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The Ultimate Packing List for a 3-Day Backpacking Trip

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.

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