Backpacking Gear Checklist (FREE download)

There are many approaches to backpacking gear checklists – and most contain extra gear that can weigh down a backpack. This is my minimalist approach to what I take on three-season trips.

A backpacking checklist should be based on the gear you use, so while I’m providing this list here, I encourage you to make your own list based on your actual gear. Don’t forgot to review your checklist before you head out on a trip and you’ll be less likely to leave something important behind.

One time, I forgot a spoon on a five day backpacking trip in the Olympics, so I had to wait for my friends to finish eating at every meal so I could borrow theirs. And I’ve had to use the pliers on my multi-tool as a makeshift fork on more than one occasion. If only I’d remembered to check my list…