Three Season Hiking and Backpacking Gear List

All of us aspire to travel through the mountains unencumbered, but experienced backcountry travelers and outdoor professionals understand that you need to pack essential items to manage risks, be comfortable, and have fun while on the trails. To help you prepare for your next hiking or backpacking adventure, here’s a checklist of all the gear items you’ll want to pack. Versions of this list are endorsed by all major land management agencies and respected outdoor organizations.

NOTE: This gear list is designed for three seasons (spring, summer, and fall). Winter adventures require extra layers and safety items—to view our winter gear list, click here.

 

The 10 Essentials

You may already know the 10 Essentials for every outdoor adventure, including hydration, nutrition, navigation, emergency shelter, layers, illumination (headlamp or flashlight), firestarter, first-aid kit, repair kit, and sun protection. Here’s a detailed list of what to pack to assure your safety while hiking.

1. Map
2. Compass, and the knowledge to use one
3. Warm clothing, including upper and lower body layers
4. Warm hat
5. Extra food and water
6. Flashlight or headlamp
7. Matches/Firestarter
8. First aid kit and repair kit
9. Whistle
10. Waterproof and windproof upper and lower body layers
11. Pocket knife

 

Personal Gear

Once you packed the essentials, follow this checklist for all other gear needs. Some items you may not need depending on whether you are day hiking or doing an overnight.

1. Backpack
2. Sleeping bag
3. Sleeping bag stuff sack
4. Sleeping pad
5. Small stuff sacks as needed
6. Trash Compactor Bags (a heavy-duty version of a trash bag that can waterproof the inside of your pack!)
7. Water bottles
8. Water treatment methods (we advise carrying a filter and iodine tablets as a backup)
9. Camp Kitchen Gear
   1. Bowl
   2. Cup
   3. Silverware
10. Sunglasses
11. Lip Balm
12. Sunscreen
13. Toothbrush and environmentally friendly toothpaste
14. Moist towelettes
15. Hand sanitizer
16. Prescribed medications as needed
17. Hiking boots
18. Camp shoes
19. Socks
20. Underwear
21. Bras
22. Shorts or long pants depending on the season and preference
23. Long underwear
24. Warm jacket
25. T-shirt
26. Sun hat
27. Gloves
28. Bandanas
29. Rain jacket and rain pants

Optional Personal Equipment

Beyond the essentials mentioned above, here are extra items that you may choose to add to your pack depending on personal preferences, the season, or terrain.

1. Waterproof backpack cover
2. Bug net
3. Bivy
4. Hydration bag
5. Cell phone
6. Emergency device (Spot, InReach, etc.)
7. GPS
8. Binoculars
9. Liner socks
10. Gaiters
11. Vest
12. Wind shirt
13. Wind pants
14. Camera
15. Camp chair
16. Small camping towel

 

Camping Equipment

Everything you need for a comfortable overnight in the backcountry.

1. Shelter (tent, tarp, or hammock system)
2. Camping stove
3. Fuel bottle/cannister
4. Cooking kit, including pot, pan, pot holder, etc.
5. Gray water strainer
6. Food containers and bags
7. Kitchen hand soap (biodegradable)
8. Bear cannister/bear proof rope system
9. Camping trowel

Optional Camping Equipment

1. Fire pan
2. Camp lantern
3. Camping saw
4. Camping shower bag