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Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Three-Season Gear Checklist

Get trail-ready for Spring, Summer, and Fall with our comprehensive three-season gear checklist.

by: The Backpacker Editors


Clothing

Outerwear
  • waterproof/breathable jacket
  • waterproof/breathable pants
  • fleece/synthetic jacket or wool sweater
  • waterproof gaiters (optional)
  • synthetic hiking pants
  • synthetic shorts
Base Layer
  • midweight long john top
  • midweight long john bottoms
  • long sleeve T-shirt
  • synthetic T-shirt
  • synthetic briefs
  • synthetic sports bra
Accessories
  • wool or fleece hat
  • midweight wool or fleece gloves
Footwear
  • camp footwear (optional)
  • waterproof hiking boots (optional)
  • wool or synthetic socks (3)
  • liner socks (2)
Extras
  • sun hat
  • bandanna
Gear
  • internal or external frame backpack
  • three-season down or synthetic sleeping bag (15° to 30°F)
  • inflatable sleeping pad
  • trekking poles
  • canister stove and fuel canisters
  • lighter and waterproof matches
  • cookset
  • eating utensils, bowl, and insulated mug
  • headlamp w/extra batteries and bulb
  • 32 oz. water bottles (filter, tablets, or drops) (2)
  • pocket knife or multitool
  • compass or GPS (and map)
  • sunglasses
  • first-aid kit with personal medications
  • personal locator beacon (optional)
  • stuff sacks
  • assorted zipper-lock bags
  • sunscreen (SPF 15+)
  • lip balm (SPF 15+)
  • bear-bagging rope (or canister) if necessary
  • toilet paper and trowel

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READERS COMMENTS

The list says 3-season gear checklist. The necessity of a tent is relative to the kind of trip/hike you're planning. Say for example... only an idiot would take a TENT on a dayhike. rofl
Posted: Oct 06, 2008 zuzu

LOL
Posted: Oct 02, 2008 oak

Hiking boots are optional and insulated mug is a must? gimme a break!
Posted: Sep 19, 2008 d

I agree with ed

Posted: Aug 29, 2008 jeff

Yeah? Well pants aren't always required, either, but I wear a pair just in case I want some protection from the elements. Just like a TENT.
Posted: Aug 28, 2008 Ed

A tent isn't always required ;)
Posted: Jun 05, 2008 Mike

YA WTF MATE WHERE IS "TENT" ON THE LIST!!! THANK YOU.
Posted: Jun 04, 2008 RYAN PRONG

THANK YOU
Posted: May 22, 2008 JAMES TREAS

I would consider a sports bra to be optional for people such as me :D
Posted: Apr 27, 2008 Chris

second item under 'Gear' should read three season tent
Posted: Mar 30, 2008 Dave Davis

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