I’ve been backpacking since 2016 – my first trip was to Havasupai in Arizona! – and after a couple dozen trips, I’d call myself an intermediate backpacker. There’s nothing I love more than solitude and a night immersed in the outdoors… but note I said a night. One to two nights is my sweet spot, haha.
I’m all about being comfortable, so you’ll never catch me going ultralight. I’ll always pack fairy lights, my camera, fun drinks, and camp shoes. Comfort > counting ounces, every time.
In this blog, I’m sharing my current backpacking essentials (plus a few wishlist items) to help inspire your own packing list. If you’re new to backpacking, don’t feel like you need to buy everything at once – figure out if you like it first. Borrow gear when you can, shop used, and wait for sales.
>> One backpacking essential is a working knowledge of Leave No Trace! Need a refresher? Here’s a quick guide to responsible recreation!
My Backpacking Essentials
This post contains affiliate links to gear I’ve tested and love! By purchasing through these links, I earn a commission at no cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Ten Essentials
- This list of Ten Essentials should be considered for every trip!
Backpack
- Gregory Maven 55 – My go-to for overnight trips + outings with my husband (he carries the tent).
- Gregory Amber 68 – Perfect for when I need more room.
Psst! Use Gregory discount code JACEY15 at checkout!
Backpacking Tent
- REI Co-op Half Dome 2 Tent with Footprint – This is the tent I share with Dom and friends! This tent is super roomy and has a minimum trail weight of ~4 pounds. If you’re looking for a great all-around tent you can use for backpacking and car camping, the Half Dome 2 is a great investment!
- (Discontinued) REI Co-op Flash 2 Tent – I use this tent on solo trips – it fits me and my bag perfectly.
Dream upgrade: Copper Spur HV UL3 Tent – With a couple of backpacking trips planned for the next few years, I’d love a lighter tent. I’ve heard amazing things about this one!
Trekking Poles
- REI Co-op Trailmade Print Trekking Poles – In my opinion, trekking poles are essential for backpacking!
- Leki Lhasa Trekking Poles – I recommend these for anyone serious about lightweight gear.
Sleeping Bags and Blankets
- REI Co-op Magma 15 Sleeping Bag – The softest and warmest sleeping bag I’ve ever used! It comes in 16 sizes to ensure the perfect fit. Pro tip: Wait for the REI Anniversary Sale to get a deal.
- (Discontinued) Big Agnes Buell 30 Sleeping Bag – I’ve used this 30-degree sleeping bag for five years! It’s great for warm-weather trips, but I often pair it with a Rumpl blanket for extra warmth.
- Rumpl Original Recycled Puffy Blanket – I use the one-person Rumpl for colder trips.
- Rumpl NanoLoft Puffy Travel Blanket – This travel-size blanket is perfect for hot weather trips when you still want to use a blanket.
- Sea To Summit Sleeping Bag Liner – I use this liner for extremely warm weather trips, often paired with a Rumpl blanket.
Sleeping Pads
- NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad – My latest gear upgrade! As a side sleeper, I’m loving this pad so far.
- Z Lite Sol Foam Sleeping Pad – I always pack two sleeping pads: one inflatable and one foam. The foam pad provides insulation from the ground, adds extra comfort, and protects the inflatable pad.
- Klymit Static V Sleeping Pad – This is Dom’s current sleeping pad, and I still borrow it occasionally. It’s a fantastic choice for beginner backpackers because of its comfort and quality.
Backpacking Pillow
- Nemo Fillow Backpacking Pillow – I love this pillow; I just wish it were bigger. Pro tip: Inflate it to about 80% for maximum comfort.
- Dream upgrade: Exped Mega Pillow – It’s bigger and lighter than my current backpacking pillow.
Camp Chair
- REI Co-op Flexlite Camp Chair – One of my all-time favorite gear pieces! I’ve used this backpacking chair for everything since receiving it as a Christmas gift in 2017.
- Helinox Chair Zero – If you want to save weight, this comfy chair weighs only 1 pound! Note: It’s small.
- NEMO Chipper Reclaimed Closed-Cell Foam Seat Pad – I love bringing this little pad on my desert backpacking trips! It weighs practically nothing and turns giant boulders into a comfy place to sit.
Lighting
- Black Diamond Spot 400-R Rechargeable Headlamp – I bring multiple light sources, but a headlamp (with a red light feature) is an essential.
- String Lights – These lightweight string lights require a USB power source (I bring my portable charger). They’re cute but can tangle easily.
- LuminAID Solar Lantern – I love having this lantern at camp. It can charge your phone, but it’s not the most reliable power source.
- Dream upgrade: LuminAid USB String Lights – They look like they don’t tangle so easily.
Camp Kitchen
- MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove with the GSI Outdoors Halulite Boiler Pot – A compact and efficient setup for cooking on the go.
- Jetboil Flash Cooking System – Perfect for quick meals and boiling water in no time.
- Sea To Summit Alpha Light Spork – The only backcountry utensil youll need: A long-handled spork.
- REI Co-op Solid Graphic Camp Mug – My go-to mug for coffee and backcountry margaritas (tequila + electrolyte water).
- Stasher Bags – I usually bring at least two Stasher bags with me to store my food and cook out of. They’re reusable, durable, and perfect for keeping everything organized on the trail!
Food
- Breakfast – I pack instant oatmeal and dried fruit in a Stasher bag for an easy start to the day.
- Coffee – I don’t normally drink coffee on backpacking trips but I’ve tried a decent amount of instant coffee! My favorites are the single-serving pour-over packs from Kuju Coffee and Verve Instant Craft Coffee.
- Lunch – Typically, I bring an apple with peanut butter and some extra snacks.
- Dinner – I rotate between instant mashed potatoes, refried beans with tortillas, instant mac and cheese, and curry packs with pita bread. I’ll try the occasional freeze-dried meal but I haven’t found any worth recommending.
- Snacks – I like to bring a variety, including dried fruit, mixed nuts, GoGo Squeeze applesauce, candy, salami, pretzels, protein bars, oreos and Energy Waffles. Plus, I usually pack a fun beverage or or my flask, and whatever electrolytes I have on hand.
Water Bottles and Filters
- Gregory 3D Hydro Hydration Reservoir – 3 Liters – After trying various hydration bladders, I’m a fan of the Gregory brand. No leaks and I love the innovative design!
- Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter – I’ve only used this once, but I loved it. Super easy to use!
- Nalgene – I like to carry a full bottle of water to mix with my electrolytes.
Wildlife Concerns
- Bear Vault – I don’t usually camp in bear country, but when I do, I borrow or rent a bear vault for safety!
- Bear Spray – Even if I’m not camping in bear territory, I always carry bear spray as a precaution.
- Mosquito Head Net with Insect Shield – If you know, you know.
- Bug Spray + Bug Repellant Wipes – I’ve loved Kinfield for years! Their bug spray works and doesn’t smell like typical bug spray. Code JACEY15 saves you some money at check out!
Hygiene
- Hand sanitizer
- Toothbrush + paste
- Glasses, contact case + contact solution
- Personal medication(s)
- Chapstick
- SPF
- Face wash
- Travel towel
- Kula Cloth
- Trowel
- Toilet paper (+ trash bag to carry it out)
- Wag bag (depending on location)
Extras
- Garmin inReach Mini 2
- 100% cotton bandana
- iPhone Tripod
- Portable power bank
- Lighter
- Grocery bag for trash
Clothes and Shoes
To avoid overpacking clothes on my backpacking trips, I bring one hiking outfit and one sleeping outfit.
- Hiking outfit: Depending on the weather, I’ll hike in my favorite lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing. A couple of my go-to pieces for backpacking are the REI Co-op Sahara Shade Hoodie, Outdoor Voices RecTrek Zip-Off Pants, REI Co-op Sahara Stretch Pants, and the Patagonia Trailfarer Shorts.
- Layers: I always pack a fleece layer for warmth and an insulated jacket for extra cold nights.
- Sleeping outfit: For sleeping, I prefer a merino wool shirt paired with my second-hand merino wool sweatpants. I also pack a pair of clean merino wool socks! They keep me cozy and comfortable all night.
- Shoes: I wear a pair of hiking shoes – either my HOKA trail runners or Danner Mountain Boots. I also pack a pair of comfy shoes to wear around camp, like my Teva ReEmbers or Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.
Watch How I Pack My 55L Backpacking Bag
Final Thoughts On Packing For A Backpacking Trip
My gear list has evolved over the years, and these backpacking essentials have made my trips safer and more enjoyable. Remember, finding what works best for you takes time and experience, so don’t be afraid to test out different options and make adjustments along the way!
