
Water bottle or reservoir, water treatment system (i.e. Appropriately sized backpack (50-65 liters is a good size for 2-3 nights in the backcountry). This is the gear that you absolutely must have with you in order to not only enjoy your trip but survive it! The list below is my "backpacking checklist" for the essentials that you should not leave for a backpacking trip without. This is easier said than done, as a good argument could be made for why just about any piece of camping gear deserves to come on the trip! To make these decisions easier, break down your gear into four categories. Take over your living room and layout all your camping gear – clothing, food, and random small items included! This will allow you to see every item as you decide what goes with you and what stays behind. So how do you pack exactly the right amount of everything you need AND fit it all into your pack? Step 1: Layout your gear But if you under-pack, you may be stuck out in the wilderness with no cell phone service, cold, hungry, or uncomfortable.
If you over-pack, you are stuck carrying the extra weight (literally on your back!), which may slow you down or even force you to end your trip early. Packing for 2-3 nights in the backcountry is challenging. There’s only one thing left to do before hitting the trail for your 2-3 night backpacking adventure – pack!
You purchased your ultralight camping and backpacking gear, you planned your route, and you obtained your backcountry permit ( if needed).