Backpacking checklist - How to prepare?

If you want to know what to take to an overnight hiking trip, then this article is for you. Here you will find your backpacking checklist.

To enjoy the trip and make it unforgettable, you need to prepare for it not only physically, but also technically. In mountains the weather changes very quickly and unexpectedly, and you should always be prepared for any weather conditions. Your backpack can fall into a river or simply get wet in the rain. To keep the contents of backpack dry, it would be better to separately wrap each item in waterproof bags, and then to put all this in one common bag.

Lets take a closer look and understand what do we need to take with us for an overnight backpacking trip. Lets divide the backpacking checklist into two groups: clothes and euqipment.

Clothes

Trekking boots – high, durable, with thick soles
Gaiters
Thermal underwear, preferably several sets
A few pairs of thermal socks and regular socks
Membrane jacket – windproof and waterproof
Hiking pants, at least with minimal water resistance
Fleece jacket or other similar jacket, merino wool or synthetic sweater
Sun cap and sunglasses
Lightweight vest or jacket. They don’t take up much space in backpack and are very comfortable to wear at the camp
Sneakers, crocs or other similar slippers for the camp
Buff
Underwear
Warm hat
The type of gloves depends on the route

Equipment

Backpack

We recommend you to have a backpack with a capacity of at least 60 liters – for 4 days. If the route is long, then the volume of the backpack increases too.

Tent – necessarily double layered
Sleeping bag with thermal properties matching the entire route
Camping rug or mat
Knife

Keep in mind that you will not use knife for self-defense.

Special means of self-defense

These are – pepper spray, stun gun, firecracker. Do not take with you anything resembling a firearm: air or gas gun, stun gun that looks like a gun, and so on. For their effective use you need to be well trained, otherwise you will just attract unnecessary attention.

Personal dishes, spoon, cup, knife
Water bag
Separate bottle of water

Regardless of whether you have a water bag or not, it is advisable to carry another vessel with a liquid.

Thermos

Thermos should be from high-quality brands, such as Thermos, Stanley, more affordable ones are Kovea, TSL. We recommend to choose one of the first two options. Good quality thermos should keep the temperature of the liquid for 12 hours, at air temperature of 0.

Trekking poles
Power bank, minimum 10.000 mAh

This is a very necessary thing in your backpacking checklist. Would be better to carry several power banks with you, even if they have less power. If the battery of one of them dies from cold, or if it gets damaged, you will have emergency options.

Food for the whole trip
Forehead flashlight with disposable batteries, and at least two packs of spare batteries.
Backpacking stove

Would be nice to also have spare gas cylinders. For real backpacking stoves, there are special gas cylinders with a solution of isobutane and propane. Such stoves are most effective in high altitude conditions.

First-aid kit
Sunscreen and lip balm
Thread, needle
Rescue blanket
Phone
GPS navigator, if you don’t have one in your phone

That’s all. We tried to list all the basic things that are necessary in order to “get lost” in the mountains for several days. This backpacking checklist is not final and not perfect; there is always room for improvements and additions. So we are ready to listen to your opinions and advice.

And always remember!

When you take something with you on a hike, you must be prepared for the fact that it can break, burn in the campfire or simply get lost. Take things that will not be difficult to say goodbye to.

Everything that you pack, you will carry on your shoulders. So take only really necessary things.

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