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　　　The basic gear you take on any backpacking trip is pretty much the same. Beginners and seasoned veterans alike will agree that your backpack essentials change over time, and most of us refine our kit list every time we travel. Yet despite our unique needs and climate, our necessities always seem to be on the list.

　　　Whatever your experience level, using a checklist can help you remember all the important equipment. Along with the packing list we provide, we break down how to choose the right gear for your overnight camping adventure.

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　　　This backpack Essentials list is a general guide that provides you with a baseline of essential gear. The type and amount of items varies from backpacker to backpacker.

　　　This is not an ultra-lightweight backpack list, but it will ensure you have all the items you need for an overnight trip in the wilderness.

　　　For an overnight trip, you should be able to carry a backpack with a capacity of 30-50 liters. If you are backpacking for a longer period of time (3-5 days), then you will need a larger backpack (50-70 liters).

　　　In addition to the length of the trip, the size of the backpack depends on how bulky your gear is. Remember that all the extra layers of a winter trip will add more weight than a standard summer trip.

　　　Even if no rain is forecast, have something to cover your backpack with. A simple rain cover will do, or you can bring a large garbage bag.

　　　The first part of your sleeping setup is deciding whether you want to use a backpack tent, tarp, canvas bag or hammock. All of these sleep shelters have their own advantages and disadvantages and are very personal choices.

　　　If you’re just setting up your tent for the season, make sure it’s in tip-top condition before you travel with our guide to waterproofing, patching and spring cleaning.

　　　What kind of sleeping bag you need depends on the climate and weather conditions. Determine the right backpack temperature/comfort level to be fully prepared for the night. Look for a pack that is at least 10 degrees cooler than the expected low temperature.

　　　So if you’re expecting a low of 30 degrees at night, pack a bag of 20 degrees or lower. Mummy bags are recommended for backpacking because they are warmer and easier to pack away.

　　　The next thing to consider is whether your bag is insulated with down or synthetic material. There are pros and cons to both, but the main difference is that down tends to be lighter, easier to pack, and more expensive. Synthetic fibers are larger, but they still insulate faster when wet and dry.

　　　Keeping backpacks dry isn’t too difficult for most skilled backpackers, so down packs’ light weight, compressibility, and long life make them preferred.

　　　The last piece of the sleeping device is a sleeping pad. Don’t give up packing this thing. While it’s easy to think of a sleeping mat as just a comfort item, it provides much-needed insulation and warmth while you sleep.

　　　No matter what kind of shelter you choose, a cushion is a must. The classic Therm-a-Rest Z Lite pad is the ideal and affordable pad choice because you don’t have to worry about leaking air. Check out our list of the best sleeping pads on the market.

　　　We don’t have pillows on our list. You can choose to bring an inflatable pillow as your sleeping arrangement. But a good tip for most backpackers is to stuff some clothes in the backpack so there are plenty of pillows.

　　　Please note that we recommend using a headlamp, not a flashlight. If all you have right now is a flashlight, it’s definitely useful. Some experienced campers like the power and versatility of small flashlights.

　　　For most people, however, a headlamp will make your life easier while backpacking. If you have to set or cook in the dark, it frees your hands. Also, it makes hiking safer early in the morning or late at night.

　　　Even if you’re only going out for one night, bring fresh batteries. You can choose to replace the batteries before you go, but having a battery set should become a habit.

　　　If you are buying a new headlamp, pay careful attention to the battery life in the product specifications. While extra lumen is a good thing, for most backpackers, you won’t need much light because you’re moving slowly or close to your body. But long battery life is great for short, multi-day trips.

　　　Choose a headlamp with a rechargeable battery instead of a disposable battery, a more versatile headlamp. Keep in mind, though, that you may need to bring a battery pack to recharge in the wild on longer trips.

　　　For overnight trips, there are many ways to avoid bringing a stove. But a hot cup of coffee and a warm breakfast are also a treat on a crisp, outdoor morning. You can cook these foods with old-fashioned fire and coal, but there are restrictions on the use of fire in many areas.

　　　Having a camping stove and fuel will make cooking quick and easy after a long day of hiking. There are many options for camp stoves, from the very simple and small, such as the proven MSR Pocket Rocket, to cooking systems like Jetboil Mini Mo, and multi-fuel liquid stoves that work well even in extremely cold weather. Then you have more minimalist stoves, like biofuel stoves or alcohol stoves that burn biomass, to get a lightweight heat source.

　　　Check out our article on the best Backpack stoves to learn more.

　　　In addition to the stove, you’ll need a pot, a mug and some cooking utensils. To keep things to a minimum, consider using a compact cooker. These will usually come with an appliance, a cooking pot with a lid, and a cup that all fits back into the size of the pot.

　　　Sea to Summit X-Set 21 Cookset and Stanley Camp Cookset are great examples of this.

　　　For silverware, the spoon is the standard choice. Try researching materials and reading product reviews. There are many plastic spoons to choose from, but metal or titanium spoons are more durable.

　　　Minimalism on the road may be a learned skill, but it will reduce the weight of your backpack without compromising necessary material comforts.

　　　Washing dishes is a breeze with minimal utensils. We recommend bringing some biodegradable soap and a packable microfiber cloth to dry dishes. Still, as long as you have a few dishes, you should be able to do without the sink.

　　　If you prefer a dish basin, some innovative and packable designs make washing dishes easy.

　　　For an overnight trip, a bladder of water may be brought to sustain the entire length of the trip. However, you don’t want this to be your only option. It is recommended that you keep at least one water bottle on hand at all times and have a water filtration system on hand that will give you the security and flexibility to have a safe and enjoyable trip.

　　　If you bring a water bag and your water bottle, bring at least one 2L water bag, although 4L water bags are ideal. MSR makes very durable Dromedary bags for backpackers.

　　　Looking for a water filter? Check out our list of the best water filters.

　　　Disclaimer: Your backpack food shouldn’t make you sick, you need to bring enough!

　　　There are so many great backpack foods to choose from. Some are prepackaged, so all you have to do is add boiling water.

　　　For an overnight trip, it’s easy to plan food. When making plans, be sure to think beyond mealtimes. Pack plenty of snacks to fuel your hike. Trail mix, energy bars, oranges, apples and other fruits are good choices.

　　　Since most of our food is packaged, especially for backpackers, be sure to follow the “Leave no Trace” guidelines. If you’re going to pack, pack!

　　　Depending on the region you’re traveling in, you may need to keep your food away from bears. Be sure to do your research and bring a bear can or bag if necessary.

　　　Here are three important things to remember about backpacker clothes and shoes:

　　　Your clothes should be hygroscopic. Don’t use cotton cloth because it absorbs moisture easily.

　Dress in layers. You can pack clothes based on the weather forecast, but layering is the best way to prepare.

　Make sure your shoes are well sharpened before you go hiking. No one likes blisters. Ouch!

　When you’re backpacking, you don’t need to change your pants and shirt every day. A backpacking life usually means you get a little dirty (and maybe a little smelly).

　　　So, if you’re planning a simple overnight trip, you can expect to wear your first day’s clothes. Bring an extra pair of underwear and socks, though. It’s nice to have a clean pair, and you don’t have to pack too many other clothes, so you don’t have to worry about space.

　　　What clothes you should bring depends on the climate and weather conditions at the time. Even if there’s no rain in the forecast, it’s best to play it safe and at least pack a lightweight waterproof jacket.

　　　Dressing in layers will also make things more comfortable, as the temperature changes throughout the day. So it’s much easier to put on or take off one layer of clothing than it is to change into a whole outfit.

　　　Your clothing and layering system should also include jackets. The type and quantity of jackets depend on the climate and weather conditions.

　　　Hiking boots or trail shoes should be a priority when planning a backpacking trip. They protect you from rocks and take you through all kinds of terrain. You have to trust that they will always have your back.

　　　Most importantly, understand the climate and terrain. If you’re going to be in cold, wet conditions, consider wearing waterproof shoes or gaiters to protect yourself. If it’s hot and dry, maybe trail shoes will suit you. Every trip, everyone’s shoe needs are different.

　　　If your shoes are new, you also need to fit them properly. This process can be done through daily hikes or by wearing them during daily activities.

　　　There are only a few backpack essentials on the personal hygiene list, so they’re easy to keep in one place. These should include basics like a toothbrush, toothpaste, hand sanitizer, and any prescription medications.

　　　Other than that, you can bring things like a shovel for digging, or a swinging bag for your waste. If you use toilet paper or wipes for hygiene, bring a ziploc bag so you can pack them up when you’re done.

　　　Menstrual products are also essential for female backpackers. Even if you’re not looking forward to your period starting, it’s a good idea to bring some. If you don’t want to carry around disposable menstrual products, you can use a menstrual cup. If you’ve never used one before, test it out before you travel.

　　　Emergency or survival bags are the most commonly forgotten items by most backpackers. They’re easy to forget because they’re not necessarily used every day. Even if you don’t use them often, they play an important role in your wilderness safety. So take emergency gear seriously and add it to your list of backpack essentials.

　　　A simple emergency backpack pack should include a first aid kit, whistle, igniter, waterproof matches, emergency shelter, and a multi-tool.

　　　Other safety and personal items that can make the journey easier include a knife, a gear repair kit, sunscreen, a sun hat and insect repellent. If there are bears where you are backpacking, bring bear spray.

　　　Having a reliable navigation system should be included on this list. Many hikers now use smartphones to do just that. However, there is always a chance that a smartphone could die or break during the journey. Having a laminated map and a compass as a backup is a safe way to make sure you know your current location and where you’re going.

　　　Finally, don’t forget other personal items such as keys, ID cards, wallets, licenses, and cell phones.

　　　When you are preparing to pack for an overnight backpacking trip, place all necessary backpack items on the floor before packing. That way, you can check your gear and make sure your gear is on the list.

　　　If you want to keep the essentials in your backpack organized, it can be helpful to use an item bag or an organization bag. Separating items in sachets or bags can make gear more accessible, organized, and compact. Using this packing method will ensure that you don’t forget any backpack essentials.

　　　Our final tip for you is to print out two copies of your itinerary the night before you leave, even if it’s just a one-night adventure. Give one to a friend or family member and keep the other in your car.

　　　If you can’t give a paper copy to someone else, at least contact a trusted friend or family member and tell them in as much detail as possible where you plan to be, including when you’ll be back. That way, if something happens while you’re away, someone will be able to alert the authorities right away and they’ll know where to start looking.