The Gear List

Gear lists for backpacking trips differ according to personality preferences and types of trips (considering where and the type of terrain and weather, how long, and what activities you plan on doing).  Regardless of whether you're going out for a weekend or a multi-week or multi-month trek, many items are essential, such as a backpack:

                                                      
                                                                Traditional Backpack

                                                                 Ultra Light Backpack

A tent or shelter system:

                             Traditional Enclosed tent with bug netting and a waterproof tub floor

                                         Ultra Light Tarp Shelter supported by Hiking Poles

Sleeping system:

                                                           Traditional Sleeping Bag

                                                                   Ultra Light Quilt

And of course, meals.  Some people go to great lengths to maintain eating near full course cuisines, but most commonly, freeze dried breakfasts and dinners are packed and trail mix, beef jerky, dehydrated fruit shreds and other simple, energy boosting snacks are munched on throughout the day.

I personally have gotten into the more rugged thru-hiker diet of mostly eating peanut butter and nutella plastered on flower tortillas for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  You can throw in a variety of foodstuffs to mix up the taste, am I actually like adding olive oil and different jams.

Other essentials include a first aid kit, sewing kit, flashlight, waterproof matches, kindling, a knife, sunscreen and a map and compass.

Regarding clothing, many hikers prefer bringing only two pairs of pants, two pairs of long sleeve shirts, maybe three pairs of socks, a wide rimmed hat, a camp shirt and trunks or a bathing suit. Underwear is optional, as many thru-hikers prefer to go commando for various reasons.  Your will and wits is the last thing you will need along the way.