Here is our recommended backpacking packing list for 3-4 day trip in the wilderness. If you are planning your first backpacking trip, our local partner Adventure 16 offers convenient gear rentals on backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, pads, trekking poles and more, so you can try before you buy!
Keep in mind, when you have to carry everything on your back, sharing is caring. For a group of 5, you may only need to bring 2 stoves, 2 water filters and 3 tents. Split the weight, and your body will thank you!
Essentials
- Backpack: Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60 Lightweight Backpack
- Backpack Liner or Rain Cover: Gossamer Gear Waterproof Pack Liner or Trash Compactor Bag
- Duct Tape (Wrapped around a trekking pole or pen for preventing hot spots/blisters and repairing gear)
- First Aid Kit: NOLS Med Kit
- I.D./Cash
- Pocket Knife
- Headlamp + Extra Batteries
- Small Lighter and Matches
- Map
- Water Bladder: CamelBak Antidote Reservoir – 100 fl. oz.
- Water Treatment System: MSR HyperFlow Water Filter
Sleep
- Tent/Shelter: Big Agnes Fly Creek UL 2 Tent
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Insulated Q-Core Sleeping Pad
- Small Pillow (Optional)
Clothing/Accessories
- Bandana
- Beanie
- Camp Shoes: Teva Original Universal
- Gloves
- Hat: Parks Project Topo Camp Hat
- Sunglasses
- Trekking Poles: REI Traverse Power Lock Cork Trekking Poles
- Insulating Layer (i.e. Down Puffy of Fleece)
- Rain Jacket/Shell: Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket
- Hiking Pants (1)
- Hiking Shorts (1)
- Hiking Shirt (1)
- Hiking Shoes: Lowa Renegade GTX Mid Hiking Boots
- Hiking Socks (2): SmartWool Hiking Socks
- Sports Bra (1)
- Underwear (2): Dear Kate Sport Hipster
- Camp/Sleeping Shirt (1): Icebreaker Oasis Half-Zip Long Underwear Top
- Camp/Sleeping Pants (1)
- Medications
Hygiene
- All Purpose Soap: Sea to Summit Wilderness Wash
- Chapstick: Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lip Balm – SPF 50
- Floss (Pre-cut what you need)
- Sunblock
- Toilet Paper + 2 Ziploc bags (1 for clean TP and 1 for soiled TP)
- Trowel: Sea to Summit Pocket Trowel
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste (Only as much as you need in a small jar)
- Deodorant
- Baby Wipes (Bring only as many as you need in a Ziploc)
- Small Towel
- Contact Lenses/Solution
- Small Comb/Rubberbands (Braids keep my mane tame.)
- Bug Repellant
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tecnu (If poison oak/ivy is present)
Cookware
- Fuel
- Stove: Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Cup or Bowl
- Spoon/Fork/Spork: Goassamer Gear Bamboo Backpacking Spoon
- Sponge (Cut from regular size)
Food
- Breakfasts
- Coffee: Starbucks VIA Instant Coffee
- Lunches
- Dinners: Good To-Go Thai Curry
- Snacks
- Electrolytes
- Camp Chair
Optional
- Power: Goal Zero Venture 30 Solar Kit
- Dry Bag (For cell phone, camera)
- GPS/Satellite Device: DeLorme inReach Explorer Satellite Messenger
- Bathing Suit
- Pen & Journal
- Bear Spray (If needed)
- Bear Bag/Canister (If needed)
Camera Equipment
- Camera: Nikon D600
- Lenses
- Tripod: David & Sanford Quick Connect Tripod Connex
- Camera Mount: Peak Design Capture Clip (Click link to get 10% off purchase.)
- Memory Card
- Extra Battery
Additional Resources
Is there anything you’d add to this list?
These are just guidelines based on our experience. Also, this article includes affiliate links. If you purchase an item, Shoestring Adventures gets a small commission at no added cost to you. Thank you for supporting us with your purchase!