Ultimate Backpacking Gear Checklist – The Essentials

If the outdoors are calling your name you need to get outfitted. Being safe and comfortable in the backcountry means being equipped with the right gear. No matter what adventure you have in mind next and whether you’re new to the backcountry or a seasoned backpacker we’ve compiled a few checklists to make sure you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your next trip. Check out our recommendations for beginners, ultra-light setups, and winter trips.

The Basics – Beginner Backpacking Checklist

No matter what trip you’re planning there are a few basics you should be carrying. We’ll cover these items in further detail below.

• Backpack
• Shelter
• Sleeping Gear (bag & pad)
• Clothing (base layer, rain gear, socks, shoes, quick-dry clothing)
• Water (water containers & treatment)
• Cooking Gear (stove, cook set, utensils, food)
• Knife
• Firestarter
• Headlamp
• Map & Compass
• First Aid Kit

Backpack

Having a backpack that fits all your equipment and is comfortable to wear is key to enjoying your trip whether you’re out for the weekend or on a long-distance hike.

Internal Frame

Packs between 50 and 80 liters are good choices for most hikers. They can be used for short overnight trips, longer multi-day trips, and even thru-hiking for those with a gear list really dialed in.

Osprey packs like the Men’s Exos 58 or Women’s Eja 58 can be a great choice for beginners and experienced hikers. At just over 2lbs these packs are lightweight but versatile. They hold quite a bit of gear, offer easily adjustable harness and hip belt, have a mesh back to help keep you cool, and have different pockets to help you stay organized on the trail.

External Frame

Though most hikers have switched over to internal frame packs, external frames still have their place. They’re great for packing in odd-shaped loads. Think about packing in equipment like an inflatable kayak, fishing gear, and axes, or other tools.

External frame packs are rugged, heavy-duty packs with plenty of pockets to organize gear and space to lash additional equipment right to the frame. Check out the 64L ALPS Mountaineering Pack.

Pack Cover

Keeping your gear dry is another important consideration for staying comfortable and safe in the backcountry. While most modern packs are treated with some waterproofing on the interior, water can still seep through seams and zippers. A waterproof pack cover will keep your equipment dry. Typically you can find what size pack each cover will fit in the description. For example, this Deuter Raincover will fit 45 L to 90 L packs.

Alternatively, you can purchase a pack liner like this ultralight liner from Osprey or pack gear into dry bags inside of your backpack. These Osprey Ultralight Dry Sacks come in multiple sizes and colors and can help you keep your gear both organized and dry. A trash bag is a great budget-friendly option suitable for beginners and short trips.

Shelter

Shelter options are no less varied or important than backpack options. What you opt for will be based on personal preference and the location of your trip. You also want to consider the weight and pack size of your shelter.

Note that even when you’re hiking in an area with regularly spaced shelters such as the Appalachian Trail you should always carry some form of shelter. A shelter can keep you safe and comfortable in the event you become lost, injured, or unable to make it to a shelter for whatever reason before nightfall. Plus, with more and more people on the trail these days shelters are often full.

Tents

When choosing a tent consider the number of people that will be using it, its weight, if it has gear storage, the price, and if it’s freestanding; meaning, that it doesn’t need to be staked down to stand up.

When you look at weight you’ll typically see two weights listed, packed weight and trail weight. Packed weight generally refers to the weight of everything that comes with the tent including poles, stakes, the tent body, rainfly, ground cloth, and sometimes even repair patches. The trail weight typically refers to the weight just the tent body, rainfly, and poles needed to set up the tent.

The Eureka Solitaire AL is a great choice for a solo backpacker. Weighing just 2lbs 10oz it’s perfect for keeping your gear light. The fly also rolls up completely allowing you a view of the stars on clear nights. However, it does need to be staked down. If you need a freestanding tent because you’ll be camping in rocky or sensitive areas consider the ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Tent. At 3 lbs 5 oz it’s a bit heavier but it’s freestanding and offers gear storage.

If you’re hiking you’re sharing a tent or just like having the room to spread out, consider the Marmot Unisex's Tungsten UL 2P Ultralight. At just 3 lbs 8oz it’s a great lightweight option.

For larger groups and families check out the MSR Elixir 3 or 4. They’re durable, easy to set up, and fairly lightweight. The Elixir 3 has a trail weight of 5 lbs 14 oz while the 4 has a trail weight of 7 lbs 15 oz.

Note that not all tents come seam sealed. Be sure to check the description before heading out!

Hammocks

Obviously, hammocks have the downside of requiring you to camp in an area with trees to hang your hammock from. However, unlike tents or other shelters that require you to sleep on the ground, there’s no need to find a flat spot which is sometimes tough to come by in the mountains.

Typically for hammock camping, you’ll want to purchase a hammock, bug net, straps, and rainfly. This setup from ENO includes everything you’ll need and is a great way to get started. At under 2 lbs, it’s an extremely lightweight option. Most companies also make hammocks for 2 people like the ENO Doublenest.

Bivy Sacks

Bivy sacks are probably the simplest type of shelter and are a great “plan b” if you’re out for a short trip and expect weather conditions to allow you to sleep out or are planning on sleeping in a shelter. There are three main types of bivy sacks. Traditional bivy sacks, face-lifters, and bug-nets.

Traditional bivy sacks are just like a waterproof case for your sleeping bag. On dry nights you can leave the face section unzipped but when it’s raining it closes right over your face. Some people don’t mind this, while others liken the experience to sleeping in a coffin. These types can also be carried in addition to your regular shelter as backup or just to add extra warmth. Many are extremely lightweight. If you want to try a traditional bivy, Sierra Designs makes an attractive option, the Backcountry Bivy.

Face-lifters are closer to a tent. They have a pole or hoop that holds a section of material up away from your face. While they’re not quite as light they are generally more comfortable. A good option is the Outdoor Research Helium.

Lastly bug-net bivy sacks are just sleeping bag shaped bug-nets with thin poles that hold the netting off you. They can be used in combination with a lightweight tarp or by themselves on clear nights. Check out the Outdoor Research Bug Bivy.

Try sleeping in your bivy sack at home before taking it out on the trail. The backcountry isn’t a good place to find out you can’t sleep in enclosed spaces!

Tarps

Another lightweight option is a tarp or a tarp and bug-net combination. Lightweight tarps come in all different sizes and will usually allow you less weight for the space equivalent in a tent. Like hammocks, they do require you to have trees or at the very least trekking poles to tie them too.

In warm weather tarps are often a cooler choice allowing more airflow than a tent.

A great lightweight option is the MSR Thru-hiker Wing. Another option that’s great for bigger groups is the Chinook Technical Tarp. Both come in multiple sizes and are fairly lightweight for the amount of space they offer.

Sleeping Gear

Another key part of your gear is your sleeping setup. Getting a good night’s sleep is even more important when you’re counting on your body to hike all day. Making the right choices can make or ruin a trip.

Sleeping Bag

The main choice with sleeping bags is down versus synthetic. Both have their pros and cons. You’ll also want to consider temperature rating, weight, and pack size.

Most bags have a temperature rating listed on them. Look for ones that are EN or ISO rated. These typically include two ratings. The top will keep the average cold sleeper comfortable and the bottom is the limit. It’s generally recommended that you purchase a sleeping bag with a top rating that’s lower than the temperatures you expect.

Synthetic

Synthetic bags are typically slightly heavier than their down counterparts but they’re much more affordable. They’re a great choice for someone who’s just getting into backpacking.

Some folks also opt for synthetic because they’re concerned about the ethics of down bags or prefer synthetic because it’s hypoallergenic. When you’re in the backcountry synthetic has two more big benefits, it’s insulative even when wet and dries quickly.

If you’re looking for an all-around good choice for a synthetic bag check out the Men’s or Women’s Marmot Trestles 15. At just over 3 lbs it’s not as light or compressible as comparable down bags but it’s rated to 15°F and is excellent for wet climates. For warmer weather, they also make a Marmot 30.

Down

Down bags generally provide more warmth for their weight. They also compress well and usually have a smaller pack size. Unfortunately, unlike synthetic bags, down bags offer little insulation if they get wet and they’re very hard to dry without access to a drier.

However, down bags may be the more durable option. If properly cared for and stored down bags will keep you warm for years to come. Keep in mind that down bags should never be stored in their stuff sack so they may take up a bit more closet space which is worth considering if you just backpack occasionally.

If you opt for a down bag look for one that’s water-resistant and check the fill or fill-power. Generally, bags will be between 500 and 800 fill-power with the higher rating bags being more suitable for cold weather.

You should also look for a bag that is RDS (Responsible Down Standard) and TDS (global Traceable Down Standard) certified. Down is a by-product of the meat industry and outdoor brands use these standards to ensure ducks and geese used for down are treated humanely.

If you need an all-around good down bag to get started backpacking check out the Kelty Cosmic 20. It weighs just over 2 lbs and is rated to 20°F. For something just a touch warmer check out the Marmot Sawtooth.

Sleeping Pad

Sleeping pads are just as critical as sleeping bags! You won’t stay warm and comfortable without good insulation and padding to sleep on. It’s good to carry one for insulation even if you’re sleeping in a hammock.

Inflatable

While many people consider inflatable pads to be more comfortable they come with a few downsides. The first being that many of them aren’t as durable as foam pads. If you’re someone who likes to sleep beneath the stars with just your bag and pad you may want to avoid an inflatable pad, any sharp stick or rock could puncture a small hole. Additionally, if you’re doing a long-distance thru-hike, durability is a major consideration.

They’re also a lot more effort to roll up every morning. On a quick overnighter or weekend trek this is no big deal. Hikers going for weeks or even months may find them a bit tedious.

If you like the idea of an inflatable pad check out the Sea to Summit Ultralight SI. It’s 1 inch thick inflated and will keep you warm and comfortable even on chilly autumn nights. Sea to Summit also offers thicker pads for a bit of extra comfort.

Foam

Like inflatable pads, foam pads come in a variety of thicknesses depending on how much insulation and comfort you need. They’re quite durable though they do tend to compress over time. Foam pads also tend to be more budget-friendly than inflatable pads and many are very lightweight.

At just 14 oz the Thermarest Z-Lite is an excellent lightweight pad.

Pillow

Many hikers also choose to forgo the pillow opting instead to sleep without one entirely or use a balled-up extra layer. Putting extra clothing in a stuff sack can be used as a fairly comfortable makeshift pillow as well.

If you feel like a pillow will improve your trip, no worries! There are some really lightweight inflatable pillows available like the Sea to Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow which weighs just 2.1 oz and packs up smaller than a bottle of ibuprofen.

Clothing 

Quick Dry Pants & Shirt

There’s a saying about clothing choices in the backcountry, “cotton kills.” This is because cotton doesn’t keep you warm when it’s wet but synthetic materials and wool do. They also dry much faster keeping you safer or at the very least more comfortable. There are tons of options for quick-drying shirts and pants. Some great shirt options include the Arc’teryx Cormac Crew SS, Icebreaker Tech Lite (men’s/women’s), and the Columbia Zero Rules (men’s/No products found.).

As for pants whether you opt for shorts or long pants will depend on your trip. Many hikers choose zip-off pants even during the summer so the legs can be put on if it gets buggy. For zip-off pants check out the men’s prAna Zion Convertible Pants or the women’s Marmot Lobo’s Convertible Pants.

Hiking Socks

Wool blend socks like Smartwool, Darn Tough, and Icebreaker are all great choices. When selecting a pair think about the weather you expect to experience and consider the socks’ thickness and height.

If you find that your toes blister some people have luck with toe socks like those made by Injinji. They keep your toes separate and absorb sweat potentially preventing blisters.

Hiking Shoes/Boots

In the not too distant past almost everyone hitting the trails would be walking in heavy tall hiking boots and while they’re still a great option there are a few other choices too.

The nice thing about boots is that they protect your toes. Many backpackers are familiar with the purple toenail from whacking their toes on a long-distance hike. Boots with rugged toe guards can help prevent this. They also provide great ankle support, great tread, and many are waterproof. The downside is that boots can be heavy, hot, and in the event that they do get wet they take much longer to dry. The men’s and women’s Vasque Breeze hiking boots are super comfortable and durable. For a more lightweight option check out the men’s or women’s Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots.

Many people today choose hiking or trail running shoes. Most still have the aggressive tread found on hiking boots but are typically much lighter meaning that they’re cooler and typically dry faster. They vary greatly in stiffness and weight. Addidas Terrex (men’s/women’s) are excellent hiking shoes as are Salomon hiking shoes (men’s/women’s).

There are also a few alternatives to both hiking boots and shoes. While it definitely isn’t recommended for beginners, there are hikers who have done long-distance thru-hikes in sandals. If you want to try hiking in sandals find a durable pair that has a snug fit and offers good support and tread. Chacos are a popular choice.

Long Underwear

Having a base layer is a good idea even when you’re hiking during the summer or in typically hot places. If you get cold and wet you can get hypothermia at temperatures as high as 50°F if you’re exposed to wet and windy weather. Having a dry base layer in your pack can help you get and stay warm.

Just like the rest of your clothing, you should look for long underwear that’s made from wool, synthetic materials or a combination of the two. Baselayers typically come in three thicknesses, lightweight, midweight, and heavyweight which are best for cool temperatures, cold temperatures, and below-freezing temperatures in that order.

Smartwool tops (No products found./women’s) and bottoms (men’s/women’s) are a good choice if you like wool. Arc’teryx Rho AR tops (No products found./women’s) and bottoms (men’s/women’s) are a good synthetic choice.

Rain Gear

Quality rain gear is another item that can make your trip both safer and more enjoyable. At the very least you’ll want to purchase a raincoat.

You may also want to consider rain pants particularly if you’re hiking in a cooler area. They’ll help keep your legs dry and can keep you warm on windy days if you’ve been hiking in shorts.

A really attractive lightweight option is the Frogg Toggs jacket and pants set. Many hikers love them but they’re not very durable. Alternatively, the Marmot Precip jacket (men’s/women’s) and pants (men’s/women’s) are a more durable option.

Some hikers also choose ponchos. Many ponchos are cheap and because you can cover yourself and your pack with one they save you additional money by eliminating the need for a pack cover. Frogg Toggs offers a very nice option.

Water

Whenever you head into the backcountry it’s advisable to take more water than you think you’ll need. You should also have a way to treat and purify water.

Water Containers

These days almost all backpacks come with a spot for a water bladder. They’re great because you don’t need to struggle to reach a water bottle or take off your pack every time you’d like to take a sip. However, if you’re camping in cold weather you might want to avoid them because the long tube freezes quickly in cold temperatures.

Also, many folks are now opting to carry just a couple of 1-liter bottles from the grocery store like Dasani, Smartwater, or LIFEWTR. They’re super lightweight, cheap, easy to replace, and are compatible with the Sawyer Mini and Sawyer Squeeze, two popular filters.

If you’re headed to any area where water may be a concern for part of the trail you might want to consider carrying an extra collapsible water bottle like the EVERNEW Water Carry System.

Water Treatment

Filters are a popular choice for treating water because they filter out and silt or particles in addition to removing bacteria. The Sawyer Squeeze or MSR Trailshot are good lightweight options.

Another treatment option is a UV light pen. The light kills bacteria, protozoa, and viruses. These work very well so long as the water is clear so that the light can penetrate it. If you’re trying to treat cloudy or silty water you’ll need to use some sort of filter first.

Water can also be treated chemically. Chlorine Dioxide tablets or drops like Aquamira are a good choice. Iodine can also be used but it isn’t recommended for pregnant women or folks with thyroid issues. Additionally, it gives the water a distinct color and taste.

Lastly, water can be boiled. Water should be kept at a rolling boil for 1 minute. Cloudy water should be filtered through a bandana or other cloth first.

Cooking/Food

What you take for cooking supplies is mostly about personal preference unless you’re backpacking in cold weather. If you don’t want hot meals you can get away with very little.

Stove

One thing you should look into before making a purchase is what type of fuel is available where you live or where you’ll be resupplying. Fuel canisters are common at outdoor stores across the U.S. but you may not be able to find them if you’re backpacking abroad. Fuel canisters also don’t perform well in cold temperatures.

Some great canister stoves include the MSR Pocket Rocket II and the Jetboil Flash. If you need to use other fuel sources or want to backpack in cold weather check out the MSR WhisperLite. It will burn white gas, kerosene, unleaded gasoline, and isobutane-propane canisters. It performs well all year round.

You can also purchase or find DIY plans for alcohol and wood-burning stoves. If you’re looking to go lightweight and a bit crafty making your own can be a great option.

Cook Set

Depending on what stove you chose you’ll need to select a cook set to go with it. Cook sets come in several materials including anodized aluminum, titanium, and stainless steel.

If weight is your primary concern, titanium is probably the choice for you. It’s also quite durable but doesn’t cook as evenly as aluminum and tends to be the most expensive choice. At just 11.6oz the Snow Peak Multi Compact Cookset is a great choice and can be made even lighter if you only need part of the set.

Aluminum cook sets have a lot going for them. Though not as light as titanium they’re still quite light, they cook evenly, are generally more affordable than titanium, and they’re available in non-stick. This set is lightweight making it a great choice for beginner backpackers.

Stainless cook sets are often the least expensive option. They’re also super durable but don’t heat as evenly as aluminum and are the heaviest option. The Coleman Stainless Steel Mess Kit is a great choice if you don’t mind the weight.

Utensils

In an effort to save weight many backpackers carry a single eating utensil either a spoon or spork through utensil sets are available. Like pots, utensils come in a variety of materials like plastic, bamboo, and titanium like the Snow Peak Titanium Spork.

You can also repurpose a utensil you already have. Titanium is a favorite because it’s both lightweight and durable.

Food

Like, water you should always take more food than you’ll think you’ll need into the backcountry. It’s great to have extra in an emergency and your trip will be much more enjoyable if you’re not hungry the entire time.

If you’re willing to buy convenience to keep things light and simple consider pre-made dehydrated backpacking meals. Alternatively, if you plan ahead a bit you can create your own using a dehydrator. There’s a lot of food that can be dehydrated like hummus, refried beans, spaghetti sauce, etc.

You can also just buy lightweight options from the grocery store like pasta and rice sides, tuna packets, beef jerky, granola and power bars, dried fruit, trail mix, instant oatmeal, and peanut butter.

Whatever you choose, remember that you’ll be burning more calories than normal. You should plan on 1½ to 2½ lbs. of food (or 2,500 to 4,500 calories) per person per day. This will vary with how much weight you’re packing, the terrain, your body size, and your metabolism.

Knife

A knife is one of the essentials that is recommended every hiker carry. You don’t need anything big, a small pocket knife will do. They’re great for cutting packaging and preparing food, cutting any rope you may need, and creating tinder for a fire. They’re worth carrying in the event of an emergency.

If you’re looking for something really lightweight check out the Petzl Spatha.

Fire Starter

Another one of the essential items – a way to light a fire is something you should carry even if you’re not planning to have campfires. Being able to start a fire in an emergency can keep you warm or help rescuers locate you, potentially saving your life.

It doesn’t need to be anything fancy. BIC lighters can be purchased anywhere and are nice and light. You can also find matches in a waterproof case like this that weigh and cost a small amount.

Headlamp

A good headlamp is both lightweight and bright. A Petzl Tikka headlamp is a great choice for finding your way in the dark.

Map & Compass

While many hikers now rely on GPS and/or guidebooks forgoing a compass and/or the ability to use one has potentially contributed to some tragedies in the backcountry in the last few years. Compasses are quite easy to use (check Youtube) and very lightweight. Compasses with a clear bottom, like this one, are helpful for navigating with a map.

If available it can also be helpful to carry a map of the area you’ll be hiking. Especially for solo hikers, leaving a copy of the map with a friend or family member is an excellent idea. Include where you plan to hike and stop each night and tell them when is the latest they should expect to hear from you upon your return. In the event you don’t make it back that information can make sure that rescuers find you.

First Aid Kit

Every hiker should carry some first aid supplies no matter how long they’re headed out. You might need it or run into another hiker in need of assistance. A basic backpacking first aid kit should include antiseptic wipes, antibacterial ointment, ibuprofen, antidiarrheal medication, Benadryl (or another antihistamine), bandaids, gauze, medical tape, moleskin (or other blister treatment), and butterfly bandages. You should also have the knowledge to use all of these items or carry instructions.

You don’t need a ton of everything listed. If you choose to make your own first aid kit you’ll probably end up with additional supplies for home use or refilling your kit as needed. You can also purchase a ready-made kit like this Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight Kit.

Additionally, you may want to pack bug spray, sunscreen, anti-chafe balm, menstrual products, and any of your normal medications.

Optional Gear List – Intermediate Items

A common saying among long-distance hikers is, “hike your own hike.” This is especially important advice to follow regarding your gear. Here are a few items that aren’t necessarily essential but you might decide will improve your experience in the backcountry.

Trekking Poles

Trekking poles are becoming a more common sight on the trail and for good reason. Trekking poles can actually help take a lot of stress off your joints particularly on downhill sections. Many hikers also find that they help them hike a bit faster and can help you balance at critical places like stream crossings.

Also if you’ve had trouble with your hand swelling during past hikes trekking poles may solve the problem. They keep your hands active and closer to your heart. Plus, they can be used in some setups to replace tarp or tent poles. Lastly some thru-hikers report they’re more likely to get a ride with their trekking poles out because they’re easily recognized as a thru-hiker.

Unfortunately, trekking poles do add a bit of additional weight and aren’t always ideal for leave no trace because of the marks they can leave on rocks and other hard surfaces.

Trekking poles are typically made from carbon fiber or aluminum with either foam, cork, or rubber handles. Cork can be really helpful in hot weather because it helps absorb sweat but it can be more pricey. Some great poles to check out include the Black Diamond Ergo Cork Poles (men’s and women’s), the Black Diamond Trail Pro Shock Poles, and the Montem Ultra Strong Cork Poles.

Camp Shoes

After a long day on the trail there’s little that’s as satisfying as pulling off your hiking shoes. Having a comfy light pair of camp shoes can make your mornings and evenings a little more enjoyable. Many people opt for Crocs Unisex-Adult Classic Clogs (Best Sellers), Black, 10 Men/12 Women or cheap foam flip flops both of which are lightweight.

They’re also great for thru-hikers. If you’re taking a zero-day in town you can let your hiking shoes air out and let your blisters heal up a bit.

Gaiters

Gaiters basically help keep things out of your shoes or boots. They can be helpful hiking during winter snows or muddy spring conditions, in places with a lot of ticks or chiggers, or if you’re hiking through a lot of sand like on the Florida trail or Arizona Trail.

They come in a variety of styles like these taller gore-tex gaiters from Outdoor Research or these smaller stretchy ones from Salomon.

Bandana or Buff

Hiking in the wind and sun can be rough on your face. Having something like a buff or a bandana can provide some much-needed relief. A bandana also doubles as a napkin, washcloth, or towel and buffs can be used to keep your head and ears a bit warmer or control hair.

Ultralight Backpacking Gear Checklist – Lightweight and Ultralight Options

If you’re into backpacking you’ve probably heard people talk about going “ultralight.” These are folks who minimize their base weight or weight before food and water as much as possible. They take as little as they can without compromising safety.

While there is plenty of ultralight gear available you often see less of it at big box stores. Many ultralight brands are only available online.

Ultralight Backpack

Ultralight packs generally weigh less than 3 lbs and are smaller than 60 liters. Especially if you’re new to ultralight backpacking the Granite Gear Crown Backpack may be a good choice because it comes with a removable frame depending upon how much weight you need to carry.

Shelter 

Hammocks and bivvies are excellent ultralight choices as are tarp setups and some ultralight tents like the Fly Creek High Volume Ultralight Tent. If you plan to carry trekking poles you can also consider tents or tarp setups that utilize them rather than tent poles.

Sleeping Gear

For an ultralight set up you’ll almost certainly want to choose a down sleeping bag or quilt. Quilts like the Therm-a-Rest Corus are more like down blankets than sleeping bags and can shave off a lot of weight.

Many traditional sleeping pads like those listed above are light enough to be considered ultralight however some hikers choose to buy or make a ¾ or ½ length foam pad.

Clothing

Just like with sleeping gear you’ll want to keep things as light as possible. Opt for a lightweight raincoat like the Outdoor Research Helium II (men’s/women’s). If you need extra warmth for your trip down puff jackets are good options.

Headlamp

There are a couple great ultralight headlamp options available including the Nitecore NU25 and the Petzl E+Lite.

Water 

Many of the water treatment options and water bottles mentioned above are perfect for an ultralight setup. Cheap water bottles paired with the Sawyer Squeeze Sawyer Mini, or Aquamira tablets can take care of your water for just ounces of weight.

Cooking Supplies

Most ultralight hikers use cookware like those options mentioned above but almost always opt for titanium choices because they’re lightweight and durable.

However, some hikers opt to forgo a stove and instead eat cold meals in the backcountry. Some food items like dehydrated hummus can be soaked rather than cooked to rehydrate them.

Cold Weather Backpacking/Winter Gear Backpacking Options

The big difference in cold weather gear is that it’s more insulated and rugged to stand up to extreme conditions. Exactly what you take will depend on where you’re hiking.

Backpack

Winter or cold weather camping typically necessitates more and often larger gear. Choosing a large pack is critical. You’ll want to look for something that’s at least 65 liters. To haul up to 80 lbs of gear check out the Gregory Denali 100.

Shelter

The vast majority of backpackers will use a tent during winter. You’ll want to look for something that’s labeled as a 4-season tent. It will keep you warmer and hold up to wind and snow weight better than a 3-season tent. If you’re serious about spending some winter nights in the backcountry check out the Black Diamond Eldorado Tent. It’s super durable and long-lasting, and has even been used on Everest expeditions.

Alternatively, you can still use a hammock. Just make sure you purchase a 4-season hammock underquilt like the ENO Underquilt which will help keep you warm in addition to your sleeping pad and bag.

No matter what shelter you opt for, you should be familiar with setting it up before your trip. Especially during the winter, knowing how to quickly set up your shelter could save your life.

Sleeping Bag

As mentioned above, you want to select a bag that’s rated for colder weather than you expect to experience. Winter bags like those rated to 0°F or colder are generally quite large and bulky. Though they’re not a must have, opting for a down bag like the Western Mountaineering Kodiak MF can help you save space and weight if you’re not concerned about being able to keep it dry.

Clothing

Obviously, you’ll need warmer clothing and more of it for winter trips. Always pack a set of heavyweight long underwear, heavyweight socks (including at least one extra set), a good set of raingear, and a few extra insulative layers.

Down or microfiber puffy jackets are a good choice because they pack up small when not in use but add a lot of insulation. If you like down, check out the Marmot Highlander Jacket (men’s/MARMOT Women's Highlander Hoody - Dry Rose - S) or for a synthetic try the Patagonia Nano Puff (No products found./No products found.). You should also pack a fleece pullover and fleece pants for extreme cold.

Sunglasses are often overlooked but if you’re hiking through a snowy area on a sunny day the glare can be intense.

Water

Avoid water bladders in winter because the tubes freeze easily. For extreme cold find bottles that will fit in your coat or are metal so if they freeze you can melt them with a campfire or stove.

For water treatment, keep in mind that filters can also freeze if not kept warm. Small filters can be carried inside your coat as well. Alternatively, bring enough fuel to boil water or tablets for treating it.

Cooking/Food

Avoid canister stoves for winter in the backcountry. They don’t perform well in cold temperatures. It’s also wise to pack more fuel than you think you’ll need.

You’ll also be burning more calories to stay warm. Pack extra food!

MicroSpikes/Crampons

While they won’t be necessary for all trips, in some areas you may need to bring MicroSpikes or Crampons which will dig into the ice and help you climb. MicroSpikes like these from Hllsound help provide extra traction on hardpack snow and sloping trails. If you’ll be climbing steep trails with sheer ice you’ll need to upgrade to crampons like Petzl VASAK Mountaineering Crampons.

Snowshoes

Like crampons, whether you need snowshoes will depend upon your trip and the conditions. If you plan to travel through a lot of deep snow they’re well worth the trouble.

When selecting snowshoes, look at the shoe size they fit and the load or weight that they’ll effectively carry. MSR Evo Backcountry Snowshoes are a great choice if you’ll be doing a lot of climbing.

Getting the right gear can help ensure your backcountry experience is safe and enjoyable. Following these tips can help you select the best equipment for your next adventure. Remember always test gear close to home before heading out on a long trek. Happy trails!