The Essential Guide to Backpacking for Newcomers

This guide covers the fundamentals of backpacking for newcomers, outlining essential steps to begin, a checklist of items to bring, and addressing the common inquiry:What defines backpacking?

“You might be familiar with the terms”backpacking and backcountryDiscussed often among outdoor lovers, you’ve likely listened to friends recount their amazing backpacking journey from last summer or come across stories of our wilderness explorations in Olympic National Park.

Backcountry: The hard-to-findplacewith the most breathtaking wilderness, incredible wildlife sightings, and otherworldly landscapes… you know what we mean. Backcountry implies being off the grid, correct? Isolated. Untouched. And challenging to reach.

You might find yourself asking…What defines the essence of backpacking?

Here’s a breakdown of backpacking fundamentals for those just starting out, covering the essentials and addressing common queries like:What defines backcountry camping?

Travel guide for backpackers

What does backpacking entail
What does backcountry camping entail
Essential skills for wilderness adventures
Essential items to bring on a backcountry trip
Top equipment for backpacking adventures

Some of our top-rated backcountry guides are listed below

Trail Meals: A Complete Guide to Planning Backpacking Food

To explore additional backpacking guides, click the link below to access the dedicated resource page.

What does backpacking entail?

Backpacking is an outdoor activity that blends hiking and camping, often occurring in secluded regions referred to as the backcountry.

The term originates from the concept of carrying all necessary equipment and supplies on your back. In contrast to day hikes, backpacking requires a more substantial pack to hold your tent, food, water, and other essentials for spending one or more nights in the wild.

Backpacking and backcountry camping are closely linked, so much so that the terms are frequently considered synonymous.

What defines backcountry camping?

Backcountry camping involves overnight stays in isolated wilderness areas, requiring you to transport all your equipment on foot. For those seeking a complete outdoor adventure and a deep connection with nature, backcountry camping is the ideal choice.

Backcountry campsites are established in isolated wilderness locations, yet they do not offer modern comforts such as plumbing, toilets, or facilities for recreational vehicles.

What should you anticipate when staying at a backcountry campsite?

The answer varies, but typically, you may encounter some or all of the following:

A designated area for setting up a tent
Seats made from logs
Fire pit (subject to location)
A privy (an outdoor pit latrine)
Food storage solutions (in bear country)

When backcountry camping at an established campsite, you’ll usually discover acamping platformChoose a level, open area to pitch your tent. If you’re fortunate, there may be logs arranged for seating and possibly a simple fire ring. (In high-altitude locations or regions prone to wildfires, the fire pit will be absent.)

Many designated backcountry campgrounds also feature a basic outhouse known as aprivy. This is available for all campers in the vicinity to use, though its convenience depends on how close your site is to the toilet.

Finally, when camping in areas inhabited by bears, you’ll probably find designated food storage solutions. These could include a bear pole, where you can suspend your food bag.

Pro Tip:Contact the nearest ranger station to inquire about designated food-hanging spots along the trail. If none are available, a bear canister will be necessary.

Pro Tip:Contact the nearest ranger station to confirm whether the trail has designated spots for storing food. If none are available, a bear canister will be necessary.

Camping in Dispersed Areas

Another form of wilderness camping is referred to ascamping in dispersed areas.This term describes the act of pitching a tent in a truly remote and undeveloped location that lacks designated camping facilities or reservations.

Dispersed camping is permitted in certain areas of some National and State parks and forests, though restrictions often apply. Always verify the backcountry camping regulations for the specific location in advance.

Dispersed Camping: Understanding the Concept and Locating Dispersed Campsites

What to anticipate while traveling with a backpack

For those new to backpacking, these are some experiences you’re likely to encounter while on the trail.

Increased preparation and additional effort

When trekking in remote wilderness areas, you must bring all your equipment in and out on foot. Unlike car camping, where you can transport your gear directly to the campsite, this requires carrying your own shelter (such as a tent), sleeping supplies, water, food, and any additional essentials.

You should also be ready for unforeseen circumstances by carrying essential first aid supplies, offline navigation tools, a water filtration system, and a bear-resistant food container (especially if camping in areas with bears).

Backcountry camping demands more planning and preparation compared to standard car camping. All the essential equipment will be covered in the backcountry essentials section later.

Authorization might be necessary

When hiking in National Parks or similar protected regions, securing a backcountry or wilderness permit in advance is often necessary.

Limited permits for these areas are released months ahead of time (often on Recreation.gov) and tend to sell out rapidly. A portion of these permits is usually reserved for first-come-first-serve availability. To secure one of these, you must visit the ranger station or information center in person to attempt getting a spot.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the ranger station well in advance, especially in busy locations. At Grand Teton National Park, we showed up two hours before opening and were still around the 20th spot in line.

Pro Tip: Arrive at the ranger station well in advance if you’re visiting busy locations. At Grand Teton National Park, we showed up two hours before opening and were still around the 20th spot in line.

Before setting up camp, it’s wise to research the area’s rules and regulations regarding permits.

You might not be alone

Even in the backcountry, you might not be completely isolated. The area where you’re backpacking could have several campsites near each other, meaning you may end up with nearby campers. Generally, those who venture into the wilderness are considerate, and we’ve rarely encountered problems. (Car camping, however, is an entirely separate situation!)

In more remote outdoor areas, your camping spot could be quite isolated, with no other people nearby. We recommend staying flexible for any scenario or doing some prior research to understand what conditions you might encounter.

Essential skills for wilderness adventures

Grasping the core principles of wilderness survival is essential when getting ready for a backpacking adventure. To ensure a secure and enjoyable journey, it’s important to develop key skills before venturing onto the trails.

The process of treating water to remove contaminants and impurities.

In the remote wilderness, plumbing is not available, so you must manage your own water needs. Transporting all the water required can be cumbersome due to its weight, so using a water purification system is advised to replenish supplies from nearby lakes or rivers.

What is the purpose of purifying my water?

Even if the water in an isolated lake or stream appears perfectly transparent,Purifying it remains essential.Wildlife in the area frequently relies on these water sources, increasing the likelihood that they transmit harmful diseases such as giardia. For a vivid reminder of its effects, you can search for it on Google.why Make sure to properly sterilize your water before use.

What are the methods for purifying water?

Numerous methods exist to effectively purify drinking water, ranging from UV light treatment to pump systems, tablets, and integrated filters. Certain solutions perform more efficiently depending on the specific circumstances.

Below, you’ll find some of our top picks for water purification systems in our backcountry essentials list. However, we also suggest seeking advice from professionals at outdoor retailers (such as REI) and park rangers. Their expertise can guide you in selecting the best system for your needs and the specific area where you’ll be camping.

Where can I refill my water bottle?

When planning a backcountry camping excursion, always identify the locations of water refill stations in advance.

When camping in regions without water access, such as deserts, beaches, or specific mountain areas, it’s essential to bring sufficient water for drinking, cooking, and hygiene. You’ll likely need more than you anticipate. For beginners, we suggest choosing destinations with multiple options for refilling water supplies.

Offline Navigation

Mastering navigation is a crucial ability for anyone venturing off-the-grid. It’s no secret that cell service is frequently unavailable in remote areas, and you certainly shouldn’t expect to stumble upon any wifi hotspots either.

For a successful backcountry camping adventure, ensure you’re equipped with offline navigation tools like a physical paper map and compass. It’s also helpful to download your route’s offline map from AllTrails before heading out on your backpacking journey.

Important:If you intend to rely on digital maps (such as those on your phone), ensure you have a dependable method to keep your device powered throughout your journey. For extended backpacking adventures, it’s wise to use traditional paper maps and a compass to avoid battery depletion.

Helpful to note:To access the offline maps, you need an AllTrails Pro Membership, which costs $30 per year (with discounts for multi-year plans). In our view, the subscription is absolutely worth the price. We seldom pay for apps, but this is one we’d never want to miss. AllTrails offers global coverage, making it ideal for both local and international travel.

Psst! Score your first week of Alltrails+ at no cost when you register through our exclusive link!

Psst! Score your first week of Alltrails+ at no cost when you register through our exclusive link!

Preparing meals over an open flame or portable camping stove

Because you must transport all your food, it’s essential to bring lightweight backpacking meals that are simple to prepare while hiking.

Creating your own backpacking meals using dehydrated ingredients is enjoyable, but a good selection can also be found at many outdoor retailers. At their most basic, dehydrated meals are ready by adding boiling water directly to the packet and allowing it to rest for several minutes. This method is convenient since it requires minimal cleanup—meaning no dishes to wash!

For slightly more complex meals, you might have to prepare them by boiling water in a pot over a heat source. This method can create a few dirty dishes, but it could be the preferable choice based on the kind of meal you’ve packed.

Along with three daily meals, it’s important to pack an ample supply of healthy hiking snacks for the trip, as you’ll expend significant energy both trekking and preparing your campsite.

Pro Tip:If it’s your first time preparing backpacking meals, we suggest trying a practice round at home to familiarize yourself with the process and determine the necessary equipment. The last thing you want is to be stuck in a remote location without the ability to cook a proper meal.

Insider Pro Tip:If it’s your first time preparing backpacking meals, we suggest trying a practice round at home to familiarize yourself with the process and determine the necessary tools. You wouldn’t want to find yourself in a remote location without the ability to cook a proper meal.

Trail Meals: A Comprehensive Guide to Planning Your Backpacking Food

Preservation of food supplies

Much of the remote backcountry wilderness —particularly the Western region of the United States— Wild animals, including bears, inhabit this area and may be drawn to the smell of food or other odorous objects.

Always ensure your food and scented items—such as deodorant, hand sanitizer, and toothpaste—are stored correctly at every moment.

Your well-being and protection
The health and survival of animal species in their natural habitats
To stop tiny animals from snatching your meals (oh, no way!)

Your well-being and protection

Proper food storage is crucial, primarily for personal safety. In areas with bear populations, it can be a matter of survival. This isn’t meant to frighten you, but there have been cases where improper food storage led to severe injuries or fatalities.

When you find yourself in the wild,youYou are the guest, and the animals dictate the terms of engagement.

The health and survival of animal species in their natural habitats

Animals possess highly acute senses of smell, enabling them to locate food from afar (even if your chocolate bar is tucked away in your backpack). This can lure them toward people and encourage them to consume human food, both of which are harmful to wildlife.

Ensure safety for everyone by properly storing your food.

To keep your meals safe from theft

The thought of a bear wandering into camp is undeniably frightening, but in truth, the odds are far greater that your fragrant food will draw in smaller animals instead. —Consider mice, squirrels, marmots, raccoons, and the like. Believe me, you wouldn’t want these critters sneaking into your camp and chewing through your equipment.

Just one additional point:When camping in bear country, it’s advisable to carry bear spray for added safety.

Just one additional point:When camping in bear country, it’s advisable to carry bear spray for added safety.

How can I determine whether my food requires storage?

Storing food away from your campsite is a smart habit. To find out whether bear-safe storage is necessary, consult the nearest ranger station. They can provide you with valuable advice and details.

What is the best way to preserve my food?

Several techniques exist for properly preserving your food while in the backcountry.

1. Bear-resistant container:This plastic container is challenging to open, similar to a child-resistant medication bottle. For storing food and toiletries, place the canister a minimum of 100 meters downwind from your tent.

Pro: Bear canisters offer convenience since they eliminate the need to camp near a tree for food storage.

Con: Their weight and size can be a drawback, particularly during extended backpacking excursions.

Tip: If you don’t own a bear canister for storing food, you can often rent one (occasionally at no cost) from a nearby ranger station.

Tip: In case you don’t own a bear canister for food storage, it’s often possible to rent one (occasionally at no cost) from a nearby ranger station.

2. Suspending your food bag:A secure method for preserving your food is to suspend it from above.

In certain designated backcountry locations, you may find a standalone “bear pole” or suspended wires to hang your food bag. While some opt to suspend their full backpack, we recommend using a compact dry bag for this purpose instead.

In backcountry campgrounds without a designated bear pole or wire, you can still suspend your food pack. The challenge lies in locating a suitable tree, which may prove harder than expected.

To ensure proper hanging (keeping it out of reach of large animals), the food pack must be positioned sufficiently high above the ground and at an adequate distance from the tree trunk. The optimal placement involves suspending the pack 15 feet off the ground and 10 feet away from the trunk.

To learn additional details, refer to this comprehensive step-by-step guide provided by the Washington Trails Association.

Psst!Always carry a rope when intending to suspend your pack from a tree.

Psst!Always carry a rope when intending to suspend your pack from a tree.

3. Food storage compartments:These aren’t commonly available at backcountry locations, but they’re still an alternative worth considering.

Certain campgrounds provide metal storage containers to keep food secure. Nevertheless, you should be ready to use one of the previously mentioned methods, as it’s improbable that your remote location will offer a locker.

Leave No Trace guidelines

If you’re unaware of the 7 principles of Leave No Trace, it’s essential to learn and adhere to these guidelines whenever you’re in the outdoors.

The concept is to ensure that every location you visit remains unchanged from how you discovered it (or improved), minimizing environmental impact and allowing others to have the same enjoyable experience you did.

7 Principles:

Think in advance and get ready
Stay and set up camp on resilient terrain
Discard waste correctly (typically, this entails removing any trash you bring in).
Take only memories, leave what you discover.
Reduce the effects of campfires (exercise caution with flames and never start a fire when a fire ban is in effect).
Respect animals in their natural habitat
Respect the presence and experience of fellow guests.

The 7 Leave No Trace principles (and why they matter to you!)

Weather alert indicators and precautionary measures

Before your trip, review the weather conditions and familiarize yourself with the local climate patterns. We recommend visiting the nearest ranger station, as they often offer the most precise forecasts for surrounding wilderness areas and can share details beyond what’s available online.

Recognize the indicators of extreme weather conditions. Conditions in the backcountry can shift unexpectedly (even without prior forecasts), making it essential to have suitable gear and protection ready.

Tip: Always bring rain gear, even when no rain is forecast. Similarly, pack warm clothing layers, regardless of whether the weather is expected to be hot.

Tip: Even if the forecast doesn’t call for rain, bringing rain gear is wise. Additionally, packing warm layers is recommended, regardless of whether high temperatures are expected.

First aid and preventive measures

Before heading into the backcountry, it’s wise to familiarize yourself with basic first aid. This knowledge will prepare you to handle emergencies when you’re isolated and, more importantly, teach you how to avoid potential accidents in the first place.

Important: Familiarize yourself with the contents of your First Aid Kit. You might need to include additional supplies based on the size of your group and the duration of your journey.

Appropriate attire

Ensure you have the right gear, including multiple layers, when camping in the backcountry. Daytime hikes can be warm, but temperatures often plunge after sunset. Familiarize yourself with the local weather conditions and appropriate hiking attire to stay comfortable throughout your journey.

Shelter

It should be obvious, but having the right shelter is essential for backcountry camping. If you’re using a tent, make sure you practice setting it up before you’re deep in the wilderness with nightfall approaching and daylight fading fast.

If you enjoy spending the night outdoors (perhaps in a hammock), make sure you’re ready for changing conditions and bring a mosquito net or insect repellent if needed.

Essential gear for the backcountry (also known as must-pack items!)

You might think backpacking requires a lot of new equipment, but that isn’t completely accurate…

You can find numerous methods to gather affordable backpacking equipment, and sometimes even get it for FREE! We’ve created a guide to help you secure budget-friendly camping and outdoor gear, detailing exactly how to do it.

The positive aspect is that once you have the essentials, these items can serve you for years before you need to upgrade. Here’s our selection of gear we usually bring on every backpacking adventure.

For navigation, we suggest utilizing Alltrails+ to access the offline trail map.
- Enjoy your first week of Alltrails+ at no cost by registering through our exclusive link!
**Permit
A high-quality backpack suitable for hiking and outdoor adventuresdesigned to perfectly match your physique and measurements
Compact and easy-to-carry shelterExplore the top 2-person tents available.
Sleeping bag
Sleeping mat
Wearing multiple layers (check out this helpful guide for advice on hiking attire) is essential.
Waterproof outerwear for wet weather
Hiking footwear (boots, hiking sandals, or cross trainers—select the style that suits you best for your chosen terrain)
Thick wool socks designed for hiking and outdoor activities
First Aid kit
Insect repellent (we like the natural kind)
Shield your skin from the sun: apply sunscreen, wear a hat, and use sunglasses.
Insulated water container(s) and/or hydration reservoir designed for your Camelbak
Water purification (we’re big fans of our Steripen, though we’ve found that our Grayl filtered water bottles perform exceptionally well during backpacking adventures!)
A dry bag (we never leave without one to protect our valuables from rain)
Headlamp
Carry bear spray (while camping in areas inhabited by bears)
Wildlife-resistant food storage container
Rope (useful for suspending your food bag or drying damp/sweaty clothing)
Multi-tool
Toilet kit: toilet paper, compact shovel, waste bag for used TP, hand sanitizer
A container for your garbage
Lighter
Camp stove and fuel (our Jetboil is a favorite!)
Mess kit
Food (refer to the following section)
Eco-friendly soap and compact towel

Enjoy your first week of Alltrails+ at no cost by registering through our exclusive link!

If you decide to use your phone for navigation, make sure to carry a dependable power bank to keep your phone charged.

Remember to bring your permit! Many backcountry camping areas mandate a permit, and you might need to present it if a ranger checks during your trip. Usually, you’ll need to affix the permit to your backpack while hiking and display it on the exterior of your tent after setting up camp.

Optional equipment

We prefer using our Crazy Creek chairs as camp seating.
Energy storage unit
Ignition source
Fishing rod (make sure you’re aware of the local fishing rules and regulations).
Portable solar-powered light with an inflatable design
A set of playing cards
Camera and tripod (ideal for hiking adventures)
Binoculars
ENO hammock (we adore our two-person ENO pictured here!)
Book or e-reader
Notebook along with a pen or pencil
Trekking poles
Footwear for camp: Chacos sandals are a popular choice at camp since they allow us to switch out of the boots worn throughout the day. Others prefer lightweight Crocs or flip-flops as a comfortable alternative while at camp.
Portable air-filled camping pillow
Kula cloth: a reusable pee cloth designed for women (Admittedly, it might seem odd at first, but it’s gained a dedicated fanbase. I’m just starting out with it, but already a big fan!)

Food

Dehydrated meals (we enjoy preparing our own backpacking meals using dehydrated ingredients, though a good selection can also be found at many outdoor retailers)
Fuel up for your hike with our top trail snack picks—find them all here!
Tea
Coffee: discover the perfect way to brew great camping coffee!

Top backpacks for backpacking adventures

The top backpacks we love:Osprey Renn 50 for Men and Women
Top ultralight backpack options:The Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest backpack has a 40-liter capacity.
Top affordable backpack:REI Flash 55 for Men / REI Flash 55 for Women

Choosing the right backpack is a personal decision that varies based on body type and individual preferences. Ensuring a proper fit and adjusting the pack to distribute weight evenly is essential for comfort and functionality.

The optimal service for this is available at REI, where you can test various pack styles and receive assistance from a staff member to make the necessary adjustments.

Consider the duration of your backpacking journey and the quantity as well as the types of gear you’ll require when selecting a backpack.

Top backpacking tents for outdoor adventures

Our suggestion:The Marmot Tungsten 3P Tent, including its footprint
Top ultralight backpacking tent:The Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 is a lightweight, high-performance tent designed for backpacking adventures. It offers a spacious interior and durable construction, making it ideal for two campers seeking comfort on the trail. The tent features a hybrid vestibule design for added gear storage and weather protection. With its quick setup and ultralight materials, the Copper Spur HV UL2 ensures a reliable shelter without sacrificing weight or convenience.
Top affordable backpacking tent for budget-conscious travelers:The Kelty Late Start 2 Tent offers a compact and lightweight shelter designed for easy setup and convenience. Ideal for backpackers and campers, it provides reliable protection from the elements while ensuring comfort during outdoor adventures. Its durable materials and thoughtful design make it a practical choice for those who value both performance and simplicity.

Selecting a tent for backpacking depends on the amount of space you prefer. Although there are only two of us, we often bring our 3-person tent on trips to have extra room for stretching out and storing equipment when needed.

If you’re traveling alone, a single might help reduce weight and save space, but a double could be worth considering for added comfort.

It’s best to use a tent equipped with a rain cover and footprint, or bring an additional tarp, to shield against harsh weather conditions.

Top 2-Person Tents for Camping and Backpacking Adventures

Top-rated sleeping bags designed for backpacking adventures

Our suggested approach top 3-season sleeping bag:The NEMO Disco Down Sleeping Bag offers a blend of comfort and warmth for outdoor adventures. Designed with high-quality materials, it ensures a cozy rest in various conditions. Its innovative features cater to campers seeking reliable performance during their trips. The sleeping bag’s construction prioritizes both functionality and durability, making it a trusted choice for enthusiasts.
Top ultralight sleeping bag:Sea to Summit Spark Ultralight 40-Degree Sleeping Bag
Top affordable sleeping bag (for warm conditions exclusively):REDCAMP Super Lightweight Sleeping Bag

When searching for a sleeping bag to stay warm in cold mountain conditions, a useful guideline is to choose one rated at least 10 degrees below the expected outdoor temperature on your backpacking adventure.

If the forecast predicts overnight temperatures around the low 50s, you should use a sleeping bag with a 40°F rating or below.

Beyond temperature ratings, the material inside your sleeping bag significantly impacts its performance. While synthetic insulation is widely used, many outdoor enthusiasts favor goose down for its superior warmth-to-weight ratio, which provides better heat retention in chilly conditions.

Keep in mind that a down sleeping bag loses much of its insulating power when wet, so always protect it from moisture and use a waterproof stuff sack for storage.

Top-rated sleeping pads for backpacking adventures

We suggest:Sea to Summit Ultralight Insulated Air Sleeping Mat
Top-rated insulated sleeping pad:The NEMO Tensor Alpine Air Pad offers lightweight comfort and insulation for outdoor adventures.
Top affordable sleeping pad:POWERLIX Ultralight Sleeping Mat

A reliable sleeping bag is crucial for us, but another key component for a comfortable sleep system is a high-quality sleeping pad.

Of all the essential equipment for backpacking, a sleeping pad will have the most significant impact on your comfort during overnight trips.

Tip: The R-value measures a sleeping pad’s insulation, with ratings typically between 1.0 and 8.0. For hiking in colder climates, opt for a pad with an R-value of 4.0 or higher, as these are designed for all-season and winter conditions.

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