Basics/Necessities
- Map of the area in a waterproof case and/or maps downloaded onto cell phone via an App like Gaia or Alltrails
- Compass
- Headlamp/flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Knife or multi-tool
- Nylon cord (30 feet/10 meters)
- Duct tape/repair tape
- Pack and pack cover
- Stuff sacks (for organization)
- Whistle on lanyard
- Cell phone, charger, battery pack, and waterproof bag for storage
- Satellite phone for emergencies (some don't carry this, but it is good practice to)
Shelter
- Tent, stakes, and poles or hammock
- Lightweight tarp or emergency blanket (as ground cloth or emergency shelter)
- Sleeping bag/camp pillow
- Therm-a-Rest® or foam pad
Clothing
- Socks- merino wool recommended
- Sun, rain, or insulating hat (depending on the season)
- Wicking, polyester underwear
- Insulating layers (synthetic fleece or down vest or light wool sweater)
- Windproof, rainproof shell
- Shirt(s) (wool or synthetic depending on the season)
- Bandana or buff
- Gloves or mitts and liners (depending on the season)
- Non-cotton hiking shorts/pants (depending on the season)
- Hiking boots (with extra laces)
- Gaiters (if in wet terrain or weather).
- Camp shoes/booties or water shoes if you'd prefer to use dry hiking boots as camp shoes
Permits/ID
- Personal identification
- Any necessary permits for the area
- Screenshots or print copies of any reservations you've made
Food/Cooking
- Camp stove
- Fuel
- Cup and pot (if needed, depending on food choice)
- Eating utensils
- Matches in waterproof container/lighter
- Seasonings
- Coffee/tea/electrolyte drink mixes
- Dehydrated food (backpacking food, ramen, etc.)
- Trail snacks (protein bars, dried fruit, sugary candy, pretzels, etc.) Avoid things that melt if in hot weather.
- Resealable plastic storage bags (for food/garbage/cell phones)
- Water and water bottles
- Pot scrubber if needed
- Bear bag to keep food in and hang away from your tent at night
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and paste
- Biodegradable soap (if needed)
- Toilet paper
- Small pack trowel
- Sanitary supplies
Medical
- First aid kit
- Sunglasses
- Aquaphor
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Glasses/contacts and essential medications
Optional Items
- Disposable, waterproof camera
- Camp seat
- Cards/games
- Field guides
- Water bag
- Padded case for electronics
- Small lantern
- Binoculars
- Hip pack/light daypack
- Wired headphones/a speaker