Backpacking Gear List Template + 3-season Checklist
A backpacking gear list template + checklist, with sample selections (green columns) as an example.
Completing a gear list is one of the most important and most beneficial steps in preparing for a backpacking trip. A fully featured gear list can be used to:
Pack virtually (and avoid a gear explosion in the guest room),
Organize systems (e.g. clothing, shelter, kitchen),
Calculate pack weight,
Budget and track new purchases,
Prepare trips in the future, and
Check immediately pre-trip that all items are packed.
As part of the Planning Curriculum for my guided trips, every client is required to complete a gear list. To assist them in this process, I provide them with a gear list template, the same that is included below. Since 2011 this template has been shared with 80 trips and nearly 500 clients; it’s updated and refined annually. Unlike most other gear lists, this template is applicable to:
Spring, summer, and fall conditions;
All backpacking locations in North America (and, by extension, most of the world);
All trip lengths;
Men and women, young and old;
All ability levels; and,
Most backpacking styles.
In addition to making it universally applicable, I’ve also tried hard to make it instructive by including comments, examples, and links to more information.
Backpacking Gear List Template & Checklist
View the Template + Checklist in a larger window.
Download & edit the template
If you simply need a backpacking checklist, download the template as a PDF.
To use this spreadsheet as a template for your own gear list, you must make your own copy:
In a new tab or window, open the file Backpacking Gear List Template & Checklist.
If you do not have a Google account or if you prefer other software besides Google Docs, under “File” select “Download as” to generate your own Excel or CSV file. Otherwise,
Log in with your Google account, if you are not already.
Under “File” select “Make a copy.” Find your own copy of the file in Google Drive.
Instructions after download
Erase sample cells
In cells F3:P11, I included sample information to demonstrate how the template should be used. Erase these cells and fill them back in with your own selections.
I suppose you could erase cells B1:E140, too, but I think most users will find them to be a useful reference. You can also hide these columns to get them out of the way.
Think twice before adding rows
This template has been extensively vetted, and it should have space already for any reasonable selection. If a product category is missing, I probably deemed it unnecessary or redundant, even under rare circumstances. That said, if you believe that a worthy product category was omitted, add one in your own version; please leave me a comment below, too — I’m open to additional edits.
If rows are rearranged, the weight calculators must be redone
With basic spreadsheet know-how, this is straightforward. If the SUM function means nothing to you, however, my recommendation is to leave the template organized as-is.
IMPORTANT: Don’t pack everything on the list!
Gear selection should be dictated by:
Your backpacking style, i.e. ratio of hiking versus camping; and,
When, where, and for how long you are going, i.e. environmental and route conditions.
So that this template is broadly applicable, it includes many items that would be optional or completely unnecessary for your specific trip — but critical for others. For example, for a summertime Appalachian Trail section-hike, you don’t need insulated pants or an ice axe, but you may want both for a John Muir Trail thru-hike in June.
To determine the relevance of each product category, research the likely conditions, review trip-specific gear lists, and seek commentary on your selections.
Column Definitions
Pre-filled Columns
Item | A broad product category
Ranking | My assessment of an item’s general importance, as measured mostly by the safety and comfort that it provides.
Critical = A must-have, no exceptions
Suggested = A valuable addition, few reasons not to bring
Optional = Not critical, but worth consideration
Depends = Contingent on trip objectives, conditions, and/or other selections
Unnecessary = Unlikely to need and/or can be improvised
Description or Purpose | An explanation of its role or its usual specifications
Example | A real product that typifies the product category
More Info | Links to related reading and viewing on my website
Blank Columns
Rank | Your determination of the importance of a product type
Selection | The exact item that you have selected
Weight | A postal scale is an excellent investment for any backpacker
Pre-Hike Comments | Justify your selection, include key product specs, express your concerns, etc.
Certain? | Have you made a final decision, or are you still on the fence?
Alternate | Your secondary or backup option
Weighed? | Manufacturer specs are unreliable, especially if products are made in different sizes
In-hand? | Do you own this item already? Is it on order? Or do you need to buy, rent, or borrow it?
Packed? | When doing your final pack-up, use this column as a checklist to ensure that you have everything you need.
Other Notes | For information for which there is no dedicated space
How can I make this template + checklist more useful for you? Share your ideas, and tell me what you think of it.
Disclosure. This website is supported by affiliate marketing, whereby for referral traffic I receive a small commission from select vendors, at no cost to the reader. This post contains affiliate links. I have no other financial interests in any brands or products.
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