2 Day Hiking Packing List

Preparing for a 2-day hike requires careful planning to ensure you have all the essentials without overpacking. Your packing list should include gear for comfort, safety, and sustenance while keeping weight to a minimum. Focus on lightweight and durable items like a compact tent, sleeping bag, weather-appropriate clothing, and sturdy hiking boots. Don’t forget essentials like a first aid kit, water filtration system, snacks, and a reliable backpack. Proper planning ensures you’re ready for the trail and can enjoy the journey without unnecessary strain.

Below is a list of what was taken minus my Arc’teryx Beta LT Gore-Tex, spare thermals, undies and socks. This is by no means the perfect ultra light list as it includes some luxuries. The contents will also chop and change depending on the location, water situation and weather.

Hiking Pack

For light weight overnighters one great pack the Osprey Talon 33. When fully packed the Talon still supports the weight on the hips, has one large compartment for most items and has plenty of pockets for easy access to the small items when needed.

Cooking System for Hiking

For hiking cooking systems it’s hard to go past the MSR Windburner our very own Paddy Pallin staff have been testing it out and love it. This revolutionary stove has been very impressive and now being released in Australia we have a thorougher review here.

Hiking Hydration Systems

Arguably one of the most important items you will carry. Depending on the access to water at the camp site a combination of a Camelbak, Platypus reservoir & Nalgene will be used. The Platypus Platypreserve is handy if your like a glass of red with dinner.

Hiking Food

For a light weight overnighter we lean towards packaged food to help cutdown on weight and bulk. Back Country Cuisine, Clif Bars & Bloks and some homemade trail mix tend to be staples (Bakery treats are usually purchased for lunch). Sea To Summit provide lightweight and durable Delta Mugs for a cuppa or above mentioned wine and Alpha Light Long Spoon to get to the bottom of the bag food. Wilderness Wash from Sea To Summit and a small Pack Towel to keep it all clean.

Going to the loo

A Pocket trowel is easy to carry, affordable and do not take up much space. For more tips on leaving no trace when hiking head to our post on the subject.

Hiking Shelter

The MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 Person is a classic 2 person tent with the split weight coming in well less than a kilo each. Read Lachlan’s review on the tent here. A reliable hiking shelter or tent is vital for protection against weather and ensuring rest during outdoor adventures. Lightweight, durable, and easy-to-pitch options are ideal for hikers. Look for materials with waterproofing and ventilation to stay comfortable. The right tent enhances safety, making your hiking trips enjoyable and worry-free.

Hiking Sleeping System

At under 1 kilo the Western Mountaineering Summerlite sleeping bag and the Thermarest Neo Air make a great compact sleeping system for the warmer temperatures in Spring, Summer & early Autumn. The Sea To Summit Compression Dry Sack helps bring down the bulk while keeping the sleeping bag dry and Silk Liner will keep the sleeping bag clean.

First Aid and Personal Toiletries for Hiking

Small 1st aid kit, sun screen and basic toiletries are all that are needed for a basic overnighter. First aid and personal toiletries are essential for hiking. Pack a compact first aid kit with bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers for emergencies. Include biodegradable toiletries, sunscreen, and insect repellent to maintain hygiene and protect against the elements. Staying prepared ensures safety and comfort on any outdoor adventure.

Hiking Navigation

Suunto A10 & topographic map to keep me from getting lost on the trail and the Sea To Summit Guide Map Case to keep the moisture out. Renting a PLB through local Police or National Parks or a Ocean Signal RescueME PLB 1 will also be used if mobile reception cannot be guaranteed.

Other Small Knick-Knacks

SteriPEN to kill the bugs in the water, Victorinox Climber for cutting everything from toe nails with the scissors to salami with the blade and Black Diamond Storm to see at night.

Dry Bags

Assorted dry sacks, compression sacks and pack liners keep everything dry if the heavens open or if you take a tumble when crossing a river.

Other items that to consider taking include Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z-Pole to save your knees, a lightweight camp chair that prioritises weight and size over comfort for some luxury when at camp and a durable outdoors watch to tell the time and the altitude.

Day Hike Checklist

Below are the manufactures weights in grams. Note that some of these items are shared or split, all items are not shown as is the weight of the water. However total pack weight for 2 days sits under 10kg.

Hope the list gives you some new ideas for when next heading out into the outdoors next and we would love to hear your gear tips in the comments below.