The Complete Backpacking Checklist
This section of the website lists everything you need for your backpacking checklist. Like planning, knowing what to bring and how to cram it all in your pack may seem a little complicated at first, but after you’ve done it a time or two, it’ll be almost second nature. If you are new to backpacking, keep in mind that you will need to invest in some gear. Good quality is essential, and not cheap. However, once you have all your basic gear listed on your backpacking checklist, backcountry camping becomes a very cheap vacation. All you’ll need to spend money on is gas, wilderness permits, and a few bucks to rent a bear canister if you need one, and you’re good to go.
Backpacking Gear
I’ll start here with the first thing that should be on your backpacking checklist:
• A backpack: Let’s begin with the obvious; this is called backpacking, right? You’ll be having a lot of stuff o carry, so you need a place to carry it all. And no, this is not the kind of backpack you used for carrying your books to school. Those can be used as great daypacks, but there is no way you will be able to fit your tent, sleeping bag, food, and clothes in one of those little things! Your pack is the most important thing you will need to buy for this hobby, so choose wisely. A pack that sits comfortably will cause less strain on your back, allowing you to have a more pleasant trip all around. I borrowed a man’s pack from a friend for my first couple trips, and didn’t realize how poorly it fitted me until I sized myself with a women’s pack, which are designed for shorter torsos. At your local camping store, measure your torso length to fit yourself for a pack. A good store will have display models you can play around with. Try them on, adjust them to how you will be wearing it, throw in some weights (they should have some there for you) and carry them around the store for awhile to see if it will be comfortable.
You may need to have an employee show you how to adjust the pack. A good backpack should have plenty of padding on the shoulder and hip straps, and if adjusted correctly, the majority of the weight will be carried by your hips, not your back. While good fit is the most important component, there are some other options to consider. Backpacks come in different sizes, and while you want a pack that will fit all your gear, you don’t want one that is too big and will have a lot of empty space. Unless you plan on camping for longer than a week (and please don’t if you are new at this), 3,000 to 5,000 cubic inches should provide plenty of space for overnight camping. Also, these packs come in two different main types: external and internal frame. External frame packs tend to be cheaper, so many beginners start with these. Although you can carry a lot of weight with them, they are not very good for difficult terrain. Internal frame packs are far superior in terms of balance and freedom of movement—and although they will hug your back and make it all sweaty, they are far more comfortable. If you have the money to invest in a good pack, this is the way to go.
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