Backpacking Essentials For Beginners

I remember when I first started camping, I felt intimidated to even start backpacking. I always thought, “how am I ever going to fit all my gear into my backpack?”. The anxiety prevented me from even trying for years. And then, when I saw a beautiful picture of a blue turquoise lake in the backcountry of Canada, I finally gave in and decided to give backpacking a try. I did a lot of things wrong, my backpack didn’t provide me with the proper support, my sleeping pad was too big, and we didn’t have enough water at times. But, I have since learned and perfected my backpacking gear and trips. Below I have listed the best of the best backpacking essentials equipment. If you have most of the stuff on this list, you will feel confident, comfortable, and secure in your first backpacking trip. I have tested all of this awesome gear, so you don’t have to keep rebuying equipment. Enjoy my friend 🙂

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Backpacking Essentials

The Basics of Backpacking Packing List

Backpack

The number one item on the backpacking list that you should bring is a backpacking backpack. I highly recommend buying one specifically made for backpacking. They usually provide excellent support so that the weight is not all on your back. Remember that you will be carrying many items for hours upon hours, so having a good backpack is essential to enjoying your trek. Osprey is well known for having the best packs in the hiking and backpacking industry. If you are a beginner backpacker, a good quality backpack is a must for comfort. >Click Here For My Backpacking Backpack

Read More: The Best 10 Backpacking For Backpacks For Women In The Market

Backpack Cover

Since I tend to have expensive gear in my backpack (like my camera), I have a backpack cover for when it rains. It keeps everything nice and dry. >Click Here To Get Rain Cover

Tent

Tents will probably be your bulkiest and heaviest item on this list. At this point in my life, I only have lightweight tents that I use for both backpacking and car camping. My two tents are the Nemo Dagger 2 person tent and the Big Agnes Copper Spur four-person tent. I use the Nemo Dagger when I am backpacking with my husband and the Copper Spur when I am backpacking with my husband and two big dogs. They are great tents, and I highly recommend them. >Buy My 2 Person Tent Here >Buy My 4 Person Tent Here

Read All About Tents: 10 Best Backpacking Tents In The Market

Sleeping Bag

Getting the right sleeping bag is crucial to getting a great night’s rest on your overnight backpacking trip! When I first started camping and backpacking, I had the cheapest sleeping bag known to man. I went on a winter trip and nearly froze to death. I don’t think I have ever been so cold in my life. Of course, I threw that sleeping bag away and invested in a new one! The feathered friends sleeping bag is known to be the best camping and backpacking sleeping bag in the market. It is lightweight and will keep you nice and toasty. >Click Here For The Best Sleeping Bag On The Market

Read More: The Best Sleeping Bags For Women

Compression Sack

A compression sack compresses your sleeping bag to a small little pack. It helps keep your backpacking backpack nice and organized. Sea to Summit is known to have the best compression sacks in the market. Also, please note that you don’t want to store your sleeping bag in a compression sack at home. It can ruin your sleeping bag’s insulation. Some sleeping bags already come with compression sacks, so make sure to check out your sleeping bag specs before buying this >Buy A Compression Sack Here

Sleeping Pad

One of the most underrated items on the backpacker checklist is a sleeping pad. Let me first start off by saying that my first time camping, I had no idea what a sleeping pad was. I honestly thought it was an unnecessary added cost and weight. Then I went camping in the winter with a crappy sleeping bag and no sleeping pad. The ground was so cold and hard, and it felt like I was sleeping on an ice cube!

I decided to buy a cheap sleeping pad when I booked a backpacking trip to Canada. The sleeping pad took up HALF of my backpack! It was ginormous and heavy. I threw the pad away and decided to FINALLY invest in a good sleeping pad.

A good sleeping pad will be lightweight, take up little to no room, insulate well, so you don’t freeze to death at night, and feel comfy. Luckily there is a sleeping pad that does all this, and that is the Thermarest Neo Air sleeping pad. It is well known in the backpacking world. It is expensive, but worth the investment. >Buy This Warm And Lightweight Sleeping Pad Here

Read More: The 10 Best Backpacking Sleeping Pads

Pillow

Seven years ago, I decided to buy this inflatable pillow, and I haven’t looked back since. It is super compact when not inflated and very comfy. >Buy My Comfy Compact Pillow Here

Read All About Pillows: 10 Best BackpackingPillows In The Market

Headlamps

A headlamp is one of the most important backpacking equipment on this list. I like headlamps more than flashlights due to headlamps being smaller. Even if you don’t think you will be lurking around the campsite at night, you need to bring a source of light.

When I went backpacking in Canyonlands, we got lost our first day. We ended up staying out way past sunset, and if it wasn’t for our headlamps, I am not sure what we would have done. Always pack a light. Black Diamond has some of the best headlamps on the market. This headlamp was one of the first things I bought when I went camping, and it is still going strong! >Buy My Headlamp Here

Read All About Headlamps: 10 Best Hiking Headlamps In The Market

First Aid Kit

This, for sure, needs to be in your backpack. You never know when you will need medicine or if you accidentally cut yourself on the trail. The size of the first aid kit depends on how many people are on the backpacking trip and the number of days. Luckily the first aid kit I buy states the days and number of people. >Buy My First Aid Kit Here

Trekking Poles

To bring trekking poles or to not bring trekking poles… That is the question….

I get asked a lot if people should invest in trekking poles and here is my opinion: I think it depends on the person and the activity.

If it is a strenuous backpacking trip, yes, I think you should buy trekking poles.

Are you only doing easy 3-4 mile day hiking trails? If you are only doing easy day hiking trails, I would not recommend buying trekking poles.

Do you have bad knees? Then yes, I believe you should invest in trekking poles if you have bad knees, no matter the trail difficulty rating.

I have bad knees and so I usually always bring trekking poles on hikes and on backpacking trails. Good trekking poles are expensive, so I understand being hesitant in investing in them. But once I started hiking hard backpacking trails, I am so glad I did. They have saved me a few times. >Buy My Trekking Poles Here

>>>>Or Read About The Best Trekking Poles In The Market Here

Bug Spray

A swarm of mosquitos has attacked me in the past, and I regretted not packing some bug spray with me on the trail! I had to run away from them. Just make sure to pack a small bottle for each person. >Buy Some Bug Spray Here

Lip Balm With Sunscreen

This is probably something I know gets forgotten a lot. But remember you are out in the wilderness for days where you aren’t too sure about the climate. I have been in situations where it is so dry my lips start to crack while backpacking. Also, it is a good idea to get a lip balm with SPF! >Check It Out Here

Sunscreen

Ok, this for SURE needs to go in your bag. Sunscreen is one of the 10 essentials and needed for protection in the sun. >Buy Some Sunscreen Here

Fire Starter

There are some backcountry spots where they let you start a fire. But make sure to look up the rules before your trek. I also want to note that even if you are not allowed to start a fire, I highly recommend bringing one in case of an emergency. >Buy Some Matches Here

Water Reservoir

Water should definitely be the first thing you think about when you pack. Always make sure to read the trail report beforehand to see if there are sections with water. I have been stuck in a desert environment where there was absolutely no water on the trail, and the map showed rivers. The river was dried up! We luckily survived, but it was a scary moment. Pack in a lot of water!

I enjoy using a water reservoir. That wasn’t always the case for me. I bought one years ago, and it had the worst plastic taste ever. I noticed that I wasn’t drinking much water from it and so I threw it out. I then decided to try it again and made sure to buy one that specifically said “no taste”. >Buy This No Taste Reservoir Here

What I like about the reservoir is that I don’t get dehydrated because I am regularly drinking water. The water spout is close to my mouth, so I am always taking a sip while hiking.

Water Filter and Tablets

For sure, bring a water filter on your trek so that you can quickly pump water into your reservoir. I also bring tablets in case the water pump doesn’t work (That has happened to me before btw), but keep in mind they have a horrible taste. Even worse then the plastic taste of the water reservoir, I talked about in the last paragraph. >Buy The Water Pump Here >Get The Water Tablets Here

Read More On Filters: The Best Backpacking Water Filters

Map and Compass

If you get lost, a map and compass is a great way to help you get out of a terrible situation. I know a lot of people use their phones for navigation, but what if your phone dies? A map and compass is a great way to feel better about your location. >Buy This Handy Compass Here

Knife and Duct Tape

You never know if you need this. Maybe your sleeping pad gets a hole, or you need to cut something up. >Check Out This Knife

Toothpaste, Toothbrush, Medications, Toiletry Bag

Anything that will make you feel clean and comfortable. Sometimes I tend to bring makeup as well. I know people think it is overkill, but I am the one carrying the weight, and it is something I don’t mind carrying. Hey, I like to look/feel good in my pictures. >Buy A Toothbrush/Toothpaste Here

Shovel, Toilet Paper, and Plastic Bags

If you go number two on the trail, you need a shovel to dig at least 6-8 inches deep. Using a rock or other equipment doesn’t always help for digging. Sometimes the dirt is too hard. Also, if you use any TP on the trail, make sure to bring the TP back with you in a plastic bag. Yeah, I know, gross, but you have got to practice “leave no trace” behind. >Get A Shovel Here

Wipes

After spending a few nights in the backcountry without showering, you start to feel a bit icky. Getting wilderness wipes helps you feel a bit cleaner. Just make sure you don’t get anything scented. We once got attacked by fleas because of the floral scents. >Check Out These Wilderness Wipes

Chair

Sometimes when you are backpacking, you want to sit on something other than your sleeping pad or rock. Maybe when you want to build a toasty fire and get comfortable around the fire? This is possible with the new REI Flexlite Chair. I now take this baby with me on all adventures. Even my hiking adventures. It only weighs one lb! >Check Out This Lightweight Chair

Read All About Chairs: 10 Best Backpacking Chairs In The Market

Electronics Equipment For Backpacking Gear List

Communications Device

Investing in a communications device can give you and your family a peace of mind. These excellent tools can help save your life! You can send an SOS signal if you ever need help, and you can text your family messages when you are out of service in the backcountry. Please keep in mind that you do need to pay an additional monthly fee to use the features. >Check Out This Cute Garmin Mini

Camera

I used the Sony A6000 for years. I now use the A7RIII. They are pretty heavy but not as heavy as a DSLR camera. >Check Out The A6000 Camera Here>Here Is the Sony A7RIII Body Only

Tripod

Tripods aren’t necessary. It is mainly for people that want those crisp sunset pictures. I bring it sometimes and I am not going to lie, I sometimes regret bringing it with me due to the added weight. >Buy A New Tripod Here

Kitchen Equipment

Jet Boil and Fuel

A Jet Boil is a nifty little device that boils your water quickly. A lot of backpackers have this because it is an easy way to eat food. Most backpackers bring dried food and add the boiling water to it. You can also use it to make coffee.  Just don’t forget the fuel! >Check Out This Jet Boil!

Read All About Stoves: 10 Best Backpacking Stoves In The Market

Food

On backpacking trips, I tend to bring trail mix, beef jerky, energy bars, and dried food. If I am only backpacking for the night and water is limited, I try not to bring food that relies on the jet boil. Packed tuna is a great alternative to dry food. Also, don’t forget instant coffee! >Here Is Some Dry Food We Like To Eat >Here Is Some Coffee >Buy Some Yummy Bars Here

Spork

If you are backpacking not many utensils are needed. We usually just use the spork and eat straight from the package. >Buy Spork Here

Mug For Your Coffee

If you NEED coffee every morning as we do, don’t forget to bring a mug! >Check Out This Mug

Bear Cannister and Bear Canister Holder

I know this doesn’t affect every backpacking trail there is, but if there is a requirement to bring bear canisters, please bring them. Letting bears eat your food freely does affect them. If bears start to interact with humans too much, it can lead to them getting killed. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy bear canisters as you can rent them at REI or the national parks. >Buy You Bear Canister Here

Also, I bought this nifty bear cannister holder that can be clipped to your backpack on the outside, in case you don’t have room inside your bag. These canisters are pretty massive! >Check This Out Here

Bear Spray

To feel safer, I always carry with me some bear spray. >Buy Some Bear Spray Here

Clothes For Backpacking Supplies

Sweat Wicking Shirt

Make sure your shirt is not made out of cotton. When you sweat, you need a shirt that will dry quickly so you won’t get cold. Sometimes, when you are backpacking, you are up high in elevations, and keeping warm and dry is extremely important! >Check This Cute T-Shirt Out

Insulated Jacket

I am all about extremely warm yet packable jackets. A nice down warm jacket is perfect when you are backpacking. The Mountain Hardware Jacket has been my favorite jacket for a while now. You might spot it in a lot of my pictures. >Buy My Fav Jacket Here

Read All About Jackets: 10 Best Down Jackets For Women

Rain Jacket or Poncho

There is nothing worse in the world then backpacking in the rain with no rain jacket or poncho. I have seen it happen at Banff National Park before. Not fun for those poor people.

If you are on a budget, honestly, get a poncho. It does the job. No need for a fancy jacket. But if you do get a rain jacket, I recommend getting one specially made for hiking. I have hiked in a city jacket before, and it wasn’t as breathable as I wanted it to be. >Check Out My Rain Jacket Here >Buy A Rain Poncho Here

Read More On Rain Jackets: 10 Best Rain Jackets For Women

Leggings Or Hiking Pants

Ok, I know there is controversy on wearing leggings or hiking pants when it comes to hiking and backpacking. Here is my opinion. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. It doesn’t matter.

All women’s bodies are different, all of them. Some are just not made for hiking pants. Like me, for example. I hate how they look on me, and sometimes they are just too hot and not comfortable. Yes, I said it. I love being comfortable when I hike, so I LOVE leggings!

I also tend to work out a lot, so I like that I can use my hiking leggings at the gym as well. I am always about multifunctional use. >Here Are One Of My Many Comfy Leggings

I still do wear hiking pants on occasion. Some trails are challenging, where I have to do a lot of scrambling. Instead of ruining my leggings, I wear my hiking pants. I always keep my hiking pants in my backpacking backpack just in case. I have found only one pair of hiking pants that I have liked, and they are the Arc’teryx Gamma LT Softshell Pant.>Buy My Fav Hiking Pants Here

Read All About Leggings: 5 Best Hiking Leggings For Women In The Market

Base Layers

There are times when it is way too cold to backpack with just leggings and a sweat-wicking shirt. When that happens, I bring my base layers. I do want to say that even if it isn’t cold, I bring them just in case. I also wear them as PJ’s because I run cold when I sleep. >Here Is My Bottom Base Layer>Here Is My Top Base Layer

Hats

Caps are needed to keep your face out of the sun. I also love wearing hats with a pom-pom at the top because they keep my head warm, and they are cute! >Check Out This Cute Hat>Check Out This Pom Pom Hat Here

Hiking Socks

The best hiking socks are the ones that are made out of wool! Do not skimp on this as it will help prevent blisters from forming. If blisters form then, it can make your trek feel pretty uncomfortable. >Buy My Summer Hiking Socks Here>Buy My Extra Warm Winter Hiking Socks Here

Hiking Shoes Or Boots

A lot of people tend to ask me if they should either buy hiking boots or hiking shoes. It depends on the situation.

Hiking shoes are lighter and don’t have good ankle support. I tend to use these when I am day hiking as they are way more comfortable for me to use. >Buy My Hiking Shoes Here

Read More: The Best Hiking Shoes In The Market

Hiking boots are heavier, bulkier, waterproof, and they have good ankle support. I use these when I go backpacking. Since my ankles and feet get exhausted after days of trekking, the hiking boots usually help give my tired ankles more support. >Buy My Waterproof Hiking Boots Here

I also want to note that you should use winter hiking boots where there is snow. Winter hiking boots are warm and can grip the snow better, while regular hiking boots do not. >Buy My Winter Hiking Boots Here

Read More: The Best Winter Hiking Boots In The Market

Also, if you are backpacking, try to invest in either hiking boots or hiking shoes. These shoes are made specifically for hiking. So they will help prevent you from stubbing your toes (which is essential for a clumsy person like me), and they help grip rocks. Your new workout Nike shoes will not do this :-/ Sorry.

Sports Bras and Underwear

Quick-dry panties and underwear are the way to go. >Check These Out

Read All About Underwear: The 5 Best Hiking Underwear For Women

Sandals

I honestly hate getting to a campsite and not being able to take off my hiking boots right away. So I always bring with me some sandals. I like Teva sandals because if it is cold, I can wear some socks with sandals. I know it probably looks dorky, but at least my toes are nice and toasty 😛 >Buy My Cool Sandals Here

Read All About Sandals: The 10 Best Hiking Sandals For Women

Gloves

I always leave a pair in my backpack just in case it ever gets too cold. >Buy Gloves Here

Crampons and Gaiters

Crampons and gaiters are only needed if there is snow/ice. Crampons grips the ice really well while gaiters prevent snow from getting into your hiking boot/shoes. >Buy Crampons Here>Buy Gaiters Here

Read More On My Clothes: What To Wear Hiking

Final Thoughts On Backpacking Gear List Beginners

Well, there you have it! My backpacking gear checklist! I hope this was helpful for your backpacking trip. Please note that it took many years for me to have all this equipment. It took years of me adding all these items to birthday lists and Christmas lists. Let me know if you have any questions and please check out some other more in-depth gear posts:

• Best Tips For Beginner Backpackers
• What To Wear Hiking
• The Best Sleeping Pads For Women
• The Ultimate Backpacking Checklist

Pin For Later: Essentials when Backpacking