Everything you need for your first night in the wild — and nothing you don’t. Tick as you pack, and never leave the trailhead wondering “did I forget something?” again. Bookmark this page, or use your browser Print option to save it as a PDF.
⛰ Shelter — The Big 4
Tent or shelter — check poles, stakes & footprint
Groundsheet / footprint
Guy lines & spare stakes
Repair tape / patch kit
🛌 Sleep System
Sleeping bag — rated for the low temp
Sleeping pad — insulation from the ground
Pillow (or stuff sack + clothes)
Liner (adds warmth, keeps bag clean)
🍽 Cook & Eat
Stove + fuel — check fuel level
Lighter + backup matches
Pot / mug & spork
Biodegradable soap & cloth
💧 Water
Water filter or purifier
Bottles / reservoir (2L+ capacity)
Electrolyte tabs
🎒 Pack & Carry
Backpack (40–65L) — fitted to your torso
Rain cover / dry bags
Trekking poles
🧥 Clothing (Layer Up)
Base layer — wool/synthetic, never cotton
Insulating mid-layer (fleece/puffy)
Waterproof shell jacket
Hiking socks (+ spare pair)
Hat, gloves, buff
Broken-in boots or trail shoes
🧭 Navigation
Map & compass — and know how to use them
Phone w/ offline maps + power bank
Route saved + shared with someone
🥒 Food
Meals (1.5–2 per day out) + spare
Trail snacks & a treat
🧼 Hygiene & Extras
Headlamp + spare batteries
Toothbrush, mini toothpaste
Whistle & emergency blanket
Toilet paper + trowel + zip bag
Multi-tool / knife
Hand sanitiser
Sun protection: cream, lip balm, shades
Quick-dry towel
Trash bag (pack it in, pack it out)
ID, cash/card, permits
5 First-Timer Tips That Save The Trip
1. No cotton. It holds sweat and rain and chills you. Wool or synthetic only.
2. Test everything at home. Pitch the tent, light the stove, walk in the boots — before you are miles from the car.
3. Pack heavy items high and close to your back. It keeps the load stable and saves your shoulders.
4. Never run a stove inside a closed tent. Carbon monoxide is silent and deadly — cook in the open air.
5. Tell someone your route and return time. The cheapest safety gear there is.
Not sure which gear to buy?
We have done the homework — honest, field-tested picks for tents, boots, filters, stoves and more, budget to premium.
See our top gear picks →
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