Packing for a multiple night backpacking trip proves no small feat. If you are anything like me, you make a backpacking checklist, lay all the items out, debate how much food you are going to need and which pack to bring. Often times it comes down to weight when deciding what will make it into the pack and what will stay home. Here is a quick guide to help you remember the essentials and not forget the important stuff at home on your next backpacking trip.
1. Sleep pad. Sleeping on a cold, rock hard ground after a day of hiking is not the best idea for your body. Most sleep pads are light weight and packable, therefore there is little reason not to take one.
2. Sleeping bag. I put mine in a compression sack for backpacking trips so that it takes up less room.
3. First Aid Kit. Make sure that you restock yours before your next big trip. No one wants to be left without mole skins for those inevitable blisters. I’d also suggest a small container of Tiger Balm—it soothes sore muscles and smells good.
4. A backpack. Invest in a good women’s specific pack that fits you well. REI’s Womens Ridgeline 65 Pack is a great pick. REI does custom moldings of the hip straps, which for women can really help to distribute the weight evenly. I used the Golite Pinnacle Backpack for my most recent 3 day backpacking trip.
5. Headlamp. I don’t think there is much more to say about this, except make sure to carry extra batteries somewhere in your pack.
6. Clothes. I try to layer as much as possible while bringing the least amount of clothes as possible. For 3 days on the trail I had 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of leggings/long johns, 3 shirts, a long sleeve thermal, and a lightweight fleece. I also threw in a lightweight winter hat.
7. Cook pan, stove and utensils. I am able to fit my stove, mini fluid and utensils inside the cook pan for optimal space saving.
8. Fly Rod and fishing gear. Ok, so it isn’t an essential, but you could substitute in here a paper back book, or crossword puzzles. In other words, something you would want to do while relaxing by a pristine lake or sitting by the fire before the sun goes down.
9. Packable Hammock. Ok, again not an essential, per say, but when you don’t have a lightweight tent to bring, a hammock works great. I put my sleeping pad in it with my sleeping bag to keep me warm and it is incredibly comfortable. This is a Grand Trunk double parachute. It is super lightweight and very easy to set up.
10. Rain jacket. My rain jacket, when cinched, can act as another layer if things get cold.
11. Personals. In a zip lock bag I put toothpaste, a toothebrush, deodorant, any pills I might need including ibuprofen, and back up feminine products just in case.
12. Hiking Shoes. Along with the backpack, investing in a quality pair of women’s specific hiking shoes/boots will go a long way. Our feet often times take the brunt of the weight of the pack, treating them with kindness from the very beginning helps immensely.
If you are interested, REI has an updated list of the 10 essentials—a list that started in the 1930’s (which is pretty cool that it goes back that far). Take a glance and see if you have the essentials for your next backpacking trip.
