20 Backpacking Essentials

Think of yourself as a turtle. Only bring the essentials, because what you bring, you have to carry on your back. Overpacking could be the reason you don’t complete a hike.

After a couple trips, we’ve narrowed it down to these 20 items. These change a bit too, depending on when and where we’re hiking. If we’re driving, we’ll pack more than we need, and then choose what to actually carry at base, storing the rest in the car.

1. boots

I like these Danner boots because they have great grip, are lightweight, waterproof, and neutral in color. I always, always bring extra socks too.

2. backpack

I got the small in this Gregory backpack (I’d usually get the medium). It’s nice and light but holds quite a bit. I like all the straps- waist, chest, and along the back for carrying water shoes/hiking poles. My chest strap broke one trip and I sent it to the company; they fixed it and returned free of charge within a week.

3. JetBoil

This thing is amazing. It hardly takes up any space but is your key to cooking dinner. This is how we make ramen, boil water for coffee, and filter water if we need to.

4. water bladder & electrolytes

The bladder is the same Johnny uses for his distance runs; it just slides in the back sleeve of the backpack. The straw makes it accessible while hiking. Much less space and weight than a canteen. We always bring electrolytes to stay hydrated, and it helps with elevation sickness and headaches.

5. water filter

You’ll need some kind of water filter if you’re hiking for more than a few hours and need to refill. This one works with a bottle/canteen. We have another to use for the bladder.

6. First Aid Kit

I keep this in my car and toss it in my bag. It comes already packed and just gives me peace having it. The scissors and bandaids are most used.

7. sleeping pad

This pad works because it’s inflatable. It rolls up and stores easily in the backpack, and expands out to the size of a sleeping bag. Ours also includes a built-in pillow.

8. ramen

Ramen is our typical dinner on shorter backpacking trips. We just boil water on our JetBoil and dinner is ready. It’s light, salty, and delicious. (I also pre-make PB & Js for lunches).

9.tent

This tent is just enough for two people. It fits us and our gear and includes a rain canopy at the entrance where we usually store our shoes on the outside of tent. This is also where Chuck sleeps if he camps with us. (We haven’t backpacked with the kids yet, so will need a larger tent then!)

10. sleeping bag

I’ve had this sleeping bag for 20 years and it has held up over dozens of camping trips. It’s small, easy to stuff, and warm as it’s the mummy style.

11. crampons/microspikes

These are absolutely necessary if you’re going where there’s snow, slush, or ice. We wore them 80% of the time when hiking Mt. Whitney. I prefer the micro spikes becssue they are less bulky and easier to slip on and off.

12. collapsible dishes

These pack down and include a bowl and silverware set. We use them for ramen, sometimes for Chuck’s water bowl, scooping water, holding coffee.

13. wipes

Sometimes I just bring a ziplock bag with tissues and wipes. This little pack is easy enough to use for bathroom needs or a wipe down at night. Just wish they were compostable.

14. insect repellent

Depending on where you’re going, you may want insect repellent. We like this brand in particular because it’s a lotion as opposed to a spray. Mosquitos can be real bothersome in humid climates, especially at night.

15. Sun Protection

This is so, so important. You don’t think you’re getting sun, especially when you’re walking in the snow. But you are, and it’s strong. I had a severe burn on my lips from not applying SPF lip balm (I like Aquaphor 30) often enough. Sport sunglasses and a hat are included in the sun protection. I will never hike without sun coverage.

16. travel charger

We bring this little portable charger to all our travel locations. It’s especially key as we use Johnny’s phone to utilize the Gaia app to follow the trail if we lose sight of it, and the Zoleo app which tracks us if we need medical help.

17. trekking poles

I didn’t think I would need these but I really appreciate having them. They fold us so you can put in your pack when you aren’t using them, but are also helpful in navigating incline and through slush.

18. headlamp

Everyone in our fam has a headlamp, even the kids. If you get into camp at nightfall you’ll need one to set up your tent and prep food/go get water, and alert other hikers as you near.

19. bear canister

We had to buy this for Maroon Bells as it’s a requirement when camping there. Just need to check the regulations for the area you’ll be in.

20. protein bars

We eat a lot of bars when camping because of their fiber and protein. Some favorites are Meal on the Go Probars, Clif bars, Larry’s cookies, and energy chews/bloks.