If you are looking for a backpacking list and some tips for your next backpacking experience, then you are at the correct place.
We recently went to Havasupai in Arizona and spent 3 nights, three days there and had to pack everything in our backpacks. Here is a list of what to pack and some tips!!!
Here is a photo of my big backpack and my small one. I paid for a mule for my big bag but it was light and easy to pack in case I needed to hike with it. It was a total of 22lbs and it had everything I needed. My small pack had some snacks, my water, my hammock, my poles and a bathing suit.
Make sure you have good back packs with the right size for you. My husband has a much bigger one which I could never do a long hike with his pack. I like having straps around my belt area so I can minimize the weight from my shoulders. Plan accordingly!!!
Tent or hammock or both (depending on your backpacking trip and weather)
Light tarp (for the weather)
Mosquito net if needed (for your hammock). People told me Havasu had no bugs, and I 100% experienced bugs!
Sleeping bag, sleeping pad, some people like pillows (I used my airplane one because it fit in my backpack).
Toiletries - tooth paste, tooth brush, soap, sanitizer, wipes, deodorant, toilet paper. Note: I did not pack any shampoo, conditioner or hair products to keep it very light, I knew I would not do anything with my hair for those 4 days. If you know me, you would know I was in survivor and I spent 26 there with nothing... so this one was very easy for me.
Shirts for each day - yes at least one per days because you can get very stinky!
Pants for the trip - I reused some of my pants (I had shorts and long pants for the bugs and the changing weather).
Sleeping clothes - I made sure my sleeping clothes was different so I can feel comfortable sleeping.
Socks for each day
Rain coat or poncho
Appropriate shoes - I had my hiking shoes, my water shoes and flip flops. I like the flip flops for around the camp! I personally love it because I don't use my wet or bulky shoes.
Bathing suits - if u are camping in an areas you can swim. I used my bathing bottom with sports bra as my bathing suit.
Camping towel (mine is super tiny and light)
Flash lights - I had my solar one and my head lamp. You may only need one.
Compass or gps or maps (many hiking areas or national parks have no signals)
I packed my book!!!! I wanted entertainment and was willing to carry it
Chargers and/or solar chargers.
First aid kit
Poles if you think they are needed - we felt like the helped us a lot!
Cooking options below...
***More about cooking and food tips below...***
Additional Tips:
Pack everything in zip locks per day. It helps you keep everything organized and it helps if you spill or get lots of rain. Also, place socks and anything lose inside your shoes if they are not something you can collapse or squeeze. Make sure to use every little space.
What about cooking and food items?
21. Coffee (this is a must for me)
22. Sugar, salt and pepper packets
23. Dry creamer
24. Mini stove and mini gas tank
25. Spoon, fork and camping knife
26. For bfast: I had oatmeal packs (with water), or protein bars
27. For lunch: I had rice (there are all kinds of easy rice with different flavors), chicken packets or tuna packets.
28. For dinner: we had rice, or tuna, or chicken, our favorite was Indian packs (yum yum), and ramen noodles.
29. Plenty of hot drinks like hot cocoa, or chicken stuck or of course coffee!
30. I have a special pot for two with cups that fit right in it with the mini stove in it too!
31. Water bottle (I used my camel pack and also a very small bottle to collect the water from the spring) and water filter if you do not have access to clean water.
32. Snacks! Nuts and jerky are my favorites
33. A bag for garbage
34. Snacks for the hike and the days
35. Finally, A waterproof bag and rope to hang our food from a tree to protect it from the animals!
Tips: we used our cups to eat so we didn't have plates.
