The Naturalist Scout Checklists - Backpacking
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Backpacking Checklist

This list below does not include what you are wearing at the start of the backpacking trip. You should be wearing the following:
  1. Broken in hiking boots that give good ankle support (Tennis shoes should only be worn on beachcombing hikes)
  2. One pair of polypropylene or other socks that wick moisture away from your feet + one pair of wool socks
  3. One pair of shorts or long pants, depending on the time of year
  4. One short or long sleeve shirt, depending on the time of year
  5. Briefs or boxers

Things required for each person. Pack your clothing in separate gallon size plastic bags. You may combine small items like socks and underwear. Why do this?
  • If the pack leaks, clothing stays dry
  • You can keep dirty & clean clothing separated
  • Bags compress the clothing so it takes less space in the pack
  • If the pack falls into water, clothing stays dry, & the pack will float, and not sink to the bottom of a lake or river.

  1. Survival Kit - See Survival Kit list
  2. A good backpack with a hip belt
  3. Sleeping bag with a waterproof cover (Winter-0°, Spring & Fall-25°, Summer-45°)
  4. Air mattress or foam pad-most important in cold or wet weather
  5. One pair of long pants (Jeans are not good because they get wet & stay wet) Quick dry nylon ski pants are good
  6. Two pairs of shorts for warm weather. One may be swim trunks. In cold weather skip the shorts and bring 2 pairs of long pants
  7. One long sleeve shirt. Wool is best because it dries quickly
  8. 2-4 underwear-depending on trip length
  9. 2-4 t-shirts, depending on trip length. You might want to bring quick drying polypropylene shirts instead of cotton
  10. Two pairs of socks, one polypropylene and one wool
  11. One wool hat for cold rainy days
  12. Long johns (Tops & bottoms) (In the mountains, bring these in all 4 seasons. In the Midwest, only skip summer.)
  13. One wool sweater (One that compresses well)
  14. One rain jacket or poncho with hood
  15. Mittens in winter, Gloves in spring and fall
  16. Two garbage bags or one good pack cover
  17. Small towel for yourself & one for dishes
  18. Ivory or other biodegradable hand and dish soap. If you bring shampoo make sure it is also biodegradable
  19. Toothbrush
  20. One roll of toilet paper & matches to burn it after use
  21. Pad & pencil for log or messages
  22. One quart plastic water bottle with a wide mouth
  23. Water filter or water purification pills
  24. A fork and spoon
  25. Plastic drinking cup (Metal cups burn your lips)
  26. A 2-quart cooking pot (Avoid Boy Scout mess kits)
  27. A piece of aluminum foil for a pot lid
  28. Plastic bowl for eating. A pot lid can serve as a bowl
  29. Medicines or vitamins you take daily
  30. Sun glasses

Things that need to be brought by only one of partners
  1. Pancake griddle (6"x6")
  2. Pancake turner.
  3. One dish cleaning pad. Avoid SOS pads with soap.
  4. Small bottle of biodegradable dish soap.
  5. One G.I. can opener if you have cans (Try to avoid)
  6. Stove with extra fuel.
  7. Flashlight with new batteries. For long trips, bring an extra bulb and extra batteries.
  8. One small tube of toothpaste
  9. Needle and thread.
  10. Sun block cream.
  11. Moleskin in case of blisters
  12. A tent that weighs 5-7 lbs. with rain fly.
  13. 50 feet of thin, light-weight, but strong rope for hanging food in bear country or bring a plastic bear proof container.
  14. If there are river crossings bring 100 feet of rope to string across and hold onto.
  15. Tennis shoes for river crossings. Also nice in camp.


Optional Items
  1. Chapstick
  2. Headband
  3. Camera
  4. Cards
  5. Games
  6. Readin book
  7. Field guide books
  8. Air Splints
  9. G.P.S.
  10. Cell phone
  11. Wallet. Cars left at trailheads can be broken into.
  12. Car keys. Bring 2 sets. Carry one, and hide one on the vehicle.