Typically, backpacking is a long hike, which requires carrying enough gear to camp for the number of nights necessary to finish the walk. Providing a unique experience, backpacking allows you to hike for a given amount of miles each day, camping in a different place each night.

For beginners, it’s essential to do some research about backpacking so you can be prepared. Though no amount of research is a substitute for a good old-fashioned experience, it may be an innovative and safe idea to join a seasoned backpacker on a short trail for your first trip.

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Leave no Trace

The leave no trace principle is commonly noted while backpacking and hiking, leaving no evidence of your presence behind. Or, in other words, leave the space better than you found it. This means you leave no trash, even if you see trash along the trail you didn’t go. The leave no trace principle helps keep the environment healthy and safe for wildlife. If you want to learn more about leave no trace, read this article.

When Nature Calls…..

As a part of leaving no trace, doing your business in the woods is no exception. This blogger from Exploring Wild wrote an excellent post about how women can approach peeing in the woods. You will inevitably have to poop while in the woods as well. Dispose of waste in a 6-8in hole and pack out any toilet paper. Ensure you are always at least 200ft from water sources to avoid contamination.

Gear

Camping gear generally weighs more than most people think, so backpacking equipment is created with weight in mind. When adding up the importance of gear, rounding is not an option; every little bit of weight counts. Every ounce adds up. The heaviest backpacking items are considered the “Big Three:” backpacking pack, tent, and sleeping bag. My “Big Three” weighs 13lbs 4oz, which is a little less than half the weight of my fully packed pack.

Backpacking Pack

A good backpacking pack should be big enough to carry all you need while on the trail. It should also be comfortable enough that the weight is evenly distributed. There are so many backpack options available depending on personal preference. Some backpackers like an ultra-lightweight pack, which lacks structural support that aids in weight distribution. I like having the structural support, so I use the Osprey Kyte 46 Women’s. It is created to fit a woman’s body and has various sizes available for a proper fit. It weighs 3lbs 8oz, which doesn’t sound much until you start filling it up.

Sleeping Bag

The type and rating of a sleeping bag depends on where you will be backpacking and your preference. The rating dictates what temperatures the sleeping bag will keep you warm. Typically, the lowest temperature rating will keep you alive, but you may not be comfortable. My backpacking trips consist of mountain terrain at higher elevations. It’s significantly colder at higher elevations at night, and I typically sleep cold, so I carry a slightly heavier, warmer sleeping bag. For a friendly, lightweight sleeping bag, choose one that is down-filled. These tend to be pricier, so I may invest one day. In the meantime, I use this sleeping bag, which weighs 4lbs 6oz.

Tent

One helpful thing about tents is that they can be split between two people. Backpacking tents should be lightweight and straightforward to set up. Often, they will have a vestibule so that you can store your gear just outside your tent, but also so that it’s protected. Many ultra-lightweight backpackers may carry just a ground cover and a tarp to keep their packs light. I prefer a fully enclosed tent like this one that uses trekking poles instead of having separate bars. This tent weighs 3lbs 5oz. Since my boyfriend typically carries all our food in a bear-proof container, which weighs significantly more, I will have the whole tent in my pack. However, one person could easily take the tent while another could carry the rainfly and ground cover. Those pieces aren’t even weight distributions, but they lighten up one’s pack.

Safety

Safety first. Always. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return, post it on social media, whatever you choose. If something happens and you cannot contact anyone, someone will know to look for you and where you are if you don’t make it home when you said you expected.

Carry the ten essentials with you at all times. These items include sun protection, rain protection, fire, navigation, food, first aid, light/headlamp, water, extra clothes, and a knife. The form and the way you pack these items are entirely personal.

For example, I enjoy using the AllTrails app for navigation. With the pro, I can download the selected trail maps with the exact GPS locations, even when I don’t have cell service. Also, you can record your hike and receive notifications if you veer off course. If you know someone with AllTrails Pro, you can send them a Lifeline so they have your exact location. I find it very helpful when backpacking.

Food

Food weighs more and takes up more space than you may realize. Regarding backpacking, my preference for food is easy to clean up, no mess, boil, and only meals. I don’t want to dirty up my cook kit, waste water cleaning it, or clean it in a water source (leave no trace.) I like putting freeze-dried meals in freezer bags, boiling water, and pouring them into the bag. After 10 minutes, most of my meals are rehydrated and ready to eat. I pack out my trash, and my cook kit remains clean for the following mean. I also like to bring protein bars, crackers, peanut butter, and trail mix.

Know the Terrain

Knowing where you are going, what kind of terrain you will be traveling, how long the trail is, what elevation gain you may be climbing/descending, and where water may be located along the route will help prepare you for your first trip. This is another reason why I love using the AllTrails app. It shows all of this information so that I can plan. Some trails require you to carry more water at a time since water sources may be limited, while others follow creeks with easy access along the way.

Water

Knowing where water sources are is part of learning the terrain, but knowing how to filter your water is also essential. I like the Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter. It comes with some collapsible bags to refill with, which work great. I learned the water filter fits perfectly on 1L size Smart and LIFE WTR bottles. The sports cap fits perfectly to allow drinking straight from the filter and to back flush the filter to clean it. I prefer this method over collapsible bags since I have to carry the bottles and the filter anyway. I use one “dirty water” bottle to squeeze through the filter into my “clean water” bottles and hydration bladder.

Backpacking is a fun activity that allows you to get in touch with nature and enjoy the awesome views. By making sure you know what to expect and utilize these 6 things you need, you will be prepared for your first backpacking trip. Seasoned backpackers: what advice would you give to yourself as a newbie? Comment below and let us know!

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