Packing List Longer Hikes and Backpacking

Kyoto: Hiking from Kibune to Kurama

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Going Backpacking? Consider these items. We've tried to be particularly thorough, so pick and choose what fits your needs.

GENERAL ITEMS/ ALL CLIMATES

Pack
Choose carefully to make sure your pack will fit your needs. Different packs are designed for different-sized people, as well as the length and intensity of your trip.

UnderWear
Synthetic materials like polypropylene and polyester are a good choice for your innermost layer of clothing, as they sweep moisture away from your body, keeping you warmer in the process.

Midwear
Synthetic fleece and pile are lightweight and keep you insulated and dry. You can buy pants, pullovers, and vests in Polartec or other similar fabrics. Wool is also an option for midlayer clothing.
Thin Long-sleeved Shirt
This is preferably a "wicking" synthetic, to protect your skin from the sun and from insects.

Hiking Boots
Comfortable, waterproof, and broken in.

Hiking Socks
Consider a wool sock with a synthetic liner for maximum comfort and moisture control.

Hat
You'll need a sun hat for sun protection and a stocking cap for insulation in case it gets cold.

Sunscreen/Lip Protection
SPF15 or higher is best. The higher the elevation, the stronger the SPF required.

Sunglasses
A must.

Insect Repellant or Head Net
Each person's chemistry is different, so choose what works for you. Repellant brands containing DEET are the most common.

Compass and Maps
Always.

Rope
Should be 4-5mm by 10m.

Water Bottle
Know your liquidation requirements. Always bring more water than you think you'll need. The Nalgene style wide-mouth bottles are best.

Water Purification Tablets
Check with local authorities about which parasites or health concerns to be aware of. You may need iodine pills or a filtration system, Examples are Potable Aqua, PUR, Sweetwater.

Matches/Firestarter
You should get the strike-anywhere style, such as Ohio Blue Tips. You can store matches in a film cannister to keep them dry.

Knife/Multi-Purpose Tool
The Swiss Army style is fine.

Eating Utensils/Pots and Pans

Food

Camping Stove and Fuel

Biodegradable Soap for Dishes

Sleeping Bag
Make sure yours is the appropriate weight.

Sleeping Pad/Mattress

Tent or Bivy Shelter

Food Bag and Ropes

Ground Cloth

Camera/Film/Batteries
See our Photography Packing List for tips on cameras and photography.

Flashlight/Batteries
You can use a flashlight or a headlamp. Petzl brand headlamps are great.

Plastic Grocery Bags (2)

Toilet Paper and Airtight Bag
You'll need the bag to pack it out with you.

First Aid/Blister Kit
This should include the following: band aids, antiseptic, pain reliever, tape, gauze pads, moleskin/foam, and a little duct tape.

Repair Kit for Gear

Notebook and Pencil

Personal Toiletries
These should include biodegradable soap.

Small Mirror and Whistle
For safety reasons.

Emergency Blanket

SPECIAL ITEMS FOR HOT CLIMATES

More Water

Thin Long-sleeved Shirt
This is preferably a "wicking" synthetic, to protect your skin from the sun and from insects.

Pants
A quick-dry nylon or other synthetic will breathe and will provide some shade.

Special Footwear
This will vary widely according to activities, from jungle boots to sandals.

Lightweight Socks
These should be synthetic and quick-drying.

SPECIAL ITEMS FOR COLD CLIMATES

Warm Socks
Wool socks are great both for comfort and keeping moisture off the feet. You can add a polypropylene liner for additional moisture control.

Jacket
There are two forms of insulation for jackets: down and polyester wadding. Duck or goose down provides the best insulation for its weight and is easy to compress. However, down loses its ability to insulate when it gets damp. Synthetic versions are cheaper and continue to keep you warm even after they get wet.

Hat
Fifty percent of your body heat leaves your body through your head. Make sure you've got the appropriate fleece or wool headgear for your trip.

Pants
Fleece pants are best for insulation, but don't forget a waterproof pair in addition.

Gloves
Choose a wool or synthetic pair, not leather.

SPECIAL ITEMS FOR WET WEATHER

Outerwear
Polyurethane- or polyester-coated raingear provides maximum waterproofing and breathability. Gore-Tex is the best-known fabric for wet weather, although there are a number of other brands that function as well.

Pants
Jeans are a nightmare in cold and wet weather. Polyester/cotton or microfiber fabrics made from polyester are a more practical choice because they dry faster and provide better insulation.