How to Pack for a 7-Day Wilderness Trip
Dial in your kit to stay comfortable, safe, and efficient for a full week in the backcountry.
The Plan
- Food planning and daily calories
- Layering system for variable weather
- Efficient packing for balance and access
Packing List Essentials
- Shelter: tent/tarp, stakes, guylines
- Sleep: quilt/bag, pad, pillow
- Cook: stove, pot, fuel, lighter
- Water: filter, bottles, backup tabs
Pack Layout Example
Organize from bottom to top for stability:
- Soft bulky items (sleeping bag, clothes) at the base
- Dense/heavy items (food, cook kit) close to your back
- Frequently needed items (layers, snacks, water) near the top
Bonus tip: stash a tiny repair kit and tape in the hip belt pocket.
Sample 7-Day Menu Plan
| Day | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner | Calories |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Oats + PB | Tortillas + tuna + mayo packet | Couscous + olive oil | 3,000 |
| 2 | Granola + milk | Crackers + cheese + salami | Ramen + peanut butter | 3,100 |
| 3 | Bars + coffee | Trail mix + dried fruit | Mash + gravy + bacon | 3,000 |
Adjust for your needs; aim for ~100–130 kcal/oz to keep weight down.
Hydration Routine (Snippet)
# Treat 2L at camp, carry 1L on trail
fill_bottles --liters 2
add_tablets --bottle 1 --minutes 30
filter_stream --flow-rate fast
For a deeper dive on ultralight principles, see The Ultimate Guide to Ultralight Backpacking.