UPDATED NOVEMBER 2019
Packing is a challenge. If you’re anything like me, it takes way more time than expected and always ends in overpacking. You’d think that after moving to Madrid a suitcase and backpacking through Latin America that I’d have the hang of it by now, but it’s a constant struggle. Having to carry everything on your back with limited bag space, packing for hiking and camping is worse than packing for a vacation.
In efforts to help you (and myself) for the next hiking and camping trip, I wanted to lay it all out in a comprehensive list. I’ve compiled the ultimate hiking and camping packing list with everything you’ll need for your next outdoor adventure.
Hiking and Camping Packing List
The two most important things to think about when selecting your gear are:
- How much it weighs
- How small it packs (if you’re backpacking with your gear)
You want to make sure you can pack everything you need without having it completely weigh you down or be a mess to pack up when your trip is over.
Camping Gear
Sleeping bag: Choose your sleeping bag according to the temperatures you’re likely to face at night. I went with the Marmot Trestles 30-degree (F) sleeping bag and it’s been great for camping in the US in spring. I rented a 15-degree sleeping bag in Torres del Paine so this probably wouldn’t have been warm enough, but I invested in a sleeping bag I know I’d use and bring with me going forward.
Sleeping pad: I’ve used two inflatable sleeping pads and the Nemo Tensor Ultralight Sleeping Pad is by far my favorite. It packs very light and small and includes a pump sack to help with inflating so you won’t tire yourself out. It was so much more convenient than the solid sleeping pad I had to roll up and attach to my backpack for Torres del Paine.
Pillow: It might sound silly but an inflatable pillow makes sleeping in a tent so much easier. The Sea to Summit Aeros Pillow packs so small and is super comfy.
Sleeping bag liner: If your sleeping bag isn’t’ warm enough, a sleeping bag liner is like a pillowcase for your body that’ll keep you insulated in your sleeping bag. I like the Sea to Summit Reactor Thermalite liner and have used it in hostels and other sleeping situations too.
Bungee clothesline: It sounds random but a bungee clothesline is great for hanging wet clothes or for miscellaneous use around the campsite.
Headlamp: A quality headlamp is ideal for night hikes, sunrise hikes, or maneuvering around the campsite in the dark.
Campsite lights: A friend recently got me these amazing MPOWERD Luci Solar String Lights to hang at our campsite. I love that they’re solar-powered, the light adds to the ambiance of a campsite, and they make it much easier to see at night!
Camping chairs: The perfect seat after a long day of hiking. I have the Helinox Chair Zero Ultralight Compact Camping Chair – it’s lightweight, packs small, comfortable, and an affordable option in comparison to larger camping chairs.
Food-related Gear
MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat): I’d never eaten an MRE before camping in Havasu Falls and I was surprised at how delicious they were! MREs are more efficient on time and easier than preparing a meal every night. Any flavor MRE by Mountain House is going to be a tasty one. Pro tip: make sure you have enough calories for dinner! I was definitely a little hungry and realized I should’ve been eating two servings instead of one to get enough calories in.
Water purifier: Don’t take chances with your drinking water if you’re not certain it’s safe to drink. The SteriPEN Adventurer UV water purifier will purify your water in no time. I’ve used this all over the world!
Odor-proof bags: Take it from someone whose snacks were eaten by squirrels: it doesn’t matter how high you hang up your food, it’ll still get eaten if animals can smell it! The same goes for your trash. Use odor-proof bags like the LokSak storage bags to prevent this from happening
Cooking set: The MSR Pocket Rocket Stove Set has everything you need to cook at the campsite. Don’t forget to bring enough gas canisters!
Collapsible water container: Having a lot of water on hand at the campsite is key when you’re camping with a group. Bring a 5-gallon water container that’s collapsible to pack with you when it’s empty.
Hiking Gear
Trekking poles: I was hesitant about trekking poles at first, but they were a lifesaver in Torres del Paine and Havasu Falls. After extensive research, I found the Hiker Hunger Carbon Fiber Trekking Poles to be as light and strong as more expensive brands. They’re so useful and a great value! This is the best hiking purchase I’ve ever made.
Backpack: I went with a 50L backpacking bag like this Osprey Aura AG 50 for a four-day hiking trip and it had just enough room, so a 65L might be even better.
Daypack: A smaller pack like the Osprey Tempest 20 for shorter day hikes is super convenient when camping and even for hiking when you’re close to home.
Dry bags: Pack dry bags with you to keep important items dry in the event you’re hiking in water or rain.
Camelbak bladder: My Camelbak 3L bladder was a new purchase and so helpful to stay hydrated without having to stop and retrieve my water bottle. It fits perfectly in a 20L daypack or larger backpack.
Hiking shoes: Hiking boots are a thing of the past – hiking shoes are lighter and in my opinion easier to hike in. I wear Salomon Speedcross trail running shoes for all outdoor activities.
Water shoes: Some hikes require river crossings and you’ll feel so much more confident in your steps with sturdy waterproof sandals like the Teva Vera sandals.
Towel: A quick-dry towel is essential for camping and hiking trips. I love my Sea to Summit Tek towel in size large.
Camera Gear
DSLR: There are so many options from mirrorless digital cameras to DSLRs. I’ve been using a Canon 80D with an 18-135mm lens that meets all my photography needs .
Lenses: I also have the “nifty fifty” Canon 50mm lens that I’m still learning how to use. I love it for portraits so far!
Neutral Density filter: I recently bought a filter similar to the K&F Concept 67mm ND filter to capture long exposure photos in daylight. I also use a UV filter for everyday use that also protects my lens from damage.
Full-size tripod: I recently started traveling with the K&F Concept 62” DSLR Tripod
Mini tripod: The Manfrotto mini tripod always comes in handy when taking group photos or capturing photos when traveling solo, just make sure the tripod can carry the weight of your camera! It works best with mirrorless digital cameras.
Camera hand strap: I love pretty much anything Peak Design makes, including the Peak Design Clutch CL-3 hand strap. It’s so comfortable and makes it very easy to hold the camera in your hand without the need to actually grasp it. It’s perfect for leisurely walking and photographing!
Lavi! You must be packing ninja! I haven’t really backpacked, but I know the first person I’ll consult when I take that leap. I used to go camping with my family when I was a kid… maybe I’ll give it another go! 🙂
Have you tried a hammock for sleeping? I got myself one recently and i got amazing sleep. The downside is you need trees 😉
Glad you mentioned the pillow. When I embarked on my first bicycle tour two years ago I didn’t bring one with me I regreted my dumb decision on day 1.