The Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking. SHT trail Minnesota hiking.
Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Checklist:
Everything You Need for 3 Days On The Trail
Whether you are new to thru-hiking or an experienced backpacker, you’ll want to consult a packing list as you prepare for your big adventure on the Superior Hiking Trail to make sure you have everything you need before heading out.
Below you’ll find my complete packing list for everything I brought on the Superior Hiking Trail for 3 days in the middle of September. I hope you find it helpful!
Read: SUPERIOR HIKING TRAIL: 3 DAY ITINERARY
If it’s your first trip, don’t feel overwhelmed! Yes you’ll probably need to buy some new gear. And while purchasing quality gear is an investment, nothing needs to break the bank.
Companies like Enlightened Equipment make really high quality products that are warm, durable and lightweight. They aren’t cheap but if you’re going to invest in one quality item, I suggest it be a down sleeping bag. They fold up incredibly small and can fit in your backpack. Yet the down insulation is very warm. I went on my first trip with a $40 sleeping bag from Walmart and was cold at night. Not to mention my sleeping bag was too large to fit into my backpack. But our group leader had one of the quilts from Enlightened Equipment and showed me the product, so thanks for the recommendation Syndol! This will be a future purchase for my next backpacking trip.
Another great company is Hyke and Byke because they offer high quality equipment at a lower price point and it’s ethically sourced and 10% of profits go to charity!
To save money on the rest of your gear, you can get a good quality and very durable sleeping pad for only about $40. I recommend this one. And your tent doesn’t have to be expensive, I use this two person one and I love it.
Clothing
When it comes to clothing, it’s important to avoid cotton. It will hold moisture leaving you wet and cold. Even cotton socks will give you blisters because they don’t dry out.
So just don’t pack anything cotton. It might be tempting to pack your favorite cotton hoodie but they are bulky and won’t dry if it gets wet.
Stick to synthetic fabrics with quick dry technology and smartwool!
Your packing list may vary by season. In the height of summer, you may not need a winter hat. But Northern Minnesota is COLD.
Even in the fall, temperatures will dip to freezing at night. If you go in fall, you will want extra warm sleeping socks and mittens!
Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Checklist
The Big 3
- Tent
- Sleeping bag/sleeping pad/pillow
- Backpack (40 liter is what I use! It’s perfect for 3 days.)
Clothing
- Hiking outfit (leggings/pants, sports bra, tank, hiking boots, long sleeve shirt for layering, hiking socks)
- Long leggings- sleep in (I use Icebreaker merino layers but any merino wool is great!)
- Long warm socks- sleep in
- Extra pair of hiking socks
- Long sleeve thermal shirt
- Puffy jacket
- Rain jacket
- Warm hat * for fall or early spring
- Warm Gloves * for fall or early spring
- Head bug net *for summer
- Sunglasses
- Watch/Fitbit
- Camp shoes (lightweight sandals or slippers to wear around camp, trust me your feet will want a break from your hiking boots after a long day!!)
*Yes I slept and hiked in the same thing each day/night. You’ll want layers for warmth but skip any unnecessary clothing. For 3 days you can rewear all your stuff. The goal is a light pack!
Cookware/Food
- Water bottle & camelback
- Waterproof bag for bear hang w/rope, bag for rocks (optional bear canister instead)
- Breakfast x2
- Snacks x6
- Lunch x3
- Supper x3
- Coffee packets x 3
- Water purifying tablets or filter (I use these)
- UL pocket stove w/ mini gas tank (optional, for only a 3 day trip- I didn’t pack a stove my first time)
- Lighter or waterproof matches
- Small firestarter *optional but can be helpful if conditions are wet
- 750mL pot
- Electrolyte tablets x 6 (optional- some people don’t like the taste of filtered water so this provides taste & replenishes electrolytes lost while hiking)
*Great food options that don’t require the pocket stove include dried fruit, protein bars, nuts, bagels, peanut butter and babybel cheese. Remember: always have an extra days worth of food!
*But if you plan to bring a stove, you can cook anything from ramen to a wide range of dehydrated backpacker meals like these Mac & Cheese meals.
Toiletries
- Trowel (if you’re wondering what a trowel is, read this & watch the video!)
- Sanitizer wipes or hand sanitizer bottle mini
- Toilet paper or compostable wipes
- Separate small bag for garbage
- Deodorant
- Toothbrush/Toothpaste
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray (not necessary after first frost)
- Any medications (tylenol, tums & eye drops if needed etc.)
- Small first aid kit
Electronics
- Headlamp w/ extra batteries
- Phone fully charged
- Portable charger with cord
- Camera w/ batteries
Miscellaneous
- Journal/pen
- Physical map of trail or Superior Hiking Trail Guidebook
- Emergency contact info
- Compass
- ID and card
- Car keys
- Headphones
- Knife
- Cash for a pre-arranged shuttle back
As you backpack more, you will find what you like to have with you and what you don’t feel you need.
Some people at the campsite liked to have a deck of cards to play at night. Others brought vodka or wine to enjoy by the fire in the evenings. I liked having my journal or a book there but others may not want that extra weight.
And always make sure you have the 10 essentials with you on the trail. If you get lost for any reason or the weather changes, it’s necessary to be prepared.
The 10 Essentials For All Backpacking Trips
- Navigation: map, compass, altimeter, GPS device, personal locator beacon or satellite messenger
- Headlamp: plus extra batteries
- Sun protection: sunglasses, sun-protective clothes and sunscreen
- First aid: including foot care and insect repellent (as needed)
- Knife: plus a gear repair kit
- Fire: matches, lighter, tinder and/or stove
- Shelter: carried at all times
- Extra food: Beyond the minimum expectation
- Extra water: Beyond the minimum expectation
- Clothes: Beyond the minimum expectation
You can find all the exact backpacking gear I use on my Amazon storefront here.
North Face Backpacking Backpack
Sleeping Pad
Tent
REI has a lot of useful videos I recommend you watch before you hike the Superior Hiking Trail as well!
More on hiking in Minnesota: THE BEST EASY BUT SCENIC HIKES IN MINNESOTA
Thank you to Syndol for arranging this hiking weekend and preparing the original list mine is based off! Like & follow her Facebook page, Enchanted Wanderer for more hiking tips, tricks & updates!
More on camping in Minnesota: THE BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO CAMPING SOLO IN MINNESOTA
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at absolutely no additional cost to you. Thank you for helping to support my site!
Save “Superior Hiking Trail Backpacking Checklist” on Pinterest for later!
