Backpacking for Beginners: A Complete Starter’s Guide
This guide is for anyone who wants to start backpacking but doesn’t know how. Backpacking is essentially hiking, but includes staying the night in a tent outdoors. And hiking is essentially just walking 🙂 This Backpacking for Beginners guide includes everything you need to know on how to plan your trip, what gear you need, how to pick a good spot, how to go to the bathroom, and more.
If you are new to hiking, camping, and backpacking and need help about how to begin, check out my guides:
- Hiking for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
- Camping for Beginners: A Complete Guide to Getting Started
Additionally, for a list of the gear I personally use and have relied on for 7+ years, check out my Backpacking Gear List.
Table of Contents
- Frequently Asked Questions
- What Gear to Bring Backpacking
- How to Plan a Beginner Backpacking Trip
- Check Local Rules
- Check the Weather
- Trail Etiquette
- Summary for Planning a Beginners Backpacking Trip
- Final Wisdom
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gear to Bring Backpacking
Hiking into nature to sleep in a tent isn’t actually all that complicated. There are a few main items that you will need which will remain consistent whether you’re spending one night or seven nights outside. To see all the specific gear I personally use, check out my Perfected Backpacking Gear Checklist.
If you have never gone backpacking and are unsure if you will like it, I would suggest borrowing or renting gear in the beginning. Good quality and lightweight gear is expensive, so dropping hundreds of dollars on a hobby you’re unsure you will keep doing is not advisable. Ask some friends or check out online forums for gear exchanges. Additionally, if you do end up purchasing gear, see if you can get secondhand or thrifted gear.
That being said, if you are confident you will use the gear more than a couple times and are sure you want to have your own gear, I highly recommend going as lightweight as you can afford. As they say, ounces turn into pounds, and carrying a really heavy pack can put a damper on your whole experience. Plus, if you get high quality gear, it should last for several years, so it’s worth it to have really lightweight stuff. I have had most of my gear for 7+ years.
Main Gear
Tent
I would suggest a 2-person, 3 season tent for a beginner. Even if you plan on going solo, sometimes you might bring a friend (or a pet!). And since a high quality tent should last you several years, having a 2-person tent is more versatile. Additionally, when I’m backpacking solo, I use the extra space in my tent for my backpack rather than keeping it outside. I have also set up my small camping chair and pretended I had a living room haha. To see the specific tent I use, check out my Perfected Backpacking Gear Checklist.
You do not need a 4-season tent unless you’re going mountaineering or going somewhere with inclement weather, which is not suitable for a beginner. Those tents are much heavier and bulkier than you need. Three season tents work well for spring, summer, and fall.
Backpack
If you borrow a backpack, try it on first to be sure that it fits comfortably. They are made to be highly adjustable, so make sure to adjust the straps to wear it how you would wear it on a trail. I would highly encourage you to pack it so it weighs 20-30 pounds, and wear it for a while, or take it for a day hike if you can. It should feel balanced and comfortable on both your hips and shoulders. Have an experienced friend help you fit the pack correctly, or go to an outdoor store and ask an employee to help you.
Note: How you pack your backpack matters! The weight distribution will determine how comfortable it feels. As a general rule of thumb, the heaviest items should go on the very top, with light to medium items on the bottom. If you put the heaviest stuff on the bottom, it tends to pull down on your shoulders and feels heavier than if it was packed the other way. So putting a couple of dumbbells or rocks in your pack to see how it fits won’t really give you an accurate representation on whether the pack is a good fit for you. Try to pack it with backpacking gear as if you were actually going to ensure the pack fits well.
Sleeping Bag
There are generally two different things to consider when buying a sleeping bag: temperature rating and fill type. The rated temperature is more about survival than comfort. Because sleeping bags are so expensive, I only have one that I use for everything. It was important that it would keep me warm in cold conditions, but is small enough to fit well in my pack and does not add too much weight. Because my body runs cold, my sleeping bag is rated to 3F degrees. This means I will survive in temperatures that low, but it will be pretty miserable. I have found that I start to get cold when the temperature dips below 20. I have only ever been too hot when it was 80F. Every other time, I stay warm and cozy. I absolutely love my sleeping bag and hope I have it for another 10+ years.
The fill of a bag refers to (goose or duck) down or synthetic fill. There are pros and cons of down fill vs. synthetic fill, but it pretty much comes down to cost and personal preference.
Sleeping Pad
A sleeping pad provides both cushioning and insulation. Cushioning provides added comfort (especially for side sleepers) because you don’t feel the hardness or unevenness of the ground. The separation between you and the ground also keeps you warmer because the air in the pad gets warm from your body heat. There are several kinds of pads, some are foam and some you inflate with air. There are pros and cons to each, but ultimately it came down to weight and price for me. I have an inflatable pad, which I usually like, except when it mysteriously deflates during the night, leaving me uncomfortable and annoyed.
Stove
You need a stove when backpacking so you can boil water for coffee, tea, and food such as dehydrated backpacking meals.
Like the other gear, stoves come in different sizes and weights. You can get bogged down in the details of this, but let me make it easier for you: if you have to purchase a stove, I recommend going with the JetBoil. It is really easy to use, relatively lightweight, and works like a charm. Like every stove, you will also need to purchase a gas canister (also sold at camping/ outdoor stores).
I use the Titanium Snowpeak stove (pictured above), which is ultra lightweight and very, very small. The downsides of this are that it consumes more fuel because it takes longer to boil water, and doesn’t do well in the wind. If you use this kind of stove, you will also need to purchase a container to boil the water in- I use this Titanium Snowpeak cup.
Water Purifier
There are two options: chemical treatment or filters. I personally have never used the chemical tabs you drop into your water bottle, so I can’t speak to those. I opted for a filtration system because I prefer things that I don’t have to keep repurchasing.
The filtration systems consist of a filter and a bag. They are simple to use- you just fill the bag with water (from a stream, lake, etc), and then squeeze it through the filter into your water bottle. I have a hydroblu filter and cnoc bag and have zero complaints.
Kitchen Supplies
When I backpacked the O-Circuit in Patagonia, I was shocked at what people brought for cooking. People had “camping versions” of pots and pans, plates, bowls, cups, and more. These must have taken up so much space in their pack, not to mention all that added weight! Plus the weight of the food they were cooking! One person even spilled an entire pot of soup all over the table and floor.
All you need is a spork and a metal cup for boiling water. If you have the JetBoil, all you need is a spork and a coffee mug. No pots, pans, plates, bowls, or anything else. I will go into more detail in the What Food to Bring Backpacking section, but to summarize, you are not cooking whole meals. You will be eating food that doesn’t need to be cooked (wraps, sandwiches, etc.), or simply boiling water to make dehydrated backpacking meals. Check out my guide for the Best Easy & Healthy Backpacking Meal Ideas.
Clothing
The key to packing clothing is to bring layers. This allows you to be comfortable in all weather conditions while also minimizing the amount (and weight!) of clothes you have to bring. You could start the day with sunshine and blue skies, but get rained on in the afternoon and then have the temperature drop at night. Proper clothing will ensure you are both comfortable and safe. To see all the specific clothing I use, check out my Perfected Backpacking Gear Checklist.
Base Layers: Bring a base layer top and bottom for when it’s cold and for sleeping. Even if you’re going backpacking in the summer, I’d still recommend sleeping in your base layer. Having a separate change of clothes for sleeping is really nice and also helps keep your sleeping bag clean. These double as an additional warm layer if you’re hiking in the cold.
Pants: I hike in hiking pants or yoga pants. Whichever I choose depends on the weather and terrain. If there are a lot of bushes/vegetation brushing against my legs, I go with hiking pants. If it might rain, I go with hiking pants. I wear my base layer under my hiking pants if it’s going to be cold. Other than those situations, I prefer yoga pants.
Shorts: If it’s going to be hot, shorts are great. Also good for swimming in. You only need one pair.
Shirts: I usually bring two t-shirts. These can be worn by themselves if the weather permits, or layered beneath my warmer layers. I opt for athletic, quick drying material.
Mid Layer: Bring a light sweater or long-sleeved shirt for those days that are not cold enough for your coat, but not warm enough for just a t-shirt. This should be loose enough to wear over your base layer or shirt, and thin enough to wear beneath your insulated coat.
Coat (Warmth): Bring an insulated coat for warmth. Even if you are hiking in the summer, the evenings can still get cold, especially if you are just sitting around camp. When I have hiked in cold/snowy places, I wear my base layers, hiking pants, mid layer, coat, and rain shells. If I am expecting cold weather, I also bring a hat/ beanie and MITTENS. Not gloves. Mittens. They keep your hands so much warmer and are much easier to put on and take off.
Sun: Bring a lightweight long-sleeved shirt to protect your arms from the sun. Trust me on this- 5-8 hours of direct sunlight will fry your skin, even if it’s not a hot day. This is also why you should bring a wide-brimmed hat (to keep the sun off your face and neck). Sunblock should also be worn, and I have found it’s easier to apply it on my face and then cover the rest of my body with clothing rather than with sunblock.
Rain: Bring a rain shell jacket and pants. These are purely a waterproof shell- not insulated. If it starts raining, you can put them on over your clothes to stay dry. They also help with strong wind and snow. Because they are just a shell, they are really lightweight and compact, making it easier to pack and carry. Check out these practical tips for hiking in the rain.
Socks: This is really up to personal preference. I prefer wool socks because they are warm, dry quickly, and tend to not smell too bad. I have some ankle socks and some mid-length; choose what is comfortable for you. Always have a separate pair just for sleeping (trust me, it makes a big difference!) For a 7 day trip, I usually bring 4 pairs.
What Shoes to Bring Backpacking
I swear by hiking in trail running shoes. I have hiked in the North Cascades, Patagonia, the Andes, the Alps, and many other places in trail running shoes. To me, they are better than boots in every way. They are far lighter and much more comfortable, especially after long days. They dry faster than boots, which is great if you accidentally step in a creek or get rained on (few things suck worse during a backpacking trip than waking up and having to put on and hike in wet boots). Just think, if you were going to go run errands all day, walking all around different stores and in parking lots, would you rather have on a pair of heavy boots or lightweight athletic shoes?
Some people claim that boots provide more stability for your ankles and thus prevent injury, but a lot of people have found that this simply isn’t the case. Lots of people roll their ankles wearing tall boots. If you already have a pair of running shoes, just bring those while you’re still new to backpacking.
Also, bring a pair of sandals for hanging out at camp or crossing streams. Additionally, sandals are ideal for getting up in the middle of the night to pee. It sucks having to put on your shoes for that.
What Food to Bring Backpacking
For an overnight backpacking trip, you will need lunch and dinner on the first day, and breakfast and lunch on the second day (because you will be off the trail and at home for dinner).
Freeze-dried/ dehydrated backpacking food is your lightest and easiest option. You use your stove/ JetBoil to boil water, which you then pour into the pouch and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. The downside is that these are expensive. Dehydrated backpacking meals (Just-add-water) can be found at your local REI or other outdoor stores.
An alternative to the dehydrated backpacking meals is to bring food such as sandwiches or wraps. Since you obviously won’t have refrigeration, do not bring perishable items. Additionally, do not bring canned food because it is wayyyyy too heavy. Not only does the can itself add weight, but they are usually packed with water, making them even heavier. Plus, you might have to bring a can opener, and then pack out the can as trash. Hard pass. Also avoid glass containers, for obvious reasons (weight and breakability).
You will also want to bring snacks. I have found that sometimes after a hard day on the trail, I don’t feel like eating a lot. Having a variety of snacks ensures I’m still fueling my body without the discomfort of forcing myself to eat a meal. I like mixed nuts/ trail mix, mushroom jerky, and dried fruit. I personally do not like protein bars or other “performance” (processed) snacks. They don’t taste good and feel heavy in my stomach.
For breakfast, I usually bring oatmeal and dress it up with nuts and dried fruit. This works very well because it just requires a bit of boiling water. For lunch, I make sandwiches or wraps. For dinner, I opt for a backpacking meal. This keeps costs low while also keeping my backpack weight low. For more ideas about what food to bring backpacking, check out Best Easy & Healthy Backpacking Meal Ideas.
If you bring simple food such as oatmeal for breakfast and sandwiches or wraps for lunch, cookware is unnecessary. All the food you bring should be easily eaten without the use of cookware or plates. (Your bread/ tortilla is your plate!) These things add quite a bit of extra weight and also take up space.
How to Plan a Beginner Backpacking Trip
Backpacking requires a little more planning than a day hike because most places in the US require reservations in advance to camp. Unlike most day hikes, generally speaking, you can’t just show up at a trailhead and head out to find a campsite. Campsites are in designated areas (for ecological preservation and crowd mitigation), and these details need to be worked out in advance of your trip.
Here are the steps to plan your beginner backpacking trip:
How to find a trail
For a more in-depth guide, check out my post Choosing a Hiking Trail for Beginners: 8 Easy Steps.
A lot of trails in the US (and other countries) are located in National or State parks. To find trails and all of the details about how to visit them, go to the park’s website. These websites include all information about fees, permits, reservations, campsites, and of course, the trail stats (distance, elevation gains, etc.).
In most backpacking destinations across the United States, you will need to get a permit to camp at a campsite. Some places are easier to obtain than others, so the best place to find this information is the park’s website.
There’s a hot debate about backcountry permits. Some claim that they are necessary to prevent overcrowding and they help fund trail maintenance, etc. Others claim that the government shouldn’t get to charge people for going into nature. While all are valid points, it doesn’t change the fact that they are required in most places. If you get caught without one, you will be issued a fine and potentially removed from the park. Additionally, the park uses the permits to keep track of who is in the park- this is especially helpful if you get lost or need emergency assistance.
Choose an easy trail/ destination
Choosing a trail is a critical aspect of planning a backpacking trip. Pick a trail that is shorter than you would for a day hike, has less elevation gain, and is relatively close to home. Especially for your first few trips, the purpose is to test out your gear, make sure everything fits/ works, and that you enjoy this activity. If something happens, it’s nice knowing you’re not too far from your car and can hike back and go home if you need to.
For a more in-depth guide, check out my post Choosing a Hiking Trail for Beginners: 8 Easy Steps
Distance: Aim for 1-5 miles each way. Remember that you’ll be carrying a heavy backpack, so the miles will feel different from a day hike. Once you get more experience and improved physical fitness, you can do longer hikes. I usually do about 8-12 miles in a typical day backpacking. Anything above 14 miles really pushes my limits and I end up dreading it.
Elevation: For your first few backpacking trips, choose a trail with minimal elevation gain or loss. For reference, the maximum gain I look for when choosing a trail is 1000 feet/ mile. Anything over this is miserable and makes for a really hard day. While you’re starting out, I wouldn’t choose a trail that has more than 500 ft/mile gain. The lower the better. When you are researching trails, these stats are provided, so be sure to pay attention to those when deciding.
Daylight: Plan your hike so that you arrive at your designated campsite at least 2 hours before sunset. Ideally, you would arrive in time to set up camp, make dinner, and hang out for a bit. You do not want to be trying to find a good campsite, setting up your tent, and learning how to use your stove after dark. Not only does darkness make everything harder, but it’s also scarier 🥲. Depending on the terrain and your fitness level, you can expect to hike 1 mile in 20-40 minutes, including some breaks. This means that a 5 mile hike could take anywhere from 1.5 to 3.5 hours, or even longer if the terrain is challenging.
To summarize: Choose a trail that is between 1 – 5 miles (each way) with less than 500 ft per mile of elevation gain (or loss). You want short, flat, and easy.
Plan your itinerary
For the first trip, I would suggest spending only one night. For a trail that is an “out and back”, this is easy to plan. You hike in, set up camp, spend the night, then hike back the way you came the next day.
If you decide to spend a couple nights, you can spend two nights at the same place. This means that day one is hiking to camp, day two is just hanging out or exploring, and day three is hiking back the way you came.
If you want to camp in a different place for the second night, a little bit more planning will be required. This is highly dependent on the trail, but still aim to hike no more than 5 miles per day, including the final day when you have to hike back. This can get tricky because in the US, backcountry camping is only permitted in designated areas or specific spots. For example, there could be a campsite 4 miles in and another one 10 miles in. If you stayed at each of these, your hike back will be 10 miles, which is a long day for a beginner.
If you can find a trail that is a loop rather than an out and back, be sure to check where the campsites are and plan accordingly. If the loop is 30 miles, and there are 3 campsites, one 2 miles in, another 10 miles in, another 14 miles in, this probably won’t be a good trail for a beginner.
To keep it simple, I would suggest starting with one night on an “out and back” trail. For your next trip, plan for two nights with no more than 6 miles of hiking per day.
How to get a permit
Each park has its own rules for applying for backpacking permits.
In some places, permits are issued via a lottery. In other parks, permit reservations open up at specific times each year. And in some parks, you can’t even reserve permits in advance – you just need to fill out a form at a ranger station before you start your hike.
Regardless of the system, permits for many popular backpacking trails in the US are limited, so you might have to arrange your trip well in advance.
Bottom line: To find a trail and get all necessary information about permits and fees, visit the National Park’s or State Park’s website.
Check Local Rules
Before heading out, it is very important to be aware of the park’s rules. Some places do not allow campfires at all. Some only allow fires in designated fire pits and grills. Some have rules about the use of propane and gas. Some have rules regarding pets. Some places require your car to have chains until the beginning of summer. Some places require bear canisters and bear spray, you know, to protect yourself from bears. Make sure you are aware of all the rules, and follow them.
Check the Weather
For your first couple backpacking trips, I would highly recommend going when the weather is nice. The mountains often have different weather than even the nearest city, especially in areas with a higher elevation. Additionally, there could be snow on the trails well into the summer. Be sure to check the park’s website for local weather conditions. To make sure you are fully prepared, check out these practical tips for hiking in the rain.
Mountain Seasons
Spring: In many mountainous regions, there is still plenty of snow during spring. Some trails might remain closed, or you might encounter snow on the trail toward your campsite. To avoid snow, choose a trail that is at a lower elevation and avoid alpine terrain. Furthermore, the weather can be unpredictable, and the area can receive a late snowfall or rain. However, spring can be a decent time to go backpacking because there will be fewer people out on the trails and trying to secure permits.
Summer: Summer is generally the best time of year to backpack in the mountains because the weather is pleasant and most of the snow has melted. Plus, if you’re lucky, you will get to see wildflowers! However, it is still important to check the forecast- it still rains during the summer- and you want to make sure you are prepared. In places like Colorado, afternoon thunderstorms are common, so it is important to descend from high peaks to lower elevations before the clouds roll in.
Fall: Fall can be a great time to backpack in the mountains, because of the fewer people on trails, similar to spring. Plus, being out in nature with the changing leaves is a wonderful experience. In early fall, temperatures can still be pleasant and the weather dry, but rain or snow become more likely. As it transitions into winter, the weather becomes more unpredictable and thus dangerous. The temperatures at night can fall below freezing, which is unpleasant if your sleeping bag doesn’t keep you warm enough.
Winter: Winter in the mountains pretty much guarantees snow. As a beginner, I would not recommend going during the winter. Not only will you need more specific gear and additional training, but if things go awry, your life could be at risk. Plus, who wants to be cold the whole time?
Desert Seasons
If you’re planning to go backpacking somewhere other than the mountains, like the desert, the ideal seasons to go are fall and spring. The summer is often far too hot. Plus, water sources could be harder to come by, which is a deadly combination with the soaring temperatures in the summer.
Spring: Spring is probably the ideal time to backpack in the desert. Daytime temperatures can range anywhere between 50-80 degrees with little to no rain. Plus, you might get lucky and see desert flowers — and cacti — blooming. Be aware that the nights can still be below freezing, so pack your warm layers.
Summer: Temperatures in the desert can reach over 100 degrees! This is far too hot for most beginning backpackers, and for anyone carrying a heavy pack under the hot sun. It can also be challenging to find water sources, meaning you may have to pack in all your water. This is highly discouraged because it can add a lot of weight to your pack. If your pack is already 30lbs, adding another 5lbs for water will feel like a lot. And then of course, you have to ensure you don’t run out. With the discomfort of the heat and the water situation, I would discourage beginners from hiking in the desert during the summer.
Fall: Similar to spring, fall can be a pleasant time to be in the desert. The temperatures can be nice, but the nights can still be very cold. Once the sun goes down, much of the heat in the desert dissipates.
Winter: Winter is not a popular season because of the freezing temperatures. It can also snow, so you would have to ensure you have the proper clothing and equipment. While backpacking in the desert in winter is possible and even enjoyable, this probably isn’t the best time for a beginner.
Trail Etiquette
Since most of the time you will be on trails and staying at campsites around other people, there is some etiquette to maintain that helps ensure everyone has a nice time. Most people go out into nature to be in nature, not be around other people. It is really annoying being around others who disturb the peace of nature and are such a nuisance that it detracts from your experience. Do not be that person that ruins someone else’s time.
Yield to others: Uphill hikers generally have the right of way. Step aside and let them pass safely. However, read the situation- if they step aside to let you pass because they need a break to catch their breath, feel free to pass. Also, yield to horses, if present.
Share the trail: If someone is coming up behind you because they are hiking at a faster pace than you, let them pass. This is not a competition. It is not rude to pass people. It is rude to keep people trapped behind you on the trail. Be courteous to fellow hikers, bikers, or equestrians. Move to the side to allow others to pass, and maintain a reasonable distance.
Keep noise levels down: Do not blast music from a speaker!!!!! Respect the tranquility of nature by using headphones. No one wants to hear your music!!!
Stay on designated trails: Stick to established trails to minimize environmental impact and preserve the natural surroundings.
Leave No Trace: Pack out ALL your trash. This includes (used) toilet paper, cigarette (or j) butts, and orange peels. Do not leave anything behind, even if it is “biodegradable”. Also, if you see litter, pick it up.
Red Lights at Night: When it is dark, use a headlamp with a red light. This preserves your night vision and is less disturbing to those around you. It is so annoying when you are in your tent trying to sleep and someone in the next campsite has a bright white-light flashlight that they keep inadvertently shining in your tent, which illuminates the whole thing. It’s rude, it’s disrespectful, it’s unnecessary. Use a red light after dark, especially when people are trying to sleep.
Summary for Planning a Beginners Backpacking Trip
- Get essential gear and clothing. Check out my Perfected Backpacking Gear Checklist.
- Figure out what trail you will hike and determine your itinerary. Check out Choosing a Hiking Trail for Beginners: 8 Easy Steps
- Check the weather forecast to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Secure all necessary permits.
- Plan your food. Figure out how many meals you will need for the duration of your trip. Check out Best Healthy & Easy Backpacking Meal Ideas – DIY, Vegan
- Make sure all of your food (and at least a liter of water!) can fit in your backpack.
- Weigh your pack fully-loaded. It should not be more than 30lbs.
- Tell someone where you’re going!! Make sure someone knows where you will be and when you will be back.
That’s it! Go enjoy the great outdoors!!
Final Wisdom
Practice using your gear/ setting up your tent before you leave for your backpacking trip. Out in the backcountry is not the best time or place to be learning how to use your gear for the first time. It would be awful to get out there and realize the company sent you a defective water purifier or there’s a hole in your inflatable sleeping pad. Learn how to use your stove, and don’t forget the gas canister!
Check out my YouTube videos about various backpacking trips I have done!
