š What I Pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip in Washington (Summer Edition)
Thereās something magical about escaping into the mountains for just one night. No big planning, no week-long commitmentājust a quick hit of fresh air, stars, and trail time.
Over the years, Iāve dialed in my one-night packing list to keep it lightweight, simple, and stress-freeāwhether Iām heading out solo or with my kids in tow. This guide pulls together the exact gear I use, the pieces I skip, and alternatives for different budgets.
š If youāre new to backpacking, start here: Planning Your First Backpacking Trip.
š Pack + Shelter
Pro Tip: For a single night, your goal is 20ā25% of your body weight total pack weight.
| Item | My Pick | Budget Option | Upgrade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack | Osprey Tempest 40L | REI Trail 40 | Hyperlite Southwest 40 |
| Tent | Big Agnes Copper Spur 2 | REI Passage 2 | Zpacks Duplex |
| Sleeping Pad | Nemo Tensor | Therm-a-Rest Z-Lite | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir Xlite NXT |
| Sleeping Bag | Mountain Hardwear Bishopās Pass 0Ā° | Kelty Cosmic 20 | Feathered Friends Swallow 20 |
ā If you only splurge on one item: get the best sleeping pad you can afford. Nothing ruins a trip faster than no sleep.
š§¢ Clothing (Washington Weather Edition)
Washington weather is unpredictableāeven in August. I always pack for surprise rain and cold alpine nights.
- Base Layers: Merino wool or synthetic (no cotton). I rotate between a sun hoodie and a button-down sun shirt.
- Insulation: Puffy jacketāalways.
- Rain Shell: Donāt gamble. This one lives in my pack year-round.
- Socks & Underwear: Darn Tough = forever socks.
- Shoes: For most WA trails, I swear by La Sportiva trail runners. If I need ankle support, I grab the La Sportiva Nucleo High II GTX boots.
Pro Tip: Pack one āsleep setā (dry base layer + socks) and keep it sacredānever hike in it.
š³ Food + Cooking
For just one night, keep meals simple, light, and familiar.
- Stove: MSR PocketRocket ā ultralight classic.
- Cookware: Sea to Summit pot + spork.
- Bear Protection: BearVault 425 ā yes itās bulky, but WA rules often require it.
- Food: Dehydrated meals or DIY. See my full guide: Backpacking Meal Planning Made Easy.
š Pro Tip: Donāt overpack food. For one night, one dinner, one breakfast, and a couple snacks is plenty.
š§ Water
- Filter: LifeStraw Gravity 3L ā ideal if camping near lakes/streams.
- Bottle Option: Smartwater + Sawyer Mini.
- Storage: CNOC collapsible bottle + 2L bladder.
š§° Safety + Essentials
These are the essentials that I would never hit the trail without. (Even on a day hike) And they definitely ALWAYS come with me when I pack for a one-night backpacking trip.
- Headlamp + extra battery – Our family loves these by Black Diamond. We all have one in a different color. Helps us keep track of them.
- First aid kit – I have made my own but also recommend this one available at REI.
- Garmin InReach Mini ā I bring it on every solo trip. Peace of mind for me and everyone at home. And if you want you can text your loved ones good night. (its a ritual I have)
- Leatherman multitool ā Itās come in handy more times than I can count.
- Map + compass or GPS app downloaded offline
- Toiletries + trowel (donāt forget a ziplock for TP/waste!) This is my go to poop shovel.
If you are looking for some tips on Hygiene Practices in the backcountry, you might be interested in reading this >> Backcountry Hygiene: Staying Clean(ish) on the Trail
Camera Equipment
I never go out without my camera. I use the Canon 5D Mark iV and my go to lens is the Canon 16-35mm.
š What I Left Behind (and Didnāt Miss – or maybe I did)
- Camp chair (I sit on my bear canister) – this is one I just wish I could justify. I am always envious when I see it out on the trail.
- Multiple changes of clothes – this one is easy to do.
- Extra cooking stuff (one pot = enough!)
āļø The Bottom Line
What to pack for a One-Night Backpacking Trip is all about balance: just enough to stay warm, dry, and well-fedābut not so much that youāre breaking your back. This list keeps things simple and stress-free.
Got a favorite one-nighter or must-pack item I missed? Share your summer backpacking gear tips @the.trekking.mama on Instagram!
