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Backpacking Clothing and Equipment-Pack List
The following is a description of required clothing and equipment for a backpacking outing. Developing a
pack list is a philosophical exercise and every trek leader has his own ideas for a pack list – so consider
this a starting point.
Personal Gear:
o Backpack and rain cover (garbage bag OK)
o Sleeping bag in a waterproof stuff sack
o Sleeping pad (pillow optional)
o Personal first aid kit
o Two water bottles – minimum 2 liters total
o Two small flashlights
o Scoop and toilet paper
o Mess Kit (bowl, cup, utensils)
o Light towel and/or bandana
o Sunglasses
o Carabineer
o Emergency Food
o Personal Items (Toothbrush, soap, glasses,
contact solution, medicines)
o Emergency Kit: compass, pocket knife,
sunscreen, chap stick, signaling devices
(whistle and mirror), space blanket (bag
style preferred), paper and pencil, map in a
waterproof bag, matches in a waterproof
bag, water purifier tablets, duct tape, insect
repellent, two zip lock bags, two garbage
bags
Nice to Have:
Stool or Chair, Walking Sticks, Itch eraser,
Camera, Mosquito Hat, Wire Saw, Spices for
food, Waterproof Watch, Fishing Pole, Vitamins
Each Buddy Team:
o Tent (count the stakes) and ground cloth
(optional)
50miler.com Backpacking Pack List
Clothing (including what you wear):
o Hiking boots (broken in)
o Water shoes/camp shoes
o 2-3 pair non-cotton socks
o 2-3 pair sock liners (optional)
o 2-3 Hiking shorts or pants (at least one pair
of long pants and something that can be
used as a swimsuit)
o 0-3 pair underwear
o 2 T-shirts and one long sleeve shirt
o Rain gear or poncho
o Hat or Cap (Wide Brim)
o Warm heavy shirt, sweater, sweatshirt or
jacket (no cotton)
o Fleece pants or long underwear bottoms
o Gloves or glove liners and warm hat
Troop Equipment
o Water filters - Water jugs/bottles/bags
o Stove and fuel bottles
o Stuff sacks for food
o Large and/or medium cooking pots
o Cook Kit: spatula, serving spoon and/or
utensils, measuring cup, camp suds and
sponge, bleach, scrubber, Purell
o Troop First Aid Kit (check it every outing)
o Bear bags and rope (50 ft ¼” braided nylon
rope, 50 ft 1/8” parachute cord, 2 ft 1/8”
nylon cord) or Bear Canisters in some
areas
o Repair Kit (sewing kit, wire, pliers or
Leatherman, superglue, tube, O rings for
filter, rope)
o Permits, Maps, Medical Forms
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Pack List Descriptions

Weight Estimate (pounds)
Equipment Summary Low End High End Actual No one should be carrying the
“High End Weight”. It is listed
Clothing 7.5 11.7
so you can see how much you
Personal Gear 12.9 19.5 can save if you are careful. It
Tent Mate Gear 3.1 4.1 is even possible to be less
than the “Low End Weight”,
Troop Gear 12 3.1 3.1 which is what you should be
hikers striving to make.
Optional Items 0 6.0
Total Pack Weight 26.6 44.4
Items you wear are not included in the above totals, nor is food weight (estimated at 1.5 to 2.0 pounds per
day, per hiker) or water (which adds 3-7 pounds per hiker).

Personal Gear:
Backpack: There are two main types of backpacks: the external frame and the internal frame. The
conventional wisdom used to be that external frames are for trail hiking and internal frames are for off trail
hiking. Most of our hiking is on trails, but some Scouts and adult leaders prefer the internal frame and
these packs have become the most commonly available packs. For extended treks the internal frame
pack should have a volume over 3,000 cubic inches (50 liters), but less than 4,200 cubic inches (70
liters). The larger the pack, the greater the tendency to fill it with nonessentials.

When buying a pack it is recommended that you try on a “fully” loaded pack, and take your time to insure
proper fit. Renting or borrowing a pack is also a good way to test one out. Be certain to work all of the
pocket zippers. And be sure the pack allows sufficient space and tie-downs to accommodate the
sleeping bag and pad. Your purchase should consider multiple adjustments to handle your expected
growth. Also, the pack can be refitted a few months prior to any major trek.

Waterproof Pack Cover needs to be large enough to protect items strapped to the exterior of the pack.
A couple of large garbage bags may be suitable for summer hiking in the Sierras, but if multiple rainy
days are anticipated a dedicated pack cover is better. Some backpacks are waterproof, but like a tent,
the seams need to be sealed. Check your cover, or backpack, for “waterproofness” prior to the trek.

Sleeping Bags are available in many sizes, fabric, fill, color, and price. A bag in the low-middle price
range filled with synthetic material is recommended. Down bags are not recommended because they are
ineffective when wet. The sleeping bag should have a comfort rating from 20° to 30° and should weigh
no more than 3.5 pounds, but preferably less. Two-way zippers (can be opened from either end) allow
ventilation of the foot-end of the bag without completely unzipping the bag. Plastic zippers are
recommended over standard metal zippers; the large zippers work best. While hiking, the sleeping bag
should be carried in a waterproof or garbage bag lined stuff-sack to ensure it stays dry. Compression
stuff-sacks are not recommended as they over compress and damage the filling material. Note: sleeping
bags should not be stored in the stuff-sack at home, as this will mat the filling, causing a reduction in loft,
and thus warmth. Bags are best stored in "cloth storage bags" or left laying as loose as possible. At least
30 minutes before turning in for the night you should fluff up your bag to give the insulation time to loft. It
is best to air out your sleeping bag upon waking and upon reaching camp to retain its loft.

Sleeping Pad & Pillow: A closed-cell type foam pad (e.g., insolite or the accordion style by Z-Rest work
well) is good to keep out the cold and to preserve the sleeping bag. Shorter length pads can be

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purchased, or longer pads can be cut, to reduce the amount of bulk and weight (head to knee length is
sufficient). Self-inflating pads are not good for Scouts because they can be punctured. A “backpacker’s
pillow” is an optional added piece of comfort, or you can use your sleeping bag’s stuff sack filled with your
fleece jacket and a tee shirt as a pillow case. If you want to get fancy, sew a piece of flannel to the inside
face of half of your stuff sack, then turn it inside out to use as a pillow with a built in cover.

Personal First Aid Kit: The Troop gear includes a fully stocked first aid kit, but you should also carry a
personal first aid kit to handle minor problems. Kits are typically “personalized”, but all kits should include
moleskin (for blisters), several adhesive bandages of various sizes, a few gauze pads, adhesive tape,
and disinfecting ointment.

Water Bottles: Two wide mouth plastic water bottles (32 ounce size) that fit inside the larger side pocket
of most packs are preferred. Small mouth bottles are difficult to clean and to fill with a water filter, or a
drink mix. Some scouts and adults use a bladder system, such as Platypus or Camelbak, for easier
access. The actual amount of water you carry should be a function of distance between water sources,
with consideration to dry camps. Your water bottle is a “smellable” if you add a drink mix to it and should
be in the bear bag at night. Having different colored bottles allows you to differentiate between them.

Two flashlights with new batteries: Flashlights with two AA-cell alkaline batteries are good. A
lightweight option is the micro photon light. The “coal miner’s” head mounted flashlight provides hands
free use, but weighs more. (A photon light with a small piece of Velcro attached to it and the bill of the hat
can replace the “coal miner’s” light.)

Scoop and toilet paper: A light weight plastic shovel for digging “cat holes” is required in wilderness
areas. Store sufficient unscented toilet paper in a zip lock bag along with a small (2 ounce) bottle of hand
sanitizer (“Purell”) for hand washing. The hand sanitizer should be stored in the bear bag at night.
Paperless expeditions are becoming more common as backpackers become more sensitive to their
environmental impact.

Mess Kit: Any light weight plastic bowl, or a plate with upturned sides, is sufficient. The disposable
kitchen containers from Ziploc are convenient because they provide a lid (bowl) and a plate, and a place
to keep your spoon. They are also shallow enough you can “lick” them clean, prior to washing. A Lexan
plastic spoon, or “spork” is sufficient for all eating needs. Do not use the cheap disposable plastic spoons
because they melt and break too easily. A plastic insulated cup is useful for hot drinks and can also be
used as a bowl. A handle on the cup is nice to avoid burns.

Personal Items: This includes toothbrush, soap, and if needed medicine, eyeglasses, contacts and
cleaning solution.

Bandana or Small Towel: The Bandana can be used to wipe sweat off while hiking, as a lightweight
washcloth, or as a pot holder. A “Backpacker’s towel” or a very thin and small bath towel is useful for
drying after a wash/swim, but a shirt can also serve this purpose.

Carabineer: A large carabineer is good for bear bags, river crossing, and stringing rope. You don’t need
a mountain climber’s (expensive) carabineer, but don’t get the really cheap ones you see at the checkout
counter either.

Emergency Food: This is the food you eat when you get separated from the group – or when you are
just hungry and the group meal is not ready. Be careful that you don’t add too much weight here by
bringing too much. Plan on one or two snacks a day and you will be alright. That usually means 7-8
power bars, granola bars, or candy bars.

Emergency Kit: Keeping all of your emergency items in a small bag is convenient. The kit should consist

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of; compass, small container of sunscreen, space blanket, chap stick, paper (one sheet is enough), short
pencil (w/ duct tape wrapped around it), map (in waterproof bag), matches (in waterproof container), small
pocket knife, whistle, signaling mirror, iodine tablets (or other chemical water treatment), insect repellant
(Deet works best), two large garbage bags and two Ziploc gallon size bags, can be used to hold gear,
cover a pack, store wet clothes, wash clothes, or even collect garbage.

Clothing (including what you wear)

All clothing should be lightweight and synthetic or mixed cotton/synthetic (but no more than 20% cotton).
The clothes listed below are for mild weather conditions. If cold or exceptionally wet conditions are
expected, an extra change of clothes and/or warmer (and heavier) clothes may be appropriate.

Hiking Boots & Camp Shoes: Care of the feet is critical. Bad footwear can result in blisters, turned or
broken ankles and just simply aching feet, turning a fun hike into a death march. Backpacking boots
should be purchased to fit you now, as opposed to buying boots you can "grow into." Purchase boots
with the socks that will be worn while hiking and break them in with a minimum of 20 miles of hiking, with
a loaded pack. Scouts should not carry a pack if not wearing proper boots. It is very easy to sprain or
break an ankle on the trail and tennis shoes provide little protection.

Light weight strap-on sandals (“Tevas” or “Crocs”) are helpful at river crossings and can be worn in camp.

Socks & Liners: Two or three pairs of heavy wool or synthetic hiking socks are sufficient. Some people
also prefer two or three pairs of polypropylene sock liners. The liners “wick” perspiration away from the
foot, and reduces friction to prevent blisters. (Try wearing a liner on one foot during a few of the practice
hikes (especially on hot days) to see what works best for you.)

Pants or shorts: Three pair of pants and/or shorts, including one lightweight pair of long pants is good to
have for a week-long expedition. The pants with the zip off legs are suitable and can double as hiking
shorts. One pair of shorts should be suitable for swimming. Also bring one pair of fleece pants, or long
underwear bottoms, for the evenings, and possibly for sleeping.

Underwear: Underwear can be eliminated if you wear shorts with liners, or you may want to only bring
one pair of underwear for sleeping.

Shirts: Two synthetic tee shirts and one lightweight long sleeve shirt are sufficient. You may want to
bring an additional tee shirt for sleeping, or use your long sleeve shirt.

Rain Gear: Your rain gear should be lightweight, waterproof and preferably breathable. A combination
jacket and pants are better for some, but the pants are not required. A vinyl poncho is also acceptable.
Test out your rain gear well before the trek. If significant rain (or hot sun) is expected an optional small,
light weight umbrella can be very useful, as it provides a moveable tarp.

Hats & Gloves: One wide brim hat for hiking (baseball caps provide no ear or back of neck protection),
and one lightweight knit pullover hat for warmth at night. A mosquito hat, or head net, weighs very little,
and is really good to have when the mosquitoes are swarming. Also, bring one light weight pair of gloves
or liners for cold mornings (not ski gloves).

Warm Jacket: The warm jacket, or pullover, (made of fleece, wool, or a heavier synthetic) should be
relatively lightweight and suitable for most summer treks. Layering this with a tee shirt, long sleeve shirt,
and rain jacket should keep you warm in most expected conditions.

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Tent Mate Gear:

Tent with Fly, Stakes and Ground Cloth: The tent should be chosen and tested well before the trek.
Make sure the seams are sealed and do not leak, you have the required number of stakes, and the
ground cloth fits the tent. The tent also needs to be thoroughly cleaned, inside and out, to remove food
smells, prior to the trek or else you may have a night time visitor weighing in at over 300 pounds. (Make
sure you have all the stakes and poles.)

Troop Gear:
Water Filters: A minimum of three water filters. Additional filters, or replacement cartridges, may be
required for larger groups during extended treks, and depending on expected water clarity.

Water Bags: One or two (depending on the size and type of trek) collapsible plastic bags that hold about
2 gallons each and can be filled directly from the water filter. Check for leaks prior to trek.

Stoves & Fuel Bottles: One stove for every four hikers, with a three stove minimum. Fuel is a function
of the number of cooked meals, the food being cooked, the weather, and the elevation. In a large group a
reasonable estimate for fuel consumption is about 1/8 of a canister of butane/propane mixture, or 1/8 of a
pint of white gas per person per day. Therefore, for 12 people you would need about 1.5 canisters or 1.5
white gas fuel bottles (16 ounces each) per day. Carrying 1 to 2 spares, depending on the trek size and
duration is wise.

Stuff sacks for food: Large nylon stuff sacks with handle straps to be clipped to the bear rope. The
quantity depends on the number of hikers and the number of days hiking.

Cooking Pots: At least two 8-quart pots with lids and (maybe) one 2-quart pot with lid.

Cook Kit: A Ziploc bag with a large plastic serving spoon, ladle, spatula (if required), measuring cup, can
opener (if required), extra matches in a water proof container, bottle of hand sanitizer for hand cleaning,
and a garbage bag or piece of plastic to be used as a ground table/drying tarp. A Ziploc bag with a bottle
of camp suds, scrub pads (cut into about 1" squares sufficient for each cooked meal), and fine mesh
screen (about 5” square) inside another zip lock bag for straining waste water.

First Aid Kit: This red vinyl bag marked with the Red Cross symbol should be checked and restocked
before each trek by the trek medic or Troop doctor. The adult medic (often the Trek Leader) carries the
bag in an easily accessible pack pocket also market with the Red Cross symbol. All hikers should know
where this kit is kept.

Bear Bagging Kit: A mesh bag with one 50' polypropylene rope (3/8" diameter), two 50' cords, two 2'
long cords tied in separate loops, two large carabineers, and one small throw bag. For a crew of 12
staying a week or more this gear needs to be doubled. Some areas (like Yosemite) require bear
canisters.

Maps, Permits and Medical Forms: Two Ziploc bags, carried by that day’s Navigator and the Adult
Trek Advisor, each holding good quality map(s) for the trek along with the trail profile. The Senior Patrol
Leader will provide all hikers with a copy of the map for their personal use. All maps will be pre-marked
for magnetic declination. The Adult Trek Advisor will also carry the hiking permit and medical forms.

Repair Kit: The fully stocked repair kit could include a nylon patch, rubber cement, super glue, brass
tube (for tent pole splice), wire, sewing kit (with thread, needles, and safety pins), clevis pins, plastic tie
straps, dental floss, a stove and water filter repair kit (including silicone and O rings), duct tape, a
Leatherman tool, and 50' of lightweight cord.

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