AeroPress

AeroPress

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

Backpack

Backpack

Essential

Pack - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Your primary gear carrier
Bandana

Bandana

Clothing - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Versatile: sweatband, filter, pot holder, bandage
Bear Canister

Bear Canister

Essential

Misc - Used in 25 of 52 checklists

  • Recommended even where not required for bear safety
  • Required by regulations - all food AND smellies (sunscreen, toothpaste, trash) go inside
Bear Hang Kit

Bear Hang Kit

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 16 of 52 checklists

  • Required to hang food where no canister mandate
Bear Spray

Bear Spray

Essential

Misc - Used in 21 of 52 checklists

  • Critical safety item for beginners in bear country
  • Recommended in bear country for safety
  • Recommended defense in active bear country
Blister Kit

Blister Kit

First Aid - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Treat hot spots before they become blisters
Body Wipes

Body Wipes

Hygiene - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Helpful for freshening up on multi-night trips
  • Multi-day hygiene between showers
Bug Spray

Bug Spray

Essential

Hygiene - Used in 31 of 52 checklists

  • Heavy bug pressure demands strong repellent
  • Mild bugs present; repellent recommended
Camp Footwear

Camp Footwear

Clothing - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Let your feet rest in camp comfort shoes
Camp Mug

Camp Mug

Kitchen - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Enjoy coffee or tea from a real mug
Camp Shirt

Camp Shirt

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • 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

Camp Towel

Hygiene - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Quick-dry towel for washing and spills
Charging Cables

Charging Cables

Electronics - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Keep devices charged
Coffee Filters

Coffee Filters

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

Compass

Compass

Navigation - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Experienced hikers carry backup navigation
  • Basic navigation skill tool; beginners should carry one
  • Backup navigation if electronics fail
Cook Pot

Cook Pot

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Essential for preparing meals
Down Booties

Down Booties

Clothing - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Warm feet at camp when temperatures drop
Dry Bags

Dry Bags

Pack - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Keep electronics and clothes dry in heavy rain
Duct Tape

Duct Tape

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Universal field repair solution
Ear Plugs

Ear Plugs

Misc - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Block wind and wildlife noise for better sleep
Electrolyte Mix

Electrolyte Mix

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Prevents dehydration in the heat
  • Critical for hydration when water is scarce
Emergency Blanket

Emergency Blanket

Essential

First Aid - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Critical backup warmth in cold emergency
  • Lightweight emergency warmth and shelter
Emergency Whistle

Emergency Whistle

Essential

First Aid - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Signal for help; carries farther than your voice
Extra Socks

Extra Socks

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Dry socks prevent blisters and trench foot
  • Multiple pairs needed for extended trip
Extra Underwear

Extra Underwear

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Multiple pairs needed for multi-day comfort
  • Fresh base layers for comfort
Extra Water Storage

Extra Water Storage

Essential

Water - Used in 36 of 52 checklists

  • Scarce water sources require carrying extra capacity
Fire Starter

Fire Starter

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Reliable ignition in wet or windy conditions
First Aid Kit

First Aid Kit

Essential

First Aid - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Be prepared for cuts, blisters, and injuries
Food Bag

Food Bag

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Optional with bear canister - everything fits in the can
  • Organize and protect food for bear hang
  • Organize and protect your food supply
Fuel Canister

Fuel Canister

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Powers your stove for cooking
Gaiters

Gaiters

Essential

Clothing - Used in 15 of 52 checklists

  • Useful if you encounter snow patches
  • Keep snow out of boots on snowy trails
GPS Device

GPS Device

Navigation - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Useful backup navigation on multi-day trips
  • Valuable navigation aid on longer trips
Groundsheet / Footprint

Groundsheet / Footprint

Essential

Shelter - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Protects tent floor from wet ground
Hand Sanitizer

Hand Sanitizer

Hygiene - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Clean hands when water is not available
Head Net

Head Net

Essential

Clothing - Used in 6 of 52 checklists

  • Essential protection from swarming insects
Headlamp

Headlamp

Essential

Electronics - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Essential for camp tasks and early/late hiking
Hiking Pants/Shorts

Hiking Pants/Shorts

Essential

General - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Lightweight bottoms for warm-weather hiking
  • Durable, comfortable trail bottoms
Hiking Shirt

Hiking Shirt

Essential

General - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Moisture-wicking base layer
  • Lightweight, moisture-wicking shirt for hot weather
Hiking Socks

Hiking Socks

Essential

General - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Cushioned, moisture-wicking socks prevent blisters
Instant Coffee

Instant Coffee

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Morning morale booster on the trail
Insulated Jacket

Insulated Jacket

Essential

Clothing - Used in 37 of 52 checklists

  • Needed for cool mornings and evenings
  • Variable temps can swing cold; bring insulation
  • Critical warmth layer for cold temperatures
Insulated Pants

Insulated Pants

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Extra warmth at camp in cold conditions
Knife / Multi-tool

Knife / Multi-tool

Misc - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Versatile tool for repairs, food prep, and first aid
Lighter / Matches

Lighter / Matches

Essential

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Fire starting for stove backup and emergencies
Liner Gloves

Liner Gloves

Essential

Clothing - Used in 37 of 52 checklists

  • Handy for chilly mornings on the trail
  • Protect hands from cold; critical below freezing
  • Be ready for sudden cold spells
Lip Balm (SPF)

Lip Balm (SPF)

Hygiene - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Prevent chapped, sunburned lips
Map (printed or downloaded)

Map (printed or downloaded)

Essential

Navigation - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Know your route; phone batteries die
Meals

Meals

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Calorie fuel for the trail
Microspikes

Microspikes

Essential

Misc - Used in 15 of 52 checklists

  • Snow patches possible; traction may be needed
  • Mandatory traction for snowy/icy terrain
Mid-layer (Fleece)

Mid-layer (Fleece)

Essential

Clothing - Used in 36 of 52 checklists

  • Useful layering piece for cool temperatures
  • Layer for unpredictable temperature swings
  • Essential insulation in cold conditions
Neck Gaiter / Buff

Neck Gaiter / Buff

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Protects face and neck from cold wind
Opsak / Odor Bag

Opsak / Odor Bag

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Contain food odors to deter bears
Pack Liner

Pack Liner

Essential

Pack - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Waterproof liner protects everything - more reliable than a rain cover alone
  • Prudent water protection with possible rain
Pack Rain Cover

Pack Rain Cover

Pack - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Optional extra protection if you skip the liner
Paracord

Paracord

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Versatile cordage for repairs and rigging
Personal Medications

Personal Medications

Essential

First Aid - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Never leave essential medications behind
Phone

Phone

Essential

Navigation - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Navigation, emergency calls, and camera
Pillow

Pillow

Sleep - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Comfort item for better sleep quality
Power Bank

Power Bank

Essential

Electronics - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Keep devices charged over many days
  • Keeps phone charged over several days
Rain Jacket

Rain Jacket

Essential

Clothing - Used in 37 of 52 checklists

  • Rain is expected; waterproof layer is essential
  • Rain is possible; pack a lightweight shell
Rain Pants

Rain Pants

Essential

Clothing - Used in 14 of 52 checklists

  • Constant rain demands full waterproof coverage
  • Likely rain warrants waterproof leg protection
Repair Kit

Repair Kit

Misc - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Extended trip increases gear failure risk
Satellite Communicator

Satellite Communicator

Navigation - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Safety backup when snow conditions are uncertain
  • Recommended safety backup for newer hikers
  • Essential safety device in snowy backcountry
Shell Mitts

Shell Mitts

Clothing - Used in 4 of 52 checklists

  • Windproof outer layer for cold hands
Sit Pad

Sit Pad

Misc - Used in 42 of 52 checklists

  • Comfortable seating anywhere on the trail
Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Bag

Essential

Sleep - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Warmth and rest are critical for multi-day trips
Sleeping Bag Liner

Sleeping Bag Liner

Sleep - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Adds warmth rating to your sleeping bag in cold temps
Sleeping Pad

Sleeping Pad

Essential

Sleep - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Insulation from cold ground and comfort
Snacks / Trail Mix

Snacks / Trail Mix

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Quick energy between meals
Spork / Utensils

Spork / Utensils

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • You need to eat!
Stove

Stove

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Hot meals and water purification
Stuff Sacks

Stuff Sacks

Pack - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Organize gear inside your pack
Sun Hat

Sun Hat

Essential

Clothing - Used in 30 of 52 checklists

  • Essential sun protection in warm conditions
  • Warm spells are possible; pack sun protection
Sunglasses

Sunglasses

Essential

Clothing - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Snow glare can cause snow blindness
  • Sun exposure likely during warm windows
  • Protect eyes from strong sun exposure
Sunscreen

Sunscreen

Essential

Hygiene - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • High UV exposure in warm weather
  • Protect skin from UV at elevation
Swimsuit

Swimsuit

Clothing - Used in 15 of 52 checklists

  • Warm temps may offer swimming opportunities
Tent

Tent

Essential

Shelter - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Shelter is non-negotiable in the backcountry
Tent Stakes (Extra)

Tent Stakes (Extra)

Shelter - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Storms may require more secure staking
Toilet Paper

Toilet Paper

Essential

Hygiene - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Leave No Trace sanitation essential
Toothbrush & Paste

Toothbrush & Paste

Essential

Hygiene - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Basic hygiene on multi-day trips
Trail Shoes/Boots

Trail Shoes/Boots

Essential

General - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Proper footwear is your most important gear
Trash Bags

Trash Bags

Essential

Kitchen - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Pack out all trash; Leave No Trace
Trekking Poles

Trekking Poles

Essential

Misc - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Reduce joint impact and improve stability
  • Helpful for balance on potential snow/ice
  • Critical for balance and stability on snow
Trowel

Trowel

Essential

Hygiene - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Dig catholes per Leave No Trace principles
Underwear

Underwear

Essential

General - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Moisture-wicking base layer
Warm Beanie

Warm Beanie

Essential

Clothing - Used in 37 of 52 checklists

  • Significant heat loss occurs through the head
  • Keeps you warm during cool mornings and evenings
  • Cold snaps possible with variable weather
Water Bottles (1L)

Water Bottles (1L)

Essential

Water - Used in 52 of 52 checklists

  • Carry maximum water between scarce sources
  • Stay hydrated on the trail
Water Filter

Water Filter

Essential

Water - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Plentiful water but filtration still essential
  • Filter every available water source
Wind Jacket

Wind Jacket

Clothing - Used in 51 of 52 checklists

  • Useful shield against variable wind and chill
No gear items found matching your search.

Need a complete packing list for a specific trip?

Browse 52 trail checklists