Ideal Hiking Packing List: 21 Essentials to Bring on Every Hike

Here’s a hiking packing list and checklist for any hiker going out for the day, night, or even weekend. If you’re going out into raw nature, you’re going to want to make sure you pack plenty of hiking essentials with you to make sure you are prepared.

We have all seen movies where the main character goes on a hiking trip to clear their head. Sometimes we also think about going on a hiking trip with our friends or partner to ease our minds, don’t we? Planning the trip and finding the right location might be easy and exciting, but I’m here to help with what kinds of hiking bags are best and how to categorize your hiking essentials.

If you’re someone like me, packing can be the most frustrating task that you procrastinate on until the last minute. Unlike any other trip or vacation, packing for a hike must be done with careful attention to detail. You don’t want to wake up in the woods one morning only to realize you forgot to pack your toothbrush or lighter. 

This may seem silly now, and you might even wonder how forgetting something as small as a toothbrush can affect your hiking trip. But for how long can you wash your teeth with your fingers? What if you eat something that smells bad? Apart from the dreadful packing scenario, a good hiking trip is an incredible way to connect with nature and get some exercise. 

The MOST Important Hiking Essentials

To be honest, hiking is one of the most straightforward exercises you can do, as you are just walking on dirt until the end of the day. Especially in this day and age, mental sanity is extremely hard to maintain, and a good long hike can be your helping aid.

It is also highly recommended to avoid unnecessary gear during the trip as it may weigh you down, making it difficult for you to climb or walk. In this hiking packing list, let me explain some of the most important hiking gear and how to pack based on your location and your preferences.

Here’s the short hiking packing list checklist:

• A Good Hiking Backpack
• Maps (Online/Paper)
• Compass
• Headlamp/Flashlight
• Batteries
• Matches/Lighter
• Food: Camp Stove/Cooking Supplies
• Water Purifying Bottle
• Bathroom Necessities
• Dry Bags
• Power Bank
• Sun Protection
• First Aid Kit
• Toiletries
• Sleeping Supplies: Tent, Sleeping Bag, Mat
• Permits + Paperwork
• Appropriate hiking clothes
• Hiking shoes + socks
• Extras: Camera, Poles, Comfort Items

Now I will go deeper into each item on this hiking packing list below.

A Good Backpack is VERY Important

If you are planning a hiking trip, one of the first things you need to think about is a good-quality backpack. To be honest, a bag that is suitable for hiking is not cheap, and if you ask me, I wouldn’t say to go for the cheap ones either. 

The destination you choose for your hiking trip will likely not have the hiking essentials that you need available for purchase. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you take everything you might need in your backpack to avoid discomfort. So, make sure you look for bags that will last longer and are also spacious.

Things to Consider in a Hiking Backpack

Size: You might think a smaller one is sufficient, but it depends on the length of your trip. In general, the more space you have, the more stuff you will pack (trust me, it’s true). On a hiking trip you must consider necessities for sleeping and eating (if its an overnight trip), camera gear, protection, and more. Fitting the most into the smallest size is ideal.

Quality: Choosing a backpack with a lifetime guarantee is highly recommended. Make sure to choose something more expensive and better quality so you can use it for years. A poor-quality bag might save your wallet at the time, but after a couple of days, you will regret that choice. 

Comfort: Some people hate too many clips and buckles on their bags, and some even hate “sagging” backpacks that sit very low when heavily loaded. To avoid these problems, you can simply opt for a high-quality backpack that is comfortable and adjustable at the same time. 

Purpose: Buying a backpack for a hiking trip and buying a backpack for a flight are two very different things. When flying wheels and handles are good, and these things are NOT your friend when hiking. Make sure to buy a hiking bag that can stand the length of your hikes and is made for hiking.

Top Recommendations for Hiking Backpacks

Many people like to purchase different sizes of Osprey packs or Deuter packs for hiking trips and backpacking. Both of these brands have high-quality, lasting packs. You can also check out Backpacks Global, which offers an extensive selection of backpacks for every activity.

Essential Hiking Packing List

The ultimate goal of hiking is to have fun and relax, but it is also equally important to have some necessities to stay safe. If the location you are traveling to has more complicated routes, then making sure you have the right kind of survival kit in your backpack is mandatory. You might not need as much for a one-day hiking trip as a one-week, but it is also nice to have these items just in case. 

Navigation + Getting Around

If this is your first hike, then it is always a good idea to learn the routes beforehand. If you are not good at navigation, then make sure you pick a location you are familiar with or choose a place where you are less likely to get lost.

Choosing locations with more people is advisable because sometimes, even with a navigator and Google Maps, you might get lost. Download the map or use any offline map app before reaching the spot, as you can access the map even if you lose cell service.

A paper map and compass are your best backups for longer hikes. Anything that isn’t in your smartphone is necessary because you’ll need it even if your phone runs out of power. 

Visibility

Always always carry a headlamp or flashlight with you. This may not seem important at the time but even the bet of hikers get stuck on the trail as the light starts dimming, and you need to have a way to see. Fresh batteries or fully charged light is essential, even if your headlamp has additional charging capacity. A small flashlight works well in some instances, too. 

Fire + Heat

One of the most important things you can carry is a lighter or matchstick. When you are hiking in winter, you might be cold at night, or in general, the location that you choose might be colder. At times when the fire is going to be your best buddy, make sure you have multiple backups to create fire.

Food: Cooking + Eating

If you are going on a multi-day hike, you will need all the supplies to cook and eat your food. You will need basic utensils and plate/bowls and cups to drink from. Packaged food is always the best idea, from trail mix and granola bars to heat-and-go meals.

A camp stove and small pot/pan to cook food or purify water is also a good idea. These portable stoves can come with small gas tanks/fuel you can light, or you can bring one if it’s not too heavy. You can also light an your own small fire to cook things using sticks as long as it’s allowed in your hiking destination.

Drink

For ALL hiking trip lengths I highly recommend getting a water bottle that purifies water, either through UV light or a purification filter. This way you can get hydrated from any water source! I use the LARQ self-cleaning water bottle.

A Camelbak is also a fantastic idea to drink on the fly, and another larger water container to begin your hike with so you have some extra to start.

Bathroom Necessities

Using the restroom before the start of the hiking trip is also recommended. However, you cannot control your bathroom needs based on your travel time, can you? To avoid unnecessary drama, make sure you carry toilet paper, plastic bags, tissues, a small trowel, and anything that can be disposed of. A she-wee is also helpful for hiking ladies to conveniently pee.

Trash Disposal + Keeping Dry

To protect the environment from unnecessary plastic waste, ensure you always take your trash with you. This might be an extra load for you, but you have to be considerate too. Pack out what you pack in.

Extra plastic bags and dry bags are essential also tp separate wet clothing or make sure certain items stay apart. You will never regret an extra plastic bag.

Charge + Power

If you want to document your trip, then you most certainly need a phone or a camera. But you cannot depend on electricity to charge your phone during a hike. This is why having a power bank is one of the top travel essentials that work for hiking too. Make sure you find a power bank that is also durable, waterproof, and can charge camera batteries also. Many hikers like solar-powered power banks.

Sun Protection

Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are imperative things on this hiking packing list whether you will be in direct sunlight or not. The sun can reach you even through thick clouds, and you want to make sure you are protected.

First Aid + Toiletries

A first aid kit is also essential just in case anything happens. Of course you must be careful and vigilant, but it’s important to pack a first aid kit and even a survival kit in case the unexpected happens. Make sure your survival/first aid kit comes with things like a pocket knife, a whistle, an emergency blanket, pain killers, and survival essentials, especially if you are going far.

Blister pads, band aids, muscle tape, and tiger balm help too. As far as toiletries go, don’t forget your toothbrush, deodorant, and anything you may personally want to stay clean. I love having cleansing face wipes and baby wipes.

Camping Supplies

For multi-day hikes, you will, of course need to sleep somewhere, and that’s where a compact and lightweight camping set comes in. The most basic backpacking camping set would be a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping mat.

Keep your sleeping supplies in their own plastic bag to keep them dry. It’s always helpful to have a self-inflating mat, an insect-proof tent, and a sleeping bag that protects from cold temperatures.

Have Your Papers Ready

Just like any other trip, your paperwork is essential when you are hiking as well. For many hiking destinations, you must get proper approval or a permit. By doing so, you are not only informing higher officials about your travel but also notifying them that you are hiking at that spot for so many days. They, of course, ensure your safety and that you walk in safe areas.

Some primary documents that you need to carry include a passport, a visa, travel insurance, health information, tickets, hotel or lodging reservation confirmations, vaccination certificates, etc. Different countries require different documents to enter.

All travelers these days should have travel insurance and also insurance on their valuables. If you are someone who likes to hike often or even qualifies as a long-term traveler, then this might be the best thing for you. The insurance can be extended, and the travelers’ renters insurance will protect your valuables while traveling.

Hiking Essentials + Packing List for Clothes

Packing clothes for hiking can be tricky. You have to make sure you prioritize your garments based on the climate of your location and the activities you might do while you are there. Rain jackets are vital if traveling to a colder place, and most clothing should be layered and generally moisture-wicking or quick-dry in case of sweat or rain.

No matter the weather, you should layer underwear and shorts/t-shirts over quick-dry/moisture-wicking pants, leggings, and long-sleeve t-shirts. You should always have a top layer to protect yourself from inclement weather or rain. In the cold, make sure to have thermals, beanies, and clothes that are warm enough. Make sure to pack swimsuits in case of a beautiful lake or ocean, too.

It is almost as obvious that you require a good hiking shoe to work your way through the trails. The best trail running shoes are light but sturdy and keep your ankles tight. Look for lightweight, comfy hiking shoes and also make sure not to forget socks – wool socks are the best, or synthetic. A plastic bag is great to keep any wet things separate from dry clothes.

Adventure Hiking Packing List: Fun Extras

Here’s some more hiking gear that’s not necessarily ‘essential’ but can still make for a much better experience.

• A diving mask or goggles: If diving or swimming in an ocean or lake is on your agenda, a pair of goggles or diving mask could be fun to have.
• GoPro camera: Go Pros are the MOST compact camera on the market and are great for adventures. If you don’t have room for a DSLR and want something a bit better than a phone, try a Go Pro.
• Trekking Poles: Trekking Poles are not NECESSARY but trust me, they help a LOT. They help with balance and relieve pressure on the knees while hiking. A collapsible pole can be stored in your backpack, too. 
• Bug Spray: If you are going anywhere with bugs, bring spray. Your skin will thank you.
• Lotion/chapstick: Similar for places that can get dry and crack your skin.
• Hand Sanitizer: to wash your hands off without using water
• Games: cards, card games, small board games

If you are a first-timer, then you must do sufficient research before compiling the hiking packing list that’s right for you. The great outdoors can be beautiful and relaxing, but it can also be intimidating and scary, especially if you are not appropriately prepared.

Make sure you have an ample amount of supplies, food, and gear to make the hike more pleasurable. If you are planning a trip requiring a lot of travel, packing the essentials is much more important than packing unwanted stuff like laptops or board games. It all depends on you, and make sure to make the hike as fun as possible too.