Tick each item as you pack it. Everything on this list is needed — read the notes in brackets before deciding to substitute or skip. Do not pack cotton base layers or tinned food.
Pack
- Backpack, properly fitted (40–65L depending on nights)
- Pack liner or large dry bag
- Pack rain cover
- Small day pack or bum bag (if required for the route)
Tent and Shelter
- Tent inner and fly
- Tent poles
- Tent pegs (8–12)
- Mallet
- Guy ropes (check attached)
- Groundsheet or footprint
Sleeping System
- Sleeping bag (rated for expected overnight low)
- Sleeping mat
- Pillow (or stuff sack + fleece)
Cooking and Food
- Single-burner backpacking stove
- Fuel canister (enough for all meals + margin)
- Lighter + waterproof matches (backup)
- Cook pot with lid (500–1000ml)
- Plate or bowl
- Spork or spoon
- Mug
- Food: breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks (each day)
- Zip-lock bags for meals and snacks
- Stuff sack for food storage
- Rubbish bags
Water
- Water bottles or reservoir (2L+ capacity)
- Hydration bladder (optional)
- Water filter or purification tablets
- Collapsible water container (if water points are infrequent)
Navigation
- Topographic map in waterproof case
- Orienteering compass (baseplate)
- Route card with waypoints and timing gates
- Watch
- GPS device or phone with offline maps (backup only)
- Spare batteries or power bank
Clothing and Layers
- Moisture-wicking base layer tops (x2 minimum) (merino or synthetic — no cotton)
- Insulating mid-layer (fleece or down)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof over-pants or rain pants
- Camp pants or softshell pants
- Shorts (if conditions allow)
- Wool or synthetic hiking socks (x3 minimum)
- Underwear (x1 per day)
- Warm beanie or buff
- Sun hat or cap with brim
- Gloves
- Gaiters (if terrain requires)
Footwear
- Hiking boots or trail shoes (worn in — not new)
- Camp shoes or thongs
- Neoprene socks (if creek crossings on route)
Safety
- Blister kit (Compeed or moleskin)
- Bandaids and antiseptic wipes
- Pain relief
- Personal medication
- Emergency whistle (clipped to shoulder strap)
- Headlamp with fresh batteries
- Spare batteries for headlamp
- Emergency space blanket
- Copy of route card and emergency contacts
- Personal PLB or EPIRB (if required)
Personal Kit
- Sunscreen SPF50+
- Insect repellent
- Lip balm with SPF
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (travel size)
- Biodegradable camp soap
- Small microfibre towel
- Toilet paper in zip-lock bag
- Hand sanitiser
- Small trowel
Admin and Repair
- Pencil and notebook
- Zip-lock bags (spares)
- Duct tape
- Needle, thread, tent pole repair sleeve
- Rubbish bags