Don's Backpacking Gear List
This list is designed to make it easier for beginning backpackers to get started, and for more experienced ones to get better. Look at the ALL CAPS items first. I consider them the absolute essentials. The lower-case items are things you might use or want.
In general, be a minimalist. It’s your back you’re packing, and you’ll be glad when all that extra stuff doesn’t interfere with your wilderness experience. Take small (often inexpensive), lightweight versions of what you need, and no more - tiny flashlights, lighters, ponchos, packages of condiments, etc. really cut weight. Except for the first-aid kit, emergency blanket, and whistle, most items you "might" need tend to go unused and can safely be omitted. Pack it all snugly, heaviest items high and close to your back. Tie lighter items on securely (learn to make two half hitches with a slip knot) to assist in keeping your hands free.
Beginners can trust their fellow backpacker -- someone will have what you forgot, or you won’t even need it. Borrow or rent big items. Let others bring shared items like stoves, tents, first-aid kits, etc. Avoid heavy car-camping items like chairs, big stoves, lanterns, etc. I pack 35-40 pounds max for a two-nighter. Good luck!
1 GOOD FRAME PACK WITH BELT
I prefer internal frame. Take time to adjust it right. Vary shoulder straps and belts to shift the load while hiking. My backpack is small, forcing me to pack more wisely.
2 OTHER CONTAINERS
Daypack or fanny pack, several LEAF OR TRASH BAGS (a million uses -- as a waterproof pack cover or ground cloth, for instance), nylon stuff bags, Ziploc bags, gerry tubes, PLASTIC BOTTLES (Collapsible Platypus bottles are great.), a few plastic grocery bags (for litter, etc.) film cans, etc.
3 SHOES AND SOCKS
Boots or high-tops for ankle support in rough terrain, and thick socks, are preferred, maybe with synthetic liner socks; sandals for river walking and around camp are also helpful.
4 CLOTHING
What to take can vary depending on weather, length of trip, availability of water to wash up in, local laws, tolerance of other group members, and need to make fashion statements. Synthetics are better than cotton, which is heavier, gets dirty easier, and never dries after it gets wet. Think layers: long pants, shorts (or those great pants with zip-off legs), t-shirts, long-sleeved flannel shirts, sweatshirts or sweaters, underwear (though I just take quick-drying shorts with mesh liners), change of socks, thermal longjohns, Polargard jacket, knit cap, gloves, CHEAP PLASTIC PONCHO, rain pants and jacket, bandana, sun hat.
5 Walking stick
Generally these are often available en-route. (I have a great bamboo stick I found recently.)
6 FIRST-AID KIT
First-aid kits should include band-aids, antiseptic, pain pills, insect repellant, etc., plus moleskin, Sting-eze, sun screen, SMALL, CHEAP EMERGENCY BLANKET (a lifesaver if you get chilled in a storm or cold during the night), mirror, folding scissors, any MEDICATIONS you need, etc.
7 SNACKS
Fruit (though it’s heavy), dried fruit, trail mixes, nuts, seeds, energy bars, granola bars, jerky, summer sausage, chocolate, crackers, and anything else that’s non-perishable, nutritious, and easy to carry/eat.
8 POCKET KNIFE
A pocket knife with a CAN OPENER and a few other good tools on it is best.
9 WATER
Bring a water filter or purification tablets (or pack it all in, or boil it for 5-10 minutes).
10
WATCH, MAP, tiny COMPASS / thermometer, paper and pencil, field guides, WHISTLE, pepper spray.
11 Depending on the trip...
...camera, sun glasses; beach towel or sheet; snorkeling, climbing, or caving gear; binoculars; star chart; field guides; etc.
12
Lightweight TENT or TARP, plastic ground cloth
13
NYLON CORD in handy lengths (And do learn to tie two half hitches with a slip knot.)
14
Lightweight, compactable SLEEPING BAG rated for the season, sleeping pad, nylon hammock and a small pillow.
15
Small FLASHLIGHT, extra batteries, tiny extra flashlight, candle lantern and candles.
16 TOILETRIES
SMALL PACK OF TISSUES (Bring a big roll of toilet paper, unless you like leaves.), backpack TOWEL (great thing -- makes terry cloth towels obsolete!), biodegradable SOAP, TOOTHBRUSH, PASTE, FLOSS, MOUTHWASH, comb, DEODORANT, razor, sun shower, massage oil, etc.
17
TWO SMALL BIC LIGHTERS, fire starters, plastic trowel and WORK GLOVES.
18
Deck of cards, small paperback book, magazines, harmonica, kite, frisbee and other toys.
19 DRINKS
Powdered drink mixes ( Gatorade, lemonade. Tang, hot chocolate, spiced cider, milk, etc.), tea bags, coffee bags, creamer, sugar (Get them from McDonald’s – don’t pack large amounts in bulky containers.), juice pouches, alcohol (in plastic, not glass), etc.
20 FOOD
(See specific meals below.): ideally, anything tasty, nutritious, non-perishable, lightweight, and compact - and preferably not freeze-dried backpack fare - expensive and not tasty. Perishables can be frozen and in a cooler until you start hiking, and can be eaten before going bad. Food keeps better in cold weather, of course. You can put stuff in a cold creek, if you double-bag it well. Anything canned is fine, but very heavy and bulky. Potato chips and bananas don’t travel well at all.
21 CONDIMENTS
Little packets of salt, pepper, mayonnaise, mustard, jelly, ketchup, soy sauce, duck sauce, parmesan, etc. (McDonalds or an Asian restaurant!), spices, olive oil, butter or margarine, etc.
22 BREAKFAST
Packets of oatmeal, cream of wheat, cheese grits, etc., dry cereal, fruit, pancake mix, syrup, honey, eggs (heavy and fragile), bacon, sausage, bagels, cream cheese, Instant Breakfast, etc.
23 LUNCH
Pita bread (a standby that travels well), lunch meats, cheese slices, lettuce leaves, tomato (pack it carefully), tortillas, onion, cucumber, peanut butter & jelly (in gerry tubes), cookies, just-add-hot-water soup mixes (if it’s cold and you don’t mind using the stove.), etc.
24 DINNER
Noodles, ramen, rice (Lipton packets are great.), powdered potatoes, just-add-water dinner mixes, meats (frozen in Ziploks and eaten in time), canned tuna or chicken, dried or fresh vegetables (heavy and bulky, but maybe in small portions), macaroni and cheese, sturdy breads, pudding mix, etc.
25 BACKPACK STOVE
Lightweight, one-burner type – many brands; FUEL; lightweight grill.
26 COOKWARE
Small, lightweight POT, Teflon frying pan, tea kettle, spatula and pot handle.
27
CUP, SPOON, PLATE, bowl and utensils.
28
PAPER TOWELS, aluminum foil (but not whole rolls).
29
WHATEVER you’ll need that I forgot or do not consider essential for me.