option. I needed to sleep with a few extra layers on when camping at high elevation summits, but it did the job year round. The REI Magma I bought on sale as well, and this is now my go to for the shoulder seasons or anything that will be colder than summer.
3. Tent: Marmot Crane Creek 2P/3P Backpacking Tent is what I have used going on 6 years, which is on the more affordable side. It is quite durable and comes with a really great repair kit, most parts I still have and carry with me every trip just in case. I have only had to repair holes in the rain fly, never the bottom, despite camping over rocks without a footprint many times. The tents single pole design make its easy to set up and the tent offers ample space for 2 people. Coming in at 5.4 lbs, it’s around average for tents this size. This is a a XX tent, but there are a few other options here as well. Light weight extremists tend to prefer XX due to their lighter weight
Cookware
While there are certainly some options to spend money on, like the Jet Boil, this essential section can typically be checked off fairly affordably.
4. Water Filter: Depending on the type of trip you do, it is advised to bring two types of water purification incase of emergency. I always carry P&G Purified Packets with me, and when needed I pack my Sawyer Squeeze. This is the undisputed best option. There is the Swayer Mini, but I have found it to not be as reliable for efficient. The Swayer Squeeze comes with pouches to carry dirty and clean water, but can also be screwed directly onto most plastic water bottles. When you are filleting water with this product, or any pump system, alway remember to have a “dirty” bottle and clean bottle to put the filtered water into, and do not cross contaminant them.
5. Stove: As mentioned above, there are premium items such as the Jet Boil and the MSR Pocket Rocket, but there are also some really affordable options. I use the MalloMe Backpacking Stove, a knock off MSR stove, which has a built in igniter and only weights XX. I have used this stove for years in all sorts of conditions and have no plan to upgrade.
6. Pot: I actually pack two of these but you could opt to go for pot and cup instead, I am just not a fan of those collapsable cups, particularly for warm drinks like tea. I use TOAKs Light Titanium 550 ML Pot (x2) which weight only 2.6oz. I am able to pack my fuel into one pot, and my stove and a few items into the other. 550 ML is the perfect size for the pot to function as a cup or to boil water for ramen and freeze dried meals. If you are cooking two freeze dried meals you may want to upgrade to the 750 ML version,
7. Headlamp: I use the cheapest headlight I could find and it works great, Waterproof Headlight. I keep one battery removed while I am not using it, so it doesn’t accidentally turn on while in my pack. If you have the funds and would like something a little nicer, I will be upgrading to the Black Diamond Storm 400 or Nitecore NU25. I used to bring a flash light on trips, but having free hands can be essential sometimes, and you also have the ability to hand this as a light. Personally, I also bring a Black Diamond Mojitos Lantern, but I will talk about that more in addition items.
8. Down Jacket: You need some sort of jacket, and in my experience down is the best option. If you are gaining any elevation, it’s going to be cold whoever you set camp, once the sun goes down. Most bands with these jackets offer a hooded version, which I would recommend but don’t have myself. I pack a beanie as well. Every high end brand has one, from Acr’teryx to Patagonia. I have used the Eddie Bauer version for almost 10 years and love how small it packs up. For the more affordable option, look to Amazon Essentials’ version.
9. Socks: The go to option here is Darn Tough. Most socks they offer will be great options. I would avoid getting the low-cut / no show socks. Even with trail runners they tend to move more, which can lead to blisters. My favorite length is the Micro Crew, something like this. While Darn Tough socks are really nice, they are about $25 a pair. The most important factor for hiking socks; you want Merino Wool. For a cheaper alternative, look at something basic like Arvada Merino Wool Hiking Socks. For something in-between the two, I really like Innotree Merino Wool Hiking Socks, they look a little nicer at only $20 for 3. Remember to pack a pair of socks per day, plus one to sleep in! These can be used as the socks for the last day of your trip. It also never hurts to carry an extra pair, should some get wet.
10. Shoes: Your first choice here is trail runners or boots. It seems like most people start with boots and switch to trail runners. This is the route I took and am currently using the La Sportiva Bushido GTX. GTX is the Gore-Texversion and ensure the shoe is waterproof but still breathable. I have had these for 5 years and will replace them with a new version of the same model. The most popular shoe on trails I’ve seen is the Salomon Speedcross 5 Gore-Tex, a very similar design to what I am already using. Since I don’t use boots I don’t have any recommendations.
11. Backpack: This is where it all begins. The item you cram everything in to as you start your trip. There are SO many options here it can be overwhelming. For a first pack, start by picking a size. To get the most bang for your buck, I would look around the 36 liter size. I started with XX (link) and it works for day trips as well as long weekends. If you get serious about backpacking and are planning longer trips you can start to upgrade to ultra like packs like XX(link.)
12. Ditty Bag (First Aid and Toiletries): You probably already carry one of these, and it may just be a ziplock bag. A ditty bag is just a container (waterproof is preferred) to put all your small items in, such as; toiletries, fire starters, batteries, first aid, repair kits, and more. Once you’re ready to upgrade from your ziplock to a designated bag, I high recommend the American made UltraLite Sacks’s Ditty Bag. These lightweight and waterproof bags come in a variety of sizes, with a combination of storage options and accessories, and they don’t break the bank either.
13. Garmin inReach Mini: This item is expensive and I have been fortunate enough to not need to use. But I do a lot of my backpacking alone and the peace of mind this has brought me and my family is worth it. If you aren’t aware, the the Garmin inReach Mini is a satellite phone. You can use it to contact authorities and loved ones in any emergency situation, no matter where you are/ if you have service. This device has saved lives, and could save yours.
Other Essentials
Food: There are so many options here I couldn’t possibly get into them all. You will find DIY and easy to make meals all over the internet, but for weekend trips I stick to simple dehydrated meals for dinner, and oatmeal for breakfast – along with a few snacks like; (List snacks.) Some of my favorite meals are (link), (link), and (link.) If you want to get a more in-depth guide check out my Guide: An Intro to Backpacking Meals (link)
I keep all my food and cooking items together in an easily accessible bag, (link). Snacks I keep in easier to grab places so I can reach them easily while on the trail and don’t have to stop to unpack or move things around.
For a full packing list, make sure to check out my Backpacking Essentials Checklist before your next adventure!
More Travel, Backing, and Gear Resources
If you are traveling to another country, it’s always a good idea to bring your credit card from your home country with you. You don’t want to rely on just one or two cards when travelling because that could be risky if one of them gets lost or stolen.