Backpacking List

You'll need a good backpacking list if you're planning a hiking trip with your family!

A good checklist will ensure that you don't forget anything important, reducing the chance of getting frustrated, AND increasing your safety!

4 hikers wearing backpacks, facing away from the camera

Portable Shower for Camping

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Portable Camping Shower

Backpacking Checklist

Here is the hiking gear checklist we use.

How to use this list

Modify this list to suit your family's needs and to fit the season and locale.

Add any additional items that you want to bring. How about a GPS, or a watch?

Remove the items you won't need. If you are hiking in the summer at low elevations, you probably won't need gaiters.

Click here for a printable backpacking checklist.

Before you go

Choose your route. Tell some friends where you are going and when you expect to get back.

Pack a change of dry clothes to leave in your vehicle at the trailhead. You'll want to change out of your sweaty hiking gear for the ride home.

Put a canned drink for each person in a creek near the beginning of the trail. Hide it carefully so that it will be waiting for you when you come back at the end of your trip. (This is especially wonderful when you are hiking in the summer. There's nothing nicer than a cold drink waiting for you at the end of a long hot hike!)

Read these backpacking tips.

A pile of packed backpacks stacked together on dusty ground

My backpacking list

What to wear

synthetic clothing
hiking socks
hiking boots
sun hat
gaiters
backpack

Easily accessible

(in a top pocket or strapped to your pack)

map and compass
sunglasses, sunscreen
water bottles (filled)
snacks (like trail mix and carrot sticks)
lunch
whistle
bear spray

Purchase your bear spray HERE.

In your backpack

tent
camping sleeping bags
sleeping pads
stove and fuel
pot(s) and pan(s)
mugs
plates and/or bowls
cooking utensils
eating utensils
headlamps or flashlights
first-aid kit Click here for a good first aid kit checklist.
matches – in waterproof container
fire starter
knife
repair kit
clothing (see list below)
water filter or water treatment tablets

One option is the Lifestraw personal water filter as pictured below. You can read more about this filter and purchase HERE.

Lifestraw Water Filter

toilet paper Click here for camping food ideas.
toothbrushes and toothpaste
biodegradable soap
washcloth
hand towel
garbage bags
binoculars
rope
camera
notebook and pencil
deck of cards, travel games
paperback book
insect repellent
sandals or light shoes
food, packed in color-coded stuff sacks (breakfast food in one sack, lunches in another, dinners in another)

If you are doing more than a 1- or 2-night hike, you'll probably need to carry dried food. There's a great selection of freeze dried food for backpackers available: everything from lasagna to chili to ice cream!

Harmony House Backpacking Kit

The Harmony House Backpacking Kit is great! Click here for further information on the pack and to order.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that it's not that hard to make your own dehydrated food! It's cheaper than the packaged brands, and you can make exactly what you like.

Click here to learn how to dehydrate food for backpacking.