AeroPress
Backpack
Essential- Your primary gear carrier
Bandana
- Versatile: sweatband, filter, pot holder, bandage
Bear Canister
Essential- Recommended even where not required for bear safety
- Required by regulations - all food AND smellies (sunscreen, toothpaste, trash) go inside
Bear Hang Kit
Essential- Required to hang food where no canister mandate
Bear Spray
Essential- Critical safety item for beginners in bear country
- Recommended in bear country for safety
- Recommended defense in active bear country
Blister Kit
- Treat hot spots before they become blisters
Body Wipes
- Helpful for freshening up on multi-night trips
- Multi-day hygiene between showers
Bug Spray
Essential- Heavy bug pressure demands strong repellent
- Mild bugs present; repellent recommended
Camp Footwear
- Let your feet rest in camp comfort shoes
Camp Mug
- Enjoy coffee or tea from a real mug
Camp Shirt
- Nice to have a fresh shirt at camp
- Fresh shirt at camp improves multi-day comfort
- Clean shirt for camp comfort on multi-night trips
Camp Towel
- Quick-dry towel for washing and spills
Charging Cables
- Keep devices charged
Coffee Filters
Compass
- Experienced hikers carry backup navigation
- Basic navigation skill tool; beginners should carry one
- Backup navigation if electronics fail
Cook Pot
Essential- Essential for preparing meals
Down Booties
- Warm feet at camp when temperatures drop
Dry Bags
- Keep electronics and clothes dry in heavy rain
Duct Tape
- Universal field repair solution
Ear Plugs
- Block wind and wildlife noise for better sleep
Electrolyte Mix
Essential- Prevents dehydration in the heat
- Critical for hydration when water is scarce
Emergency Blanket
Essential- Critical backup warmth in cold emergency
- Lightweight emergency warmth and shelter
Emergency Whistle
Essential- Signal for help; carries farther than your voice
Extra Socks
- Dry socks prevent blisters and trench foot
- Multiple pairs needed for extended trip
Extra Underwear
- Multiple pairs needed for multi-day comfort
- Fresh base layers for comfort
Extra Water Storage
Essential- Scarce water sources require carrying extra capacity
Fire Starter
- Reliable ignition in wet or windy conditions
First Aid Kit
Essential- Be prepared for cuts, blisters, and injuries
Food Bag
Essential- Optional with bear canister - everything fits in the can
- Organize and protect food for bear hang
- Organize and protect your food supply
Fuel Canister
Essential- Powers your stove for cooking
Gaiters
Essential- Useful if you encounter snow patches
- Keep snow out of boots on snowy trails
GPS Device
- Useful backup navigation on multi-day trips
- Valuable navigation aid on longer trips
Groundsheet / Footprint
Essential- Protects tent floor from wet ground
Hand Sanitizer
- Clean hands when water is not available
Head Net
Essential- Essential protection from swarming insects
Headlamp
Essential- Essential for camp tasks and early/late hiking
Hiking Pants/Shorts
Essential- Lightweight bottoms for warm-weather hiking
- Durable, comfortable trail bottoms
Hiking Shirt
Essential- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt for hot weather
Hiking Socks
Essential- Cushioned, moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters
Instant Coffee
- Morning morale booster on the trail
Insulated Jacket
Essential- Needed for cool mornings and evenings
- Variable temps can swing cold; bring insulation
- Critical warmth layer for cold temperatures
Insulated Pants
- Extra warmth at camp in cold conditions
Knife / Multi-tool
- Versatile tool for repairs, food prep, and first aid
Lighter / Matches
Essential- Fire starting for stove backup and emergencies
Liner Gloves
Essential- Handy for chilly mornings on the trail
- Protect hands from cold; critical below freezing
- Be ready for sudden cold spells
Lip Balm (SPF)
- Prevent chapped, sunburned lips
Map (printed or downloaded)
Essential- Know your route; phone batteries die
Meals
Essential- Calorie fuel for the trail
Microspikes
Essential- Snow patches possible; traction may be needed
- Mandatory traction for snowy/icy terrain
Mid-layer (Fleece)
Essential- Useful layering piece for cool temperatures
- Layer for unpredictable temperature swings
- Essential insulation in cold conditions
Neck Gaiter / Buff
- Protects face and neck from cold wind
Opsak / Odor Bag
- Contain food odors to deter bears
Pack Liner
Essential- Waterproof liner protects everything - more reliable than a rain cover alone
- Prudent water protection with possible rain
Pack Rain Cover
- Optional extra protection if you skip the liner
Paracord
- Versatile cordage for repairs and rigging
Personal Medications
Essential- Never leave essential medications behind
Phone
Essential- Navigation, emergency calls, and camera
Pillow
- Comfort item for better sleep quality
Power Bank
Essential- Keep devices charged over many days
- Keeps phone charged over several days
Rain Jacket
Essential- Rain is expected; waterproof layer is essential
- Rain is possible; pack a lightweight shell
Rain Pants
Essential- Constant rain demands full waterproof coverage
- Likely rain warrants waterproof leg protection
Repair Kit
- Extended trip increases gear failure risk
Satellite Communicator
- Safety backup when snow conditions are uncertain
- Recommended safety backup for newer hikers
- Essential safety device in snowy backcountry
Shell Mitts
- Windproof outer layer for cold hands
Sit Pad
- Comfortable seating anywhere on the trail
Sleeping Bag
Essential- Warmth and rest are critical for multi-day trips
Sleeping Bag Liner
- Adds warmth rating to your sleeping bag in cold temps
Sleeping Pad
Essential- Insulation from cold ground and comfort
Snacks / Trail Mix
Essential- Quick energy between meals
Spork / Utensils
Essential- You need to eat!
Stove
Essential- Hot meals and water purification
Stuff Sacks
- Organize gear inside your pack
Sun Hat
Essential- Essential sun protection in warm conditions
- Warm spells are possible; pack sun protection
Sunglasses
Essential- Snow glare can cause snow blindness
- Sun exposure likely during warm windows
- Protect eyes from strong sun exposure
Sunscreen
Essential- High UV exposure in warm weather
- Protect skin from UV at elevation
Swimsuit
- Warm temps may offer swimming opportunities
Tent
Essential- Shelter is non-negotiable in the backcountry
Tent Stakes (Extra)
- Storms may require more secure staking
Toilet Paper
Essential- Leave No Trace sanitation essential
Toothbrush & Paste
Essential- Basic hygiene on multi-day trips
Trail Shoes/Boots
Essential- Proper footwear is your most important gear
Trash Bags
Essential- Pack out all trash; Leave No Trace
Trekking Poles
Essential- Reduce joint impact and improve stability
- Helpful for balance on potential snow/ice
- Critical for balance and stability on snow
Trowel
Essential- Dig catholes per Leave No Trace principles
Underwear
Essential- Moisture-wicking base layer
Warm Beanie
Essential- Significant heat loss occurs through the head
- Keeps you warm during cool mornings and evenings
- Cold snaps possible with variable weather
Water Bottles (1L)
Essential- Carry maximum water between scarce sources
- Stay hydrated on the trail
Water Filter
Essential- Plentiful water but filtration still essential
- Filter every available water source
Wind Jacket
- Useful shield against variable wind and chill