My Journey Into the Wilderness of Beginner Backpacking

When I decided to start backpacking, I was pretty nervous. I didn’t know how I would handle rough weather, long treks, and not showering for days on end. I had been camping more times than I could count, but setting off into the wilderness for miles on end with nothing but a pack on my back was a different beast.

Not to mention, I had very little gear.

But I was determined to make this summer the year I started backpacking! So, I got together with two of my girlfriends and planned a one night backpacking trip in Tahoe. One of my friends used to be a backpacking guide, and the other had been a few times before, so I knew I was in good hands.

We hiked part of the Tahoe Rim Trail and camped overnight in the forest. It was way less scary than I imagined, and so fun! It was a short trip and the perfect introduction to backpacking. Plus, I couldn’t help but admire our badass group of ladies out there.

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So, You Want To Get Into The Backcountry?!

If you’re looking to get into backpacking, I highly recommend finding a group to go with the first few times to show you the ropes and get you comfortable with it! One of the great things about Outsiders, Together is that there are thousands of people who have experience with every outdoor activity under the sun, and others who are down for the adventure and willing to learn alongside you.

For my first trip, I brought some of the camping gear I already had, and borrowed other gear from my friends to try out before buying gear myself (which can be confusing and expensive)!

I highly recommend borrowing from friends or finding cheap used gear to try out before investing in top of the line gear. It’s a great way to find out what you like and don’t like.

However, not everyone has friends and family with gear, and some of us would rather just buy pieces they know others have used and like. If that’s the case for you, or you’re ready to invest in your next piece of gear (without entirely breaking the bank), then this guide is for you!

Another great thing about this list is most things can be found at REI, which has a great return policy if you don’t love any of the items you bought.

my gear lists on rockporch

I’ve teamed up with RockPorch, a platform where outdoor enthusiasts can review and recommend their favorite gear all in one place. You can shop directly through my lockers, and I even earn a small commission on any pieces bought through my link!

Here is the link to my full Beginner Backpacking Gear List with all the products in this blog, and more. As always, thank you for supporting my outdoor content creator journey :)

My Favorite Backpacking Gear for Beginners

This list is by no means the end all be all of backpacking gear. There is gear that is more durable, more lightweight, etc. But this is a list of the gear I’ve found to work great for me without completely breaking the bank.

If you have other gear you love and recommend, I’d love to learn about them in the comments!

Backpacking Can Get In Tents

Sorry, I couldn’t resist the pun.

If you need a solid backpacking tent, I have three recommendations for you!

REI offers a really great beginner Backpacking Bundle that helps you save money on a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.

You get all three items for a really great intro price, and they are all REI customer favorites, so you know you’re getting good quality. I highly recommend checking out this Backpacking Bundle!

If you’re just looking to get a tent, or like to customize your setup more, I highly recommend either the one-person REI Co Op Quarter Dome SL 1 Tent or the two-person REI Co Op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent.

They are both lightweight, functional options that give you space for yourself and your gear. If you know you’ll always be backpacking with others, I recommend getting the Dome SL 2+ Tent, which can sleep two people plus your gear.

The perk of a two-person tent is that you can split the weight in half with your tent buddy. If you carry the main tent and poles, they can pack the footprint and rain fly! This reduces the amount of weight overall for both of you.

REI Backpacking Bundle with tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad — REI Co Op Backpacking Bundle

Make things easy and get a backpacking bundle with all the essentials, for a fraction of the price (plus, it’s currently on sale)!

REI 1-person backpacking tent — REI Co Op Quarter Dome SL 1 Tent

The perfect lightweight backpacking tent for solo backpackers, or those who don’t like sharing sleeping space with others ;)

REI 2-person backpacking tent — REI Co Op Half Dome SL 2+ Tent

This tent is great for couples or friends looking to split the weight of a tent on backpacking trips!

Now Let’s Get You Warm And Cozy!

There’s absolutely nothing worse than freezing your butt off while camping. Having a warm sleeping setup is key to a good night’s rest and overall successful backpacking trip.

For a sleeping bag that doesn’t break the bank and offers a good temperature rating, I recommend checking out Kelty’s Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag.

I have been using my Kelty for camping trips for the past four years. It has held up throughout all my trips and provides a ton of warmth without overheating. It is great quality and roomy enough for us side sleepers.

They offer a men’s and women’s version, which weigh in respectively at 2 lbs. 15oz., and 3lbs. 7oz. Although not the most ultralight option out there, I’ve found it packs down small and isn’t super bulky or heavy in my pack.

Kelty Women's Cosmic 20 degree Sleeping Bag in Blue — WOMEN’S Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag

This thermally efficient trapezoidal baffle construction bag is a 3-season superstar.

Kelty Men's Cosmic 20 degree Sleeping Bag in Blue — MEN’S Kelty Cosmic 20 Sleeping Bag

With a 21 degree temperature rating, this 550-fill-powered down mummy sleeping bag will keep you cozy on your adventures.

So, You Don’t Want To Sleep On The Dirt?

An important piece of gear for a restful sleep in the wilderness is a quality sleeping pad.

I got the NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad on sale at REI this summer. It is incredibly lightweight and a huge step up from my previous pad! I really love how easy it is to blow up and deflate.

It’s not like other pads that are bulky and hard to fit back into their original stuff sacks. I’m a big convenience gal, and it’s truly a breeze. And as a side sleeper, this has enough thickness to support my hips and give me a comfortable sleep!

It’s also insulated, which helps regulate your temperature on those colder nights.

I will say this item is on the more expensive side, but I’ve found it to be worth it! I highly recommend trying to find it on sale if you can.

NEMO Tensor Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad

The perfect, packable backpacking sleeping pad. This lightweight, insulated sleeping pad weighs 1lb. 3oz.

Wait, Wait, Wait, I Skipped The Most Important Piece Of Gear!!

Okay, hold up. You’re probably thinking, alright but where do I store all of this stuff? Let’s talk backpacking backpacks.

I got my Osprey backpacking backpack five years ago when I studied abroad in Europe. Who knew I would end up being a dirtbag and using this bag for backcountry adventures later in life!

I love my backpack so much. It fits me well and carries enough gear for a 1-3 night adventure in the wilderness. If you can, I recommend going into a local outdoor shop and trying on different packs to see what frame fits you the best. Comfort is arguably the most important aspect of your backpacking backpack!

If you’re looking for something with a good fit and carrying capacity, check out the Osprey Women’s Kyte 46L Backpack (this is the one I have), or the Men’s Kestrel 48L Backpack.

They are the same series pack, each specially designed for men and women. They comfortably hold enough gear and other essentials for a weekend backpacking excursion. I’ve found that 55L-65L packs, although nice and roomy, tend to just add extra bulk I don’t need for a weekend adventure.

It has a large main compartment with a bottom zip for easy access to your gear. It has a space for your water bladder (sold separately), and strap points for trekking poles (I recommend these ones) or outerwear (this is my favorite down jacket for backpacking!) you might need to access during your hike.

It has a sternum strap and cushioned hip belt with handy dandy snack pockets!

Osprey Women's 46 Weekend Backpacking Backpack in Black — WOMEN’S Osprey Kyte 46

Men's Osprey 48L Backpacking Backpack in Black on Man's Back — MEN’S Osprey Kestrel 48

Walk A Mile In These Shoes

If you haven’t tried out a pair of HOKA’s before, now is a great opportunity to get this awesome outdoor shoe brand in your closet! If you’re a trail runner or avid day hiker, I highly recommend checking out more of their shoe options.

The HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Hiking Boots (available in both men’s and women’s) are a great boot for weekend treks. They get rid of the typical bulk of heavy-duty hiking boots while still being durable and high quality.

They have minor ankle support to prevent feet injuries on the trail, and provide good support so you can hike for days.

They are made from recycled materials and GORE-TEX to keep your feet dry.

If you’re looking for a casual summer hiking shoe, or a pair of lightweight slip ons to wear at camp after hiking all day, I highly recommend the Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals.

I enjoy backpacking with a pair of lightweight sandals that I can use for water activities as well as an alternative shoe option for camp. After a long day of hiking in boots, it’s great to be able to let your feet breathe!

WOMEN’S HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Shoe

The hiker meant to feel like a shoe and wander like a boot.

HOKA Men's Hiking Boot in Green — MEN’S HOKA Anacapa Mid GTX Shoe

The durable, versatile men’s hiking boot that comes in six cool colors.

Teva Hurricane XLT2 Sandals

My favorite outdoor sandal ever! Comfy, supportive, durable, versatile, and unisex.

Fueling Your Adventures: The Best Cooking Setup

Beginner and experienced backpackers alike use the MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit for cooking in the backcountry. It’s compact, lightweight, and simple.

It is an affordable contraption that helps you keep your cooking setup simple. This packable set comes equipped with a pot, foldable stovetop, and handle. All you need is a compatible fuel canister and you’re good to go.

Boil water, heat up soup, or cook up some veggies at camp.

If you’re wondering how to carry in enough water to drink on the hike and cook your food, my tip is to get a water filter! This means you can pack in less water weight, and instead collect it along the way from lakes and streams!

If you’re looking for easy, packable meals, I highly recommend the Mountain House Weekender Adventure Kit. Simply heat up some water in your MSR PocketRocket, pour it in the packs, and enjoy!

MSR PocketRocket Stove Kit — MSR PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit

This setup completely packs into itself, meaning your gear remains organized and compact.

So, There Are No Showers or Toilets Out There?

Unfortunately not. But luckily there are some pretty easy ways to keep fresh and clean while in the backcountry.

The best way to wipe off the grime after a day of hiking and freshen up all those sweaty nooks and crannies is with Wilderness Wipes. These packable, effective wipes will keep you clean over the course of your weekend adventure!

I also use these wipes if I need to go #2 while out in the wilderness (remember to pack out your trash and waste)!

For women, my favorite gear recommendation is the Kula Cloth. This little piece of cloth upped my backpacking and camping game so much!

A Kula Cloth is a reusable, antimicrobial pee cloth perfect for weekend adventures. You can clip it to your backpack and forgo toilet paper all together.

If you’re the type who likes to call a dip in the lake a shower (I happen to agree with you), then it’s best to carry a lightweight towel with you on your journey. This can be used to dry your body, hair, hands, or even dishes if needed.

I have the REI Co Op Multi Towel Lite, which packs down small and light, and dries fast!

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes for Camping and Backpacking — Sea To Summit Wilderness Wipes

The perfect multi-use wipe to keep you clean on your adventures!

Kula Cloth

One of my favorite pieces of gear! This lightweight, reusable pee cloth is perfect for backpacking.

Blue microfiber towel — REI Co Op Multi Towel Lite

A great lightweight towel that can be used to dry anything on your adventure. Plus, it dries quickly, so you don’t have to worry about a wet pack!

A Little Something…Extra

My favorite not-totally-necessary piece of gear that has been a great asset for me on my backpacking trips is the LuminAID 2-in-1 Power Lantern.

This inflatable lantern is a great source of light at nighttime at camp. It’s easy to hang from a tree or your tent to illuminate the area. Sometimes this can be a nicer and brighter alternative to a headlamp (which I also like to have on hand).

Since it’s inflatable, it packs flat, which saves room in your pack!

The best part? It also doubles as a charger for your devices.

On 2-3 night trips, your phone will likely die; it’s nice to have a charger in case of emergencies. This can also be used for smart watches, headlamps, and more!

LuminAID 2-in-1 Power Lantern

Light up your tent or cooking area and charge your devices all at the same time! Fold it down and pack it away when not in use.

Now Get Out There!

I know you’d rather be in the woods than reading this article, so now it’s time to get out there!

For my full list of gear recommendations with all the items on this blog and a few extras (including a backpacking pillow, emergency kit, dry bags, a sleeping bag liner, and more), check out my Beginner Backpacking Gear List locker on RockPorch!