A Comprehensive Beginners Guide to Backpacking

Transitioning from day hiking to overnight backpacking is a game changer. Spending the night in the wilderness adds a whole new dimension to your outdoor experience. There’s something incredible about watching the sunrise with a hot cup of coffee and capturing the stunning colors of a sunset. I fell in love with the self-reliance and independence of backpacking, and I’m here to help you get started planning your first trip.

At first, backpacking might seem daunting—Where do you start? What gear do you need? What if something goes wrong? We’ve all been there. But with the right preparation, your first trip can be exciting and stress-free. The key is to just get out there—with the proper planning, of course. Once you get a few trips under your belt, it only gets easier. Let’s go!

Choosing the Right Trail

Start Small

For your first backpacking trip, choose a trail that is manageable in both distance and difficulty. Carrying extra weight will slow you down, so it’s better to start with a shorter, easier hike than to overextend yourself.

If possible, pick a trail you’ve already day hiked. Familiarity removes some of the uncertainty, making your first trip more comfortable.

Looking for a great backpacking trip in Washington? Check out my favorites: 10 Best Backpacking Trips in Washington

What to Look for in a Trail

• Well-Traveled Routes: Choose a popular trail with well-maintained paths. Seeing other hikers can provide a sense of security.
• Reliable Water Sources: Avoid carrying excessive amounts of water by selecting a trail with accessible streams or lakes.
• Established Campsites: Look for trails with designated campsites to make setup easier. Check AllTrails or Washington Trails Association for recent trail conditions and reviews.

Setting the distance

A good rule of thumb for beginners is to aim for 5-10 miles per day, depending on elevation gain and fitness level. Give yourself plenty of time to hike, set up camp, and enjoy the experience. It’s always better to finish a trip wanting more than to push yourself too hard and never want to go again.

A Few Helpful Tips

• Build Your Fitness: Train with day hikes and practice carrying a loaded pack.
• Test Your Gear: Set up your tent, cook a meal, and filter water at home or in your backyard before heading out.
• Bring Small Comforts: A lightweight camp chair, book, or journal can make downtime more enjoyable.
• Hike With a Friend: Sharing the adventure makes it more fun and allows you to split gear weight.

Permits

Some areas require overnight permits. Check online to see if your destination has permit requirements, especially for popular trails. Sites like Recreation.gov provide permit details.

If advance reservations aren’t available, look into walk-up permits, which are often distributed the day before or morning of at ranger stations. For a first trip, however, it’s best to secure permits ahead of time.

What Gear do you Need?

Start with the big 3. Backpack, Shelter + Your Sleep System.

There is no way around these. And since these are typically big-ticket items, you might want to rent them for your first backpacking trip. REI has these items as part of their rental program. Activities – Camp, Cycle, Paddle & More | Rentals at REI Or of course, you could borrow them from a friend.

Backpack

Choose a well-fitted pack with 40-65 liters of capacity. Outdoor retailers like REI can help fit you properly. My personal favorite is the Osprey Tempest—lightweight, comfortable, and durable.

Shelter

Tents, hammocks, or bivy sacks all work, but a lightweight, freestanding tent is the easiest for beginners. Test setup beforehand to ensure you have all parts and know how to use it. I love my Big Agnes Copper Spur 2P for solo trips.

Sleep System

A good night’s sleep is crucial. Choose a sleeping bag rated for expected temperatures and a quality sleeping pad with the right R-value (insulation rating). My go-to bag is the Mountain Hardwear Bishop Pass, and a well-insulated pad keeps me warm at night.

Clothing + Footwear

Layering is key:

• Base Layers: Moisture-wicking shirts and leggings
• Mid Layers: Insulating fleece or down jacket
• Outer Layer: Waterproof jacket & pants
• Extras: Hat, gloves, extra socks

Break in your hiking boots or trail runners beforehand to avoid blisters!

Hydration

Always bring a water filter or purification method (Sawyer Squeeze, Gravity System, iodine tablets, or UV purifiers). I always carry a backup—like iodine tablets—in case my filter fails.

Cooking + Food

A simple backpacking stove like the Jetboil or a MSR Pocket Rocket (my personal favorite) makes cooking easy. Stick to lightweight, high-calorie foods like dehydrated meals, trail mix, cheese, and dried meats. Plan for 2,500-4,000 calories per day and pack an extra day’s worth of food.

Map and compass/GPS

Carry a map, compass, and/or GPS device. Know how to navigate with them and always have a backup. I always have a printed map as well as a downloaded map. Just in case your energy source runs out.

Light Source

You will need a light source for once the sun goes down. Pack a headlamp or small flashlight and always bring extra batteries.

Sun protection

Packing sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat are a must.

First Aid Kit

First aid kit – Bring a first aid kit and know how to use it. Familiarize yourself with basic first aid procedures. This is one where yes, you can buy one but its also fairly easy to put one together yourself. And its half the price.

Tools

Fire-starting materials (matches, lighter, Firestarter) and a multi-tool or knife. I also like to include in this list patch kits for your sleeping pad and sleeping bag. I typically like to strip these kits down to make them as light as possible.

Bear Canister

Are you headed into bear country? If so, you might need a bear canister? Some areas require a bear canister. Most of the overnights on the coast of Washington do and in the Olympic National Park.

Navigation and Safety Gear

• Map & Compass/GPS: Always carry a paper map and a downloaded digital version.
• Headlamp: A must for nighttime—don’t forget extra batteries.
• First Aid Kit: Build your own or buy a lightweight one.
• Multi-Tool & Fire Starter: Useful for repairs and emergencies.
• Bear Canister: Required in some areas—check regulations.
• Emergency Communication: Let someone know your itinerary and consider a Garmin InReach Mini2 for satellite messaging.

Leave No Trace

Follow Leave No Trace principles to minimize impact:

• Minimize campfire impact
• Pack out all trash
• Camp on durable surfaces
• Respect wildlife

Conclusion

Backpacking for the first time, with some preparation, and some practice can be easy experience. Just make yourself a list and check off each item as you put it in your pack. Test out some of tips above, like doing a practice run in your backyard with all your equipment. You got this! Let me know down in the comments if you have any questions or I can help further.

Eventually you might even want to backpack solo. If you are curious, check out these tips: Tips for Solo Backpacking As a Woman – The Trekking Mama

Now get out and enjoy yourself!