The Easy 3-Day Backpacking Checklist

Packing for a multi-day hike isn’t a small task, but it will be rewarding during the long days on the trails. Preparation is a hiker’s best friend — remember, there is no easy way to return and grab the item you forgot.

Before embarking on a 3-day hiking trip, have a hand at smaller treks to test out to see if your checklist is sound. However, this is a reliable foundation for a 3-day backpacking checklist.

The Walking Essentials

You’re ready to get those miles in. The key to a comfortable hike is a lightweight backpack and weather-appropriate clothes. You may not notice how heavy your gear is until about an hour into the walk. Then, it seems like nothing has ever weighed more.

Check weather conditions to plan outfits for your quest. If it’s going to be sunny, remember sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat and breathable fabrics. It may get cold at night, and insulating materials like wool or synthetic are advised. Even if the weather doesn’t call for rain, bringing a raincoat is a great idea.

While walking, ensure you wear broken-in shoes made for the terrain and utilize walking sticks or trekking poles to help distribute weight on uneven ground. Have a compass, map or GPS handy to supplement trail markers.

In your backpack, you should always keep identification, cash, a cellphone — either turned off or in airplane mode to save battery — and permits if applicable. 

Specific trails, especially in the national parks system, require backcountry permits for overnight backpacking. Check your destination’s regulations regarding what’s legally required for trekkers because sometimes that includes more than just permits.

Many items you would bring on a short hike apply to longer outings. However, let’s dive deeper into overnight specifics.

The Ideal Camp 

All of your hard work has paid off — hopefully, you witnessed beautiful natural landmarks on the way. Now, it’s time to set up camp.

Depending on your style and the weather conditions, you may opt not to carry a tent, but most will. Whether traveling alone or with company, ensure the tent is large enough to hold you, others and backpacks to keep them out of animal view.

To see, bring headlamps or flashlights with necessary batteries or charging materials so you don’t have to wander in the dark.

It’s vital to rest before tackling another day of hiking. Bring temperature-controlled sleeping bags and inflatable pads for comfort. You could choose to bring a hammock with a rain fly or bug net instead of sleeping on the ground — depending on the climate.

The Emergency Kit

Nothing matters more while backpacking than safety. Hopefully, you won’t need to use anything in an emergency kit, but don’t skimp on anything for the sake of weight.

Assemble a first aid kit. Depending on where you’re hiking, this could vary based on animals and plants, but here are some ideas:

• Travel-sized packets of various medicines like Benedryl, Ibuprofen and Imodium
• Gauze, bandages and band-aids
• Hydrogen peroxide or disinfecting wipes
• Bug and pest-related remedies like a tick key or mosquito repellent
• Anything related to personal allergies like EpiPens
• Prescribed medicines

There are plenty of emergency items that aren’t first aid. Some park services require specific safety items, so review every regulation before hitting the trailhead, such as:

• Emergency communications devices
• Flares or beacons
• Whistles
• Bear canisters

Other suggestions include duct tape, safety pins and a small sewing kit if you need to make repairs on your gear. Review any current safety warnings from your destination’s park services to be on the safe side.

The Travel Kitchen

You’ll be burning many calories on the trails, so pack adequate nutrition to stay healthy and satiated. For the path, consider dry foods like trail mix and granola bars packed with the fuel you’ll need to keep walking.

The most important reminder for the trails is to stay hydrated. You could opt for insulated water bottles or reservoirs. The water you start with may not last the entire trip. Bring tablets or another purification system to ensure the water is safe for consumption.

For camp, a backpacking stove and fuel are paramount to preparing meals that will vary your diet throughout the trip. For fire-starting, any combination of lighters, matches and tinder all suffice to help heat dehydrated dinners or boil water. All you’ll need is utensils and a trusty multi-tool, and dinner is served.

The Portable Bathroom

In every aspect of the backpacking trip, it’s critical to leave no trace, either at camp or on the trails. This means properly disposing of waste and leaving the area the way you found it.

For urinating, it’s vital to steer clear of waterways to avoid contamination. Try to be near gravel or pine needles so the scent doesn’t linger to attract animals. For number two, pack a trowel to dig appropriately sized cat holes to bury any waste. 

Pack toilet paper or biodegradable wipes for cleaning yourself. You may bring Ziploc bags or designated garbage sacks to dispose of them in proper sanitary containers when located. 

Always wash with hand sanitizer or biodegradable soaps to ensure the environment won’t be negatively affected by cleaning chemicals. A towel is also helpful, but ensure to get a quick-drying material.

Be Prepared for Backpacking

Backpacking can be just as exhilarating as it is exhausting — so make the time investment worth it by crafting a backpack of perfection. All you have to do is have a camera ready to recall every site and sunset for years to come.