Truer words were never spoken than, "You don't know what you don't know."
Did you know that there are six fundamental backpacking areas to cover that will have you ready to escape into nature lickity-split? But look online and you will find seemingly infinite lists of beginners' backpacking tips to slog through, only to come up with just a few useful nuggets.
Most of what is out there you'll already know from day hikes.
Obvious things like the following are common sense:
Useful bits of knowledge can be learned by investing in classes like Wilderness Navigation, Wilderness First Aid, and Bear Awareness - which are always a good idea - you could also learn the hard way on the trail. OR you could save time and money by getting expert advice from other experienced backpackers - like us!
This guide has everything you need to know!
Keep on reading to find ace tips on:
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This post is a straight-up, no-nonsense list of actionable backpacking tips broken down into six fundamental areas. Useful information pre-trip and while you are on the trail. Basically, everything you need to focus on for your first backpacking trip.
Because one bad trip experience may make it the last one you want to take. Our mission is to make your first backpacking trip an easily attainable goal that won't confuse you, frustrate you, or break the bank. Instead, you'll have an epic time!
These are the six fundamental areas you will plan your first backpacking trip around:
Sleeping, Eating, Hygiene, Comfort Level, Footcare & Gear.
If you haven't spent much time sleeping outdoors, you might find it a little intimidating. Perhaps because of the night sounds you'll encounter, the worry about comfort or even being unsure about peeing outside. whatever the reason, these tips can help!
Backpacking in cold weather: items like batteries, electronics and water filters can freeze in cold weather. Make sure they're in your tent overnight AND if it's seriously cold keep them snug at the bottom of your sleeping bag.
If you're working hard, you need to be filling up on nourishing grub.
Pre-prepared dehydrated food has come a long way, and some of it is rather tasty. However, just like any other processed meal, it may not be the healthiest choice.
To cut down on nasty stuff, try dehydrating or prepare your own meals.
There are loads of delicious vegan backpacking meal recipes if you know where to look for them (wink, wink).
One thing the newbie backpacker tends to do is pack too much food. Do you know what you want to have for supper a few days from now? I know we don't.
The solution: Don't pack too much food and instead use bail-out points to resupply as you go.
Resupplying allows you to make some fresher food choices along the way too.
A common mistake with bad consequences some beginner backpackers have made is sitting too close to their camp stoves when boiling water. Out on the trail, you may not have the most secure surface to cook on. A spill can happen fast, and you want to dodge it and avoid a very painful mistake.
Never sit close to a boiling camp stove.
Pooping in the woods is one thing almost every novice backpacker struggles with. One of the biggest challenges to noobs is FOPO.
FOPO stands for: Fear Of Packing Out. Specifically, packing-out your toileting paraphernalia, such as used toilet paper and sanitary items. Packing-out is part of the seven Leave No Trace Principles. To make your FOPO experience easier, you can either buy or make a poop kit.
What to Put in a Poop Kit?
While we are on the subject, it bears mentioning that your diet on the trail may change from what you are used to. That can cause severe stomach upset.
Pack meds to deal with constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. You'll be glad you did.
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Setting out on a multi-day backpacking trip for the first time is a big deal. You may feel way out of your comfort zone physically and mentally. But, make your first trip a good experience and you'll be hooked!
A familiar routine is mentally comforting; here are some tips for keeping up your positive trail vibes.
At the end of the day on the trail, your feet may be sore and swollen. This can happen whether you are on your first trip or your 31st trip.
A few words about gear: starting out, your backpacking kit list doesn't need to be full of all the top-of-the-line stuff right off.
It's definitely worth investing in the backpacking essentials and saving on other bits of kit. When you know what you like, then you can start to think about investing in higher-quality backpacking gear.
These are the essentials:
YOUR PACKING LIST: Once you've got your whole packing list decided, ask an experienced backpacker to take a look through and see if there are any unnecessary items you can cut out. You can even send it over to us in the comments to take a look at
Dental floss or thread might not seem like a backpacking staple, but, on the trail, it has MANY uses.
Three Uses for Dental Floss or thread
Three Uses for Duct Tape
Wrap a little duct tape around your water bottle to have it handy.
Three Uses for a Bandana
The only cotton item you are allowed.
Getting out on the trail for the first time is often a bit overwhelming. Thinking you need a huge list of things creates barriers to entry for many enthusiastic first-timers. The truth is, you don't know what you will want or need until you have gone on a few trips and experienced different terrain, distances, and weather conditions.
Take your time, enjoy your journey, be safe, and say hello if you see us on the trail!