Are you heading out for your first backpacking trip? Or are you just trying to get better gear for your next trip? I have you covered in this complete backpacking gear guide, so that you’ll be set for every single one of your adventures.
The first time I went backpacking, I was so confused and overwhelmed. 😫 I had no idea what to bring and everything felt really daunting. It felt like I had to spend hundreds of dollars before I could possibly hit the trail. But, now packing for backpacking feels like a breeze and I love getting out into the wilderness.
So, I’ve written this complete guide, to help you get everything you need and have peace of mind. I know that it can seem like a lot, but this guide walks you through the things you definitely need to purchase and those that are optional. So, get ready for more incredible adventures!
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Table of Contents
Backpacking Gear Buying Guide
Backpacking Gear Tips:
Here are some quick tips to remember before we get into the knitty gritty of getting backpacking gear!
- The lighter the better! Really think about what you need and leave behind excess things. Remember that your pack should be about 20% of your body weight. So, if you’re 150 pounds, your pack should be around 30 pounds. Get a luggage scale.
- Try out your gear before you go!– Take a short hike with your gear to make sure it feels good. Go get fitted at REI, take your gear for a test trial, and set up your tent ahead of time! That way you’ll be set for your trip.
- Look at REI Garage sale or Facebook Marketplace– If you need new gear, it can add up. So, look at resale sites for better prices!
- Pack extra socks– Your feet will thank you when you have another pair to change into!
How to Choose Quality Gear
One of the hardest things about backpacking is acquiring the right gear. It can be difficult to know what’s made well and what you need.
My number one rule for buying gear is try it first!
Luckily, most REI stores will let you go in and try things on. I highly recommend you have an REI employee fit you for a backpacking pack. 🎒 They can walk you through how they should fit and what size you will want.
I would say it’s more important to have good quality gear when going on backpacking excursions than on short day hikes. You’ll be wearing these items over a long period of time for at least a couple days. So, you may want to spend a little more on nicer items.
Where to Get Backpacking Gear
Backpacking does not need to be expensive, but it may take time to build up your gear if you want the best items. I recommend looking at outdoors stores, renting gear from REI, or asking a friend to borrow theirs to test out. Over time, you can start to build a nice collection.
My favorite place to get gear is REI, because they have a wide variety of options.
However, if you have a trip that you need to go on soon, you can find ways that will not break the bank. 💸 Try looking at re-sale items in REI’s garage sale, on Facebook marketplace or even thrift stores. Don’t let not having the “perfect gear” keep you from getting out there! It took us a few years to have all the items we wanted.
Do I Need Everything to Start Backpacking?
Backpacking is slightly different than hiking, because you definitely need some gear before you head out. Although there are various places you can rent gear from including various REI locations.
The most important items that I believe you need to get out on a backpacking excursion are comfortable shoes, a good backpack, a light tent, and a sleeping bag.
We were lucky, because when we started backpacking we already had some items. The two things we focused on buying first were quality backpacks and a good backpacking tent. ⛺️ But, we took advantage of sales and got all three items when they were heavily discounted.
Once you have those items, you can build up your gear over time. For example, we didn’t have pillows for our first few backpacking trips, but just used our jackets balled up. It wasn’t perfect, but it worked!
Backpacking Gear Guide
Sleep System
One of the most important areas to focus on is your sleep system. 😴 This consists of a few things: a tent, a sleeping bag, and then optionally a sleeping pad and a pillow. After a long day of hiking, you definitely want to get comfortable sleep. I’ll run through choosing out these items below!
Tent
It’s important to have a tent that you have tested before you go, packs down well, is lightweight, and holds up in bad weather. ⛈ I suggest starting with a more budget friendly REI tent to start out. Then, later on you can upgrade to an ultralight tent, but those are far more costly.
Quick Tip: make sure to practice setting up your tent before you go on your trip!
Great Backpacking Tents:
Sleeping Bag
When choosing a sleeping bag, you want one that is a good mix of weight, material, and temperature rating. It’s really all a balancing act between weight and your comfort level. We’ve been using normal sleeping bags instead of backpacking ones and it’s been fine!
The temperature rating usually shows the lower limit on what will feel comfortable. So, if you are going to be in a cold climate, you want a sleeping bag that is rated for lower temperatures then you may experience. Again, I recommend going to try out bags before you decide, so you pick what’s right for you!
Many brands make sleeping bags that are specifically for women or men. Women’s sleeping bags are typically shaped differently, less long, and have more down than mens.
Best Backpacking Sleeping Bags:
Sleeping Pad
For a decent’s night sleep, you will want to invest in a good sleeping pad. There are two kinds of sleeping pads: inflatable and foam. Inflatable ones are lighter, comfortable, and compact. While foam ones offer better insulation, are more durable, and easy to set up.
I suggest testing a few sleeping pads to decide what feels right for you!
Best Sleeping Pads
Pillow
A pillow is truly an optional item to bring, but it adds to the comfort. I didn’t have one for multiple trips and was fine. However, I have one now and I absolutely love it! You can choose between ones that blow up with air or pillows that you fill with clothing items.
Best Backpacking Pillows
Hiking Gear
This backpacking gear guide includes things you need for camping, but we also have to discuss what to use while hiking. 🥾 Now, many of the items you may be able to use from your hiking gear, but others you may need specifically for backpacking. I’ll walk through it below.
Backpack
Arguably, the most important item of your backpacking trip is a good backpack. Choosing a backpack is a very personal decision, but you want one that fits well, has a good capacity, and includes features you like. Most bags are made specifically for women or men, because of the difference in body shapes.
Another thing that will matter is the capacity or size of the bag. If you plan on doing just weekend trips you’ll want a 30-50 liter bag, if you plan on doing multiple days you’ll want a 50-80 liter bag.
You can get fitted for a backpack at REI!
Best Backpacking Bags:
- Osprey Atmos (Men)/Osprey Aura (Women)
- REI Trailmade (Men)/REI Trailmade (Women)
- Gregory Baltaro (Men) / Gregory Deva (Women)
Trekking Poles
Trekking Poles are a lifesaver for your knees and essential in my opinion. They help to distribute your weight more evenly and can help put less weight on your legs. You can choose to splurge on nice poles or get a simple cheap pair.
Great Trekking Poles:
- Black Diamond Poles
- REI Trailmade Poles
- Leki Poles
Water Reservoir & Filter
Packing plenty of water is essential whenever you go backpacking! 💦 I recommend that you bring extra water and look to see if there are water sources along your trek. Often, you can find lakes to filter water at, but it’s really important to know!
There are a variety of ways to filter water, but I like using a gravity fill. So, you can hang up your water and let it filter through while you take a break.
Water System:
First Aid Kit
I believe that you should bring a First Aid Kit with you on every hike, no matter how short. But, it’s especially important when you are going on a longer journey. You will want to bring a kit that has tools for dressing wounds, medication, and skincare 🤕. I like adding extra items to my kits like extra Advil and blister band-aids as well.
Jet Boil & Fuel
Having a good cook system is very important for a backpacking trip. We love our Jetboil, because it’s small, lightweight, and it boils water within a couple of minutes. You will also want to make sure that you buy the proper fuel for your Jetboil or cooking system as well.
Food Storage Container
One thing you will need to add if you plan on backpacking in bear country is food storage containers. 🐻 I like using a bear canister, but it does take up extra weight and room in your packs. If you don’t plan on hiking through bear country, you may still want a rodent safe container.
Food Storage:
Food Utensils
Of course, you can’t forget to bring utensils 🍴 to eat the food you make! This also means a thermos, collapsible cup or water bottle for coffee and electolytes. I like using camping sporks, but you can also choose to just bring standard silverware that you already have. There’s no need to spend extra money on these at first.
Stuff Packs
Another item we like to bring on our trips are stuff backpacks. These are fantastic, because you can simply set up camp and then go out for a small little excursion. Sometimes, we just use them to bring a bunch of stuff around camp. These rolled up so small and weighed almost nothing as well.
Kula Cloth
This is for women specifically, but it’s a game-changer for hiking or backpacking. This is a reusable cloth that you can use, so you don’t need toilet paper when you pee. I love mine!
Backpacking Apparel
Let’s discuss backpacking apparel. Many experienced backpackers will tell you that you only need to bring one outfit for hiking for the entire trip, if you pack right. Personally, I’m not an ultralight packer, so I typically bring a couple extra things. But, let’s get you outfitted with good Backpacking clothing.
Hiking Shoes
No backpacking gear guide would be complete without discussing hiking shoes. There are tons of great options on the market. But, please make sure that you have worn your shoes before and broken them in!
Hiking shoe preference is really up to the individual. My husband prefers trail runners, while I prefer sturdy boots. Go into REI or another outdoors store and try out a few different brands and fits before you commit.
Great Hiking Shoes:
Water Shoes/Camp Shoes
Your feet will thank you when you have something to wear outside of your hiking boots! Some people prefer slippers and others like sandals. But, wearing hiking boots 24/7 is simply not comfortable. I highly recommend a pair of Tevas, because they work for both comfy camp shoes and water shoes for swimming.
Camp Shoes:
Base Layer/Shirt
A base layer is the item that is closest to your skin. You want your base layer to be a good material, be breathable, and dry quickly. Because we’ve been doing our backpacking trips in the summer I prefer to wear a sun hoodie for both sun protection ☀️ and comfort. Other great options for your backpacking shirts are below.
Great Base Layers:
Bottoms
People have a variety of preferences when it comes to hiking pants. I know people who only wear hiking pants, others who prefer leggings, and some who only wear shorts.
Personally, I go between a mix of leggings, hiking pants, and comfortable hiking shorts. All that being said, you want items that are again moisture wicking and are quick to dry, so you can wear them on multiple days. Below are some of my favorite options!
Backpacking Bottoms:
Rain Jacket
Even if there is no rain in the forecast, it’s a smart idea to bring a rain jacket on any trip. There is no way to tell when the weather will change 💧 and you do not want to get stuck getting soaked. I personally prefer rain jackets that are shells, so that you can put them over your layers.
Great Rain Jackets:
Lightweight Jacket
It’s always hard to decide whether you’ll need a jacket. But, I have been on so many backpacking trips where the weather turned at night. So, now I always bring mine just in case. I recommend a jacket that is lightweight but warm!
Good Backpacking Jackets:
Socks
I never knew the importance of good socks until I started hiking. Socks can truly make or break your hike. Good socks prevent blisters 😩 and add extra padding on long treks. Socks come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. I recommend thicker socks for long backpacking excursions and an extra pair of comfy ones for camp!
Best Socks:
Hat
The sun can be incredibly strong in the mountains and then it may get super cold at night. So, I always bring at least one baseball hat and one beanie to stay warm. They don’t take up a lot of space and they just provide you with extra protection.
Electronics
I don’t recommend bringing a lot of electronics on your trip. But, it’s likely you’ll want things like your phone and a camera to capture photos. So, it’s important to have enough battery power 🔋 to last you through your trip. Read my suggestions below!
Lantern & Headlamps
Once it gets dark at night, you’ll still want to be able to walk around camp. So, I recommend packing headlamps on all of your backpacking excursions. You can get cheap ones or splurge on nicer ones that have features like red light, which is better for wildlife.
Satellite Phone
So, it’s not required that you bring a Satellite phone. But, satellite phones are the best way to make sure you can get ahold of emergency services 🆘 in the case of a problem. We have the Garmin mini and we bring it on all of our hikes and backpacking excursions!
Camera
Personally, I always like to have my camera when I go out on an adventure. There are so many beautiful areas that I feel need to be captured. I always bring my Nikon on every trip and extra batteries, so that I can record every single moment.
If you want a comfortable way to carry a camera, consider investing in a camera clip. 📸
Portable Chargers
As you spend the whole weekend taking pictures on your phone or tracking your hike with your Apple Watch, you’ll most likely need a charge ⚡️. Bring a portable charger or two, so that you don’t lose juice on your favorite electronic items.
Backpacking Food
Packing meals for backpacking can be very complicated when you get started. But, once you create a system for your food it will be much easier. We usually bring very similar meals on all of our excursions. Also, remember when packing you must pack out all your trash!
Breakfast
Breakfast is one of those meals that you want to be filling and energize you for a long day of hiking. It can be hard to be creative with breakfast but there are ways to make it more fun.
Backpacking Breakfast:
- Backpacking granola
- Protein Bars/Protein bites
- Backpacking Eggs
- Oatmeal
Lunch
Again, there are a variety of meals that you could eat for lunch. I find it to be harder to come up with what to eat for lunch, then any of the other meals. For a long day of hiking, I like to bring things that have both protein and carbs, but don’t take up a lot of space.
Many people will just bring extra hearty snacks to eat for lunch. But, I enjoy having more of a meal. It really depends on your preferences.
Backpacking Lunch Ideas
- Ramen
- Crackers and Tuna Salad or Chicken Salad Packs
- Beef Jerkey
- Salami and Low Moisture Cheese
- Tortillas and Peanut Butter
Dinner
I love to keep my dinner simples by just purchasing dehydrated backpacking meals. My husband and I usually like to split these between the two of us, because we get ones that are heartier at around 1000 calories per package.
But, you can also make your own dehydrated meals or simply eat things that are normally dehydrated like pasta or ramen. It’s really up to you to decide what you like to eat on the trail! 🤗
Snacks
I highly suggest bringing plenty of snacks that will keep you fueled on the hikes and satisfied during the day. We brought trail mix, goldfish, and dried mangos for snacks and we ate them every single day!
One other tip is to bring some sort of sugary snack (that doesn’t melt) like candy 🍬 and keep it in your hip belt during the long days of backpacking. Then, when you are going on the uphills you can eat a little sugar to help power you through. We brought Sour Patch Kids and High Chews.
Backpacking Gear Guide Final Tips
Now, I hope you feel prepared to get out on the trails and into the wilderness 🏔. This backpacking gear guide is meant to help you get ready for your adventures. It can seem over complicated at first, but once you have a system it will be so much easier. Now, Dylan and I can pack for our trips very quickly.
Let me know in the comments if you enjoyed this guide!
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Such a great resource!
Thank you!
Wow, this is so thorough!! Great guide! Will be so helpful for all the newbie backpackers out there 🙂
Thank you!!