3-SEASON BACKPACKING Gear List: Aim for a total weight of 20 to 30 lbs. including food and water, for trips of 2 - 4 days. This is a comprehensive list, but check with the trip leader to see if there is anything to add or omit. Some gear (tents, filters, stoves, ropes, etc.) can be shared to reduce weight. Try to keep your pack as light as possible without sacrificing safety and/or comfort.
Your 4 main items should weigh no more than 10 lbs. combined: backpack, tent and optional footprint, sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Make a list and weigh every item. Try to stay in the following weight ranges:
- Pack: 2-4 lbs.
- Tent: 2-3 lbs.
- Sleeping Bag: 2 lbs.
- Sleeping Pad: 1 lb.
NO COTTON CLOTHING! Cotton, when wet, dries slowly, provides no insulation, can cause blisters and is heavy. Therefore, all clothing from head to toe, should be lightweight merino wool or synthetic. In particular, jeans are not appropriate for backpacking.
[see explanation of numbered footnotes below if indicated in gear list]
|
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REQUIRED |
OPTIONAL |
| Backpack | Capacity of 2500-4000 Cubic Inches (40 - 65 Liters) | Small Lightweight Day Pack for hikes from base camp |
| Waterproof pack cover | ||
| Shelter | Seam-sealed Tent, Tarp or Hammock with Rain Fly[1] | Tarp for kitchen or rain shelter[1] |
| Ground Sheet or Footprint[1] | ||
| Sleeping Bag | 15° to 25° spring or fall, 30° to 40° summer | Sleeping Bag Liner |
| Sleeping pad | ||
| Clothing | Broken-in Waterproof Backpacking Boots or Shoes | Lightweight Camp/Water Shoes |
| 2-3 Pair of Wool or Synthetic Socks and optional Sock Liners | ||
| 1 Pair Nylon or Wool Hiking Shorts or Pants | Wicking Underwear (Non-Cotton) | |
|
Synthetic or Merino Wool T-Shirt Synthetic or Merino Wool Long Sleeve Shirt |
||
| Sun or Rain Hat | ||
| Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket and Pants | Gaiters | |
| Base Layer/Insulating layer | ||
| Lightweight Wool or Fleece Hat | ||
| Lightweight Wool or Fleece Gloves | ||
| Food | Breakfasts, Lunches, Dinners, Snacks and Beverages[2] | |
| Stove and Fuel[1] | ||
| Lighter or Matches in waterproof container | ||
| Small, Lightweight Cooking Pot[1,2] | ||
| Cup/Bowl, Spork/Cutlery | ||
| Stuff Sack and Rope for bear bag[1] | ||
| Zip-Locs or Small Trash bags | ||
| Water |
2 - 3 Quarts/Liters Water Filter or Purification Tablets[1] |
Water Sack or Collapsible Container |
| Health/Safety | Map and Compass | Guide Book |
| Whistle (Plastic) | Seat Pad | |
| Headlamp and Extra Batteries | ||
| Swiss Army Knife or Small Multi-Tool | ||
| Bandana or Small Pack Towel | ||
| Sun Protection/Sunglasses | ||
| Bug Protection | ||
| Personal Toilet Items[3] | ||
| First Aid Kit[4] | ||
| Repair Kit[5] | ||
| Miscellaneous | Book/Magazine | |
| Candle Lantern | ||
| Camera | ||
| Notebook/Sketchbook and pencil | ||
| Playing Cards | ||
| Spare pair of Eye Glasses |
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[1] may be shared, but don’t rely on others. bring to the trailhead. [2] as needed, read the trip plan carefully. [3] including toilet paper, Trowel, and ZipLoc bags to pack out used toilet paper [4] moleskin, bandages, ibuprofen and other over-the-counter medications, prescription medications [5] duct tape, needles and thread, safety pins, patches. |
Winter Backpacking Gear List
Winter Requirements/Additions: 
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-10° to -30° sleeping bag |
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Equipment Rental Locations:
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