General Backpacking Trip Packing List

 General Backpacking Trip Packing List

(updated on July 23, 2024)


Here in the great Pacific Northwest, we are blessed with a mild climate - not too hot and not too cold. The packing list below will work for most typical overnight trips in the PNW in the non-winter months (May-September). 

A great resource for a general trip packing list can be found here:
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-checklist.html

This packing list is aimed at the Lake Lucerne Youth Backpacking Trip to Annette Lake on June 18-19, 2021. 

Updated for the 2024 LL YM High Adventure Trip.

Personal Gear

Backpack
A smaller day pack is encouraged for multi-day trips (such as the 2024 High Adventure trip)

Sleeping System:
-sleeping bag
-sleeping pad (closed cell foam or inflatable)
-pillow (keep it small - 1/3 size of regular pillow is good)

Shelter System:
-Tent (see Group Gear explanation below) or hammock with tarp tent and other stuff

Clothing (also called the Insulation System):
(upper)
-shell coat (prefer with hood)
-lightweight, warm jacket - optional in the warmer summer months
-long-sleeve shirt
-short sleeve shirt
-warm hat (fleece is great)
-light gloves
-bug net for your head

(Lower)
-hiking pants
-athletic shorts

-bottom baselayer - optional in the warmer summer months
-socks (2 pair, min.)
-swimsuit - if desired


Nutrition System (food listed separately)
-spoon! (fork and knife are not necessary)
-small bowl (may not be necessary, depending on your trail snacks)

Hydration System:
-1-liter water bottle (disposable is fine - Gatorade style bottle works great) 

Sun Protection System:
-cap and bandana or sun hat
-sunglasses
-sunscreen (small bottle - most of the hike is shaded)

First Aid (leaders will bring extra):
-band-aids
-tape
-gauze pads
(start small - in a plastic sandwich bag - and improve with time)

Navigation:
-Map, compass, GPS unit not required, for now


Illumination System:

-Headlamp (headlamp is easier than a flashlight - hands free!)
-Extra batteries


Group Gear

Group gear means these items can be shared or provided by the ward.

Tent - If you have a preferred tent that you like, bring it. We have several 2-man tents that can be borrowed. Please contact an adult leader before the trip if you need to borrow anything. We have plenty to lend out. We just need the time to coordinate. 

Water Filter - youth do not need to bring this. Adult leaders will provide filtered water


Food

Keep it simple - make your life easier! Start with easy and simple solutions.

Overnight backpacking trips typically last about 20-24 hours. Leave Friday around 4 pm, return home around 2-3pm on Saturday. Meals needed are Dinner, Breakfast and maybe lunch, with a few snacks. 

Dinner - bring a freeze-dried meal in a pouch. Arrive at the campsite, boil 2 cups of water, add water to the pouch, wait 10 minutes, eat with a spoon out of the pouch. Easy peasy! No cleanup and super simple. 

Breakfast - recommended no cooking

Lunch - recommended no cooking - sandwich or tortilla roll or similar. Salami or pepperoni are great meat options - they don't need refrigeration. Peanut butter and jelly/honey are a great option that keeps well, too.

Snacks - trail mix, fruities, granola bars (or similar), beef jerky, whatever

*** - Please put all food in a single bag that is durable. Each night, everyone needs to hang their food bags up high on a line (keep it away from critters and such). A drybag style stuff sack is strongly encouraged. 


Pro Tips

 - When packing, gather your stuff, lay it out neatly and go thru the checklist. Then, after you have everything, pack your backpack.

- Pack similar items (especially small ones) in stuff sacks. This helps organize and keep stuff together.

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