Free guide

Backpacking Checklist

Planning a backpacking trip? Here's everything to sort — guest list, trailhead and permits, rides, shelter, food, gear, and your day-by-day route — so your group shows up trail-ready and nothing gets forgotten. Use the guide below, or plan it together in Camp Pals, where everyone jumps in.

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Lock the guest list, dates, trailhead, and permit first — everything else builds on them.

Guest list — invite friends; who's on the trip?Dates — set your start date and how many nightsTrailhead — pick the trailhead and check parkingPermit — does the area require one? Secure it and note the permit #Route — note the distance, elevation gain, and water availability

Carpool

Sort rides to the trailhead so no one's stranded.

Carpool — who's driving; set a time and meeting spotTrailhead parking — confirm parking or a pass at the trailhead

Tents & sleeping

Sort shelter for the group.

Tents — who's bringing a tent, and who's sleeping where

Food & meals

Keep it light, and plan water and bear storage.

Meals by day — plan each meal; lean dehydrated / shelf-stableCooking & cleanup — one stove and pot for group meals; decide who carries themWater — check sources along the route and pack a water filter or treatment tabletsBear storage — a canister, or a bear bag + rope for the hangSnacks — high-calorie trail snacks everyone brings

Gear

Three lists — personal gear, toiletries, and shared camp gear split across the group.

Personal gear — Backpacking pack (50-65L), Tent, Tent rain cover, Tent footprint / tarp, Sleeping bag, Sleeping pad, Pillow, Headlamp, Camp chair, Water bottle, Puffer jacket, Rain jacket, Warm layers, Beanie / warm hat, Sun hat, Sunglasses, Bathing suit, Underwear + socks, Hiking shoes, Water shoes, Comfy camp shoes, Ankle gaiters, Trekking poles, Water bladder (CamelBak), Bandana, Phone charger, Power bank, Towel, Daypack / hiking backpack, Coffee mug, Cup, Plate / bowl, Utensils, Water filter, Bear canister, Trowel, Dry bags / stuff sacks, Blister & personal first-aid kitToiletries — Toothbrush, Travel toothpaste, Floss, Deodorant, Biodegradable shampoo, Biodegradable conditioner, Sunscreen, Bug spray, Lotion, Beard oil, Lip balm, Hand sanitizer, Toilet paper, Contacts, Nail clippers, MedicationsCamp gear — Backpacking stove, Fuel canister, Lightweight pot, Cutting board, Can opener, First aid kit, Repair kit (tape, pole splint), Water filter / purifier, Water treatment tablets, Map & compass, Lighter, Matches, Trash bag (pack out), String lights, French press, AeroPress, Pour over

Want every item to tick off? See the Complete Backpacking Packing List →

Itinerary & activities

Map the route day by day, then line up the fun.

Map the route — set each day's segment: from → to, distance, elevationActivities — vote on side trips: a summit, a swim, a lookout

That's the whole trip, sorted.

Plan it live with your friends in Camp Pals — everyone jumps in and shows up trail-ready. Free to use.

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