My Packing Check List
Grab my Complete Packing Checklist PDF to see weight, categories, and a printable checklist version for your own trip.
Shelter & Sleep
Durston X-Mid 1 Tent
This was my home on the trail. Ultralight but sturdy, it handled wind and rain without issues. The simple pitch design was a relief after long, tired days. If you’re new to trekking-pole tents, this one strikes the right balance between lightweight and livable.
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT
For side sleeping, this pad was worth every ounce. Warm, comfortable, and small in the pack. A little noisy at first, but it softened after a few nights.
Kelty Cosmic Ultra 20°F Sleeping Bag
Warm enough for cool nights without being overkill. It isn’t the lightest option, but it never let me down.
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Pods
Organization makes a big difference when you’re living out of one bag. These Dyneema pods kept my clothes and food dry, and their rectangular shape wasted no space. Pricey, but worth it.
Water & Hydration
Katadyn BeFree 0.6L Filter Bottle
An MVP of my kit. It folds down tiny, filters bacteria and protozoa, and works straight from streams. The only catch: you have to clean the filter regularly to keep the flow fast.
Organika Electrolyte Sticks
On hot days, these made a big difference in keeping hydrated and avoiding cramps.
Navigation & Tracking
Garmin Instinct GPS Watch
Rugged and reliable. I mostly used it for distance, elevation, and recording days. Battery life stretched for several days in GPS mode.
Garmin inReach Mini 2
For peace of mind on remote routes. Messaging and SOS capability made family feel better back home, and it added another safety layer for me.
Camera & Content
Panasonic Lumix S5II
My main camera. Incredible image quality for both stills and video, especially in low light. With the Peak Design Capture Clip, I actually kept it accessible instead of buried in the pack.
DJI Pocket 3 + Waterproof Housing
Tiny but powerful gimbal camera. Perfect for quick clips or stable walking shots. The waterproof case also let me capture footage around rain and rivers without worry.
DJI Mini 4 Pro Drone (Fly More Combo)
Ultralight, under 249 g, and cinematic. Batteries are heavy, so I only bring all three if I know I’ll be flying often.
Samsung T7 SSD (2TB) + SanDisk Extreme microSDs
Essential for backing up footage. Small, rugged, and fast.
Lighting & Safety
Petzl Actik Headlamp (350 Lumen)
Bright enough for camp chores and occasional night hiking. Red-light mode is perfect for camp. Always worked, never failed me. Purchase new c port batter Petxle Core 2 for easier charging cable.
Leukotape P
Not exciting, but one of the most important items in the pack. It prevented hot spots and saved me from brutal blisters.
Clothing Essentials
Columbia Solar Stream Hoodie
My go-to for sun protection. Lightweight, breathable, and quick-drying — I wore it almost every day.
The North Face Paramount Convertible Pants
Being able to zip off the legs into shorts was perfect for changing weather. Durable enough for scrambling, light enough to hike in all day.
Darn Tough Socks (Style 1040)
Socks make or break a trip. These held up without blisters, even on 20+ km days.
Minus33 Merino Wool Beanie
Kept me warm at camp and stuffed easily into a pocket.
Quick-Use Extras
Sfee Microfiber Towels (Mini & Large)
Fast-drying and packable. The mini size doubled as a sweat rag, the large handled showers and swim stops.
Selighting Tactical Belt
Simple, sturdy, and never slipped under load.
Coghlan’s Toilet Paper (2-Pack)
Basic, but it does the job better than relying on random stops.
Joe M. SMith
I’m a travel media creator who explores the world through film and storytelling. My guides share clear, practical, first-hand insights so you can travel smarter, feel better, and focus on the experience.