Backpacking is one of the most liberating ways to travel, allowing you to explore the world on your terms. But whether you’re planning a multi-day trek in the wilderness or a globetrotting adventure, having a well-thought-out backpacking checklist is crucial. Packing the right gear can make or break your trip, and being prepared means you’ll spend less time stressing and more time enjoying the journey.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to pack for your backpacking adventure while optimising space and weight—a must-read for beginners and seasoned backpackers alike. It has been put together by me (Jack 👋🏻) A backpacking architect from the sunny sunny United Kingdom, and goes into what I take when exploring planet earth.
Here is a quick bit about me to help you get context to my backpacking checklist.
I am in my 30's
I need to budget but am not on a shoe string.
I do not go cheap on key items like jackets and shoes.
I like to feel that I have clothes and equipment to cover everything from long city explorations, to extensive hikes or long beach visits.
I like to feel comfortable and clean on my travels!
I also like to look respectable and approachable.
I am fairly well organised.
I like to feel safe.
I enjoy night life and a party as well as city (architecture) and countryside exploration.
I carry a laptop and camera gear!
I like to travel light
Why You Need a Backpacking Checklist
Packing for a backpacking trip isn’t just about throwing items into a bag. It’s about:
Ensuring you have the essentials without overloading your pack.
Preparing for unexpected weather or challenges.
Keeping your gear lightweight and functional.
Making sure you are kept safe and healthy
Whether you’re hitting the mountains or traveling through bustling cities, following a checklist ensures you’re ready for anything. So lets get into this explorer starting with the obvious ... If you want to Immediately have a look at the list then you can download the spread sheet below, if you want to know why I pack what I pack and get some tips then read on below 👇
The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist
No.1. Your Backpack
Your backpack is the core of your trip, so choose wisely and make sure you look to see if you have the right gender option. Many bags have a male and female option and this is largely because the straps sit on a different place on your hips. If you can get to an adventure store/ shop then I would highly recommend trying one on before heading off. Look its not the end of the world if you do not, realistically you bag spends more time on the floor of your accommodation than doing anything else. But if you are a hiker armed with a tend and sleeping bag then you are going to need to make sure you are comfortable if you do have a bag on!
Backpack (40-70L): Select a durable, lightweight, and weather-resistant pack with adjustable straps and a good support system.
Rain Cover: Essential for protecting your gear from sudden downpours, I have seen this first hand in Costa Rica, If you hit a country during tropical season it can go from sunny to raining in seconds. Not only this if you spend any time on boats, it is a great way to fend of the spray.
Daypack: A small, packable bag for short hikes or exploring cities. This is your second bag. If we think backpacker the I image your mind goes to someone with a big bag on there back and a small one on their front. The small one is vital not just as additional carry volume, but so you can explore, hike or relax with everything you need for a long day out.
Are Osprey worth the money?
In my opinion ... Yes Osprey are worth the money, I have never met a fellow traveller who has not had good things to say about the backpacks. Some could be tweaked to be better but you will be getting a very good, hard wearing backpack for your money.
No.2. Clothing
Packing light doesn’t mean compromising on preparedness. Choose versatile, quick-drying layers for all weather conditions and try to go multi functional like anti mosquito shirts which can be worn loose and baggy with role up sleeves in hot and humid climates or buttoned up tight and with an undershirt on in cold climates. You can see my hot and humid recommendations in the Amazon essentials post below you will also find my visiting the Amazon series of blog posts there, so if Brazil/ Colombia or Peru are on you travel list then make sure to have a read.
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking shirts and leggings for warmth and sweat management, I do not carry many of these, just usually one set of for the legs and one for the torso and I usually us a sports product like Under Armour or Nike.
Insulation Layer: A light weight down/ puffer jacket for cooler climates.
Outer Shell: A waterproof, windproof jacket (that fits over your puffer jacket).
Tops and Bottoms:
10 pairs of underwear
7-8 pairs of socks - 2 thin pairs, the rest can be hiking pairs, I live as much as humanly possible in Birkenstocks/ sandals.
5 tee shirts
3 vest tops
5 casual but reasonably smart shirts (mosquito & UV resistant ideally too) pair of durable hiking pants/ trousers.
2 pairs of beach/ swim shorts
3 pairs of smart/ casual shorts
2 pairs of sports shorts
2 sports t-shirts
2 pairs of trousers both dark in colour!
1 pair of mosquito resistant trousers that have a zip to turn into shorts!
Sunglasses (cheap pair don't take the Ray Bans)
A wooly hat
A baseball cap
Laundry on the road
I prefer to do more laundry stops whilst out on the road thus i have around a 2 week rotation of clothes before I will need to visit a laundromat (pushing to 3). The great thing about laundromats is they are a cool way to meet some locals or support local business and its always fun to go through your clothes once you get them back to see if any have disappeared or if you have gained an item or two (thats a joke)! It also means my main backpack stays smelling fresh and clean instead of having dirty smelly items stuffed against your 'clean' items. It also allows you to travel a lot lighter, however ...
As a caveat here, if you are hitting cold weather climates or multi day hiking routes then forget about backpacking with just a carry on and a cabin bag, you are going to need substantially more bag room!
No.3. Footwear
1 Pair of trail running shoes/ durable trainer
1 paid or sandals
This is an area where you can save a lot of bag room! I take two pairs! Yes just 2! A pair of sandals and a pair of trail running shoes! Yes you heard me right running trail shoes. These are an absolute god send for tackling everything from the city to the toughest of trails. I wore mine for a volcano hike in Guatemala and they held up just as well (if not better) then the boots people were wearing all around me. They even allowed me to run back down the Volcano trail as ultimately, they are design for it. I did have to get them dry cleaned after the hike as they were covered in volcano dust but they came back looking new! For me this is a bit of a good travel hack however .... they are not always fully waterproof and as the hardiest of hikers will know a bit of ankle protection is useful one multi day excursions. Thus if you are a backpackers who is all about hiking as many trails as possible then it may be worth taking your hiking boots as well. Its up to you but your shoe options could be the difference between needing to check your bags at the airport (and paying each time) or simply taking a cabin bag and a carry on.
4. Sleeping Gear
If you are hostel hopping then then a sleeping bag is just not going to be necessary! But if you are more of a mountain goat then taking a sleeping bag with you will be worth while as it will stop you having to hire one/ borrow one and we all know there is nothing better than getting into your own bed at night! Your checks are as follows:
Sleeping Bag: Lightweight, compact, and appropriate for the climate.
Sleeping Pad: For insulation and comfort.
Travel Pillow: Compact or inflatable options.
Tent (if camping): Lightweight and easy to set up.
Tarp: For extra shelter or ground protection.
5. Navigation and Safety
Navigation is an interesting one. In a world of the smart phone you are never far from a map, however you do need a network connection and even then there are no guarantees. So should you carry a map and a compass?
Again it comes down to your travel style, if you are looking at hiking and heading into the wilderness for days on end .... then absolutely YES. However if you are hostel hopping and heading out on paid excursions then the likelihood is you will always have an experienced guide and you will be on a path that is recognised and well trodden, like the Acatenango hike in Guatemala for example (I will link the video of this excursion below) Its not my finest video (one of the first I have ever made) but ... you can see we are with a group and and have an experienced guide, so whilst the hike was hard, I did not in any point feel in danger.
If you are looking at heading out into onto hiking trails for days on end then there are certain things that you should always have in the bag which I am going to go into below.
Solo/ Adventure Backpacking & Hiking Essentials
Map and Compass: Even if you use GPS, if you are out in the middle of know where hiking camp to camp/ point to point always carry a backup. Don't break the bank here, unless you are feeling fancy, but make sure the compass is capable of being bashed about a bit and will be good in all weathers. My top Pick - Eyeskey Multifunctional Military Sighting Navigation Compass.
Headlamp: With extra batteries for hands-free lighting or a power bank to allow a recharge. My Top Pick - Black Diamond Spot 400-R - This model offers long battery life, water resistance, and adjustable brightness, making it a versatile and dependable tool for any trip. It comes in a variety of colours. It may seem a bit boring but whomever you are gifting this too will be thankful its in the bag ... trust me!
A Power Bank: To allow you to recharge all your equipment in this list! My Top Pick: Anker - Portable Charger, 325 Power Bank (PowerCore Essential 20K), 20,000mAh Battery Pack with PowerIQ Technology - Known for efficiency and durability, the Anker power bank is a great choice, the 325 has a whopping 3.6 charges for your I phone (up to 15) and up to 2.9 for other phones. On a 3 day 4 night trip around the Derian gap, I used my power bank to ensure my phone could keep taking photos of paradise for the entire trip. You find they are there for you when you don't even know you need them. Because of the cost some people can overlook them (not the cheapest of items) but for a family member this can up there safety when they need it most. Its a great gift for a modern backpackers and you get an 18 month guarantee with a reputable brand like Anker. If you can try your best to stick with a reputable brand for this item.
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB): For remote trips especially if you are solo. These are not cheap think at least $300 and even then you will need a satellite subscription as well, however, they are a life saver, so the only question that needs to be asked is "how much do I value my life?". If you are a serious hiker/ ultra runner/ mountaineer, then you need one in the bag don't risk it spend the money and hope that you never have to use it!
Some are small enough to slip straight into your bag like the Garmin in Reach Mini 2 and with the app you can a whole host of features that can help you use this thing not just to keep you safe but to help you navigate too.
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, pain relievers, and any prescription medication. This does not have to break the bank but can make all the difference if blisters or cuts occur. My Top Pick - Mini First Aid Kit - 150 Piece Small Waterproof Hard Shell Medical Kit - It is lightweight, compact, and water-resistant, this kit has all the essentials and fits easily in any pack but you can also simply clip it onto the outside of your bag if your backpacking subject is tight on space.
Multitool or Knife: For repairs and emergencies. You need to be careful what you take abroad here so keeping it compact is important. My top pick - Take something like an original Swiss, they are small and durable and are time tested and wont break the bank.
Whistle: For signalling in case of emergencies, I know it sound obvious but metal not plastic and there are even dedicated emergancy whistles that are very loud and even look attractive when worn around the neck! These will fair better in cold conditions as well. My top pick - TISUR Titanium Emergency Whistle.
Backpacking Acatenango Excursion
No. 6. Cooking and Food Supplies
Again two fields of though here, some of these items I would 100% take with me no matter what I am doing and other I would leave at home and it entirely comes down to the above again. How extreme are you going. The essentials for any trip are
Water Bottles or Hydration Bladder: At least 2-3 liters capacity.
Water Filter or Purification Tablets: Essential for backcountry trips.
Utensils: Lightweight spork, knife, or multi-use utensil.
The optional extras are
Stove and Fuel: Lightweight backpacking stove with compatible fuel.
Cookware: A pot, pan, or collapsible bowl.
Food:
Freeze-dried meals.
High-energy snacks (nuts, protein bars, jerky).
Instant coffee or tea.
The only guidance I am going to offer here is on you water and utensils. TAKE A WATER PURIFYING BOTTLE. Its not only an essential, but also you can pat yourself on the back for being more environmentally friendly. I would carry two the first ...
LifeStraw Personal Water Filter - This straw-style filter allows users to drink directly from streams and lakes. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and removes 99.999% of bacteria and parasites. Its big an blue, I carry one, but have never used it. I always look at it as a total last resort ... and thankfully this scenario has not presented itself.
The second comes down to your budget but I would highly highly recommend the taking a Grayl. I have is a 24oz Grayl which has been great, you get the bottle and a filter for $100 additional filters are around $30 but one filter will last you 250 litres of water ... thats a lot of water! Mine has been great it really has but ... its big and bulky and sometimes it frustrates me so whats the solutions .... WELLLLLLL
The GRAYL UltraPress Titanium 16.9 oz Water Purifier & Filter Bottle is the solution but and here we go ... its a whopping $200 dollars. If 200 dollars is not an issue to you, then for me its the winner, but that is probably out of the budget of most backpackers. There are smaller budget options if you do not fancy a Grayl, however I have not tested them so cannot recommend them and having used the Grayl in a vast number of countries, I can say that I have not been sick from water!
Cutlery - A nice easy win and again something I pack regardless of what I am doing. Why because even if you are hostel hopping and the kitchens are 'equipped' you never know if there are going to be enough forks to go round or how clean the kitchen actually is so having a reliable set that are your very own has always been a no brainer for me. My top pick here is simply the TOAKS Titanium Cutlery Set - Made of lightweight titanium, this durable set includes a carrying case and is perfect for travel use just carabiner them into place and away you go. No more forking sharing.
No.7. Toiletries and Hygiene
A nice and easy section here. The must takes are as follows
Toothbrush and Toothpaste: Travel-sized versions - up to you if you want to take the electric toothbrush, I tend to just take multiple recyclable bamboo brushes!
Biodegradable Soap: For body and utensils - A bar is overlooked, they don't leak and again less plastic so win win, keep the cardboard box and slip it back in as your travel to your next destination!
Quick-Dry Towel: Compact and lightweight micro towel, get the biggest one going, its much easier to keep your modesty if you are sharing rooms with people.
Hand Sanitiser: Compact and crucial.
For the wilderness hikers tack on loo roll and even a small trowel for ... well you know!
No.8. Electronics
Again a quick and easy section as these are all optional, I have mentioned the power bank above so will leave it out of this section but other things to consider are cameras adaptors and any cables you may need.
Action cameras are small and compact and take up farless room in a bag, I have recently put my own DSLR into retirement and will be going forward with nothing but an action camera having jut bought an Action 4 pro by DJI. They are not cheap but my goodness they knock out some fantastic image quality!
Adapters and Cables: If traveling internationally check the socket adaptor you need and then buy accordingly as a tip, you can get dual travel adaptors to turn your hostel bunk into a tech charging power house.
No.9. Other Protection
Sunscreen: Even in cooler climates try to take some with you as the prices can be insane in some places. Also look environmentally and coral friendly.
Bug Spray: For insect-heavy areas, I always take some with me no matter where I go and again it can be very expensive when you are in say ... the Amazon and realise you do not have any!
Tips for Packing Your Backpack
Some final thoughts before we go on how to go about packing your back.
Prioritise Weight Distribution: Keep heavy items like water and food close to your back for balance.
Pack Versatile Items: Multi-purpose gear saves space and weight.
Use Compression Bags: Compress clothing and sleeping gear to optimise space. Packing cubes can be very useful for this also.
Test Your Pack: Load your backpack before your trip and practice carrying it to ensure comfort.
Get fit to travel: It does not have to be a gym routine but bumping your cardio by a few points even by heading out on longer walks on the weekends and some shorter ones during the week will help out. It not essential, but the last thing you want to do is skip an opportunity because you are worried you will not be able to keep up.
FAQs About Backpacking Checklists
1. What should you never forget when backpacking? Essentials like a first aid kit, navigation tools, and appropriate clothing should always be packed.
2. How do I pack light for backpacking?Focus on multi-functional items, avoid overpacking, and choose lightweight gear designed for purpose.
3. What size backpack do I need? This is slightly dependent on you. Some people say you do not need over a 40L Bag for hostel to hostel backpacking, and I tend to agree. If you are one of the adventurous trail hikers however you are going to need something more substantial. As a hostel to hostel backpacker i carry a 40L backpack and a 20L day sack which means I never have to check a bag at an airport.
Hope this has been useful, let me know in the comments what you would add to the list. If you are shopping for gifts for a backpacking friend then make sure to check out or blog post on gifts for backpackers
Until the next one, cheers.
Jack x
For the curious explorer
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