Printable Backpacking List

A backpacking list is different from a camping list. You can download a PDF version of my printable backpacking list here. After you download the list and open it save it to a file so you can use it again.

When you are backpacking you are carrying everything on your back. Believe me when I tell you the weight of all the items quickly adds up. Some of the people I backpacked with go as far as cutting handles off of tooth brushes and bring powdered toothpaste. A few ounces here and a few ounces there can quickly equal 5 to 10 pounds less in your pack.

When I backpacked in Alaska I carried the heavier items such as cooking utensils, water filter, food and first aid kit, while my wife toted the sleeping bag and clothes. Her pack was bigger but weighed 10 pounds less. I also carried the camera with several lenses and film and the 44 mag and ammo. That brought my load to 51 pounds. That slowed me down enough for my wife to keep up on the grades.

First Aid Kit Snake Bite Kit Bear Pepper Spray Water Filter Water Bottle Tent Tent Footprint Tarp & Ropes Stove Stove Fuel Shovel Foldable Saw Fire Starter Survival Knife Flint and Steel Kit Waterproof Stuff Sack Compression Stuff Sack Sleeping Bag and Sheet Self Inflating Air Mattress Backpacking Chair Backpacking Lantern Headlamp and Batteries Camera Gps or Map and Compass Trekking Pole Rain Gear Pack Fly Clothes

Water Container Hiking Jacket Pans or Cookware Eating Utensils Cups Food and Seasonings Trash Bags Toilet Paper Towels and Soap Tooth Paste and Brush Sun Block Insect Repellent Medications If you take your dog Collar and Leash Dog Pack Training Collar Dog Bowl Food Treats Dog Medication

As you can see, weight is important and you want to minimize it where ever possible. Don't bring a large sleeping pad. Use one that is just large enough to fit on. Use the thicker and larger pads at the base camp. I made a pad cover out of a flannel sheet. The cover held our pads together and had a zipper to attach the sleeping bag. When we go backpacking and camping we bring just one sleeping bag. I wouldn't recommend this for winter camping but a few times we woke up and our water bucket was frozen but we were still warm and toasty.

You can find more information about the items in my printable backpacking list by going to the sitemap and selecting items from the list.