What to Pack for A 3-Night Backpacking Trip

Being well-prepared for a backpacking trip is essential! The route needs to be planned, weather needs to be checked, permits need to be obtained, and then of course the backpack needs to be packed!

I filmed this video before a recent 3-night summer backpacking trip in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains. I used the Hiking Lady Backpacking Checklist to determine what I needed, and then laid it all out on my living room floor to make sure I didn’t miss anything.

In this video I explain what I am taking and why. Happy trails!

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3 comments

  1. Aryn says:

    Does anyone know where the next video is? She said there’s going to be one that shows her pack filled, but I don’t see any links anywhere. Thanks! (I’d really like to know the order.)

  2. Hiking Lady says:

    Hi Paula,
    Thanks for your comment. Getting it all in can be tricky indeed!

    Here are some tips (I’ll eventually get around to making another video about packing it all in), so for now…pack your sleeping bag at the bottom of the pack (my Gregory Deva pack has a separate compartment, so that makes it easy).

    Pack your bear canister (if you are using one) toward the bottom of the main compartment, then your stove next to your bear canister. Stuff extra clothing (I put my sleepwear) toward the bottom, and clothes and food you need during the first day of your hike near the top. Your 10 Essentials can go in the top compartment if your pack has that.

    Hope that helps for now! Check back – I’ll get a video up as soon as I can, but it may be awhile.
    Have fun on your trip!!

  3. Paula Chianis says:

    Love this video. Can you make another one that shows how you pack everything in your backpack? I am just getting geared up for my first trip and I’m having trouble making everything fit. Thanks!

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