Travelling with only life's essentials on your back — that is the very quintessence of adventure. We've put together a handy backpacker's checklist to make sure you don't forget anything when preparing for your journey.
If you haven't yet chosen a specific destination, you're spoilt for choice. Will you opt for the Caribbean-like beaches of the Lofoten Islands, where icy waters meet steep mountains? Or perhaps you'll choose the hostile summits of the Himalayas, where culture and majestic landscapes intertwine? Or maybe you'd prefer to venture deep into the Canadian forests, in search of remote lakes?
In order to determine what you'll need to bring on your backpacking trip, it's important to do your research in advance and get to know the places you'll be exploring. Don't forget to check the weather forecast. In some areas, such as the Scottish Highlands or the Azores archipelago, the weather can change within minutes. In general, the less favourable the weather and the longer you travel, the more clothing, gear, food and water you'll need to bring.
What to pack in my backpack?
Here is the list of essential gear to pack in your backpack:
- Appropriate hiking footwear
- Tent
- Sleeping bag, sleeping mat and sleeping bag liner
- Stove and fuel
- Cooking equipment
- Sufficient food
- Water bottle and/or water filter
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Emergency and hygiene kit
- Basic repair kit
In addition to this, you should include certain essentials for camping or hiking, to be adapted according to your trip:
- Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS or other satellite device
- Headlamp: with enough battery to last the entire duration of the trip
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen and UV-protective clothing
- First aid: foot care, insect repellent
- Knife: with its maintenance kit
- Fire: matches, lighter, firestarter and/or stove
- Safety: lightweight emergency blanket
- Extra food
- Extra water
- Extra clothing
How to use this checklist?
When packing your bag, use this checklist to make sure you don't forget anything. A few preliminary notes to help you get the most out of it:
- Items marked with an asterisk are part of the essential gear for camping or hiking. The gear you should prioritise depends on the weather, difficulty, duration and distance of your trip.
- This list is intentionally comprehensive; you probably won't need everything on it. It brings together all that is necessary to be self-sufficient and maintain a certain level of comfort in the great outdoors. Don't forget that you must always balance the weight of your gear against the essentials needed to successfully complete your adventure!
- We've prepared a PDF version of our checklist to make it easier to use when you're at home.
Basic gear
For an overnight trek, plan for a backpack of 30 to 50 litres. From two or three nights onwards, a larger capacity will be needed.
- Backpack with rain cover
- Trekking tent
- Sleeping bag
- Sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping mat or foam pad
- Headlamp or torch* (with sufficient battery)
Optional:
- Trekking poles
- Portable lantern
- Pillow
- Ground sheet (for an extra layer of protection)
Cooking
- Stove
- Fuel
- Pots (with handle)
- Plates/bowls
- Cutlery
- Cup
- Washing-up liquid (biodegradable)
- Small quick-dry towel
- Collapsible water container
- Food container
Food & water
For hiking, bring easily accessible food such as energy bars, beef jerky, hard cheese or peanuts.
Regarding water, it is recommended to drink half a litre per hour of moderate activity in temperate conditions. Finding out about water availability along your hike is therefore essential to avoid the risk of dehydration.
- Water bottles and/or water flask*
- Water filter/purifier or chemical treatment*
- Meals
- Energy food and drinks (bars, gels, …)
- Emergency food supplies*
Clothing & footwear
Check the weather forecast and choose your clothing accordingly. In addition, prepare extra layers in case the weather changes unexpectedly or if you need to spend the night outdoors. In some situations, it's also worth checking whether your clothing protects against intense ultraviolet rays.
Regarding footwear, assess the terrain you'll be walking on in advance. For flat and smooth paths, light boots or trail shoes are sufficient. For rocky and steep trails, stiffer high-cut boots will provide the support you need.
- Technical base layers
- Moisture-wicking t-shirts
- Hiking trousers/shorts
- Long-sleeved t-shirts (watch out for sun and insects)
- Light jacket or jumper
- Appropriate shoes or boots
- Hiking socks
- Extra clothing* (just in case…)
Clothing for cold and/or wet weather:
- Waterproof clothing (jacket and trousers)
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece and/or insulated jacket
- Gloves and/or liner gloves
- Beanie hat
Optional:
- Sandals
- Bandana or Buff
- Gaiters (for rainy, snowy or muddy conditions)
Navigation
Being able to navigate during your hike is essential. The type of trip you undertake and your personal preferences will determine which navigation system you need. If you like using a GPS, bear in mind that it will never replace a map and compass.
- Map* (tear-resistant and waterproof)
- Compass*
Optional:
- Travel guide
- Watch/Altimeter
- GPS
- Satellite phone
Emergencies & first aid
One of the most important things to take with you is an emergency blanket. Even if you're carrying your tent, it becomes indispensable if you plan to venture away from your base camp for a few days.
- First aid kit*
- Whistle
- Lighter/matches (in a waterproof container)
- Firestarter
(to light an emergency fire!) - Emergency blanket*
Health & hygiene
- Hand sanitiser
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Sanitation trowel
- Toilet paper/wipes and sealable bag*
- Menstrual products
- Multi-purpose soap (biodegradable)
- Prescription medication
Sun protection:
- Sunglasses*
- Sunscreen*
- Lip balm*
- Hat/cap*
Optional:
- Insect repellent*
- Urinary products
- Blister treatment
Tools & repairs
- Knife or Swiss army knife*
- Repair kit (sleeping mat, stove, tent, …)
- Adhesive tape
Little extras
Depending on the space remaining in your pack, you can add some of these optional items to your adventure.
- Small daypack (if you need to venture away from your campsite)
- Camera (with memory cards)
- Field notebook
- Reading material
- Card games
- Binoculars
- Earplugs
- Walkie talkies
Personal items
- Required permits (if necessary)
- Credit card and/or cash
- Identity card
- Car keys
- Mobile phone
*This gear is part of the essential items to take with you when hiking. The equipment you should prioritise depends on the weather, difficulty, duration and distance of your trip. To find out more, feel free to read our advice: "Essential gear for camping or hiking".
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