Hoping to hit a local trail sometime soon for an overnight hiking trip? Way to go! That feeling of self-sufficiency that comes with carrying everything that you need to survive on your own back is tough to beat. Whether you are a newbie hiker or a seasoned veteran of the backcountry, a packing list is always a helpful tool to ensure you have everything you need for an enjoyable trip.
I put this basic packing list together several years ago to prevent me from forgetting to pack something important. I’ve been passing along a similar list to friends who are going on their first overnight hikes too. I hope it can help you avoid some of the mistakes that I have made!
Evolution of the Packing List
When I started getting more seriously into hiking and camping back in 2015, it took me a very long time to upgrade my gear and refine my packing system.
My gear consisted of an ill-fitting 50L backpack from Costco, various tents borrowed from kind friends, and a cotton sleeping bag that took up 90% of the space inside my backpack. I swear that sleeping bag was partially a sponge, as it seemed to absorb any moisture nearby to keep me extra wet at night.
Due to the limited space inside the bag, I stored most of my clothes in plastic bags on the outside of my bag, which usually ended up wet despite my best efforts. No wonder I was usually soggy, cold, and somewhat miserable the first few times I embarked on outdoor adventures!
After 6+ years of more avid outdoor adventuring, I have strategically upgraded my gear and greatly refined my packing system, so I am a much happier camper overall.
Things to Consider when Packing for an Overnight Hike
Before you start to pile everything you own on the floor in the middle of your living space, there are some things to consider that may affect your packing strategy.
Group Size
Are you going out into the wilderness solo, with one other person, or with a group? If you are going in a group, it is worth coordinating who will be taking what group gear so that you don’t end up with 7 first aid kits, but no fuel for your stove.
Length of Trip
Are you going for one night, or ten nights? This may be a controversial opinion, but if you’re going on a shorter trip (i.e. 3 days or less) during the summer, you can probably wear the same sweaty clothes and socks for multiple days in a row. It will save space and weight in your pack, and will certainly encourage social distancing!
Season and Weather Conditions
Some friends and I *attempted* to hike the Sunshine Coast Trail during the “unprecedented” heat dome of June/July 2021. When we departed on the trip, we knew it would be sunny and warm, but were unaware that temperatures on the trail would exceed 40°C.
When I was unpacking my bag after our return home, I pulled out a sizeable bundle of wool socks, mittens, and a fleece neck warmer (?) out of my bag. Now, it is typically better to err on the side of caution in terms of packing warm clothes, as you never know what the weather may do. Had I checked the weather more carefully before leaving on the trip, I would have realized that my normal cold-weather gear that I always carry (i.e. a toque and a down jacket) would have been sufficient on a coastal summertime hike.
Once you have considered the items listed above, it’s time to pull everything out and get packin’!
Overnight Hiking Packing List
Personal Gear
A backpack
What, are you planning to pile everything else listed below on your head? If so, props to you.
I love my Osprey Aura AG 65L bag. Since I got it in 2019, I have used it for everything from overnight hikes to 11-day long trips with no problem. This was one piece of equipment that I upgraded and that has made a huge difference to my enjoyment of the outdoors … I no longer get bruises on my hipbones after a multi-day excursion. That’s really all you can ask for!
A small day pack
If you are doing a multi-day trip, but camping at the same location for multiple nights, this is really handy for doing day hikes from your base camp so that you don’t have to empty out your larger backpack to take the essentials along with you.
I have a 15-liter bag from Kathmandu that zips up into its own pouch, but wish I had a slightly larger one, as I can’t fit more than one water bottle, a few snacks, and a warm layer into my small one.
Some camping backpacks have segments that you can zip off and turn into small day packs, such as the Osprey Ariel pack, which is definitely a handy feature to consider if you are looking for a new backpack.
Hiking footwear
These can be boots or trail runners, depending on the condition of the trail/your ankles!
One “hiking” set of clothes
For me, this is usually a quick-dry t-shirt, shorts, sports bra, socks, and a mid-layer that I am prepared to get sweaty in case it’s cool or windy while hiking.
One “camp” set of clothes
For me, this is usually a long-sleeve merino wool shirt, leggings, sports bra, socks, and a separate mid-weight layer (like a fleece) that I keep dry at all costs. I usually wear these to sleep too, but some folks like to have a separate set of sleep clothes.
Undergarments and socks
Whatever combination of socks, underwear, and bras you require to get you through the duration of your trip. If you are going on a longer trip and have the opportunity to rinse some things off and re-wear them, definitely consider doing that to save space/weight.
Sun protection
I always carry a baseball cap, sunglasses, and sunscreen, regardless of the forecast. The sun is more intense the higher you get, and once you are in the alpine shade can be hard to come by.
Rain protection
Regardless of the forecast, I always carry a raincoat, rain pants, and a waterproof backpack cover. You never know when conditions may change and those extra layers can keep you dry and warm even if it is not raining.
Cold weather protection
It gets cold in the alpine at night! It also gets cold by the ocean at night! Regardless of the season, I pack a toque and a light down jacket to wear at camp once the sun sets.
One sleeping bag
Sorry to break it to you, but that down jacket is most likely not enough to keep you cozy while you sleep. I have a synthetic down sleeping bag from MEC, and upgrading to this bag was one of the most critical upgrades I have made to enjoy spending time in the outdoors more!
One sleeping mat
I have tried to sleep in my tent without a sleeping mat, and you would be surprised at how much heat you lose by sleeping directly on the ground. I had a very old Thermarest that I upgraded when I upgraded my sleeping bag, and this was another critical upgrade that has made spending time in the outdoors more enjoyable. If you can get a decent night’s sleep, you are far less cranky in the morning!
Water storage and treatment
Let’s face it – you need water. That is a non-negotiable. There are a plethora of ways that you can carry this water, and just as many different ways to treat that water too. Some folks carry water bottles, others use water bladders, some folks use gravity filters, and others use chlorine tablets to purify their water. Regardless of what you are doing, you should have at least 2L of carrying capacity. If you are on a trip where water is not readily available at your campsites, or if it is just really bloody hot, you will need to plan ahead and ensure you have even more capacity.
Toilet paper and hand sanitizer
Nature truly does call everyone. Just assume this stuff is not readily available, and try to use designated outhouses and facilities if possible. If you cannot, make sure to practice Leave No Trace principles.
Eating utensils
Depending on the menu and your personal preferences, make sure to pack a bowl/plate, a fork/spoon, and a cup/mug for eating and drinking. Unless you’re a heathen like me who often eats straight out of the pot to save carrying a bowl …
A headlamp or flashlight, with extra batteries
A light source which allows you to still use your two hands is very helpful. In a pinch, your phone flashlight can help, but don’t rely on it as your sole source of light.
Toiletries
Good dental hygiene is still important, even in the backcountry! This differs from person to person, but I usually take my toothbrush, chewable toothpaste tablets, floss, and my regular medications and sanitary products. I usually include a few personal first aid items in here too, such as band-aids and painkillers.
Personal snacks
As a self-identified “hangry monster”, I usually carry extra granola bars to spare the people around me from my hangry outbursts. If you know, you know. These can also be shared if other hangry monsters in your group need a loving nudge to up their blood sugar.
A utility knife or multi-tool
These can be used for cooking, but also for basic repairs or maintenance.
A book (or an e-reader) – optional
Sometimes I end up waking up much earlier than others in my group, and it’s nice to have some form of solo entertainment in case I’m waiting around for a while. This is definitely optional though.
Group Gear
Shelter (a tent/bivvy sack, and a tarp)
This could be a tent, or a bivvy sack, or just a tarp, depending on the season. I have an old MSR Hubba Hubba that works perfectly well for solo trips, but which works equally well if you don’t mind getting very cozy with a friend. A tarp is also worthwhile to pack as it can provide shelter against wind, rain, or sun. Don’t forget ropes or bungee cords to secure it with!
Stoves, plus compatible fuel
There are many simple and lightweight stoves available that use easily found isobutane blends. I have a Primus stove which has served me well for a long time, but if I were to get a different one, I would get one of the smaller ones that folds in on itself.
Pot and utensils for cooking
Depending on your menu, you may just need to boil some water. For other folks who fancy themselves to be real backcountry chefs, you may need a cutting board and a serving spoon. Regardless, you’ll definitely need a pot, and I would recommend buying a lightweight camping-specific one instead of hauling your normal kitchen-grade pot up the mountain with you. I also have a little scrubby that I take to clean the pot with after eating.
Food
Arguably, the most important item on this list for those of us as food-motivated as I am … you’ll need to account for breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and potentially some sort of beverages to celebrate the end of a physically demanding day.
Make sure to include some emergency rations, in case you are stuck outside longer than planned due to weather or illness/injury. I usually carry one extra freeze-dried backcountry meal for each person in the group, just in case. Throwing in a few extra snacks never hurts either.
Lighter, matches, or a fire-starter of some sorts
You’ll need to light your stove somehow, unless you are a superhuman.
First aid kit
What situations are most likely to occur while you are out in the wilderness? Some of the more common minor things include insect bites, blisters, bumps and bruises, colds and/or flus, and gastrointestinal issues. Make sure you have thought of these things and have the appropriate equipment to treat these ailments. Also make sure you are considering more serious situations, like joint sprains, broken bones, allergic reactions, and the like.
A basic gear repair kit
I have some paracord that I use to hang things up to dry, but have in a pinch used to replace a snapped shoelace, as well as some superglue and double-sided tent repair tape.
Bear spray, bear bangers, or other protection against wildlife
Depending on where you live, bears and other wildlife can be a significant issue. When hiking in Canada, I always carry bear spray. In other places, such as New Zealand, the biggest issue with wildlife that you have will be intelligent parrots eating your tent fly …
A personal locator beacon
Over the past couple of years I have found myself in two or three situations where I sensed that had things gone slightly wrong, I would have been in real trouble. I recently purchased a Garmin inReach for situations like these, and it has given me a lot more peace of mind when I am out in the backcountry.
Cards, or another social group game
One of the best parts of overnight hiking is spending time in nature with friends while everyone is not distracted by their digital lives. Sometimes it is nice to supplement that with a good old card game.
… and that’s it! I like to keep it pretty minimalist, primarily because the lighter the pack, the easier the hike becomes!
What creature comforts do you like to take on your trips?
