What to take Backpacking
What to take backpacking is a personal and geographical preference. You may want to pack light or carry some comfort items. Your pack should include items that suit the area that you are going to be in.
If you backpack in desert areas you do not really need rain gear and there will not be many trees to support a tarp. However, you will need extra containers for water and sunblock. I do most of my backpacking in the White Mountains of New Hampshire so what I take is suited for wooded areas with plenty of bugs and water.
This list contains links to other pages that describe the items in more detail and the type of items I found to be better. You can also download this list as a printable backpacking list in PDF format.
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First Aid Kit
Snake Bite Kit Bear Pepper Spray Water Filter Water Bottles Tent Tent Footprint Tarp & Ropes Stove Stove Fuel Shovel Foldable Saw Fire Starter Survival Knife Flint and Steel Kit Waterproof Stuff Sack Compression Stuff Sack Sleeping Bag and Sheet Self Inflating Air Mattress Backpacking Chair Backpacking Lantern Headlamp and Batteries Camera Gps or Map and Compass Trekking Pole Rain Gear Pack Fly Clothes |
Water Container
Hiking Jacket Pans or Cookware Eating Utensils Cups Food and Seasonings Trash Bags Toilet Paper Towels and Soap Tooth Paste and Brush Sun Block Insect Repellent Medications If you take your dog Collar and Leash Dog Pack Training Collar Dog Bowl Food Treats Dog Medication |
Naturally if you do not have a dog or if you choose to not have him tag along you can omit the pet items. However, even if it is in the middle of summer and the sun is shining you should still bring a jacket. Weather can change suddenly and as I said before, I would rather not need something and have it as to need something and not have it.
You can download this list in PDF format and print it or save it for future reference by clicking here.