Planning a 3-day backpacking trip? You don’t need a mountain of gear — just the essentials. Here’s a compact, smart packing list to keep your load light and your experience smooth.

The Big Three

1. Backpack (40–50L): Lightweight and comfortable with a solid hip belt.
2. Shelter: Tent, tarp, or bivy. Ultralight options like the Durston X-Mid 1P are great.
3. Sleep System:
   • Sleeping bag/quilt (rated for season)
   • Sleeping pad (inflatable or foam)
   • Pillow (or just your clothes bag)

Clothing

• Base layers (top/bottom)
• Midlayer (fleece or puffy jacket)
• Rain jacket and rain pants
• Hiking shirt + pants or shorts
• Extra underwear and socks (at least 1 spare set)
• Lightweight gloves and beanie (if it gets chilly)

Kitchen

• Stove + fuel (e.g., Jetboil or BRS-3000T)
• Pot/mug + spork
• Lighter + backup firestarter
• Food (dehydrated meals, trail mix, energy bars)
• Water bottles or reservoir (2–3L capacity)
• Water filter (Sawyer, LifeStraw, etc.)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush + paste
• Wipes or bandana
• Trowel (for digging a cathole)
• TP or backcountry bidet
• Sunscreen + bug spray

Extras

• Headlamp + spare battery
• Trekking poles
• First aid kit
• Map/GPS/phone
• Dry bags or ziplocks for organization

Pro Tip: Do a trial pack and weigh your base weight (gear excluding food/water). Under 10–12 lbs? You’re in ultralight territory. Packing smart lets you hike farther, sleep better, and enjoy more.