The first time I went backpacking, I had no idea if I was prepared or not so I created a simple backpacking checklist spreadsheet.
I remember reading the instructions that came with my JetBoil inside my tent so I wouldn’t look like an idiot in front of everyone. (no one cares, we’ve all been there!)
You’ll never be fully prepared for your first few times backpacking, but I’ll do my best to get you ready!
Backpacking Checklist in Spreadsheet Form
If you want to use this backpacking checklist spreadsheet as a starting point to create your own, you can download or copy it from here: Google Sheets Link. This spreadsheet is also written at the end of the post.
If it helps, I’d appreciate you using my Amazon link. I get 3% of your purchase at no cost to you, it helps cover the hosting of the site, thanks!
Some items are direct references to the clothing I own. I even put the color of it so I barely have to think when I pack. It helps for last-minute trips.
About the Backpacking Checklist Spreadsheet
Having a backpacking checklist can help remember the most basic items and give you ideas of what you may need to purchase ahead of time.
Most of my backpacking trips are between spring and fall for 1 to 3 nights, so keep that in mind. Also, consult with friends and other resources, do not simply rely on my list.
I’m only sharing this because it’s something I would have found beneficial when I first got started.
Obviously, not all of it applies to every trip, but it is a good starting point.
I find it helps to print it out and check it off as you pack. Then you don’t have to re-check the morning of the trip!
My Backpacking Packing List
Backpack
- Backpack (I used a 65L Osprey which is way too big now, but it was a good size for when I didn’t have backpacking-sized gear).
- Rain cover for Backpack
Sleeping
- Tent
- Poles
- Stakes
- Rain Fly
- Foot print
- Sleeping Bag
- Sleeping Bag Liner
- Sleeping pad
- Sleeping pad repair patch
Water
- Water filter
- 3L Camelback bladder
- 1.5L Bottle
Cooking System
- MSR Stove
- Fuel
- Lighter
- Spoon
Foodbag
- 4x bars per day
- 1x dinner per day
- Tortilla soup
- Ramen
- 1x lunch per day
- Bars or snacks
- 1x breakfast per day
- Oatmeal
- Granola
- Bagels
- Sweets
- Licorice
- Gummies
- Other ideas
- Cashews
- Almonds
- Jerky
- MIO for electrolytes
Head
- Winter Hat
- Sunhat
- Balaclava
- Baseball hat
- Buff
- Sunglasses
Upper Body
- Rain Jacket
- Medium/thin fleece (green)
- Long sleeve wool underlayer (black)
- Green down jacket
- Blue long sleeve hiking shirt
- Icebreaker blue t shirt
Lower Body
- Long underwear bottoms black
- REI Shorts
- REI Activator Pants
- Synthetic Nike Boxers
Feet
- Hiking Boots
- Running Shoes
- Approach Shoes
- Green medium socks
- Extra pair of socks
- Spikes (traction)
- Sandles
First aid kit
- The normal stuff
- Compass
- Tums
- Utility tool
Toiletries
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste
- Eye glasses
- Ear plugs
- Eye mask
- Glasses case
- Glasses wipe
- Contacts
- Shovel
- Toilet Paper
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Tissues
Other
- Hiking poles
- Camera
- Camera Batteries
- Head lamp
- Winter Gloves
- Cell phone cord
- Battery Pack
- Extra batteries for headlamp
- Garmin GPS Unit
- Map
- Handwritten directions
- Bug spray
- Sunscreen
- Bear spray
Activities
- Frisbee
- Cards
Enjoy your trip! -Wifibum
