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Backpacking Gear List

RIBZ BACKPACKING AND HIKING GEAR LIST

Before heading out on your next adventure, your gear list must be compiled. Having a complete backpack gear list will help you be organized, ensure that you don’t forget anything important, and help you get out the door in a snap.

Gear lists vary with seasons, as well as with your backpacking strategy. An ultralight backpacker may leave behind a tent, in favor of a nylon tarp which can function as both rain-wear, and shelter. Below are some basic fundamentals to help you get prepared.  Keeping a front pack prepacked at all times will help keep you ready for anything. 

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TEN OUTDOOR GEAR ESSENTIALS

These items may be repeated in the standard gear list but are worth mentioning separately. These basic items should be present on every backpacking trip, including day hikes and can be kept separately in a RIBZ front pack.  

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  1. Map

  2. Compass

  3. Flashlight / Headlamp (dont’ forget extra batteries)

  4. Extra Food (enough for at least one extra day)

  5. Extra Clothes (easy to add or remove light layers)

  6. Rain Gear / Emergency poncho (Even if it is sunny)

  7. First-Aid Kit (Include any medications you may need)

  8. Pocket Knife (so important you might want two) 

  9. Waterproof Matches and wrap duct tape around a lighter

  10. Firestarter (paraffin candles or chemical starters are good)

  11. Small amount of toilet paper / pen and paper 

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ULTRALIGHT BACKPACKING GEAR LIST

Use this as your base gear list.

  • Internal frame pack or frameless pack (2lbs or less)

  • Down sleeping bag

  • Short sleeping pad

  • Tarp (siliconized nylon)

  • Trekking poles (if needed for pitching tarp)

  • Headlamp (small LED)

  • Water bladder, or store-bought plastic bottles.

  • Alcohol or canister stove, fuel, and lighter (optional)

  • Cookpot with lid (titanium or ultralight aluminum)

  • Mug and spork

  • Water treatment drops or tablets (chlorine dioxide or iodine)

  • First aid kit with razor blade (instead of knife)

  • Map and compass

  • Toiletries and trowel

  • Stuff sacks (siliconized nylon)

  • Sunscreen

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BACKPACKING CLOTHING LIST

  • Synthetic short-sleeve t-shirt

  • Wind or rain shell (not both, under 12 ounces)

  • Midweight synthetic or fleece long-sleeve top

  • Rainpants (optional)

  • Lightweight synthetic shorts (optional)

  • Lightweight synthetic trekking pants (zip-offs preferable)

  • Down jacket (10 to 12 ounces)

  • Underwear (optional)

  • Socks (two pair, one doubles as mittens)

  • Wool or fleece hat

  • Sun hat

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BACKPACKING LIST FOR SPRING/FALL

  • Three-season dome tent

  • Midweight thermal underwear top (avoid cotton)

  • Midweight thermal underwear bottom (avoid cotton)

  • Midweight fleece gloves or mittens

  • Waterproof gloves or mittens

  • OPTIONAL:

    • Snow Shovel

    • Avalanche beacon

    • SnowShoes & Poles w/touring baskets

    • Ice Axe (for mountain trips in snow & ice)

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BACKPACKING GEAR LIST FOR SUMMER

  • Lightweight shorts for swimming

  • Synthetic T-Shirt

  • Light water shoes or sandals

  • Sun hat / sunscreen

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BACKPACKING GEAR LIST FOR WINTER

  • Four-season dome tent

  • Appropriate boots for Winter. Boots compatible with crampons or snowshoe equipment.

  • Midweight or Expedition-weight thermal underwear top (avoid cotton)

  • Midweight or Expedition-weight thermal underwear bottom

  • Midweight or Expedition-weight Insulated fleece gloves

  • Waterproof overgloves

  • OPTIONAL:

    • Down jacket

    • Hand Warmers

    • Snow Shovel

    • Avalanche beacon

    • SnowShoes & Poles

    • Ice Axe (for mountain trips in snow & ice)

    • Insulated Water-Bottle Blanket

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AND DON’T FORGET YOUR RIBZ FRONT PACK! 

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