---
title: "Backpacking Checklist: Don’t Forget These Must-Have Items"
description: "Keep this downloadable backpacking checklist handy before your next trip and you’ll never forget an essential piece of your kit again. "
date: "2023-07-25"
modified: "2023-07-25"
authors:
  - name: "Laura Lancaster"
    job_title: "Contributor"
    link: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/authors/laura-lancaster/"
url: "https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/backpacking-checklist/"
categories:
  - "Adventure"
  - "Camping Gear"
  - "Gear"
tags:
  - "Evergreen"
  - "Gear Reviews"
---

# Backpacking Checklist: Don’t Forget These Must-Have Items

![We assembled the ultimate backpacking checklist.](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/backpacking-checklist.jpg>)
*Laura Lancaster*

Whether you’re preparing for your first backpacking trip or packing the night before your once-in-a-lifetime, it’s important to remember the essentials with a backpacking checklist. I’ve been backpacking for decades, and have based the below checklist off of what I always review before heading into the backcountry. Download a copy for yourself so that you can adjust and annotate it to fit your needs.

## Backpacking Checklist

[Backpacking Checklist - The Master Checklist](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/Backpacking-Checklist-The-Master-Checklist.pdf>)[Download](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/Backpacking-Checklist-The-Master-Checklist.pdf>)

**See also:** [Camping Checklist: Our Top Gear and Pack Lists](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/camping-checklist/>)

## Backpacking Checklists for Kids, Dogs, and Reluctant Backpackers

Whether you’re bringing your kids, your dog, or your significant other for the first time, here are the camping or backpacking checklists you need to make it a success.

[Backpacking Checklist - Other Must Haves](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/Backpacking-Checklist-Other-Must-Haves.pdf>)[Download](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/Backpacking-Checklist-Other-Must-Haves.pdf>)

## Gear Recommendations for Your Backpacking Checklist

When you’re ready to round out your backpacking gear list with some best-in-class options, we’ve done the testing to get you started.

![Man hiking on trail.](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/what-to-bring-backpacking.jpg>)
*Your backpack should feel more like your friend than a burden you have to carry. Laura Lancaster*

### Backpacks

- Our top pick: [Osprey Exos](<https://www.amazon.com/Osprey-Backpack-Tungsten-Large-X-Large/dp/B09JXYDDKF?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Best for women: [Gregory Deva](<https://www.amazon.com/Gregory-Mountain-Products-Backpack-Antigua/dp/B073P3RZPQ?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Ultralight pick: [ULA Circuit](<https://ula-equipment.9xrw.net/c/2536217/521710/8909?subId1=OL-HT&sharedId=backpacking-checklist&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ula-equipment.com%2Fproduct%2Fcircuit%2F>)
- Comfort pick: [Six Moon Designs Swift X](<https://www.sixmoondesigns.com/products/swift-x-ultralight-backpack>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Ultralight Backpacks](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-ultralight-backpacks/>), [Gregory Baltoro and Deva Review](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/gregory-baltoro-deva-review/>)

### Shelter

#### Tent

- Our top pick: [Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2](<https://www.amazon.com/Big-Agnes-Copper-Backpacking-Person/dp/B0817CJLHN?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Ultralight pick: [Gossamer Gear The One](<https://www.gossamergear.com/products/the-one>) or [The Two](<https://www.gossamergear.com/products/the-two?_pos=1&_sid=9f80ff3a2&_ss=r>)
- Budget pick: [Kelty Discovery Trail](<https://www.amazon.com/Kelty-Discovery-Trail-Laurel-Green/dp/B096SZ3J1B?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Winter pick: [MSR Access 1 or Access 2](<https://www.amazon.com/MSR-Lightweight-3-Person-4-Season-Backpacking/dp/B082VJRKPD?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Backpacking Tents](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-backpacking-tents/>), [Best Ultralight Tents](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-ultralight-tents/>), [Best Budget Backpacking Tents](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-budget-backpacking-tents/>), [Best 4-Season Tents](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-4-season-tents/>)

#### Tent Stakes

- Our top pick: [MSR Groundhog](<https://www.amazon.com/MSR-Groundhog-Tent-Stake-6-Pack/dp/B007ZQV312?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Lightest: [MSR Carbon Core](<https://www.amazon.com/MSR-Carbon-Core-Stake-Kit/dp/B006ZJI83Q?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Best holding power: [Big Agnes Dirt Dagger UL](<https://www.amazon.com/Big-Agnes-Dagger-Stakes-10inch/dp/B08PJJPRPC?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Tent Stakes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-tent-stakes/>)

### Sleep Systems

#### Sleeping Bags or Quilts

- Our top pick: [Loco Libre Gear Ghost Pepper](<https://www.locolibregear.com/gear.html#!/50%C2%B0-Operator-Series-Ghost-Pepper-Topquilt/p/66734368/category=19561052>)
- Best for tall people: [Enlightened Equipment Revelation](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=13757&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.garagegrowngear.com%2Fproducts%2Frevelation-850fp-by-enlightened-equipment%3F_pos%3D3%26_sid%3Db1ed0cff3%26_ss%3Dr>)
- Traditional pick: [NEMO Forte](<https://www.amazon.com/Nemo-Forte-Mens-Glow-Abyss/dp/B083B8KFC1?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [REI Co-op Trailbreak 20 Sleeping Bag](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F217592%2Frei-co-op-trailmade-20-sleeping-bag%3Fsku%3D2175920009%26CAWELAID%3D120217890015761941%26CAGPSPN%3Dpla%26CAAGID%3D147758257159%26CATCI%3Dpla-2019742230686%26cm_mmc%3DPLA_Google%257C21700000001700551_2175920009%257C92700076212979017%257CPB%257C71700000074313342%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvlgPzQxDZNwqehgSivlvprnlsY7zn_JW-pYBvDHj2YpNIY_qhhUwj30aApr5EALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Backpacking Quilts](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-backpacking-quilts/>), [Best Ultralight Sleeping Bags](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-ultralight-sleeping-bags/>), [Best Cold Weather Sleeping Bags](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-cold-weather-sleeping-bags/>), [Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-backpacking-sleeping-bags/>)

#### Sleeping Pads

- Our top pick: [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT](<https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Backpacking-Sleeping/dp/B0BKLVP1FX?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Best for cold sleepers: [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xtherm](<https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Ultralight-Backpacking-Sleeping/dp/B0BKFQK89B?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Best features: [Sea to Summit Ether Light XT Insulated Air Sleeping Mat](<https://www.amazon.com/Sea-Summit-Insulated-Sleeping-Regular/dp/B07ZYJVGMH?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [Big Agnes Insulated AirCore Ultra](<https://www.amazon.com/Big-Agnes-Sleeping-Insulated-Regular/dp/B08175HXQ1?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-backpacking-sleeping-pads/>), [Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/therm-a-rest-neoair-xlite-review/>)

**See also:** [Inflatable Versus Closed-Cell Foam](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/inflatable-vs-closed-cell-foam-sleeping-pads/>)

#### Pillows

- Our top pick: [Therm-a-Rest Air Head Down Pillow](<https://www.amazon.com/Therm-Rest-Inflatable-Camping-Mountains/dp/B07YY1VQLJ?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Memory foam pick: [NEMO Fillo Backpacking & Camping Pillow](<https://www.amazon.com/NEMO-Fillo-Backpacking-Camping-Pillow/dp/B0BMW1JVZQ?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget: [Outdoor Vitals Ultralight Stretch Pillow](<https://www.amazon.com/Outdoor-Vitals-Ultralight-Stretch-Charcoal/dp/B072YSNFQR?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth reviews: Best Backpacking Pillows

### Backpacking Clothing

Clothing is a critical part of any backpacking checklist.

#### Hiking Shirt

- Our top pick: [Fjallraven Abisko Wool Short-Sleeve](<https://www.amazon.com/Fjallraven-Abisko-Wool-Short-Sleeve/dp/B09SPB76ZN?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Fastest drying: [Ibex Journey Tee](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=21729&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fibex.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-journey-short-sleeve-crew-1%3Fvariant%3D42685187948715%26currency%3DUSD%26utm_medium%3Dproduct_sync%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_content%3Dsag_organic%26utm_campaign%3Dsag_organic%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvli8dUXu6Ihc5dNtSADNa2PLHjbVs0-e2tUaCkxfLhDOKJsTTjNBrjYaAuS2EALw_wcB>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Hiking Shirts](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-shirts/>)

#### Hiking Pants

- Our top pick: [Royal Robbins Alpine Mountain Pro Pants](<https://www.amazon.com/Royal-Robbins-Alpine-Mountain-Pants/dp/B09YYKFPLZ?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Bushwhacking pants: [Kuiu Attack Pants](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=17561&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.kuiu.com%2Fproducts%2Fattack-pant-valo-camouflage>)
- Budget pick: [REI Co-op Savanna Trail Pants](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F202518%2Frei-co-op-sahara-convertible-pants-womens%3Fsku%3D2025180014%26CAWELAID%3D120217890013177436%26CAGPSPN%3Dpla%26CAAGID%3D108610981822%26CATCI%3Dpla-812972032242%26cm_mmc%3DPLA_Google%257C21700000001700551_2025180014%257C92700057973513328%257CPB%257C71700000074410518%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvlhCNyEUiXqRlCCjs2dxX3W8mLxr0EK8oZaBq8DU0nPtWNIMR00rXVUaAkxrEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Hiking Pants](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-pants/>)

#### Hiking Underwear

- Our top pick: [Ibex Women’s Natural Brief](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=21729&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fibex.com%2Fproducts%2Fwomens-natural-briefs-new%3Fvariant%3D32345991610416%26currency%3DUSD%26utm_medium%3Dproduct_sync%26utm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_content%3Dsag_organic%26utm_campaign%3Dsag_organic%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvljKQgFg-kDJ4jFGlaranz8pxU2Oi-PG2k0Z4CqScW4e6imEomqhz3waAvFaEALw_wcB>)
- Best Synthetic: [Patagonia Women’s Active Hipster](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10083&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patagonia.com%2Fproduct%2Fwomens-active-hipster-underwear%2F32410.html>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Hiking Underwear for Women](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-underwear-for-women/>)

#### Hiking Socks

- Our top pick: [Darn Tough Hiker Micro Crew](<https://www.amazon.com/Darn-Tough-Hiker-Midweight-Cushion/dp/B09LZG69VF?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Made in the USA: [Farm to Feet Damascus ¾ Crew](<https://www.amazon.com/FARM-FEET-damascus-lightweight-FF-7065-465-TUR-M/dp/B088BTQX4K?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Trail running pick: [Smartwool Athlete Edition Run Mountain Print Crew Socks](<https://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Athlete-Print-Tandoori-Orange/dp/B09LFBMWTK?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [REI Co-op Merino Wool Lightweight Crew](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F165398%2Frei-co-op-merino-wool-lightweight-hiking-crew-socks%3Fcm_mmc%3Daff_AL-_-224537-_-281801-_-NA%26avad%3D281801_a3221b0bd>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Hiking Socks](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-socks/>), [Best Wool Socks](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-wool-socks/>)

#### Hiking Shoes

- Hybrid: Danner Trail 2650 Campo GTX
- Maximalist: Hoka Speedgoat
- Minimalist: Altra Lone Peak
- Budget: Merrell Moab

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Trail Running Shoes](<https://www.google.com/search?q=best+trial+runners&oq=best+trial+runners&aqs=chrome..69i57j0i10i512l9.1965j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8#ip=1>), [Best Hiking Shoes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-shoes/>), [Best Waterproof Hiking Shoes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-waterproof-hiking-shoes/>), [Best Women’s Hiking Shoes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-womens-hiking-shoes/>), [Waterproof Hiking Shoes for Women](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-waterproof-hiking-shoes-for-women/>), [Men’s Hiking Shoes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-mens-hiking-shoes/>), [Best Hiking Boots](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-boots/>), [Hiking Boots for Men](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-boots-for-men/>), [Hiking Boots for Women](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-boots-for-women/>), [Best Thru-Hiking Shoes](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-thru-hiking-shoes/>)

#### Base Layers

- Our top pick: [Montbell Super Merino Wool Lightweight](<https://www.montbell.us/products/disp.php?p_id=2307108>)
- Ventilation for sweaty hikers: [Smartwool Intraknit](<https://www.amazon.com/Smartwool-Womens-Intraknit-Wool-Crew/dp/B07N46M9Y9?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [Uniqlo Heattech Ultra Warm](<https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E452337-000/00?colorDisplayCode=01&sizeDisplayCode=004>)

See the in-depth reviews:[Best Thermal Underwear for Men](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-thermal-underwear-for-men/>), [Best Thermal Underwear for Women ](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-thermal-underwear-for-women/>)

#### Insulation Top

- Our top pick: [Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer](<https://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Hardwear-Standard-Whisperer-X-Small/dp/B09KG2KVH7?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- For kids: [Big Agnes Ice House Hoodie](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F196329%2Fbig-agnes-ice-house-down-hoodie-kids>)
- Budget pick: [Uniqlo Ultra Light Down Jacket](<https://www.uniqlo.com/us/en/products/E450310-000/00?colorDisplayCode=58&sizeDisplayCode=003>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Puffer Jackets](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-puffer-jacket/>)

#### Rain Jacket

- Our top pick: [Arc’teryx Beta LT](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10248&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F185629%2Farcteryx-beta-lt-jacket-mens>)
- Eco-friendly pick: [Patagonia Storm 10](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=10083&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.patagonia.com%2Fproduct%2Fwomens-storm10-waterproof-jacket%2F85130.html>)
- Budget pick: [Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Suit](<https://www.amazon.com/Frogg-Toggs-Ultra-Lite2-Waterproof-Breathable/dp/B01CQ8FYQ8?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth review: Best Backpacking Rain Jackets

### Cooking and Water Treatment

#### Stove

- Our top pick: [MSR PocketRocket](<https://www.amazon.com/MSR-PocketRocket-Ultralight-Backpacking-Camping/dp/B01N5O7551?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- All-in-one pick: [Jetboil Stash](<https://www.amazon.com/Jetboil-Ultralight-Camping-Backpacking-Cooking/dp/B08QRLT8QH?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [GSI Glacier Camp Stove](<https://www.amazon.com/Outdoors-Unisex-Glacier-Camp-Stove/dp/B07B2TGFBL/ref=sr_1_2?tag=camdenxodl-20&crid=1EC3HBGUFKB62&keywords=GSI+Glacier+Camp+Stove&qid=1690307251&s=sporting-goods&sprefix=gsi+glacier+camp+stove%2Csporting%2C126&sr=1-2>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Backpacking Stoves](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-backpacking-stove/>), [MSR PocketRocket 2](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/msr-pocketrocket-2-review/>)

#### Lighter

- Our top pick: [MSR Piezo Igniter](<https://www.amazon.com/MSR-Piezo-Ignitor-Canister-Stoves/dp/B00AZVMS2C?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Refillable: [Zippo Chrome Lighter](<https://www.amazon.com/Zippo-Polish-Chrome-Pocket-Lighter/dp/B001E57S96?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [BIC](<https://www.amazon.com/Lighter-Classic-Full-Size-Piece/dp/B00IMVL206?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Camping Lighters](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-camping-lighters/>)

#### Water filter

- Our top pick: [Sawyer Squeeze](<https://www.amazon.com/Sawyer-Products-SP129-Filtration-Squeezable/dp/B00B1OSU4W?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Fastest flow: [Platypus QuickDraw](<https://www.amazon.com/Platypus-Quickdraw-Microfilter-System-Blue/dp/B08XK6GQ7N?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Treatment drop pick: [Aquamira](<https://www.amazon.com/Aquamira-Chlorine-Dioxide-Treatment-Bottles/dp/B000OR111G?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth review: [backpacking water filters](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-backpacking-water-filters/>)

### Safety

#### Satellite messenger

- Our top pick: [Garmin inReach Mini 2](<https://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Lightweight-Satellite-Communicator-Handheld/dp/B09PSKG7C3?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Lowest Upfront Cost: [ZOLEO](<https://www.amazon.com/ZOLEO-Satellite-Messenger/dp/B07X59RH7T?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [SPOT Gen4](<https://cabelas.xhuc.net/c/2536217/185932/2623?subId1=OL-HT&sharedId=backpacking-checklist&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fspot-x-2-way-bluetooth-satellite-messenger%3Firclickid%3DVOp05iyzDxyNRtfU3C31TT6oUkFwEAzRQU1-XE0%26irpid%3D2536217%26irmpname%3DRecurrent%2520Ventures%252C%2520Inc%2520%2528formerly%2520Camden%2520Media%2529%26sharedid%3Dbest-personal-locator-beacon-choose-the-right-plb-for-a-backcountry-adventure%26irgwc%3D1%26WT.mc_id%3Dir2536217%26WT.tsrc%3DAFF%26cm_soc%3DAFF>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Personal Locator Beacons and Satellite Messengers ](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-personal-locator-beacon/>)

#### Headlamp

- Our top pick: [BioLite Headlamp 325](<https://www.amazon.com/BioLite-HeadLamp-325-Lightweight-Headlamp/dp/B0BH6DMV33?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Best battery life: [Petzl Tacitkka +RGB](<https://www.amazon.com/PETZL-TACTIKKA-Headlamp-Red-Green-Blue-Lighting/dp/B07RRR3TCL?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [Decathlon Forclas HL 500](<https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&mi=16785&pw=281801&ctc=OL-HT&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.decathlon.com%2Fproducts%2Fforclaz-trek-500-200-lumen-usb-head-lamp-328250%3Fvariant%3D39301873107006>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Headlamps](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/story/gear/best-headlamp/>)

#### Knife

- Our top pick: [Opinel Nomad Cooking Kit](<https://www.amazon.com/Opinel-Corkscrew-Serrated-Microfiber-Cleaning/dp/B07FZ8GRCB?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Lightweight: [Benchmade Bugout](<https://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-Bugout-Drop-Point-Handle-Finish/dp/B07452LTBD?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget: [Schrade](<https://schrade.sjv.io/c/2536217/1190950/14951?subId1=OL-HT&sharedId=backpacking-checklist&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.schrade.com%2Fshop%2Fknives%2Fdelta%2Fisolate-caper-fixed-blade%2F1159295.html%23q%3Dhunting%26lang%3Ddefault%26start%3D1>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Camping Knives](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-camping-knives/>)

### Other

Personalize your backpacking checklist with these pieces of gear.

#### Trekking Poles

- Our top pick: [Leki Makalu FX Carbon](<https://www.amazon.com/LEKI-Makalu-FX-Carbon-110-130/dp/B09RPP5R95?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Value pick: [Cascade Mountain Tech Ultralight Carbon](<https://www.amazon.com/Cascade-Mountain-Tech-2-Section-Adjustable/dp/B086R8FM6Q?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Minimalist: [Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Pole](<https://zpacks.com/products/zpacks-minimalist-trekking-pole/?aff=149>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Trekking Poles](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-trekking-poles/>)

#### Power Bank

- Our top pick: [Goal Zero Flip 12](<https://cabelas.xhuc.net/c/2536217/185932/2623?subId1=OL-HT&sharedId=backpacking-checklist&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fgoal-zero-flip-12-power-bank%3Fds_e%3DGOOGLE%26ds_c%3DCabelas%257CShopping%257CPMax%257CCamping%257CGeneral%257CNAud%257CNVol%257CNMT%26%26%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvljuQ-SMTBk1C-tkUWDoYW4O6A9Yptlnv_20bhdXG9fdEJU-Cq5V7P8aAmCsEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds>)
- Water-resistant pick: [Goal Zero Venture 35](<https://cabelas.xhuc.net/c/2536217/185932/2623?subId1=OL-HT&sharedId=backpacking-checklist&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cabelas.com%2Fshop%2Fen%2Fgoal-zero-flip-12-power-bank%3Fds_e%3DGOOGLE%26ds_c%3DCabelas%257CShopping%257CPMax%257CCamping%257CGeneral%257CNAud%257CNVol%257CNMT%26%26%26gclid%3DCj0KCQjw5f2lBhCkARIsAHeTvljuQ-SMTBk1C-tkUWDoYW4O6A9Yptlnv_20bhdXG9fdEJU-Cq5V7P8aAmCsEALw_wcB%26gclsrc%3Daw.ds>)
- Budget pick: [Mophie Powerstation](<https://www.amazon.com/Powerstation-2023-20-Internal-Charging-Travel-Friendly/dp/B0BMDYP24N?tag=camdenxodl-20>)

See the in-depth reviews: [Best Power Banks](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-power-banks/>), [Best Power Banks for Camping](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-power-banks-for-camping/>)

#### Sunglasses

- Our top pick: [Costa Caleta](<https://www.amazon.com/dp/B097YYJH82/ref=twister_B09Z916PPY?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Ultralight pick: [Maui Jim Wailua](<https://www.amazon.com/Maui-Jim-PolarizedPlus2-Sunglasses-Translucent/dp/B09HMZRVYR?tag=camdenxodl-20>)
- Budget pick: [Goodr Everglades](<https://goodr.com/collections/national-park-foundation/products/everglades>)

See the in-depth review: [Best Hiking Sunglasses](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/best-hiking-sunglasses/>)

![Woman hikes on a trail.](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/25/backpacking-gear-checklist.jpg>)
*There a wide variety of options for wilderness camping. Laura Lancaster*

## FAQs

See also: [How to Pack a Backpack](<https://www.outdoorlife.com/gear/how-to-pack-a-backpack/>)

## Final Thoughts on the Backpacking Checklist

Having the right gear on a backpacking trip can make or break your hike. We’ve compiled a backpacking checklist of our favorite picks, based on decades of experience. Keep this checklist handy and you’ll never forget a piece of your kit again.

## Author
Laura Lancaster is an Outdoor Life's gear writer where she focuses on in-depth testing of backpacking and camping gear, with a particular interest in lightweight and ultralight gear. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and daughter.

### Author social links  
[Instagram](<https://www.instagram.com/outdoor_life/>)