The ultimate packing list for backpacking Catalina Island
- tyrawu19
- Apr 19, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 29, 2024
If you're wondering what you should pack for a few days on the trans-Catalina trail, this article is for you. I backpacked Catalina Island in early April, and learned a lot about what you need and what you don't on the island. This is a unique trail because there's lots of infrastructure and amenities that you don't usually have while backpacking. Due to these luxuries, this is a great trip for beginner backpackers, so I wrote this article with beginners in mind.
Here's what I cover in this article:
About the trail
When to hike the trail
What to pack
About the trans-Catalina trail
The trans-Catalina trail, or TCT, stretches 38.5 miles across Catalina Island. The trail crosses hilly terrain between Avalon and Two Harbors. There are 5 campgrounds along the way, and each of them is very different, however all of (except Parson's Landing) have some form of restroom and drinking water available.
There's pretty much no shade along the trail, so many backpackers choose to complete the trail in fall and spring when temperatures are cooler.
You mostly hike along a single-track trail, but there are moments when you walk along the main road. The trail is pretty easy to follow, with signs like the one in my photo all along the trail. There are also mile markers.
When to backpack Catalina Island
Temperatures on Catalina are pretty moderate year round, however, the summer months can get hot, especially with how exposed the trail is. I did this hike in early April, when the average high is 63 F and the average low is 47 F. Although we braved on and off rain plus very windy conditions on our first night, the next 2 days were perfectly sunny and gorgeous.
What to pack for your trip
Let's start with the most important piece of backpacking gear first: your backpack. For this trip I used the Osprey Aura 50L pack, which worked well in terms of size and storage capabilities. If you're new to backpacking, I recommend getting fitted at your local REI. It doesn't cost anything and they can also point you in the direction of a backpack well suited for you. I got fitted and learned that I am a size XS/S. I tried on the Osprey pack in the store, but was ultimately able to buy it almost new off of Facebook marketplace for $120.
REI Flash 55 women's pack (a solid option for beginners or those on a budget)
Sleep system:
This can vary a lot from person to person but I am a cold sleeper so I prefer a thicker sleeping bag and sleeping pad. These are the ones I like.
Nemo tensor trail ultralight insulated sleeping pad (As a side sleeper, this sleeping pad made such a difference on my trip. It feels very luxurious and really elevates you off the ground, but is still very light to carry.)
Cooking equipment:
I am in love with my Jetboil Flash. It's super easy to use and has an orange meter on the side that tells you when the water is boiling. bought it specifically for this trip and on a test run the built in igniter was not working. Luckily you can still light it with a lighter or a match. I was able to exchange it through REI and mine works perfectly. It comes with a cup that attaches to the bottom. I used this for oatmeal and tea in the mornings.
Hydration:
I like to use a water bladder while I'm hiking for hands-free hydration. When I'm at camp, I usually use a Nalgene since I add electrolytes to my water and I've found it can be hard to get the flavored electrolyte taste out of my water bladder.
LMNT electrolytes (My favorite electrolytes ever! You may think salty water sounds weird, but you get used to it and it actually works.)
Warmth:
During the trip, temperatures dropped quickly after the sunset. Here's what kept me warm during the evenings and overnight.
Gloves
Beanie
Miscellaneous:
Headlamp
Solar-powered lantern (This is optional but my friend gifted me a lightweight one that is solar powered. It added a nice ambiance to our tent.)
Blister tape (We all ended the trail with a couple blisters.)
Trekking poles (This was my first time using trekking poles on a trip and it made a world of difference in lightening the load on my knees and hips.)
Credit card (There's multiple stores and restaurants along the trail. Things are pretty pricey and the $20 cash I brought didn't go very far.)
Small towel
REI multi towel mini (I used this to dry my hands, wash my face and even do a hobo bath in my tent. It really makes a difference, especially after multiple days of sweat is on your skin.)
REI multi towel lite (body)
There are items I didn't cover in this list, which are the common sense things you should pack for every hiking or backpacking trip. REI has a good list to get you started.
Before my trip, I also read She Dreams of Alpine's articles on Catalina and her beginner backpacking tips, which were super helpful. I hope this helps and happy trails!
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