Backpacking for Beginners: a Complete Guide

There are many reasons to go backpacking: to access places that are impossible to get to by day hiking, to enjoy the peacefulness of the backcountry, and to wake up to 5-star views for free. Call me crazy, but I’d even say there’s something alluring about carrying everything you need to survive in the wilderness in a backpack. 

However, I get that this survival aspect can be intimidating for beginner backpackers. Not to mention the logistics that go into planning a backpacking trip, which can also be overwhelming. 

In this guide to backpacking for beginners, I’ll break down everything you need to know to start backpacking. I’ll cover essential topics including how to prepare for a backpacking trip and the backpacking gear you should bring with you.

I’ll also share the story of my first backpacking trip if you need a little inspiration, but feel free to jump straight to the backpacking tips section.

Before starting to backpack, you should make sure you are comfortable with hiking. Check out my guide to preparing for day hikes if you need a refresher.

How I Started Backpacking

My First Guided Backpacking Trip

My foray into backpacking started out somewhat extreme. The first trip I did was the Huayhuash circuit in Peru, which spans 8 days and climbs to high elevations (16,400 ft / 5,000 m), which was uncharted territory for me. I went with a guided tour so that I wouldn’t have to carry any backpacking gear. We had an adorable pack of donkeys to help carry supplies. 

Ironically, it wasn’t the prospect of spending 7 nights in a tent or the high altitude that worried me the most in the days leading up to the backpacking trip. Rather, I became anxious that I would develop some sort of skin condition after going several days without a shower. 

Having completed the trip, I can assure you that it is possible to stay clean and for your skin to thrive in the backcountry (more on that later). I successfully completed the Huayhuash circuit, and I felt ready for more.

My First Solo Backpacking Trip

One month after the Huayhuash trek, I did my first fully self-supported backpacking trip. This was also an extreme experience; I did this trip in a foreign country, solo, and renting what was the equivalent of Walmart camping gear. 

To make things worse, I chose an unfamiliar, high-altitude location without a water source. The trail was remote and rarely backpacked. Despite all odds I completed the trek without any issues, thanks to my cautious preparation. In the year that followed I did close to 20 backpacking trips, all solo, with my longest one being 6 days and 5 nights in the unforgiving terrain of Patagonia.

I’m telling you all of this because I feel like backpacking often gets mislabeled as being inaccessible and difficult. If I could make these trips happen as a solo woman with no prior backpacking experience, then so can you, with the right preparation.

Backpacking for Beginners: How to Plan Your Trip

Educate Yourself on Backpacking Skills for Beginners

Before backpacking, make sure you are already experienced with day hiking. The logistics and preparation involved in day hiking are applicable to backpacking.

To build up your confidence as a beginner backpacker, consider doing your initial trip with an organized tour, like I did. These tours usually provide backpacking gear, and in some cases they will transport it for you so that you don’t have to carry it. You’ll have a great social environment and importantly an experienced backpacking guide who ensures everything runs smoothly.

An added bonus is that guided tours often have access to coveted backpacking permits that can be very difficult to obtain on your own. I recommend looking into organized tours offered by Viator and Get Your Guide. 

Prepare Your Body for Backpacking

Hiking is one of the best ways to physically condition your body for backpacking. You should already understand the type of terrain, mileage, and elevation gain you are comfortable with.

The additional weight involved in backpacking demands increased core and upper body strength. Incorporating weight training exercises into your routine can be helpful.

Guide to Backpacking Gear for Beginners

How to Pick Backpacking Gear

Backpacking requires special equipment, a lot of which you may already have from day hiking or car camping. Check out my comprehensive backpacking gear and packing list to see exactly what you should bring.

If you have yet to acquire backpacking gear and are contemplating a purchase, consider renting individual pieces or complete sets from your local sports equipment shop.

If you’re on a budget or seeking sustainable options, you can find gently used gear at steep discounts from major retailers or local platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

Regardless of whether you choose new or used backpacking gear, prioritize high-quality items for your comfort and safety. Well-constructed tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads will last for years and can be utilized for car camping as well.

Setting Up and Packing Your Backpacking Gear

Before hitting the trail, make sure you’re comfortable setting up and sleeping in your tent. Do a test run while car camping, or at the very least, practice assembling everything at home. Get familiar with smaller equipment such as your stove as well.

Once you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to pack for your backpacking trip! Generally, you should aim to carry no more than 20% of your body weight. As a smaller woman I often find myself exceeding this limit, and I’d say not to worry too much if you’re still below ~30%. Focus on packing as light as possible and bring only essential backpacking items. One of the common beginner backpacker mistakes is to pack many items that go unused.

Backpacking for Beginners: Planning a Route

When planning your backpacking route, you should ideally pick a trail that you’ve done before as a day hike. Alternatively, select a trail that’s popular for backpacking; chances are it will be easier to navigate and will have designated camping areas. Steer clear of trails with technical sections (rock scrambling, large stream crossings, ice, etc.) or that are highly exposed; these are not safe choices for beginner backpackers.

As a backpacking beginner you should start with a 1-night trip, covering half the mileage and elevation gain you would normally do on a day hike. Expect to hike between 20% and 50% slower than your usual day hiking speed. Start early in the morning and aim to reach your campsite well before sunset.

For your first backpacking trip, consider a route that allows you to hike a short distance and set up your camp. From camp, you can explore nearby out-and-back trails with a lighter pack. Similarly, as you progress to longer trips, think about spending 2 nights in the same location. 

Once your backpacking plans are set, tell someone where you’re going, your route, and when you expect to return for safety reasons.

Beginner’s Guide to Backpacking Permits

Certain backpacking trails require a permit for overnight camping, and permits for popular trails may “sell out” months in advance. Verify the requirements for the trail you want to explore.

Some trails also require a permit if you plan on making a campfire.

Weather

Before leaving on your backpacking trip, check the weather carefully, especially right before you head out. Mountain weather can change rapidly and differs significantly from that of the cities below. Consult a mountain weather forecast in addition to the forecast for the nearest city to the trailhead.

As a beginner backpacker you’ll be more vulnerable to the elements, so ensure you have high-quality gear that will protect you. Make backup or bailout plans in case the weather takes an unexpected turn. 

Lastly, be mindful of sunrise and sunset times and adjust your plans accordingly. Daylight hours in the fall can be surprisingly short, so bring a good headlamp.

Navigation

To navigate effectively, all beginner backpackers should know how to read a topographic map. Download trails maps for offline use. Personally, I use AllTrails.

You should have a backup plan, such as paper maps, in case your phone dies. Keep your phone charged by bringing a spare charger. Place your phone in airplane mode to prevent unnecessary battery drainage from searching for non-existent service.

Choosing a Backpacking Campsite

A common mistake beginner backpackers make is pitching their tent in the most beautiful spot (I’m guilty of this). Aesthetics shouldn’t be the primary consideration when selecting a backpacking campsite! The utmost priorities are comfort and safety. Here’s how to plan a campsite and what to look for on the trail.

Planning a Backpacking Campsite

Before leaving on your trip, evaluate camping options. First, check for any camping restrictions on your chosen trail. Some trails allow you to only camp in specific areas, and certain camping areas may have a 1-night limit. Popular campsites may have amenities like pit toilets and bear boxes.

Explore potential campsites on the trail map. Apps like AllTrails sometimes indicate their locations. Make sure you understand basic map topography, which will help you identify suitable campsites. Also identify backup camping locations in case you can’t make it to your primary choice due to fatigue or inclement weather.

How to Assess a Campsite on the Trail

When backpacking, pitch your tent at least 200 ft away from the trail and water sources. Choose a campsite with a water source nearby for convenience.

Search for a flat space on higher ground that will drain effectively in case of rain. Ideally, set up camp in a location offering protection from the elements. Trees will provide shade and some shelter from rain and wind, but be cautious of unstable dead trees. Rock walls and boulders can serve as shields against the wind.

Camp on durable surfaces or cleared areas without vegetation. Avoid placing your tent on top of live plants! Lastly, beware of camping on ledges, ridges, and other areas that may be dangerous to navigate in the dark.

Water: Tips for for Backpacking Beginners

Bring a reliable water purification system and backup water purification tablets. Avoid carrying excess water since it will quickly add weight to your backpack. Filter all water to be safe. Whenever possible choose moving water, such as streams, over stagnant water in lakes.

Study the trail map to identify water sources and assess their accessibility. For instance, while the trail might intersect a river, if the river is situated at the bottom of a gorge that you’re crossing from a bridge high above, refilling water may not be feasible. This is why understanding map topography is important! 

When backpacking later in the season, verify that water sources haven’t already dried up.

Food for Backpacking Beginners

When backpacking you should bring the appropriate quantity of food and select items that are calorie-dense, nutritious, and that you enjoy eating. Read my guide to foods for backpacking for more tips. I’ve included many meal ideas that are easy to prepare and suitable for backpacking beginners.  

Safeguard your food and any scented items against wildlife like bears and mice. In many regions, mice and marmots are notorious for chewing through backpacks and tents to reach food! Use a bear canister (mandatory in some areas) or hang your food in a bag when necessary.

Sleeping: What to Expect as a Beginner Backpacker

If you’re a backpacking beginner, don’t expect to sleep well the first time. Take it easy on the trail next day and don’t make any overly ambitious hiking plans. While sounds like squirrels rustling in the leaves might seem alarmingly loud, most of the time, they are harmless. I don’t recommend sleeping with earplugs for safety reasons.

Try to refrain from eating or drinking for a little while before bed so that you don’t wake up during the night needing to use the bathroom.

Hygiene Tips for Beginner Backpackers

It’s not too hard to stay clean on the trail, and I find that my sensitive skin actually welcomes a break from hot showers!

Bring unscented baby wipes and hand sanitizer to keep clean. Avoid scented products because they will attract bugs and potentially bears. 

You can also rinse off in a stream or lake, but this is not advisable in areas where water is scarce. You’ll be contaminating the water with the sunscreen, DEET insect spray, lotion, and oils on your skin. 

If you want to rinse off with biodegradable soap, bring water to a secluded area and bury the soapy wastewater in a cathole afterward. Remember that bathing, using soap, or brushing your teeth should be done at least 200 feet away from water sources and campsites.

Consider rinsing out your clothes, especially your socks, and hang them up to dry before wearing them the next day. This is another reason to invest in good quality, quick-drying hiking clothes.

Make sure you know how to go to the bathroom in the backcountry, and never leave any unburied toilet paper behind. 

Leave No Trace

Let’s protect the beautiful places that we visit. If you need a reminder, here’s the 7 principles of Leave No Trace:

1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 
3. Dispose of waste properly. 
4. Leave what you find.
5. Minimize campfire impacts.
6. Respect wildlife.
7. Be considerate of other visitors.

Thanks for reading! I hope this guide to backpacking for beginners and essential backpacking tips were helpful to you. What questions do you have about backpacking? Let me know your thoughts in the comments. See you on the trail!

Head to my Hiking and Camping Page for more tips, trail guides, and backpacking inspiration.

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