What Beginner Backpacking Gear Do I Need?
If you’re getting ready for your first backpacking trip, you’ll need to purchase or rent a bit of gear. This can be a lot to think about as a beginner. There are plenty of packing lists, such as this one, that work as a great guide. However, those lists are often directed toward experienced backpackers that own more supplies. For newbies, they can be overwhelming and leave them wondering what beginner backpacking gear they actually need.
A long list of gear is reasonable for experienced backpackers who go on several trips each year. However, people who aren’t sure if they’re going to make a consistent hobby out of backpacking shouldn’t buy all that gear right off the bat. You don’t want to break the bank on an activity if you’re not sure you’ll like it.
…But we sure hope you do like it and make it a consistent hobby!
As you become more passionate about the sport, you can start purchasing the extras and investing in high-end gear. In the meantime, use this guide to help you decide what you really need for that first backwoods adventure.
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Must-Have Beginner Backpacking Gear
When deciding what backpacking gear you’ll need as a beginner, you’ll want to start by focusing on the absolute must-haves. These are non-negotiable, bare-bones items for most people.
- Backpack – This is a no-brainer, you cannot go backpacking without a backpack. If you’re shopping for a backpack, use this guide to help you pick out the right one for you.
- Tent/Shelter – When spending the night in the woods, you are going to need some sort of shelter to protect yourself from the elements and insects while you sleep. This could be a tent, a hammock tent, or even a structural shelter if the trail you are hiking has them. Here is our guide on choosing the right tent for your needs. We also have a list of our favorite one-person tents here!
- Hiking Boots – Some people may get away with wearing athletic shoes while hiking, but you’re typically better off with boots. Good quality hiking boots will keep your feet dry, protect your feet from injury, and allow you to have a better grip on rocky, wet surfaces. Hiking shoes are another great option, learn the difference here.
- Sleeping Bag – No matter how warm the climate is where you are hiking, a sleeping bag is an essential item. The temperature drops at night, sometimes lower than you expect. A sleeping bag will keep you warm and comfortable throughout the night. Reference this guide when you’re buying one.
- Sleeping Pad – Backpackers can get away without a sleeping pad, but I don’t see why you’d want to. A pad provides cushion between you and the ground for both comfort and warmth. You don’t realize how cold the ground is until you sleep directly on it. These are our favorite sleeping pads.
- First Aid Kit – Every backpacker needs a well-stocked first aid kit in case any injuries occur. Blisters, scrapes, and allergies are likely. More serious wounds aren’t as common, but they are possible so it’s good to be prepared. This list covers what you need in your first aid kit.
- Water Filter and Storage – Staying hydrated is important, especially when you are doing extended physical activity. Bring along a water filter and sufficient water storage to refill frequently. We highly recommend this Sawyer water filter system for beginners.
- Rain Cover – Even if the forecast predicts sunny days, bring along some rain gear. A rain jacket and something to cover your backpack is sufficient. If you can’t find a good cover for your pack, a large garbage bag with slits for the arm straps works like a charm!
- Hiking Clothing – You don’t need to buy any special clothing for backpacking. However, you should reference this guide so you can choose the right clothes for your trip.
- Head lamp – When the sun sets, you still need to see around your tent and camp site. A headlamp is ideal for keeping your hands free as you do so. This Black DIamond headlamp is affordable and works incredibly well.
- Paracord or rope – Paracord comes in handy. It can be used to hang wet clothes, a rain cover over your site, or your food from a tree to protect it from animals. It also has a variety of uses in an emergency.
- Sunscreen and bug spray – Hikers who forget sunscreen or bug spray regret it immensely after a day or two. Always protect your skin from sunburn and bug bites.
- Bear Spray – Bear spray is only necessary if you are hiking in an area with grizzly bears. When in bear country, this could be your only good line of defense against an aggressive bear.
Good-To-Have Beginner Backpacking Gear
If you have the essentials and think to yourself “what other backpacking gear do I need”, you can start to snag items from this list. The following are things that aren’t needed but do improve your experience substantially.
- Backpacking Pillow – A backpacking pillow helps you feel more comfortable as you sleep. They also keep you from getting neck and back pain from sleeping without support. This guide will help you choose the right backpacking pillow for you.
- Portable Stove – Having a warm meal after a long day of hiking is ideal, so consider purchasing a camp stove. However, you can get away with eating cold, ready-to-eat food for every meal if you don’t have a stove to bring along. Another alternative is to buy self-heating meals. These are less widely available and may come with a higher price tag, but are fantastic for getting hot food without a stove.
- Stuff sacks – These bags are great for organizing the inside of your pack, compressing items to take up less space, and keeping your food separate from the rest of your pack.
- Camp Chair or Hammock – Having something comfortable to relax in at camp is wonderful. You’ve hiked a long way and your legs are achy, you want to lounge. However if you’re tight on cash or space, you’ll be fine poppin’ a squat on a log or patch of grass. This is our hammock recommendation.
- Trowel – In the backcountry, you need to dig a small hole to bury your morning business. A small trowel will make this a lot easier and can also be used for various other tasks. However, you can always use a rock or stick to dig if you don’t have a trowel handy.
The Extras
Once you fall in love with backpacking, it’s time to invest in some of the extra gear. These items aren’t necessary but take your trip to the next level in terms of comfort and convenience.
- Water Bladder – Having a large quantity of easily accessible water on your back is very convenient. You don’t have to stop walking to take a sip and rehydrate – you can drink as you go! Regardless, water reservoirs are not essential. You’ll do just fine using a couple of water bottles instead.
- Portable Saw – When it comes time to build a campfire, a small saw can help you chop up some nice slow-burning logs. If you’re lucky, you can find some good logs while scavenging. However, most of the easy finds near campsites are already burned by previous visitors . A saw gives you the option to cut off parts of fallen trees for your fire.
- Trekking Poles – Trekking poles are not for everyone, but for some people they are a major help. They can help you keep your balance, take some burden off your knees, and assist you in water crossings. Be sure to read this before buying a pair and check out our recommendations here!
- Dishes/Mug – It’s common to eat directly from the bag when you’re backpacking. Dishes are just extra weight in the eyes of some hikers. However, you can make a more complete meal or whip up some hot chocolate/coffee when you have dishes and cups.
Conclusion
If you’re getting ready for your first trek into the wilderness, use the lists above to guide your shopping for beginner backpacking gear. Be sure to have all the essentials before you start eyeballing the extra items, especially if you are on a tight budget. Being prepared will make that beginner experience far more enjoyable. Be sure to check out our other guides, too, for other tips before you head out on the trail!
Cover photo by cottonbro from Pexels
