Beginner Backpacker’s Packing List

Backpacking was the highlight of my summer last year and I’ve finally gotten around to sharing my beginner backpacker’s packing list. I love making lists because it keeps me from having that, “What did I forget?!” feeling. This list can be customized based on the type of trip you’re making but this is what has worked for us on all of our trips so far.

Check out some of our Backpacking Trips:

• Backpacking to Annapolis Rock on the Appalachian Trail – Our First Time Backpacking
• Backpacking to Harpers Ferry on the Appalachian Trail
• Backpacking through Washington Monument State Park in the Fall on the Appalachian Trail

This post is part of the “Maryland’s Top Scenic Hikes” series on this blog. See the other hikes here.

Beginner Backpacker’s Packing List

This post contains affiliate links through which I may receive compensation but opinions are always 100% my own. This compensation helps to maintain the costs of keeping this blog running – thank you for supporting My Life as Mrs!

Essentials

• Trip itinerary left with a friend – Tell someone where you’re going and when you’re planning on being back!
• Map and compass
• Sunscreen
• Hand sanitizer
• Insect repellent
• Lip balm with SPF
• Proper Clothing Layers (see “clothing”)
• Headlamp/flashlight with extra batteries if needed
• First-aid supplies 
  • Medications (Epipens, pain reliever, Benedryl)
  • Gauze and tape
  • Band-aids
  • Neosporin
  • Bandage
  • Emergency Whistle
• Matches (in a waterproof container with a striker) or lighter
• Emergency fire starter
• Knife or multi-tool
• Duct tape strips for almost anything
• Food
• Water bladder or water bottles
• Water treatment system – we started with the Sawyer Mini and added two extra filter bags.

Shelter

• We started with a 3-person Walmart tent. Then we bought two hammocks (blue double hammock), straps, and a tarp and have used that set up for every trip since.
• Backpack with rain cover
• Sleeping bag
• Sleeping pad

Kitchen

• Stove – this one is compact and easy to use
• Butane Fuel
• Cook pot
• Spoon for cooking
• Bowl for food
• Spork
• Measuring cup
• Dr. Bronners Liquid Castile Soap put in a tiny travel bottle for dishes and personal cleaning
• Mini quick-dry towels – for dishes, self-cleanliness, pot grabber, etc
• Hang bags for food and food prep items (or Bear canister) – we used drawstring athletic bags
• Nylon cord (50′ for hanging food)

Food

• Meals – We pack for 2 meals a day – breakfast and dinner. For the rest of the day, we pack snacks and eat them as needed.
• Very Easy Backpacking Meal Ideas
  • Mashed Potatoes + Stuffing
  • Knorr rice or pasta sides
  • Mac + Cheese
  • Granola and Powdered Milk
  • Oatmeal
  • Peanut butter, honey + tortillas

• Energy Food Snacks
  • Clif/protein bars
  • Chewy candy
  • Trail mix
  • Licorice
  • Babybel
  • Scotch Oat Cakes
  • Veggie Root Chips
  • Crackers
• Drink powders – NUUN tablets or Propel powder packets

Clothing 

Check the weather multiple times leading up to the trip to get a sense of what day and nighttime temperatures will be so that you have adequate clothing to keep warm while you hike and sleep. Our coolest temps were with our first hike in June and our last hike in October but it was never cold enough for full winter gear.

I like packing layers so I can add or remove them while hiking as needed. Each of us uses a gallon-sized Ziploc bag that we keep all our clothes in so that they stay dry and organized.

• Underlayer: Wicking tank top or T-shirt
• Mid-layer: Wicking long sleeve shirt (also good for sun/bug protection)
• Top layer: A fleece sweater
• Quick-drying pants, capris or shorts
• Long underwear for sleeping
• Wicking underwear + bras
• Synthetic or wool Socks for hiking + thick warm socks for sleeping
• Plastic grocery bags in case of rain for feet – never had to employ this technique but apparently it’s effective, you just put the bag between your sock and shoe layer to help keep your feet from becoming waterlogged in the rain.
• Hat and/or sunglasses
• Hiking Boots or hiking shoes suited to the terrain
• Sandals for crossing water or wearing in camp – can clip these to the outside of your pack
• Gloves/mittens
• Rain Layer or emergency poncho

Toiletry

• Toiletry kit – just enough to help keep you feeling clean for a short trip.
  • Body wipes – 2 wipes per day – I use unscented baby wipes. You could also use water on a clean towel.
  • Face wipes – 2 cotton pads per day pre-soaked in micellar water.
  • Toothbrush – I bought a 4 pack for $2 and then cut the handles in half to make them smaller and drop weight.
  • Travel toothpaste
  • Travel deodorant
• Toilet paper in Ziploc to stay dry + empty zip lock to pack out used toilet paper (Leave No Trace)
• Trowel or sturdy tent peg for digging bathroom hole 

Extras and Miscellaneous Personal Items

• Walking sticks
• Ax, knife, or folding saw – Brady likes to have some combination of these.
• Fully charged smartphone
• External charger + cord
• Body warming packs
• Credit card + a small amount of cash
• Lightweight binoculars
• Permits, Guide books, Field guides, Outdoor journal and pen (if needed, we never took/needed any of these)
• Bear spray
• Post-hike kit: snacks, water, towel, clothing change to keep in the car

There you go. That’s my beginner backpacker’s packing list. It has served us well for all of our backpacking trips so far. If you have any product recommendations, let me know!