Backcountry Camping: What to Pack for Comfort and Adventure

Backcountry camping is equal parts adventure and puzzle. You’re heading deep into the wild with nothing but what you can carry—and suddenly every ounce matters. The trick is learning how to pack light without giving up the things that make your trip comfortable (because let’s be honest, no one’s enjoying the wilderness with soggy socks and no coffee).

Before we dive into the packing list, let’s talk about the one piece of gear that matters most: your backpack.

Get Fitted for Your Pack

You’ll be hiking for miles with 30–50 lbs strapped to your back. If your pack doesn’t fit correctly, those miles will feel like misery. Do yourself a favor and stop by REI (or your local outfitter) to get measured and fitted. A good pack shifts the weight onto your hips where it belongs—leaving your shoulders free to enjoy the view instead of screaming at you by mile three.

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Backcountry Packing List

Here’s a well-rounded list of what to bring, including some of my tried-and-true favorites. I’ve also included bougie splurge options (for those who want ultralight and luxe (ha! Just kidding nothing is luxe in the woods)) and budget-friendly alternatives (for those who’d rather save cash).

Shelter & Sleep

• Tent under 2 lbs – Look for something compact to fit inside or outside your pack. Easy to set up also helps. My favorite is the Marmot Catalyst Tent

• Sleeping Bag – Check packability and the temperature rating for your trip. Being too hot or too cold can make or break your trip.

• Sleeping Pad

• Budget: Zoobelives – heavier but super cheap and comfy, with a foot pump to inflate.

• Bougie: Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe Insulated Pad – lightweight, easy to inflate, and cozy.

• Camping Pillow

• Budget: lsffm camping pillow – simple and compact.

• Bougie: Hest Camping Pillow – luxurious comfort, even in the backcountry.

Backpack & Footwear

• Backpack (30L or bigger) – Ensure everything fits inside, or securely attaches to the outside. Think of it as your wilderness closet.

• Hiking Boots – Waterproof, broken-in, and ready for rocky miles. My favorite: Danner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots - Women's

• Chacos – Great for camp shoes and water crossings. You can save space and hook these to a carabiner on the outside of your bag.

Clothing

• Change of clothes – Merino wool is a great option as it dries fast and doesn’t hold odor. I sleep in what I plan hiking in the next day. This saves space because you don’t need to pack

PJs.

• Extra pants – In case of mud, water, or weather surprises.

• Extra socks – Dry feet = happy feet.

Hygiene & Health

• Face/Body wipes

• Budget: Goodwipes – inexpensive and reliable.

• Bougie: Ursa Major – refreshing and a little more luxe.

• Travel toothbrush + toothpaste (squeeze into a small pill case to save space).

• Unscented deodorant – Keeps the bears uninterested.

• 2 Gallon Ziploc bag – Pack it in, pack it out (leave no trace).

Food & Cooking

• Stove + Fuel – Small backpacking stoves work wonders. Jetboil is compact and boils super fast

• MREs or dehydrated meals – Lightweight, no-fuss dinners and breakfasts. Fried rice is always my favorite plus you can stop by your local Chinese restaurant and snag some small soy sauce or hot sauce packets.

• Snacks – High-protein, high-energy options like nuts, jerky, or bars.

• Instant coffee – Because mornings in the backcountry are better with caffeine. Purchasing a small yeti coffee cup with a lid will help your coffee stay warm. It’s amazing how quick it gets cold in the woods!

Essentials & Extras

• Headlamp – Trust me, you’ll thank yourself when you need to pee at 2 a.m.

• Battery pack + cord – Keeps your phone, GPS, or camera charged.

• Compact first aid kit – Just in case blisters and other things happen. Best to be prepared.

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Tips for Packing Smart

• Go Light: Every ounce counts. A lightweight tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag will make your pack much more manageable.

• Balance Your Load: Pack your light bulky items such as your pillow and sleeping bag on the bottom close to your back. It will act like padding! Stuff loose items in every nook and cranny to utilize the entire pack.

• Pack Multi-Use Items: A bandana or buff can be a towel, pot holder, or neck/head cover. Your Chacos can be both camp shoes and water shoes.

• Attach Smartly: If something doesn’t fit inside (like a sleeping pad), make sure it attaches securely to the outside so it doesn’t swing with each step. Attach your coffee cup to the outside of your bag with a carabiner.   

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Pee Prepared: Trail Tested Bathroom Tips

When nature calls in the backcountry, it’s best to be prepared with a little wilderness bathroom kit of your own. I always pack a female urination device (game changer when you don’t want to wrestle with layers) such as a go-girl, biodegradable toilet paper, and a several wet wipes for freshness (pack these out). A small digging tool makes it easy to follow Leave No Trace principles, ensuring you can leave the spot just as wild as you found it. And because organization is everything on the trail, I tuck it all neatly into an extra ziploc bag—plus an extra one to hold used items until I can properly dispose of them later. It keeps things discreet, clean, and hassle-free, so you can focus on the adventure instead of the logistics.

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Final Thought

Backcountry camping isn’t about packing the most—it’s about packing the right gear. With a well-fitted backpack, a smart balance of budget-friendly and splurge-worthy gear, and a mindset for adventure, you’ll be ready to head deep into the wilderness and enjoy every step of the journey.

The wilderness is waiting. Pack light, walk far, and don’t forget the coffee.