Overnight Hiking Packing List: A Complete Checklist

For almost every multi-day hike I’ve ever done, the most popular questions are almost always related to what I packed and what gear I used. It’s a very common topic amongst hikers to discuss gear and outdoor brands, with many different opinions and personal preferences. So, I’m going to break down my overnight hiking packing list below for anyone interested in seeing what I take with me on trail.

I go into a bit of detail, listing everything from major gear pieces to optional extras depending on the conditions and trails that you might cover. I also recommend the exact items that I use and why they’ve worked for me after years of trial and error.

Whether you’re just starting out or simply interested to see inside my pack, here’s what I carry for an overnight hike.

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What Should Your Pack Weigh?

This is the great debate, but many experienced hikers try to keep their pack weight down as much as possible. This is for a few reasons: first, because the lighter your pack the faster you can walk (theoretically), secondly, because the lighter your pack the less strain on your body and your joints, and third, because it can be liberating to walk for days with just a few kilo’s of stuff.

However, when you’re starting out, it can be difficult to know what to pack and how much your pack should weigh. When I started backpacking, I was lugging around a nearly 20kg backpack, whereas now my base weight (all overnight hiking gear minus food and water) is around 6.5kg total. It’s taken me years to upgrade my gear and figure out what works best for me.

I would say that you should definitely consider weight when packing, but if you’re just starting out, you shouldn’t skimp on safety and comfort either. These factors are also important. After you have a few overnight hikes under your belt, you can start to work out how to cut down weight and what your essentials are.

Lightweight hiking gear can also be quite expensive, making it hard to invest early on in things you’re not entirely sure about. I wouldn’t stress about having the lightest of everything, but just focus on having gear that works for you – this can take years to figure out, so be patient. But as a general rule, I would try to keep your pack weight under 15kg, as anything over this will start to get uncomfortable.

How Expensive is Backpacking Gear?

There’s great variety in pricing when it comes to hiking gear. While in general I would say it’s worth investing in your key pieces like a tent, backpack, and sleeping bag. It’s not the end of the world if you can’t afford the $500+ price tags for the best stuff.

I started with a $100 tent that I used for 5 years on many overnight hikes. I have now upgraded to a nearly $1000 tent, but it took me a long time to work up to that. However, if you can, investing in good gear early on will last you much longer and you’re less likely going to have something fail while out in the wilderness. But, I’m also here to tell you that you don’t have to spend a lot of money.

If you’re really on a budget, I would also suggest looking at online groups which sell secondhand gear like Gear Freaks on Facebook. This is a great way to pick up good gear for much less than the RRP.

Otherwise, there’s no harm in hiring or borrowing gear if you’re just starting out. I certainly borrowed a lot of stuff for my first multi day hike! Don’t let the cost stop you from getting into overnight hiking.

What to Pack for an Overnight Hike

It can be quite overwhelming when heading out on your first overnight hike to know what to pack. Whether you have pieces already or thinking of purchasing some new gear to tackle a multi-day hike, I’m going to break down everything I carry on an overnight hike below.

These are the exact pieces of gear that I currently own and my recommendations for those just starting out. I hope you find this useful!

Main Gear Pieces

There are several essential pieces you’ll need for an overnight hike, from your backpack to a tent. Let’s take a look at the main gear I always carry on every overnight hike.

Backpack (& Pack Cover)

I recommend a backpack that is between 45 and 60 litres for overnight hikes. This will generally be plenty of room to carry everything you need, plus food and water, for a comfortable walk.

If you want something that will offer a lot of support and comfort, Osprey packs are a great option. The Osprey Aura 50 is an ideal pack for female hikers, while the Osprey Atmos 50 is the equivalent for men. These have a suspension harness that can carry heavy loads quite comfortably.

However, I’ve recently swapped my Osprey pack for a lighter option. I now use the Gossamer Gear Mariposa 60, which weighs half that of my old pack. This means my overall pack weight is lower, but the pack is not designed for heavy loads. Still, if you’re looking to keep your base weight down to below 8kg, this is a good option.

If your pack doesn’t come with a rain cover, then you can also buy them separately. Osprey rain covers are generally considered the highest quality and they can universally be used on many different pack brands.

Tent (& Ground Sheet)

A lightweight 2-person tent is perfect for one or two people on an overnight hike. I personally like to have a 2-person tent even as a solo hiker, just to give myself extra room for myself and my pack at night.

I’ve had the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent for a couple of years and love it. It’s free-standing, spacious, takes me just two minutes to put up and only weighs around 1.4kg. It’s a pricey option, but definitely worth the investment. I also have the ground sheet that goes with it.

For a more budget option, many beginners purchase something like the NatureHike Cloud Up 2 Person tent, which is much cheaper, a little heavier, and can withstand entry-level adventures.

Sleeping Mat

An inflatable sleeping mat is essential for a comfortable sleep and the Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Mat is easily one of the best lightweight mats on the market. It weighs just 480g and packs down to the size of a 1L drink bottle, so it’s incredibly convenient. I’ve had this since 2018 and it’s honestly held up so well on all my hikes.

For something a bit more comfortable, you can try the Sea to Summit Ether Light, which weighs 625g but will give you a bit more comfort and padding.

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping bags are pricey and there are so many on the market that it can be difficult to known what to pack for your overnight hike. I recommend opting for down sleeping bags over synthetic, simply for the greater warmth to weight ratio.

The temperature rating of your sleeping bag will depend on where you’re hiking, but the Sea to Summit Spark range is ideal because they are very lightweight making them perfect for carrying on a hike. The Spark range comes in a few different rating options from summer to four seasons. I have the Sea to Summit Spark IV which is the 4 season bag rated to -9 degrees and weighing just 900g.

I’m a cold sleeper so this perfect for me for a range of adventures. If it gets too hot, then I simply unzip it and open it up to let more air flow.

Inflatable Pillow

Some may consider this a luxury piece, but for me this is an essential! An inflatable pillow is the difference between a bad nights sleep and a good nights sleep. Weighing just over 200g, it’s not much weight to carry considering the incredible comfort you’ll get as the reward.

I use the Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow, which is very comfortable and worth the additional money and weight.

Navigation and Emergency Gear

After your main pieces of gear, there are several things you need to carry for navigation purposes and emergency/safety. I certainly wouldn’t go on an overnight hike without these essentials:

Headlamp

Taking a headlamp is definitely a must for overnight hikes. Not only is it useful for walking around camp and organising your tent after the sun has set, but it can also be an essential safety piece, in case you end up walking in the dark.

I recommend a USB rechargeable headlamp for two reasons: first, to reduce single use batteries and second, it ensures you’ll always have light because you can recharge it off a power bank. I’ve used the Black Diamond Spot Headlamp for a few years now and it’s one of my favourite things in my pack.

Personal Location Beacon (or Other Emergency Device)

An absolute must on all hikes (even day hikes), a PLB or other emergency device should always be on your overnight hike packing list. This small item will save your life in an emergency, so ensure you purchase or hire one before your first hike.

The Ocean Signal RescueMe PLB is the lightest option on the market and it works very simply, with an instant emergency button. But they can be pricey units to buy, so you can also hire them from all Macpac stores, if you prefer.

Navigation Tools

No matter where you’re hiking, you should always carry some sort of navigation tool/s. Even if you know the area well, it’s important to be prepared and aware of your surroundings by having a map of the area that you plan on hiking and camping.

A paper map and compass are important, especially so you can still navigate in any condition and don’t have to rely on your phone or other technology (although having a compass is only worthwhile if you actually know how to use it properly!).

I also recommend having a GPS device or app on your phone for an easier way of finding your location. These days, most hikers simply rely on a GPS, although I still like to have a paper map with me as well just in case.

For well used trails, you can rely on apps like AllTrails or Maps.Me as long as you download for offline use (AllTrails requires a small fee to be able to use offline, Maps.Me is free). However, if you plan on heading offtrack or somewhere more remote, try Avenza or Gaia, both offering detailed GPS apps with a subscription fee.

Pocket Knife or Multi-Tool

Considered one of the 10 essentials for hiking, I carry a pocket knife or multi-tool for remote overnight hikes. While I’ve never actually needed it, other than for spreading peanut butter on some bread or opening a food packet, it’s still a safety and survival tool that can come in handy in emergencies.

Duct Tape or Gorilla Tape

I definitely don’t recommend carrying an entire roll of duct tape, but I do carry a little bit of tape for potential gear repairs. I simply have some gorilla tape wrapped around my hiking pole in case I ever need it. And in fact, I have needed it a couple of times on multiday hikes, once to hold my shoes together and another time to patch a hole in my tent floor!

Whistle

I have a plastic whistle attached to the outside of my backpack for emergency use. While I’ve never had to use it, I still think it’s a good thing to have in case you need to get someone’s attention from a long distance away.

Emergency Blanket

An emergency blanket is another safety essential that I usually keep inside my first aid kit. These can help save you from hypothermia or other severe weather conditions and are especially important to carry in the alpine region.

First Aid and Toiletries

As an extension of your emergency and safety equipment, a first aid kit is a must for all hikes and outdoor adventures. Along with your toiletries, it can help keep you clean, safe, and comfortable out in the wilderness.

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit should be small enough to keep handy at all times in the top of your pack, but filled with everything you’ll need in an emergency situation or when dealing with injuries on trail. You can purchase complete first aid kits or build your own.

Here’s what I have in my first aid kit:

Band Aids or plasters
Antiseptic cream
Pain relief medication (Ibuprofen)
Medical tape
Tweezers and small scissors
Electrolytes
Personal prescription medication

In Australia, I always carry a snake bite bandage on every walk. While you can use any bandage for a snake bite, it’s ideal to have a proper one, as they have tension guides on the bandage so you know how tightly to wrap it when required.

Trowel and Toilet Paper

On any overnight hike, the call of nature is inevitable. Be responsible in the backcountry and always dig a hole with a trowel that is at least 100m away from a water source and 15cm deep. Do NOT bury your toilet paper, you must carry it out with you.

If you’re hiking in extremely sensitive areas or snow camping, then you’ll have to pack it out in a poop tube or pack out bags (often called WAG bags).

Toiletries

You’ll also want to carry some basic personal toiletries on an overnight hike. I try to keep this to a minimum, especially for shorter multi-day hikes.

Bamboo toothbrush
Toothpaste (I actually use toothpaste powder which weighs a lot less than paste and you get more out of it)
Aloe vera (for moisturising after sun exposure)
Wilderness soap (which is multipurpose)

Sun Protection

Spending all day outside often means ensuring your protecting yourself from the harsh sun rays. I always carry a high quality sunscreen with me, as well as SPF lip balm and reapply a couple of times per day.

I also always have a hat on my head every single day that I hike. This is just a cap, but you could also use a wider brim hat or bucket hat for better coverage. Sunglasses are also important for me, especially because I have prescription lenses.

Cooking and Hydration

Once you move from day hiking to overnight hiking, you also need to start thinking about food more seriously. Most hikers, including myself, carry cooking equipment like a hiking stove so we’re able to make nutritious and filling meals on trail.

Water also becomes important as you may need to find natural water sources and filter water as you hike. Here, I’m going to break down everything I carry for cooking and hydration on overnight hikes.

Water Filter

Filtering water properly is important on overnight hikes, especially when you’re unsure of the water quality. While you may be able to carry enough water from the start for a short overnight hike, anything longer will likely require you to find natural water sources like rivers or refill from tanks along the trail.

I always recommend filtering water, even if you think it looks clean. There’s many different ways to purify or filter water on trail. While purification drops have long been the popular and affordable choice, I prefer a non-chemical method by using a filter.

Lifestraw bottles can be convenient if you just want to refill from a river as you walk and drink instantly (I personally take a Lifestraw bottle for all my overseas trips too). However, I’ve found the Sawyer Squeeze filter is the best all round option for hiking. This little filter makes water instantly safe to drink, and you can use it to refill anything from bottles to bladders/hydration reservoirs. I’ve used it on all my long multi-day hikes and found it to be effective and light weight.

Hydration Reservoir and/or Drink Bottles

Carrying enough water with you for your hike is important to rehydrate yourself and also cook meals at the end of the day. There are generally two ways you can carry water, either by simply using drink bottles or a hydration reservoir/bladder system. I use a combination of both.

I tend to carry a 3L hydration reservoir in my backpack so I can sip on water easily throughout the day. I also tend to carry a 1L metal drink bottle as well. This becomes convenient for drinking water around camp and at night. I tend to pick up water with the Sawyer Squeeze pouches and then filter the water into my reservoir and drink bottle at camp.

Hiking Stove

While you can certainly get by with dry food, there’s nothing quite like enjoying a hot meal after a long day of hiking or a cup of tea first thing in the morning. I’ve always used a JetBoil hiking stove, which boils water incredibly quick and the cup also doubles as my pot for cooking meals. Plus, everything packs down into the pot, so it’s neat.

However, some people prefer to purchase a MSR Pocket Rocket, which is more compact and lighter. But then, you have to purchase a separate pot to go with it for cooking and boiling water. Both options are basically similar.

Pot

If you opt for a hiking stove without a cup/pot, then you’ll have to purchase your own pot. Look for a titanium hiking pot which will be extremely light and durable for cooking on the trail. This will sit on top of your stove like the MSR Pocket Rocket so you can boil water or cook a meal.

Gas or Fuel

With any hiking stove, you’ll have to make sure you carry gas or fuel. Most hiking stoves now use propane/isobutane gas canisters, with stoves like JetBoil and MSR both compatible with the same gas.

For a short multi-day hike, you’ll be able to get by with a 100g gas canister, but you may want to consider purchasing a bigger one for long distance hikes or if you plan on cooking multiple meals a day for two or more people.

Matches or Lighter

Some JetBoils now have their own ignition switches which means you don’t need to carry matches or a lighter. However, I would still recommend carrying a small pack of waterproof matches. This is an important safety item, especially if you need to start a campfire for warmth.

My JetBoil still needs matches, so I make sure I carry some that are waterproof, just in case they get wet from rain or condensation.

Cutlery or Spork

Cutlery is essential for eating that delicious meal at the end of the day. I tend to opt for a single spork for cutlery, because it can be used for almost any meal regardless of what I’m eating. Plus, the Sea to Summit Spork I have weighs just 12g, so it’s basically nothing!

Mug

If you like to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in the morning, then carrying a mug is essential. For me, I’ve had the same titanium mug for over 10 years and I carry it with me on all overnight hikes. However, you can also get collapsible mugs which can be easier to pack.

Making a cup of tea at Whitelaw Hut Ruins

Food and Snacks

When it comes to food, it’s important to think about things that are energy-dense, lightweight, non-perishable and quick cooking. You generally need to carry around 2000-4000 calories per person per day, which can work out to be between 700-900g per person per day. This is important to factor in when considering your pack weight, because it quickly adds up.

You’ve likely seen or heard of dehydrated meals or freeze dried meals. These are very convenient, especially because they come in complete, filling meals. They often weigh between 100-200g for each meal, but can include up to 2000 calories with meals like spaghetti bolognaise and beef curry. I usually carry one of these meals for each dinner.

For breakfast and lunches, it’s usually something a bit more simple. Porridge, or granola for breakfast is easiest. While sandwiches, wraps or biscuits are quite simple for lunches. Try to think about energy dense foods and anything that will keep you going for hours.

Snacks are important to have in between meals to boost your energy. Think granola bars, protein bars, lollies, trail mix, jerky, or bliss balls. Basically, anything that you like to eat and that will add a bit of fun to your day. I have lots more information on food for hiking in my guide below.

Read this: How to Plan Your Food for Hiking

Other Essential Items

There are a few more items that don’t necessarily fall under any of the above categories but are still important to carry for a variety of reasons.

Dry Bags and/or Pack Liner

To keep your gear dry in all weather conditions, dry bags can be useful. They generally come in a range of different sizes, so you can sort your things out into different bags. I personally like them even just to organise my stuff in my pack and I tend to carry a range of different sizes with me. I also tend to use one as my food bag as well, to keep everything together.

If you know you’re going to be in very wet conditions, you can also opt for a full pack liner. However, I’ve tended to stick with a pack cover on the outside and dry bags on the inside.

Power Bank and Charging Cables

While you could hike without a power bank, I believe they’re kind of essential in today’s era. Even for an overnight hike, I tend to carry a power bank so that I have peace of mind and know I can charge my phone if I need.

These days you also need to charge your headlamp, watch, camera and other bits and pieces, so a power bank becomes quite important. Something that is light and around 10,000mAh is generally enough to keep you going for a few days. I use Nitecore power banks because they’re the lightest on the market at 150g each. But you can also find other brands like Biolite which makes a 6000mAh that weighs just 165g.

ID, Credit Card or Cash

I always try to remember to carry somme form of ID on me. You’re unlikely to need a credit card or cash for most hikes, but if you’re going to be coming into a town at some point on a multi-day hike, it’s nice to be able to get a meal or a snack on the way.

Optional Extras

There’s always a bunch of optional items or things you might want to take depending on the hike you’re doing or your comfort level. These are not must haves, but I tend to weigh up whether I need them or not for the hike I’m doing.

Trekking poles: These are handy to have if you’re tackling steep, rocky terrain but they are also good to alleviate weight and pressure on your joints when carrying a pack. I also like to have them if the trail is going to be a little overgrown. I have the Helinox trekking poles because they’re super lightweight and can be easily packed down when not needed.
Bowl for food: I tend to eat straight out of my pot (the joys of being a solo hiker) or you can sometimes eat straight from the packet for some dehydrated meals. But otherwise, you might need to carry a lightweight bowl with you if you’re dividing meals between multiple people.
Quick drying towel: I sometimes carry a small quick drying towel if I know that there’s a stream to wash in or a swimming hole along the way (like on the Jatbula Trail).
Insect repellant: I rarely carry this, but if you know that a particular area or trail is known for mosquitoes or March flies then it can be handy to have insect repellent to ward off unwanted pests.
Deodorant: This might seem a bit gross, but I don’t pack deodorant anymore. You’re going to sweat regardless, so I don’t see much of a point. But if you prefer it, consider a small deodorant paste for something easy to carry.
Watch: I always hike with my Garmin Forerunner watch so I can track my day’s stats. This is of course completely a personal choice and not everyone has to have one.
Camera (plus lenses, batteries, tripod etc.): I generally always carry my camera with me on hikes too, because I love documenting my adventures and adding my own photos to articles and blogs like this. It does add additional weight, but for me it’s non-negotiable. I have the OM System OM-5 and generally carry the 12-40mm lens.
Journal and pen: I do like to record some thoughts from each day while on trail. On shorter overnight hikes, I often use my phone’s notes. But on longer trails, I will carry a very small notebook and pen.
Fishing wire or rope: If you’re going to be camping in or near huts, then I recommend hanging your food bag to keep it safe from mice and other animals. The cheapest and most effective way of doing this is to have some fishing wire and a carabiner.
Earphones: If you like to listen to music or a podcast while walking or lying in your tent at night, then earphones will likely be on your overnight hiking packing list. I always carry them, especially on solo hikes to help distract me when needed.
Hip pack: For longer multi-day hikes, I like to have a small hip pack as well to have quicker access to some items without having to take my pack off. It adds another pouch to my pockets already on my main pack’s hip belt, so I can carry extra things like a GoPro, extra snacks, and earphones easily. I have the Patagonia lightweight hip pack.

Essential Hiking Clothing

Now, that you have all your gear in order, you’ll need to think about the clothing you’ll be wearing. It’s important to have the right clothing that is comfortable and durable, while also suitable for the conditions you’ll be in. I have my hiking clothes down to a few of my favourite pieces that I wear on every hike I do.

Hiking boots (or preferred shoes): I tend to go with my Keen Targhee Hiking Boots which are a light, mid-cut, hiking boot that have proven quite affordable and durable on a range of trails. These days, a lot of hikers have switched to trail runners, but I’m not there yet.
Socks: I’ve tried many different socks and have now settled on the Injinji hiking socks combo of a liner plus thicker sock on top. I’ve never had a blister with these socks.
Underwear: Definitely go for comfortable, quick drying underwear that you have tried on long walks previously.
T-shirt: I wear my Ottie Merino Hiking Tee on every single walk I do. It’s quick drying, doesn’t smell, and is incredibly comfortable.
Pants, shorts or leggings: I tend to stick to full length leggings for hiking, but occasionally also wear hiking pants. I almost never wear shorts, simply to protect my legs from scratches, the sun, and snakes.
Light jacket or jumper (fleece or merino): I tend to carry a light fleece jacket for warmth as a mid-layer.
Long sleeve shirt: I opt for a light shirt for sun protection, but in cooler climates I will go for a merino long sleeve for better warmth.
Rain jacket: I always pack a rain jacket for all hikes, even when the forecast looks relatively clear. It’s important to keep yourself dry and warm when out in the bush, so a good rain jacket is essential, especially something that’s windproof for the alpine region.

Optional Clothing Items

On top of my must have clothing above, there’s also several clothing items that are optional depending on the conditions and season you’ll be walking in. I tend to pack any of the following when considering the weather and type of hike.

Sandals or camp shoes: If I’m trying to reduce my pack weight I’ll skip the camp shoes, but for a short overnight hike it can be nice to have different shoes to put on at camp. I carry my Teva sandals strapped to the outside of my pack.
Thermals or base layers: If I’m venturing into the alpine region outside of peak summer, then I carry merino thermals which add extra warmth while sleeping.
Down jacket: Another extra layer I carry for cold weather hiking is a down jacket. I really don’t like being cold, so I tend to carry my down jacket on 90% of my overnight hikes, but it does take a bit of room in my pack.
Gloves: As I’ve said repeatedly, I don’t like the cold! So, if I expect cold mornings on trails I’ll always carry gloves. It can really help regulate my warmth and stop my hands from going numb.
Beanie: I enjoy putting a beanie on at the end of the day around camp. It’s something I carry everytime I’m heading into the alpine region.
Buff or bandana: For longer distance trails, I tend to wear a buff around my neck to protect myself from the sun. I find that my neck gets burnt quite often because it’s always exposed to the sun when my hair is up. They can also help to keep you warm in cooler temperatures and wick away sweat in the heat.
Gaiters: I’ve only recently started wearing gaiters and while I don’t love them, they do give you a sense of confidence when walking on overgrown trails. I have the Sea to Summit Quagmire gaiters, which are pretty heavy duty.
Spare clothes (extra socks, underwear, t-shirts etc): If you’re going for longer than a couple of days, you’ll want to think about extra clothes. Although, I tend to stick to the same clothes for days and just carry some extra underwear.
Waterproof pants or rain pants: I never carry rain pants, but some people like to take them on hikes when they’re expecting rain. I tend to carry a rain jacket and not worry too much about my pants, but if you want to stay completely dry, these rain pants can be slipped on whenever you need.