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Backpacking Essentials: Expedition Checklist

Everyday Life Outdoors 6 min read

Setting out on a multi-day backpacking hike is arguably one of the purest outdoor adventures you can have. Only packing the essentials in your rucksack and are entirely self-sufficient. To help you plan, we have created a handy checklist of items you should consider bringing with you on your adventure.

The first thing to consider is the weather. What season are you going to be heading out in? Is it going to be wet? Cold? Or really hot? We have included additions that you should have if the weather is looking to be rainy and cold. You should also consider how remote your hike is going to be. If you are going to be far away from populated areas, you should consider bringing some extra food, water and clothing just in case.

The Essentials

Sleeping

Food and Water 

Cooking

Navigation

Personal Items

Hygiene

First Aid

 

Clothing and Footwear

Few Extras

 

The Essentials

Here are items that you should always have in your rucksack when setting off on any long hike.

  • Rucksack – Between 40 to 60 litres depending on the length of time you plan on being out for.
  • Navigation – Map & compass at a minimum, GPS device
  • Headtorch
  • Sun protection
  • First aid
  • Multi-tool
  • Shelter – This could be a tent if you're planning on being out for multiple days or an emergency bivvy
  • Extra food
  • Extra water
  • Spare clothes  

Sleeping

This list includes everything you should consider for a good night’s rest.

  • Backpacking Tent – Bring one depending on your group size. If there is more than 1 person, be sure to split the parts of the tent between yourselves to even the weight
  • Sleeping bag – Make sure you have a sleeping bag that is appropriate for the temperature and conditions. We have a Sleeping Bag Guide to help you decide what the right sleeping bag for your hike could be. 
  • Sleeping mat

Optional extras

  • Pillow – This could either be a bundle of clothes or a lightweight inflatable pillow
  • Lantern
  • Sleeping bag liner

Cooking

Here are the essentials for cooking when backpacking to keep you fed, feeling warm and energised throughout your adventure.

Food and Water

When planning your food, you should consider how many days and then add an extra day of food just in case. When walking it good to consider eating food that’s easy to eat when on the move, such as energy bars, nuts, and fruit. For lunch and dinner, consider foods that are substantial and have varied nutritional value. Try to ensure you get enough salt in your diet to help your body absorb water more easily.

For water, consider your availability to water sources along your route. If it’s frequent, you can carry smaller water carriers and fill up frequently, which will keep your pack weight low, but if you are far from water sources and should consider larger water containers to keep you hydrated. As guidance, a person should consume roughly 500ml per hour when doing moderate exercise in warm temperatures. But we are all different, and you should consider what you need personally to prevent dehydration.

  • Water bottle or reservoirs – consider how much water you can carry and how much you need for evenings and between water sources
  • Water purification – For when you need to refill
  • Meals – Camping food, otherwise known as freeze-dried food, is recommended; it will pack down and is easy to cook whilst providing minimal mess 
  • Energy food – Bars, nuts, gels, isotonic mix
  • Extra day of food

Clothing and Footwear

Be sure to check the weather to better understand what type of clothing you need to pack, and be sure to pack extra clothing in case you’re staying out for longer than expected, or you suddenly become wet and need to dry off fast.

For footwear, you should consider your personal preference. If you want to travel fast, then a pair of walking shoes or trail shoes will be best; however, if you need additional support, then hiking boots may be better suited for you. 

Wet and cold weather additions

Optional extras

  • Sandals or flip-flops for crossing large rivers or streams
  • Camp shoes – These are thermal outdoor slippers, otherwise known as tent mules
  • Gaiters – for snow or muddy conditions
  • Scarves & neck wear

Navigation

Below we will list some navigational tools you should bring with you.

  • Map – preferably an Active map so it is waterproof and tear-resistant
  • Compass
  • Watch

Optional Extra

  • Guidebook – For a detailed description of your route, these are common with popular walks
  • GPS
  • Multi-sport watch

Emergency/ First Aid

Here are the essentials you need to prepare and have with you:

  • First aid 
  • Whistle
  • Fire – either from a lighter or matches
  • Survival blanket
  • Itineraries left with a friend or family and another kept in your car – This lets people know where you are in case of an emergency 

Hygiene

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Trowel – for burying waste
  • Toilet paper with a sealable bag to bring out with you
  • Blister kit
  • Menstrual products
  • Prescription medication

Optional extras

  • Sunglasses – Essential in summer or on clear snowy days
  • Sun cream - Essential in summer or on clear snowy days
  • Insect repellent
  • Mosquito net – Essential if you are visiting Scotland in the Summer to avoid midge bites

Personal Items

These are the personal essentials you should bring with you:

  • Cash or Card
  • ID
  • Car keys
  • Mobile Phone

Few Extras

Here are a few luxury additions that you can add to your kit list:

  • Camera
  • Outdoor Journal / Pen
  • Book
  • Cards or Games
  • Star Chart

This checklist will help guide you in your decisions for what to pack on your next backpacking adventure. We also have a range of guides and advice for you to check out if you need any other help planning your trip. 

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