Backpacking gear can be intimidating, complicated, and expensive, but many people have asked me about getting started and what gear they need. Some believe that having a multitude of items is necessary for success in the backcountry, which is not true.
Before rushing to REI and spending a large sum of money, hold on. The purpose of this gear guide for beginner backpackers is to assist you in getting properly prepared for your backpacking escapades.
If you are seeking the top beginner backpacking equipment of the season, then you have come to the correct location!
Prioritize Your Gear
If you do not possess any items for backpacking, the list of things that are considered necessary can be quite daunting.
How should one begin? Begin by writing a list of beginner backpacking gear. The following is a breakdown of what you will require, arranged according to where you should invest your money initially:
- Proper footwear. Your feet are your mode of transport, treat them nicely.
- A pack that fits your body. Everyone is different, so get properly fitted
- A sleep system (sleeping pad, sleeping bag) that’s built to last and keep you cozy. No one wants to backpack with a bad night’s sleep!
- Water filtration and camp kitchen. These are both necessary items to backpack, no one wants to live on power gels for days on end.
- Tent. You can rent or borrow tents, but after a while, you’ll want your own.
- Other luxuries.
By carrying out a systematic analysis, determine what items are essential and consider substituting them with things you already possess. Gradually enhance your collection of backpacking equipment as you improve your expertise.
The Basics of Backpacking
Backpack
When creating your backpacking list, ensure that the number one priority is a backpacking backpack. It is strongly advised to purchase one specifically designed for backpacking as they typically offer exceptional support, distributing the weight evenly and preventing strain solely on your back. It is essential to bear in mind that you will be carrying numerous items for extended periods of time, therefore, possessing a reliable backpack is crucial in order to fully enjoy your journey. Osprey is widely recognized for producing top-notch packs within the hiking and backpacking sector. For those who are new to backpacking, ensuring comfort is a necessity, which necessitates investing in a backpack of high quality.
Tent
In terms of size and weight, the tents on this list are likely to be the bulkiest and heaviest. Currently, I only possess lightweight tents which serve for both backpacking and car camping purposes. Specifically, I own two tents, namely the Nemo Dagger 2 person tent and the Big Agnes Copper Spur four-person tent.
Sleeping Bag
To ensure a fantastic night’s sleep during your backpacking trip, it is essential to choose the right sleeping bag. I made the mistake of purchasing the cheapest one available when I first started camping and backpacking. Unfortunately, I had a terrible experience during a winter trip and suffered from extreme cold. I have never experienced such frigid temperatures in my life. Consequently, I promptly discarded that sleeping bag and made a worthwhile investment in a new one. Considered as the finest option for camping and backpacking, the Feathered Friends sleeping bag is renowned for its lightweight design and ability to provide excellent warmth.
Sleeping Pad
Starting off, I want to mention that a sleeping pad is often overlooked on the backpacker checklist. When I went camping for the first time, I was unaware of what a sleeping pad was. At that point, I genuinely believed that it was an unnecessary expense and added weight. However, my perspective drastically changed when I decided to go camping during the winter without a proper sleeping pad and a subpar sleeping bag. As a result, the ground felt extremely cold and rigid, almost as if I were trying to sleep on an ice cube!
Fortunately, the Thermarest Neo Air sleeping pad, which is renowned in the backpacking community, meets all the criteria for a good sleeping pad: lightweight, compact, excellent insulation to prevent freezing at night, and comfortable. Although it may come with a high price tag, it is a worthwhile investment.
Headlamps
A source of light is necessary, even if you do not anticipate being at the campsite during the night. A headlamp, which is smaller in size, is preferred over flashlights and is considered one of the most crucial backpacking equipment on this list.
Black Diamond offers top-notch headlamps that are among the best in the market. When I went camping, one of the initial items I purchased was this headlamp from Black Diamond, and it continues to perform exceptionally well.
First Aid Kit
Make sure to have this in your backpack as it is necessary. You never know when you might require medicine or accidentally injure yourself while hiking. The size of the first aid kit required relies on the number of individuals and the duration of the backpacking trip. Fortunately, the first aid kit I purchase specifies the number of days and people it is suitable for.
Fire Starter
Some backcountry spots allow you to start a fire, but it is important to check the rules before your hike. Additionally, I would like to emphasize that even if starting a fire is prohibited, it is strongly advised to carry one for emergency situations.
Water Reservoir
When packing, the first thing to consider is water. It is important to check the trail report for any sections without water beforehand. I once faced a situation where there was no water on the trail in a desert environment despite the presence of rivers on the map. Thankfully, we managed to survive, but it was quite a frightening experience. Therefore, bring plenty of water with you.
How to Select the Perfect Pair of Hiking Shoes
If you can only invest in one item for backpacking, prioritize your feet when it comes to must-have gear.
When it comes to footwear, it is important to remember that it is a personal choice. If you feel uncomfortable or if the fit is improper, it will greatly affect your experience, as you will be wearing them frequently.
Every individual has a unique foot shape and preferences, resulting in the fact that no shoe can universally suit everyone’s needs. Furthermore, people hold varying opinions about what footwear is most suitable for them.
Ask yourself a series of questions as you rephrase the text below, ensuring that the same meaning is maintained without adding or removing any information. Text: “When rephrasing the text, it is important to consider the following questions.” Questions to ask: 1. What is important when rephrasing the text? 2. What questions should be considered?
- What kind of terrain do I want to focus on?
- How many miles do I plan on doing?
- Do I get hot easily?
- Do I have any special foot needs (pinched nerves, etc?).
Next, proceed with the responses you have obtained, as well as a pair of socks (excluding cotton) intended for hiking, and visit an outdoor store to receive expert assistance with fitting.
When going up and down stairs, jumping around, attempting to jam your toes, and moving your heel, ensure that your foot does not move more than one-eighth of an inch. Although you are not required to make the purchase there, buying shoes online without trying them on beforehand is an awful concept.
