There is a unique experience when venturing into nature with only the belongings you can carry on your back. It serves as the ultimate means of escape. Without getting too spiritual, I can confidently assure you that detaching yourself from the constant chatter of modern life and immersing yourself in nature for an extended duration will undoubtedly rejuvenate your mind and make you feel completely refreshed. Admittedly, you may feel slightly fatigued. Perhaps even slightly achy. However, these minor inconveniences pale in comparison to the mental revitalization you will gain in return.
I understand that for beginners, backpacking can be intimidating. When I first started backpacking, I was so small that my parents could fit me in their pack along with their camping gear. I never had to worry or question the thought of hiking into the wilderness for an overnight stay. However, don’t worry, I’m here to assist you! This guide for beginner backpackers is designed to address your questions, ease any concerns you may have, and get you ready for the trail.
Minimum Gear For a Comfortable Overnight
If you conduct research on backpacking for beginners, you will inevitably come across numerous YouTube videos featuring sensational titles such as “the ONE essential gear you CANNOT go without” and so on. However, the reality is that backpacking essentials are predominantly based on common sense. Here is a breakdown of what you must have for backpacking.
- Shelter (a tent is a good place to start)
- Sleep System (sleeping bag, pad, pillow)
- Food (small stove and freeze-dried packages)
- Headlamp
- Your normal hiking essentials
Adding a shelter, sleep system, and stove to your normal hiking gear is not overly complicated. You can also bring additional items for comfort, such as a chair or sit pad, camp wear, and cooking gear, among others. However, it is important to remember that the lighter your backpack is, the more enjoyable your backpacking trip will be. Therefore, some ultralight backpackers advise against carrying a tent or pillow, for example. The gear I recommend here represents what I believe to be the minimum necessary for a comfortable starting point. Take a trip with this gear set, assess what you like, dislike, or need, and then make adjustments to your kit accordingly.
If you do not own backpacking gear and are unsure if backpacking is right for you, you have the option to rent gear from REI or other outfitters.
Packing Your Gear
The first step is crucial. What you should avoid doing is purchasing something, removing the packaging, putting it in your backpack, and then trying to figure out how to use it when you are already in the wilderness. Instead, it is advisable to use your gear at least once, ensure that it functions properly, and have the confidence to operate it when setting up camp, even if you are far away from any assistance or online tutorials.
- Gather all of your new backpacking gear in your living room, backyard or garage.
- Set up the tent. Watch a video or read the manual online to help you through the process.
- Same thing with the sleeping system.
- Use your stove and cook a meal (best done outside).
- Take a nap or do an overnight in the tent. I’ve done this on my living room floor and it’s fun.
- Then pack it all up, and put it into your backpack.
To begin, use this method as a starting point for packing strategically. Firstly, place your sleeping gear into your backpack. Next, include your clothing and stove. Lastly, if your tent is too long, position the poles on one side and place the rest on top. Alternatively, pack the tent in last. Upon reaching your campsite, you will be able to retrieve and set up your tent without having to remove everything from the backpack. In case of rain, set up your tent first, bring the backpack inside, and then unpack. Keep any smaller items that you may require immediate access to, such as a headlamp, trowel, and toilet paper, in the side or hip belt pockets.
Chose Easy Destinations For Your First Backpacking Trips
As a beginner backpacker, it is important to focus on becoming familiar and comfortable with your gear during the initial trips. There is no universally suitable packing list, outdoor brand, or level of difficulty. The best way to determine what works for you is to spend some nights in the backcountry. However, it is essential to avoid overexerting yourself. In fact, if you attempt advanced challenges prematurely, the likelihood of encountering issues greatly increases. Experiencing setbacks at the beginning can be discouraging and may lead to losing interest in the activity.
KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET
For your initial backpacking trips, it is advisable to select shorter trails compared to your usual day hikes. This is because nature is unpredictable, and even the most well-thought-out plans may not always go as expected. In simpler terms, unexpected events can occur. In such situations, being aware that your vehicle is just a few miles away can provide great solace.
Because of these reasons, “walk-in” campgrounds offer a convenient way to ease into backpacking. In essence, these campgrounds only necessitate a brief walk (typically around a mile) from where you park your car to reach your assigned camping area.
MINIMIZE YOUR ELEVATION GAIN
It is likely that your backpacking pack will be much heavier than the daypack you usually carry, which will make everything more challenging. I recommend choosing relatively flat hikes for your first few backpacking trips to ensure a pleasant experience, rather than struggling uphill and feeling frustrated.
AIM FOR SUMMER BACKPACKING CONDITIONS
Because summer days are longer and warmer than the rest of the year, they are typically more forgiving in terms of enjoyability and safety. Apart from accidents, inclement weather is often the main cause of backcountry mishaps. However, the chances of encountering snow, ice, or unexpected storms are significantly lower during summer. Nonetheless, it is still important to check the weather before embarking on a backcountry trip in the summer and be ready to cancel if conditions seem uncertain.
PICK A WELL-ESTABLISHED BACKPACKING TRAIL
You don’t have to be completely isolated to have a genuine backcountry experience. I discovered this a few years ago when I had forgotten my stove lighter after setting up camp. Fortunately, I was at a well-visited lake, and some campers nearby were kind enough to lend me matches. If I had been in a more remote area, it would have likely been a challenging night. Keep in mind that it’s okay to ask for assistance, but it’s difficult to do so when there is nobody else nearby.
