Backpacking Guide and Checklist: how to transition from hiking to backpacking

We all start out as beginner backpackers at some point. The transition from hiking or car camping to backpacking can be a little overwhelming. Here is a simplified beginning backpacking guide and checklist as you prepare for your first overnight.

While there are many checklists for what to bring on a beginning backpacking trip, preparing is more than thinking about the 10 essentials of hiking. In other words, you need to think about more than just:

  • Gear (shelter, equipment, etc)
  • Food and Water
  • Safety

The transition from hiking to backpacking

Maybe you started hiking over the last year or so, car camped a couple of times and now you want to up your game to spending the night out in the wilderness. The thought of being miles from civilization is both exhilarating and a bit daunting. You’ve hiked up to some beautiful summits but by the time you get there you’re a bit tired and the fact that you have to hike all the way back to your car before sunset is nagging at you just a little bit. 

That little bit of concern robs some of your joy of truly appreciating the summit. Then the thought hits- what if I could wake up here and watch the sunrise from the summit. Or maybe you have passed by some beautiful camp spots on your hikes along creeks and rivers. You think about how nice it would be to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the water pouring over the rocks. Well, this once upon a time new backpacker can share with you that it is possible!

All it takes is a little bit of planning, gear and the right mindset. 

Ability

Before setting out, take an honest look at your abilities. How comfortable are you in different climates? Hiking 10 miles in high heat/humidity is a whole lot different than 10 miles on a cool crisp day with a little bit of a breeze. How far do you typically hike? What types of elevation gain are you comfortable with? 

Once you have taken an honest look at where you are as a hiker you can start to think about what trail you would like to backpack on. It is always a good idea (especially when first starting out) to plan for less than you normally would. Meaning, plan for a little less mileage in a day and not quite the same elevation changes. It may also be a good idea to pick a time of the year that you are comfortable hiking. 

Once you have taken an honest look at your ability, then you can start the process for selecting the trail that is right for your backpack trip. Read more about selecting a trail that is right for you here: Selecting a trail

Mindset

The next thing to focus on is your mindset. When backpacking, try to remember that experiences come before comfort. If you let your brain get the best of you, you will most likely not have an enjoyable experience. While hiking, take the time to smell the flowers, appreciate the little moments, take a moment and talk with another hiker.

As a beginning backpacker it is easy to get caught up in things like. Do I have enough food? Will I be warm enough? What if I get lost? What if I can’t find a place to sleep and a host of other concerns. However, these concerns will be much less if you have prepared ahead of time. I am a firm believer that you can conquer more than you think you can. Going into the experience with a heavy dose of preparation and a positive attitude can make the experience unforgettable and leave you wanting more. 

Keeping it real

The reality is that you are leaving your creature comforts behind. Your cozy bed becomes a bed-roll on the forest floor (or you’re hanging between two trees). Your warm morning shower now becomes a brisk creek splash on your face in the morning. Your morning constitution now involves digging a hole in the ground behind a tree. Yes, it is true these things can be seen as “uncomfortable” to many. I challenge you to focus instead on what you gain by the experience instead of what you lose. It all comes back to mindset.

Instead of focusing on the pouring rain maybe focus on the wonderful sound of the rain as it rhythmically drips down the leaves. Maybe focus on the muted colors that soften the day. Again, it all comes to mindset and how you choose to frame the experience. 

Alright, now that you have assessed your ability, chosen your trail and gotten your mind-set straight it is time to focus on the nitty-gritty.

Beginning Backpacking Checklist

Gear

Your backpacking kit is incredibly important. You will basically be the turtle that carries their home on their back. One common mistake that beginners make is not that they forget things, it is that they carry too much. 

The basics that you will need include:

  • Backpack & Raincover
  • Sleep System (sleeping pad, sleeping bag or quilt and tent)
  • Trekking Poles (not everyone uses them but I find them helpful when stream crossings, slippery terrain, and they take some of the stress off of my knees)
  • Headlamp

Food and Water

  • Stove
  • Water filtration (it is good to have a way to filter your water then you don’t have to carry as much- just be sure that have reliable water sources)
  • Food (you can freeze dry meals in ziplock freezer bags or buy prepackaged meals, the bonus is that there are no dishes- you eat out of the bag)

Safety

  • Compass & Map (I carry a papermap as a backup in addition to using my phone)
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Hygiene (please practice leave no trace, i.e.- biodegradable soap, shovel to bury your waste, etc)
  • Waterproof matches

Clothing & Footwear

  • Appropriate footwear is a must
  • Clothing (think in layers)

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