Top 10 Gear Essentials For Every Backpacking Trip
There is nothing better than feeling free, confident and one with nature. However, having the appropriate equipment for a multi-day backcountry adventure is the difference between having a magnificent time or a struggle bus experience.
When I first started backpacking, I was one of those "let me wing it" type of people. WORST, MOST ILL-PREPARED DECISION EVER! After having a really hard time out there with gear that was old, heavy and just not efficient for what I was doing- I decided to up my gear game.
The difference in having systems for my gear was INCREDIBLE. Not only were my backpacking trips 100x more enjoyable, but I was actually able to push my limits and explore more difficult terrain. In no specific order of importance (because I believe these are all equally important), here's my top 10 non-negotiable gear essentials for a successful backpacking trip!
#1- Backpack
There is nothing worse than an ill-fitting backpack. Everyone is different and the length of your torso is a big factor to consider. PRO TIP- Visit an REI store and get fitted for a pack by a professional in multiple different brands. You'll have an informed idea of your size and what feels the most comfortable. From there, you can go on multiple different outlet sites to find second hand packs for a fraction of the retail value! I have a few different packs but my go to is the Gregory Deva 60 L. It's adjustable hip belt and comfortable frame makes carrying all that weight up a steep incline totally bearable.
#2- Hiking Shoes
Now this one is going to be controversial because I personally know a lot of badass people that hike barefoot or in chaco sandals and crocs. If that's your thing, do you boo boo. But I'm talking to all those beginner adventurers that want the support from a shoe that will help them walk many miles comfortably.
So let's break down the main options- you have trail runners, hiking shoes, and hiking boots. If you're a solid hiker and you trust the strength of your ankles- trail runners are a nice option because of how lightweight they are. Hiking shoes are a nice mid-way point where it's low to the ankle but still has great traction for control. My personal favorites are your good ol' fashioned hiking boots. I like my boots high with ample support to protect me from rolling an ankle. Merrill makes a great boot for beginners- comfortable, with an easy break in. I bought a pair of Solomon GTX waterproof boots a few years and they're still holding up strong with some HARD wear and tear.
#3- Water Filtration
Once upon a time when I was still a backpacking newb, I thought it'd be a good idea to backpack into the swamps of Florida for 3 nights and just boil all my water to kill bacteria. This was disgusting and it was very difficult to drink hot water when it was 80 degrees outside. I have since discovered how delightful staying hydrated in the backcountry can be with my Sawyer Squeeze.
There are a couple categories of water treatment to consider- chemical treated and filtered. Chemical treatment like Aqua Mira or Iodine completely kills all bacteria so if you're taking water from a sketchy looking pond treating it this way is your safest bet. The filters are my favorite and they taste the best. My Sawyer Squeeze has been my go to for 7+ years now but I always carry chemical treatment JUST IN CASE.
#4- Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Pad
You can camp in some seriously cold whether with the right bag. A sleeping bag is an important investment that will keep you cozy for many adventures to come. Some things to consider- synthetic vs. down. If you're going to be camping in wet environments get synthetic so the insulation isn't affected when damp. Down sleeping bags are my favorite because of how light weight and compressible they are. My primary bag is the REI- Women's Joule 17. For shoulder season camping, I'll add a liner and it adds an extra 15 degrees of warmth to my bag. I've also heard fantastic things about Down quilt-type bags and I'd love to try one of those out in the future!
When I first started backpacking I totally disregarded the idea of a sleeping pad. After my first trip I QUICKLY invested in one. Sleeping in a tent in the wilderness for the first time can make you feel anxious. Setting yourself up for comfort can really help to alleviate that anxiety and have a good nights sleep. Sleeping pads can be broken down into a few different categories- foam, self inflating, or blow up. They all have their pros and cons so it's up to you to develop that personal preference. I'm pretty low maintenance and typically only bring a Thermarest foam pad with me on most trips but for longer more strenuous hiking I bring a self-inflating pad as well for extra comfort!
#5- Headlamp
There's nothing more annoying than forgetting your headlamp on a trip. This serves as my primary light source. Now a days you can find headlamps with different ranges of lumens for ultimate power. Currently I use a Petzl headlamp. I always make sure my headlamp has a red light setting because it's easier for my eyes to adjust to that while doing things around camp. Plus if you have to pee in the middle of the night, you won't blind your tent mates with a bright LED light. Be sure to ALWAYS pack extra batteries!
#6- Tent
Tent, shelter, hammock, tarp, etc... While cowboy camping (sleeping directly under the stars) is an unforgettable experience, I strongly suggest those just getting started with backpacking to invest in a lightweight tent. You can go ultralight and the weight of your tent will be around 1-2 lbs... that's a backpacker's dream. However, when getting started there's a lot of gear you'll need to invest in and saving money for an extra few pounds isn't going to kill you. It's better to just get out there and get started then wait a million years for you to have the most ultralight equipment on the market.
I purchased a 2 person Kelty backpacking tent back in 2014 for around $120 that weighs 4 lbs. The 4 lbs isn't ideal however, when camping with a partner I can break the tent up and divvy out that weight. This tent has been heavily used on many trips and is still holding up strong. Would I love to have a Big Agnes UL tent that barely weighs 2 lbs? Well, heck yeah and some day I will. But I'm not going to let that stop me from getting outdoors and doing what I love.
#7- Kitchen Supplies
Refueling your body with good food and sufficient calories is non-negotiable for the backcountry. You don't have to just live off protein bars the entire time if you plan accordingly. So here are some of the essential supplies you're going to want to have:
Backpacking stove- The MSR pocket rocket is my go to but you can also buy a Jetboil, MSR Whisper Lite, and many other brands have come out with their own version. The idea is your stove needs to be lightweight and small.
Fuel- This will be determined by the type of stove you have but make sure to have ample fuel for the length of your trip as well as the number of people you are cooking for.
Cooking Pot- Whether it be a pot, fry bake, or pan - just make sure it's lightweight and designed for backpacking. Don't bring your regular kitchen equipment. This is also going to depend on the type of meals your planning to make. So the best thing to do is create your meal plan and then decide what you'll need to make them. For larger group trips I enjoy creating delicious, extensive meals because there are more people to divvy out equipment, food and weight to. However, when I'm solo backpacking I keep it simple and bring just a 32 oz titanium mug which doubles for cooking, eating out of and making hot drinks.
Bowl & Utensil- Okay, I'll be the first to admit when I'm backpacking alone I definitely just eat straight out of whatever I cooked with. But when you're with a large group, it's considerate to have your own bowl. Something easy to clean, maybe with a lid and collapsible so it sits in your bag well. I use a bamboo fork or a titanium spork that weighs literally NOTHING and is super easy to clean.
#8- First-Aid Kit
Don't be that newb who forgets their first-aid kit. This is one of those things you'll hope you never have to use but should you need it, you'll be very grateful to have it. You can buy first-aid kits already supplied with everything from outdoor stores. Some even put the amount of people and days the kit is good for. Or you can opt to build your own kit. Either way it's important to replenish after you use anything and add additional items in there.
#9- Navigation
Get yourself equipped with a compass and map EVEN if you plan on using a GPS device. Technology is great and I love creating my route plans on Caltopo and downloading them into my GPS device for easy use. However, technology fails... batteries die... and you DON'T want to be in a predicament where you're disoriented, lost and your GPS device is useless. ALWAYS carry a map and compass as a backup. I can't stress this enough!
#10- Weather Appropriate Clothing
As obvious as this may sound, it quite often gets overlooked. I once participated in a wilderness survival class in college. Most of the students had already backpacked before but there were a few students very out of their element. The instructor didn't go over what type of clothing to wear (probably because he assumed we were all educated in that area) and one girl showed up in jeans and a cotton hoodie for fall camping in Colorado. It made an already challenging trip that much more uncomfortable for this poor girl as she was consistently trying to stay warm.
Do your research about where you're going and what kind of weather you should expect. Layer properly and ALWAYS bring rain gear... even if it's not in the forecast. Oh yeah... and NO JEANS OR COTTON EVER. That material is heavy and doesn't wick moisture which can lead to hypothermia. Plan ahead and prevent this mistake.
Well there you have it! 10 non-negotiable gear essentials for a successful backpacking trip. Comment below if you think I missed something or if you have any questions and be sure to share this with your friends!
Happy Trails xo Dee
