In the backcountry, preparation is everything. Most of us have found ourselves in situations where the camping gear that we thought we had in our backpack turns up missing at the worst possible moment only to leave you relying on wet leaves as toilet paper. Don’t let that happen to you. Make sure to run through your checklist before every trip to make sure that you don’t find yourself in an…uncomfortable…position. Here is our backpacking and camping checklist of essentials (and a bit more) you need to make sure to bring with you on your next trip.
The Bare Minimum
Backpack ___
Tent ___
Sleeping Bag ___
Sleeping Pad ___
Pillow ___
The Essentials
Pocket Knife ___
First-Aid Kit ___
Water Bottle/Canteen ___
Flashlight ___
Matches in a waterproof container ___
Lighter ___
Map & Compass ___
Rope ___
Sunglasses & Sunscreen ___
Plastic Bags ___
Emergency Mirror ___
Whistle ___
Duct Tape ___
Emergency Blanket ___
Tinder ___
The Other “Stuff”
Snacks/Trail Food ___
Insect Repellent ___
Repair Kit ___
Watch ___
Extra Flashlight ___
Extra Flashlight Bulb & Batteries ___
Moleskin ___
Bandannas ___
To Cook
Food ___
Stove & Fuel ___
Cook Kit ___
Cooking Utensils ___
Cup ___
Bowl & Plate ___
Fork, Knife & Spoon ___
Dish Soap ___
To Clean
Soap ___
Toothbrush & Toothpaste ___
Towel ___
Wash Rag ___
Comb/Brush ___
Toilet Paper ___
Hand Sanitizer ___
Clothes
Hiking Boots ___
Shirts ___
Pants and/or Shorts ___
Socks & Underwear ___
Sweatshirt or Jacket ___
Coat ___
Rain Gear ___
Hat (for warmth) ___
Hat (for blocking sun and rain) ___
Extras
Hiking Sticks ___
Camera ___
Camp Shoes ___
Handheld GPS ___
