Catalina Island 4-Day Backpacking Pack List
Created by Mike1
Santa Catalina Island's exposed terrain and variable weather demand careful preparation. The combination of rain jacket and sun protection—including a sun hat, sunglasses, and sun gloves—reflects the island's unpredictable conditions, where intense heat can quickly give way to rain. The 7,903 feet
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of elevation gain over 38.5 miles means steady climbing throughout the trip, so a well-fitted backpack and trekking poles are essential for managing the load and reducing strain on knees during descents. Water management is critical on Catalina Island, where reliable water sources are limited. Carrying both a 2-liter water bag and a 750ml bottle allows flexibility for collecting and storing water at available sources. The lightweight stove setup with large fuel and a mini lighter supports efficient meal preparation at camp. A headlamp is necessary for early starts and evening camp tasks, especially given the remote nature of the backcountry. The modest base weight of 13.4 lb reflects smart gear choices: a lightweight tent, sleeping pad, and sleeping bag suitable for spring or early fall conditions. Layering is key—the long-sleeve shirt, light fleece jacket, and rain jacket provide options for temperature swings typical of the island's marine environment. Don't underestimate sun exposure at elevation; reapply sunscreen frequently and consider additional sun protection like a buff or neck gaiter if not already packed. Pack a little less food and fuel and plan on dining at the airport and Two Harbors. You can also get more fuel in Two Harbors. Most of the time, there is no chance of rain, so you can leave the rain jacket and maybe reduce your tent to a ground cloth, unless you're worried about a bison stepping on you.
21.56 lb
Total pack weight
- Base 13.42 lb 62%
- Consumable 4.86 lb 23%
- Worn 3.28 lb 15%
By category
Pack 3.00 lb · 14%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Backpack
|
1 | 48.00 oz |
Shelter 3.35 lb · 16%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Tent
|
1 | 48.00 oz | ||
|
Tent Stakes
|
1 | 5.64 oz |
Sleep 1.37 lb · 6%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sleeping Pad
|
1 | 10.00 oz | ||
|
Sleeping Bag
|
1 | 12.00 oz |
Clothes 5.50 lb · 26%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Beanie
Good for sleeping and cold mornings
|
1 | est. 3.00 oz | ||
|
Sun hat
|
✓ | 1 | 3.50 oz | |
|
Sunglasses
|
✓ | 1 | est. 2.47 oz | |
|
Long Sleeve Shirt
|
✓ | 1 | 7.76 oz | |
|
Light Fleece Jacket
For hiking when cold and as a layer in camp or sleeping.
|
1 | est. 9.88 oz | ||
|
Rain Jacket
|
1 | est. 15.87 oz | ||
|
sun gloves
|
✓ | 1 | 0.80 oz | |
|
Underwear
|
✓ | 3 | 6.60 oz 2.20 oz each | |
|
Hiking Pants
|
✓ | 1 | est. 14.11 oz | |
|
Socks, moisture wicking
|
✓ | 2 | est. 4.59 oz est. 2.29 oz each | |
|
Trail Runners
Good for well established trails and light to moderate pack weight
|
✓ | 1 | est. 19.40 oz |
Cooking 4.38 lb · 20%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Large Fuel
230g net isobutane can
|
✓ | 1 | 13.40 oz | |
|
Mini Bic Lighter
Bring extra or matches for backup or if first is lost or runs out of fuel
|
2 | 0.80 oz 0.40 oz each | ||
|
Stove
|
1 | 16.00 oz | ||
|
Hot Pad
|
1 | — | ||
|
Kitchen Towel
|
1 | — | ||
|
Spoon
|
1 | est. 0.71 oz | ||
|
Food per day per person
Subtract one for half first and last days, first day sierra do less because low appetite, from freeze dried, only needed one serving/half bag
|
✓ | 3 | 36.00 oz 12.00 oz each | |
|
Trash bag
freezer bags for small trash bags
|
1 | — | ||
|
Cup, large metal
For drinking and heating water
|
1 | est. 2.82 oz | ||
|
Electrolytes
|
✓ | 1 | est. 0.28 oz |
Toiletries 0.61 lb · 3%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
First Aid
Pills, bandages, floss, tape, saywer O-ring, extra water cap, safety pin,
|
1 | 2.25 oz | ||
|
Sunscreen
|
1 | est. 2.12 oz | ||
|
Soap
|
1 | 2.12 oz | ||
|
Toilet Paper
|
1 | 2.12 oz | ||
|
Toothbrush
|
1 | 0.53 oz | ||
|
Toothpaste, travel size
|
1 | 0.65 oz |
Other 0.37 lb · 2%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Headlamp or Flashlight
|
1 | est. 2.82 oz | ||
|
Pocket Knife
|
1 | est. 3.17 oz |
Water 1.97 lb · 9%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
2L Water Bag, empty
Useful for filtering water, extra water in camp, and for long water carries
|
1 | est. 3.53 oz | ||
|
Water Bottle 750ml (25oz), filled
|
✓ | 1 | 28.00 oz |
Misc Carry 1.00 lb · 5%
| Name | Worn | Consumable | Qty | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Poles
Straps handy in the Sierra, used a lot due to light-headedness, water crossings, big steps when tired
|
1 | 16.00 oz |