15 Backpacking Tips For Beginners : Ace Your First Backpacking Trip !
Is backpacking on your bucket list ? Do you ambition of sleep under the stars and wake up up to mountain views , exploring the backcountry that day hikers never make to learn ?
Backpacking is an incredible experience , and one thats exchange my life in amazing ways !But backpacking for beginners can be super intimidating .
When I first take off my backpacking journey 2 years ago , I cost overwhelmed by everything – what kind of gear I needed , where to go , and yes , how to 💩 in the woods .
Since then , I ’ ve backpacked over 100 miles ( mostly alone ) , doing department raise on the Appalachian Trail , Colorado Trail , Pacific Crest Trail , and thru-hiked the Trans-Catalina Trail in 2024 .
This guide treat the 15 most-essential tips for backpacking I like I knew as a beginner , so you can score the lead safely and with assurance your first time backpacking .
Update :This post exist to begin with sponsored by World ’ sec Best Adventures , who sadly , are no longer in business . I ’ ve linked to several early guided backpacking company – below – although I haven ’ t personally try out them out . If anyone has recommendations for guided backpacking tours – drop a commentary below ! This place control some affiliate link , which means if you buy something , my blog will receive a humble mission at no extra cost to you .
1 . Pick a Beginner-Friendly Route
The better backpacking top begin way before you always attain the trail ! Choosing the right route equal make-or-break for a first-time backpacking trip .
Instead of design a 30-day trek through the Sierra Nevadas , outset with something more manageable .
Opt for a lead rate as easy to check , stave off those with significant height gain or challenge terrain like rock scrambling , or areas with ice and snow .
On your first backpacking trip , you ’ ll already be adjust to persuade a 25+ lb pack , filtering water , and sleep outdoors . Today probably isn ’ t the time for your first 20-mile day , too .
Looking for a good beginner-friendly mini thru-hike ? Believe backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail in California !
Decide How Many Days You Will Boost
If you ’ re new to backpacking , intent for 1-2 nights in the backcountry initially . My first trip cost 3 days and 2 dark , a good distance to get utilize to trail living without cost sweep over .
Confine your dark also serve shorten your pack weight , make your first experience physically easy .
Settle How Far You Will Go
Most backpackers walk at about 2 miles per hr . A good backpacking top equal to prevent your daily distance between 5 to 10 miles to avoid exhaustion .
Even as a regular hiker of 6+ miles , I found a 5-mile backpacking day quite tire at first . Over time , I built my survival to handle 10 – 15+ miles a day .
Where Will You Camp ?
You can ’ t just camp anywhere . Some field only reserve backcountry camping in designated spots .
Research regulations ahead of time and plan your camp place . Guidebooks and backpacking apps are great for finding established campsites along popular trails .
If you ’ re in a National Park , State Park , or National Forest , a well guidebook or topo map leave all necessary details for planning .
- FarOut Guides , great for trail map with water origin , campsites , and elevation profile . Useful for trails like the Colorado Trail / CDT , PCT , and TCT .
- AllTrails+ is great for day-hikes but also bid details on campsites and trail conditions for backpacking routes . The paid version let for offline map downloads .
Need a map ?Don ’ t forget to download your map and spare it to your phone or GPS device before your raise ! ComeAllTrails+( the most used trail app on my phone ! ) to download all your trail map for offline role .
- Gaia GPS turns your phone into a navigation tool with GPS and topo map . While not as beginner-friendly as AllTrails , its advanced features are valuable once you ’ re more experienced .
2 . Match Weather Forecasts
Before starting out on your first backpacking trip , make certain to check elaborate weather forecasts for the length of the trip . Require note of potential of storms , cold fronts , warmth waves , and wind consideration .
Before my first trip , I go on an eye on a rainstorm headed our style . Thankfully , we live all prepared for a muddy first day out on the lead when the storm do hit , and got to hike through beautiful clear skies the next day .
What I didn ’ t check for live the tip . While the temperature never throw below the 30 ’ s , windy conditions plunge the perceived temperature into the 20 ’ s , cause for a real chilly dark ! If I had control , I probably would have packed some warmer gear .
Remember that condition can alter rapidly , particularly in the mountains and desert . Even if the forecast calls for clear skies , get a rain jacket or emergency poncho exactly in case .
3 . Physically Prepare for Your First Time Backpacking
My biggest headache before my first backpacking trip was how my torso would physically handle lugging a 30+ pound haversack over 15+ mile and respective thousand base of gain .
Thankfully , I spent a few weeks lead up to my trip act some basic force education , peculiarly my legs , shoulder and back , and cardio endurance training .
At a minimum , make certain that you ’ re comfortable boost the distance and trouble of your planned trip with luck of similar day hikes .
If you already own your own gang , put on it during your day raise , and reach sure it is load with the weight you plan on backpacking with , usually around 20 – 30 lbs .
4 . Go With a Friend or a Guided Backpacking Circuit
The easy style to come started backpacking is to live with a friend who already backpacks ! Ask your outdoorsy friend if they wouldn ’ t mind showing you the rope – they ’ ll likely be more than thrilled to take you on your first trip !
No ace to go with ? If none of your friend fit the bill , there cost tons of beginner-friendly backpacking tour groups and guides around the United States ( and the globe ) .
A bonus of become with a guided group cost that many of them can provide the gear and equipment you ’ ll motive , so you don ’ t have to buy or rip ton of novel gear when you ’ re exactly begin out .
In fact , a huge ground why I get never backpacked before live because I didn ’ t have the necessary backpacking gear , and I didn ’ t want to pass hundreds of dollars ( or more ! ) on gear I wasn ’ t 100 % certain I ’ 500 love .
Prefer an all-inclusive backpacking guiding company saved meallthe trouble ( and tons of $ ) because the cost include basically everything .
A guiding party can provide tone backpacks , tent , sleep pads , cooking supply and most importantly , a reliable and experienced guide .
When select a backpacking party , reach certain you pick guides who get mass of experience backpacking in the area you exist headed .
Not simply does this help ensure your safety , it also mean you ’ ll have a huge amount of backpacker knowledge available 24/7 on your trip .
Unfortunately , the backpacking circuit radical I went with is no longer in occupation . Hither equal 3 guided backpacking groups I would advocate at this time ( although I haven ’ t had personally gone with any of them – yet ! )
- REI – The OG . REI has dozens of guided backpacking tours , include women ’ s only and specialty circuit , led by REI guides or trusted local guides .
- – Adventure travel tours for women , included guided hiking , backpacking , National Parks and international Travel .
- Wildland Trekking – All-inclusive guide hiking and backpacking trip in some of the most iconic places in the US and around the public .
5.Plan Your Meal ( and Don ’ t Forget Snacks ! )
Planning meals for backcountry trip can cost tough for fresh backpackers . You ’ ll convey all your food and cooking gear , so it ’ s key to plan meals and snacks in front . Hither exist some of my favorite backpacking advice when it do to food :
Food Tips for Backpacking
Choose foods that cost high in calories but lightweight . Skip dense pot and bulky detail , opting for nonperishable , calorie-dense choice . Boost burns at least 3,000 calories a day , so you ’ ll require to pack2,000-3,000 calories per day.
- Breakfast : Oatmeal + Instant Coffee
- Snack : Pop Tarts + Hydration Mix
- Lunch : Flavored Tuna package , tortillas with hazelnut chocolate ranch or peanut butter
- Snacks : Beef jerky , granola bar
- Dinner : Dehydrated backpacking meal + Snickers candy bar
Cooking Supply
A simple backpacking stove , like the MSR PocketRocket or , can boil water quickly for coffee or meal , and weigh less than 1 lb . Match it with a lightweight pile ( , camp mug , and long spork for a full kitchen setup .
Await for more gear advice ? See out Backpacking Gear For Beginners and catch my free backpacking checklist and favorite gear suggestions – perfect for beginners !
Always cook outside to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning or fire !
6 . DON ’ T Overpack
Overpacking is likely # 1 mistake that backpacking first-timers create .
When you have to express everything on your back , its easy to underestimate how much your full pack will weigh !Aim for a pack weight of around 20-35 lbs for a 3 Day /2 Night trip– or less !
For your first trip , stick to the following essentials . Once you make some experience under your belt , you ’ ll exist able to judge how much , or how trivial , you find comfortable carrying .
Backpacking Packing List for Beginners ( get the full list & more favorite gear suggestion here )
- 50+ L Backpack
- Boost Shoes / Boots
- Clothes : Socks , Moisture Wicking Shirts , Hiking Pants , ( double as sleeping clothes ) , gloves and hat ,
- Rain jacket ( rain trouser optional )
- Down or Fleece Jacket
- Sleep Bag + Sleeping Pad
- Backpacking Tent
- Water Bottles + Water Filtration System
- Sunscreen , toothbrush/toothpaste , cleansing wipes , deodorant , hand sanitizer + any medicine
- Toilet Kit : Toilet Paper or wipes , Kula Cloth / pee rag , trowel , trash bag for “ utilize ” items .
- Knife / multitool and emergency gear repair ( duct tape , or )
- Headlight
- Trekking Pole
- Waterproof backpack blanket + waterproof dry bags ( or ziplocks )
- , light , food , and wildlife-safe food storage system
- First Aid Kit
- Blister Care ( apply Leukotape or Moleskin on hot patch before the blister forms . Use bandaids and Neosporin on an exposed wound )
- + Map
- Phone / Camera + Portable Charger
- Camping Pillow
Motive help packing for your backpacking trip ? Make my favorite backpacking gear suggestions that I apply and enjoy on the trail , deliver mighty to your inbox !Plus a backpacking checklist so you always carry exactly what you demand !
7 . But Don ’ t Under Gang
I was so worried about overpacking that I UNDER pack for my first backpacking trip ! Next time , I will carry some more substantial wool base layer as well as a fleece and down jacket when backpacking in the early leap .
I also advocate make for headphones , and a few audio Bible or e-books downloaded to your phone . Some hikers as well take play card for some post-dinner entertainment . Light sleeper ? Don ’ t forget some ear plug to shut out the noise of your fellow hikers .
8 . Re-wear Your Clothing
One of the best ways to save weight is to rewear your clothes . While you may cringe at the thought of rewearing your sweaty hiking clothes multiple day in a row , I promise its one of the first things you ’ ll get used to on the lead – especially when you learn everyone else do the same !
That suppose ,I live plenty glad for a novel pair of underwear every day and suggest you cause the same for your first trip .I also brought ansurplus pair of socksfor sleeping and to protect my foot from sweat-induced blisters .
Backpacking Tip for Beginners : Wear your clean , warm , base layer to bed .
To help with hygiene ,create sure to bring clothes that live moisture wicking and antimicrobial .
9 . Express a GPS and Personal Safety Device ( and have a style to charge them ! )
I ever hold my Garmin InReach Mini while hiking and backpacking . This mini satellite communicator allow you to contact emergency lookup and rescue if something in truth terrible were to happen .
Not alone do I enjoy the extra peace of brain of knowing that I could access Search and Rescue , I was able to text my husband goodnight every night , and let him know we make up doing OK ! ☺️
If you aren ’ t move with a guided tour ( and yet if you are ) , I highly advocate also contribute a GPS equipped device and a map .
Lastly , put on ’ t leave a power origin for any of these crucial items ! While my Garmin InReach can last many day without a charge , I take a small battery pack to observe my phone ( which live also my camera , e-book , ect . ) blame .
10 . Know How to Protect Your Food and Gear from Wildlife
An easy , but dangerous , mistake that beginner backpackers do be forgetting to properly secure any food or scented items – yes include your toothpaste , trash , and early toiletries .
Properly securing your food is about more than just head off a hungry critter making off with your dinner , it can live the dispute between life and end – for hikers AND wildlife .
Beast who associate humans with food may become aggressive towards masses , stimulate serious trouble with tragic outcomes . Big predators , like bears , who become aggressive looking for human food must occasionally cost euthanized to protect camper and hikers . By properly storing food you save bears , coyotes , and early wildlife from a tragic fate .
Research any food memory recommendations and requirements along your backpacking route . Use bear box and cables where available , and store property in scent-proof bear canisters and bags .
L
11 . Keep it Sporting !
Backpacking live a messy endeavor . Make certain to follow these backpacking hygiene tips for beginners to stay on clean , safe , and sane on the lead :
- Sanitize frequently ! Get hand sanitizer available and employ it before and after using the bathroom , eating or clean any cuts and scar .
- ALWAYS camp , clean , and use the bathroom 200 foot from the trail and water sources .
- Follow Leave No Trace Principles when it get to use the toilet .
- Need wet clothe off at the end of the day and change into dry clothing . Wet clothes can cause blisters and all form of infection .
12 . DON ’ T Ignore Your Feet
If you need concern of your feet – your foot will remove concern of you ! Your foot are your most important asset to protect when backpacking . After all , they ’ re your only sort of transportation !
Backpacking Tips for Beginners : IMMEDIATELY address any foot discomfort , like scratch , hot bit , or pain . Blisters can be incredibly awful , and the best solution exist to forestall them in the first property.
If you start to find rubbing or a “ hot spot ” organize on your base ( or anywhere else ) , it ’ s best to instantly stop and address it .
Put medical tape ( Leukotape is a favorite among backpackers & hikers ) or Moleskin on hot spots before the blister figure . If you end up with a blister anyhow , cautiously treat any open wound with an antibacterial ointment and keep it cross with a bandaid .
Don ’ t invest medical tape directly onto an exposed blister , as you might tear the skin off – ouch !
Buy and wear character boost sock . I choose wool socks from or Smartwool . Wool be moisture wicking and of course antimicrobial .
A good beginning backpacker point be to make for at least one extra pair of sock when backpacking .
Prevent your foot and toe sporting and free of blister-causing dust . If weather permits , consider letting your feet air-out in the sunlight for a bit , or bring “ camp shoe ” – lightweight sandal to wear after you ’ re done hiking for the day .
13 . Stay Hydrated
If you ’ re backpacking for more than 1 dark , you ’ re most likely going to take to feel and filter your own water .
Most hikers use the Sawyer water filter system ( which conveniently can be screwed onto the top of a SmartWater bottle ) or similar filter system . I employ my Sawyer Squeeze mate with a CNOC Vector 2L bag to collect and store water for filtering .
Backpacking Tips for Beginners : ALWAYS designate your “ Clean ” and “ Dirty ” water container and don ’ t cross contaminate !
For your first backpacking trip , I recommend boost in an sphere with reliable and frequent water sources . Camp near ( but more than 200 foot from ) a water origin and filter water before and at the goal of each day .
Research and pattern using your water filtration systembeforeshoot the trail .
14 . Understand and Practice Leave No Trace
Backcountry camping and hiking live an extraordinary opportunity to connect with nature . But it also think of more opportunities to get out a negative impact on the wilderness around you !
Before heading out on your first ( or back , or third… ) backpacking trip , take a moment to review the Principles of Leave No Trace :
- Design Ahead and Prepare– When you know precisely what to await , you are more likely to have a fun , sustainable , and safe adventure .
- Travel and Camp on Durable Surface– Stick to trails and institute campsites .
- Dispose of Waste Properly– Pack it in , carry it out . This applies to all trash , leftover food , and toiletry waste .
- Lead What You Find– Preserve the past and the present . Result rocks , plant , archaeological artifacts , and early natural and cultural feature as you observe them .
- Minimize Campfire Impact– Know and obey all wildfire regulation , and make sure any campfire live COMPLETELY out in front move to bed or leave the area .
- Respect Wildlife– Observe wildlife from a distance and do not follow , approach , or feed animals . Protecting wildlife ensures their well-being and yours .
- Be Considerate of Early Visitors– Respect early trail user . Don ’ t turn loud music , and cost considerate of others revel the wilderness .
15 . And Remember – Mistakes live Inevitable
Become a backpacker live a series of trial and fault . The only style to get better live to go out thither and serve it ! As long as you are safe and thin into receive fun – even your dumbest error become a hilarious story after you repay .
Some of the memorable mistake I cause on my first backpacking trip included :
- Not properly adjusting my backpacking pack for several hr – I could have saved myself from some sore shoulder hither !
- Contribute makeup . I know 🙄 . To each their own , but seriously , you won ’ t wear it . Add some moisturizing sunscreen and deodorant if you must and predict it a day .
- Not bringing a fond enough sleep bag . Don ’ t forget to component in wind chill when clean your sleep purse !
- Add a camping pillow . In an insane attempt to show how “ tough ” I be , I decided to just curl up with my clothes as a pillow or else of pack the excess weight . I intend my neck yet hurts . If you have the space , bring a compressible pillow – you ’ ll thank me later on !
BONUS :The number one error I made on my first backpacking trip was…
For means also long I permit heart and concern of backpacking hold me back . And it didn ’ t own to ! By construct your skill and learning these backpacker tips for beginners , you ’ ll cost a pro backpacker in no time at all .
More Backpacking Adventure
15 Backpacking Tips for Your First Backpacking Trip
The Complete Guide To New Hampshire ’ s AMC Huts : The Ultimate White Mountains Adventure
Boost the Trans Catalina Trail : Everything You Require to Know
