Shelter & Sleep

• A quality tent suitable for the season and weather conditions
• A sleeping bag rated for at least 5°C below the expected nighttime temperature
• A sleeping mat or inflatable sleeping pad
• Tent footprint or groundsheet to protect the tent floor
• A small pillow or a stuff sack filled with a fleece jacket

Clothing

• Moisture-wicking base layers
• Insulating mid layer (fleece or down jacket)
• Waterproof outer shell jacket
• Comfortable hiking trousers
• Warm hat and gloves (even in summer, nights can be cold)
• Two pairs of wool or synthetic hiking socks per day
• Waterproof hiking boots
• Camp shoes or sandals for around the site

Food & Cooking

• Portable camping stove and fuel canister
• Lightweight pot and pan set
• Camping cutlery, cup, and bowl
• A lighter and waterproof matches as backup
• A cool bag or dry food bags for storage
• High-energy snacks: nuts, dried fruit, energy bars
• Easy cook meals: instant oats, pasta, rice pouches, soups

Water & Hydration

• A reusable water bottle (at least 1 litre)
• A water filter or purification tablets for wild water sources
• A collapsible water container for camp use

Lighting & Power

• A headlamp with spare batteries
• A small backup torch
• A portable power bank for charging devices
• Solar lantern for ambient tent lighting

Safety & First Aid

• A fully stocked first aid kit
• Any personal medication you require
• Insect repellent
• High-SPF sunscreen
• Emergency whistle
• A multi-tool or camping knife
• A fire starter kit

Navigation

• Paper topographic map of the area
• A compass
• Your phone with offline maps downloaded

Leave These Behind

• Full-size shampoo and toiletry bottles (decant into small containers)
• Heavy glass bottles or jars
• Too many “just in case” clothing items
• Full-size towels (bring microfibre instead)
• Unnecessary electronics and chargers
• Single-use plastic items

Packing Tips

• Roll clothes instead of folding to save space and reduce creasing
• Pack the heaviest items closest to your back and centred in your bag
• Use dry bags or zip-lock bags to waterproof your gear
• Always keep your rain jacket at the very top of your pack
• Aim for a total pack weight of no more than 20% of your body weight