If you’re anything like us, there’s always that feeling of leaving something behind. We tend to group items into groups for easily thinking through a mental check of the broader categories to make sure we have covered at least the essentials. The items with an asterisk, indicate items that are part of the broader 10 essentials program. Check out more details on the ten essentials. Below is a summary of many typical items brought on overnight backpacking elopements.
Elopement Items
Dress and/or suit
Dress shoes (optional)
Makeup & hair accessories
Compact mirror
Dry shampoo
Baby wipes
Vows
Rings (or silicone rings)
Ceremony script
Letters from family/friends
Official papers
Cake
Champagne
Something old, new, borrowed, blue
Pack/Shelter/Sleep
Food & Water
Stove
Fuel
Cook set
Pot grabber
Dish or bowl
Mug or cup
Utensils
Meals*
Snacks*
Extra day’s food*
Water bottle or container*
Water filter/purifier/chemical treatment*
Biodegradable soap
Food protection: bear canister or hang bag & 50+ ft of nylon cord
Essentials & First Aid
Navigation
Map (topographic)*
Compass*
Paper protection (maps, guidebook, permit, emergency contacts)
Guidebook or route description
Watch
GPS
Altimeter
Personal locator beacon (avalanche beacon)
Miscellaneous & First Aid
Headlamp (w/ extra batteries)*
Knife or multi-tool*
Fire starter (in waterproof container)*
Whistle and/or mirror
First-aid kit*
Foot care (moleskin & blister treatment)
Repair kit & Duct Tape
Foot traction (microspikes)
Trekking poles
Ice Axe
Sit pad or camp stool
Bear spray
Clothing & Footwear
Clothing choices should reflect expectations for weather. Moisture-wicking clothing is essential for base layers and quick-dry material for mid and outer layers are important in both warm and cold weather. Skip items made primarily of cotton. Here are a few quick slogans: “Cotton is rotten” and “if you are cold, put on a hat.”
Base layers (Moisture-wicking)
T-shirts
Long-sleeve shirts
Underwear
Sports Bras
Socks
Mid layers (Quick-drying)
Sun shirts (sun & bugs)
Pants/shorts
Jacket or Light Fleece
Extra clothes (beyond minimum expectation)*
Stuff sacks
Boots or approach shoes
Camp shoes (to give your feet a break from boots)
Sandals (good for stream crossing)
Hat*
Sunglasses & leash*
Face mask (Covid-19)
Optional & Weather Dependent
Toiletries & Hygiene
Hand soap or sanitizer
Wipes
Trowel/blue bags
Toilet paper
Feminine products
Medication
Oral care: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
Eye care: prescription glasses or contacts
Sunscreen*
Chapstick (w/ SPF)*
Insect repellent
Insect bite care
Permits & Personal Items