Basic Backpacking Gear List

What's in Your Backpack?

I'm always asked what gear I take out on the trail. Of course, what I take depends on the time of year I'm going, how long I'm going, the region I'll be backpacking in and how many other people will be joining me. I thought it would be helpful to show the basic gear that have in my pack for all backpacking trips. As all seasoned backpackers know, if you go for one night or a week, you have roughly the same amount of gear (excluding food). Please feel free to add to the list in the comments section below. I added a "not-pictured" section because I missed a few items in the picture and I added a few for the various factors I mentioned above.

Backpacking Gear

Pictured

1. Sleeping Pad -- To save weight, but still be comfortable, I have the shorter, thicker version.
2.
Katadyn Microfilter Bottle-- Quick way to treat water on the trail.
3. 1 Gallon Collapsible Water Jug
4. Olive Oil for Cooking
5. Spatula
6. Spoon, Fork, Knife Combo
7. Serving Spoon
8. Salt & Pepper
9. SteriPEN Adventurer -- UltraViolet Light to purify water.
10. Biodegradable Camp Soap
11. Can Opener -- Yes it's large, but it works.
12. Coffee Press -- This large one is great for three or more people. I have a smaller one also.
13. Pots, Pans and Plate -- I just have the standard version of all these. If you're going with a group, make sure you all don't carry the same cookware.
14. Bivy Sack -- If I'm only going for an overnight trip with good weather forecast I'll take my bivy sack.
15.
REI Half Dome 2 HC Tent-- The best tent for the money. Lightweight and great dual entry ways so you don't have to crawl over each other at night.
16. REI Camp Towel -- A bit more spendy than your average towel, but they pack tight and dry fast.
17. Sling with carabineer -- I wrap the sling around a tree and hang my backpack on the carabineer. It's good to keep your back off the ground and you have easier access to go into your backpack.
18.
MSR Reactor Stove-- Boils water fast and packs light and tight.
19. Compact First Aid Kit
20.
MSR DragonFly Stove-- The fuel tank is not pictured. This also packs light and tight. It can burn almost any fuel and handles large pots and pans.
21. Zip-Lock Bag of Medicine -- Anti-Acids, Ibuprofen, Allergy Medicine, etc.
22. Lighter
23. Compass
24. Electric Tape -- I fixed a fishing pole I snapped in half with electrical tape
25. Duct Tape
26. Lightweight LED headlamp
27. 10 feet of string or twine
28. Small "Leatherman" type tool
29. Quick Draws -- Good to hang stuff from trees and clip items onto your backpack
30.
REI Sub Kilo +20 Sleeping Bag - Regular-- Very warm, yet light and packs small.
31. Toilet Paper in Zip-Lock Bag
32. Crown Royal Bag -- Holds miscellaneous stuff. Sometimes actually carries Crown Royal.
33. Toothbrush and Toothpaste
34. Extra Batteries -- Adds a little weight, but a life saver if you need one.
35. Powdered Drink Mix
36. Gum
37. Eye Glass Case -- I wear glasses, so I put my glasses in the case at while I sleep.
38. Extra Carabineers
39. 8 feet of climbing webbing

Not Pictured

Katadyn Hiker Water Microfilter -- Able to filter/treat water much faster.
Backpack -- I have a Gregory Wind River. It fits my body style. I've had it for 12 years and no problems.
5 piece Fly Rod and Reel
Rain Jacket and Pants
Stuff Sack for Clothes -- I like to put my clothes in a separate stuff sack and cinch it up for a tighter fit in my pack.
Salomon Techamphibian Shoe-- A lightweight shoe/sandal to wear around camp and in the water.
Map of Area and/or GPS device