I love creating lists so of course, I create a packing list each time I go on a trip, regardless of what kind of trip it is. I have a couple of templates I work off of – one for camping trips and one for long distance walks/travel. Every trip I take falls basically into one of those two categories and then I modify the list based on the specific activity or trip. My camping packing list would look slightly different if I was going car camping with friends than if I was going solo backcountry hiking/camping but not as much as you think. I just think more about weight when I have to carry everything in my pack.

This trip, I tried to keep my weight down as much as possible as I hadn’t carried a loaded pack in a while, other than to prepare for the camping trip. And I also decided to plan no cooler meals to simply my food. Keep reading to see what I brought, what worked, and what I will change for next time.

Everything fit into my Gregory Amber 44L backpack (in Chili Pepper Red), which is a great pack and fits my back like a dream. I’ve had it for a few years now and it’s probably my most comfortable backpack. It also comes with a rain cover (which was used this trip). If only it was carryon sized, it would be perfect.

What was in my pack

Clothes

This has historically been the category I brought too much stuff in, which is why I went with my 44L Amber and not my bigger pack as it forced me to only bring the essentials. Although I still didn’t cut it down as much as I could. Everything was stuffed into a large ziplock bag.

The basics: 2 non-cotton underwear, 2 wool hiking socks, 1 pjs (yoga pants and t-shirt)

The layers: 1 hiking t-shirt, 1 fleece jacket

The outerwear and extras: 1 rain jacket, 1 baseball cap, 1 pair flip flops

What I wore: underwear, bra, socks, hiking t-shirt, hiking leggings, hiking boots

The only thing I’d change was I forgot to pack my Tevas and ended up bringing an old pair of cheap flip flops from my stuff at my Mom’s place. Never again! Tevas are so much more comfortable after hiking.  

Camp Equipment

My sleep system: lightweight 2 person backpacking tent, foam sleeping pad, sleeping bag. While all are lightweight, I’d love to upgrade my sleeping bag someday.

Food/Cooking: soft-sided small drink cooler I use as a bear bag, rope to hang it, water purification tablets, waterproof matches & fire-starters, camp stove with fuel tablets, pot set, pocketknife, wooden spatula/spoon, collapsible wash bucket, pot scrubber & biodegradable dish soap, mug, spork, and water bottle. (I would normally pack dishes but as I was solo hiking, I ate out of the pot to save a bit of space/weight.)

Other essentials: 1 roll toilet paper, headlamp/flashlight, sun and bug protection, first-aid kit, trail map and compass, portable battery & cord, zip-lock bags, garbage bag, tarp

Note: I pack small things inside bigger things whenever possible, so most was either packed in my pot set or food bag.

Personal: minimal toiletries (dental care, soap, hand sanitizer, contacts, Advil, comb), notepad & pen, magazine, camera, quick-dry towel

Food

I brought enough food for two and a half days of meals, nothing that needed a cooler.

Breakfast: high protein granola bars, instant coffee & hot chocolate powder (I’m a tea drinker but instant coffee and hot chocolate are easier when I can’t bring milk)

Lunch: peanut butter & banana on a tortilla, apple slices (I wanted something that I could eat on the go and that wouldn’t squash easily)

Dinner: instant ramyen & pepperettes, couscous & tuna (both cook up quickly and so don’t use a lot of solid fuel tabs.

Snacks and drinks: Kool-Aid singles, trail mix (I brought a bit too much and it was heavy, might forgo it next time), dried apricots (my fav hiking snack)

Final Thoughts

Despite the fact that my pack was a teeny bit too small for what I brought (my sleeping mat was on the outside), it worked. And other than bringing way too much trail mix, I didn’t bring anything I didn’t use. Definitely will make sure I pack my Tevas next time though, the cheap flip flops were uncomfortable which is not what you want in your after-hike camp shoes.

What’s in your pack on an overnight or weekend hike?