What to pack in your hiking backpack

Going out for a two to three-day hike? Looking for some help on what to pack into your backpack? Here are my suggestions on what to pack in your hiking backpack for a multi-day trip. Obviously, you will discover the more you go out what combination works best for you. Also, things will change based on how long you intend to be out in the wilderness and where you are going (based on climate).

Here are the items that I bring along on my standard 2-3 day backpacking trip. These should help you figure out what to pack in your hiking backpack for your next trip.

What to pack in your hiking backpack: items to pack and carry.

1. Backpack and Shelter Gear

1. TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack

The TETON Sports Explorer 4000 Internal Frame Backpack is a great backpack for this type of trip. It is a 65L pack. It has many pockets to hold all your items. The part that I love about this pack is that it is comfortable. The lumbar support and ability to change the height make this comfortable. A great part of this pack is that it has a spot for a hydration bladder (up to 3L). It is designed with an opening to put the hose through. You can always go for a larger one too if you feel the need. This is the perfect size for me.

2. 1 – Person Tent

camppal 1 Person Tent Backpacking Camphttps://amzn.to/3uqcG86ing Hiking Mountain Hunting Tent Lightweight and Waterproof for 4 Season Extreme Space Saving Single Bracket. This is a great lightweight tent to take. It takes about 3 minutes to fully set up and takedown. I purchased the orange version of this tent. When sleeping alone, this is the best option for me. I like to attach it to the outside of my backpack.

3. Warm Weather Sleeping Bag

ECOOPRO Warm Weather Sleeping Bag – Portable, Waterproof, Compact Lightweight, Comfort with Compression Sack – Great for Outdoor Camping, Backpacking & Hiking-83 L x 30″ W Fits Adults. This is a great sleeping bag that is very comfortable and warm. It is under 2 lbs, which makes it great to carry in your pack. Obviously, there are many different options based on the climate you are going into.

4. Sleeping Pad

ECOOPRO Inflatable Camping Sleeping Pad with Built-in Pillows, Ultralight Waterproof Sleeping Mat with Inflatable Bag, Compact Portable Camping Mattress Pad for Tent, Backpacking, Traveling & Hiking. This lightweight sleeping pad is perfect for packing. It takes little effort to inflate without leaving you winded. Very comfortable to sleep on.

5. Camping Pillow

Wise Owl Outfitters Camping Travel Pillow – Essential Outdoor & Camping Gear – Compact, Compressible Memory Foam Pillows for Sleeping, Kids & Adults – Small/Medium. I was very surprised and happy with this pillow. It is very comfortable. Perfect after a long day of hiking. It compacts down very nicely. Lightweight and small.

6. Camping Stool

ALPS Mountaineering Tri-Leg Stool. This stool is very lightweight and comfortable to carry on your pack. Folds out fast to take a seat. After hiking all day, it is nice to have a real seat to sit on vs the ground or a log.

7. Camping Light

2 x LED Lantern V2.0 with Flashlight – The ORIGINAL Lantern/Flashlight Combo. 2020 Tech (350 LUMENS) – Collapsible Camp Lamp – Great Light for Camping, Car, Shop, Attic, Garage – Batteries Included. These lights pump out a lot of light. I like how durable and compact they are. Perfect for outside while doing something or (as I really use it) in the tent. They last a really long time on one set of batteries.

2. Cooking Gear

1. Stove & Fuel (Optional – based on where going and if there are fire restrictions)

Keweis Portable Outdoor Mini Alcohol Stove Burner Ultralight Camping Cookware Set for Outdoor Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Picnic. This is a great little stove to use when having to cook food or boil water. To use it though, you will need 95% or higher rubbing alcohol. Extra to pack but needed if there is no wood, or you are in a fire-restricted area.

2. Mess Kit

Coleman Rugged 1-Person Mess Kit, Red & Black. This is perfect for me to go out with. These 4 pieces fold up together. They are lightweight. It is all that I need to cook, eat, and boil water with.

3. Utensils

DEVICO Portable Utensils, Travel Camping Cutlery Set, 8-Piece including Knife Fork Spoon Chopsticks Cleaning Brush Straws Portable Case, Stainless Steel Flatware set (Black). Great utensil set to use for cooking and eating food with. Lightweight and comes with its own carrying case.

4. Drinking Cup

HUNU Leakproof Pocket Cup Collapsible Coffee Cup | Reusable Coffee Cup Travel Mugs for Hiking Cycling Camping – BPA Free Portable Espresso Silicone Cups with Lids – 9 oz. I love this cup! It is silicone and lightweight. Love how it folds up. Hold hot and cold liquid without hurting your hand.

5. Food

I keep food as light as I can. I also try to stick to easy-to-make foods and eat the same thing for each meal. Not too much fun, but it works for me. These are the food items I recommend for what to pack in your hiking backpack.

  • Breakfast
    • Oatmeal – You can pour hot water into the packets
    • Tee or Coffee – Individual packets
  • Lunch
    • Tortillas – I prefer flour ones (street taco size or small taco size) 10-20 Pack
    • StarKist Chicken – I like the Buffalo Chicken flavor. Works perfectly for making tacos.
    • Kraft squeezable cheese packets – Can use to make about 5 tacos per pack – great cheese for tacos.
  • Dinner
    • Ramen Noodles
    • StarKist Chicken – Either Teriyaki or Lemon Pepper to put in with Ramen and eat together.
  • Snacks
    • Beef Jerky – I usually dehydrate my own, 2 or 3 pounds.
    • Fruit and Nut Bars
    • Gummy Worms – Usually one bag per day. The extra energy burst is amazing.

3. Essentials and Survival

1. Pocket Knife

GVDV Utility Pocket Knife with 7Cr17 Stainless Steel – Folding Knife for EDC Outdoor Camping Hunting, Liner-Lock, Clip, Seatbelt Cutter, Glass Breaker for Emergencies. This is a great knife to carry around. As everyone knows, having an easy-to-get-to knife is essential while hiking and backpacking.

2. Camp Axe

SOG Camp Axe- Compact Camping and Survival Hatchet/Hammer Tool with Sheath and 3.1 Inch Bushcraft Axe Edge (CH1001-CP). This is a great lightweight and small camping axe. I like it because it has a hammer on the opposite of the blade. The axe is not overly big, which I like because it makes it an easier tool to carry.

3. First-Aid Kit

First Aid Kit – 100 Piece – Small First Aid Kit for Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Travel, Vehicle, Outdoors – Emergency & Medical Supplies. First-Aid kits are crucial to bring along on a backpacking trip. The smallest of injuries can become a big problem. Be prepared for it and hope to never have to use it.

4. Flashlight

GearLight TAC LED Flashlight Pack – 2 Super Bright, Compact Tactical Flashlights with High Lumens for Outdoor Activity & Emergency Use. It is always great to have a flashlight with you. This is a small one that fits perfectly in your pocket or on your belt. It has a strong and wide beam of light. This is a powerful flashlight.

5. Multi-tool

Gerber Gear 22-01471N Suspension Needle Nose Pliers Multitool Multi-Plier with Nylon Sheath, Gray. Multi-tools are one of the most important tools to have with you when backpacking or hiking. I have used this one for many years now and have always found it to work great.

6. Water Bottle

LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Integrated Filter Straw for Hiking, Backpacking, and Travel. This is an amazing bottle. We all know Life Straw. I like this bottle because you can just dip it in any stream, river, or lake and just drink safely. You can take it and use it anywhere. Drink tap water safely in other countries as well!

7. Fire Starter

Melt Candle Company Fire Starter – Pack of 160 Charcoal Fire Starters for Campfires, Chimney, Grill Pit, Fireplace, BBQ & Smoker – Water Resistant and Odorless. These are great to carry with you. Having a fire is very important when backpacking. We all know that sometimes it isn’t always ideal conditions for starting a fire. These are great to have with you in case it is damp.

8. Other items to bring

  • Matches and or lighter
  • Map and compass (many survival items include a compass)
  • Rope – always great for use including hanging food and other items.
  • Pencil and paper
  • Plastic Bags – for your trash. Always leave the area untouched.
  • Whistle – great to have also one is built into the backpack.

4. Toiletries and Clean Up

1. Wash Wipes

Scrubzz Disposable No Rinse Bathing Wipes – All-in-1 Single Use Shower Wipes, Simply Dampen, Lather, and Dry Without Shampoo or Rinsing, 50 Count (2 Pack). These are awesome! I got these for my last trip and will always have them with me. Just add a little water to them and they soap up. Nothing like a pseudo sponge bath at the end of the day of a long hike to feel great! They dry off great and leave no soapy residue.

2. Body Glide

Body Glide Original Anti-Chafe Balm. If there is one product to get, this is it. This product is the greatest thing ever made! It is like hiking on a cloud every time. No chafing or discomfort! This goes with me on every trip.

3. Other items to bring

  • Small towel
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Toilet Paper
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Other items like shampoo if you feel the need.
  • Small dish soap to wash your pot and pans.
  • Insect Repellent

5. Optional Items to Pack

  • Flint and Firestriker
  • Hiking Poles
  • Flip Flops – Always great to get out of your hiking boots.
  • Rain Gear – Depends on where you are going.
  • Extra socks and underwear
  • Extra shirts and pants (for your comfort)
  • A sweater or Jacket depends on where you are going.
  • Bandannas
  • Bear Resistant Container for food
  • Camera or your phone
  • Charger – solar or power bank

Overall ideas for what to pack in your hiking backpack

These are just the items that I use to pack in my backpack. Of course, you know what you like and need for what trip you are going on. I hope my list will help you out and point you in the right direction. This always changes the more I go out. Never stop learning how you backpack and survive. I hope you have enjoyed my list of what to pack in your hiking backpack.

Make sure to check out what I bring in my day pack for a day hike.

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