Backpacking Gear For Beginners

Backpacking can be an intimidating to get into for the first time. There are so many unanswered questions about what tent you should get, which sleeping bag will be warm enough. The list goes on and on. 

I was asking myself the same questions when I first started doing backpacking on my own. Through plenty of trips and a lot of trial and error I know that I can give great advice to those trying to get started. 

As such I will go into detail on the basic gear that you will need to buy in order to start backpacking. I will talk to my experience and how I chose the following gear:

1. Backpacking Tents

What size tent is best?

A tent that gives you the most flexibility for types of trips would be a small light weight two-person tent. I think that one person tents are great if you only plan on doing solo trips. Since I like to hike with friends I recommend a 2 person tent.

What tent should you buy?

I recommend the REI co-op trail hut 2 tent. REI makes high quality and reliable gear at a great price. Being a 3 season tent, it will enable you to go on most any hike you could possibly want except those hardcore winter trips. It light and small enough for you to solo hike with it but is also large enough that you can fit two people. I like the flexibility that it gives me and has been perfect for all of my past hikes.

Different types of tents and what to consider:

Watch this video to see a walk through of the basic ins and outs of tents to understand what you need to consider when buying a tent.

2. Backpacks

What size backpack should you buy?

The size backpack with the most utility is a backpack with a capacity of around 65 liters. I have only owned my smaller 40 liter backpack. For me, this is a little too small. I find myself wanting something larger that gives you the flexibility to go on weekend trips as well as longer trips out into the wilderness.

What backpacking backpack should you buy?

I recommend the Osprey Aether 65L backpack. It large enough to store everything you will need for your longer trips while being collapsible and comfortable for your weekend trips. 

How to choose a backpacking pack:

For the basics of backpacks explained watch this quick and simple REI video.

3. Hiking Shoes or Boots?

This is the most subjective item on the list. I have heard plenty of people say that they prefer trail shoes to hiking boots. Here I will go into the pros and cons of both:

Pros and Cons of Trail Shoes:

Trail shoes are a lot lighter and provide more flexibility and breathability for your feet. However, I find that on long hikes they don't hold up. The lack of ankle support and thin soles can lead to a twisted ankle or very sore feet very quickly. 

Pros and Cons of Hiking Boots:

I myself have a 3/4 ankle high hiking boots and love them. The additional height around your ankle helps when crossing low streams or walking through snow to keep your feet dry, in addition to providing plenty of ankle support to avoid any unseen injuries. Additionally, the thick soles protect your feet from rocks and anything else that may hurt your feet.

What hiking boots to buy:

I've had a pair of Vasque hiking boots for 6 years now and I've only had to replace the laces. Due to this I recommend 3/4 high hiking boots. However, when it comes to buying your own I don't think there is any better method than going into a store and trying different shoes on and seeing what works for you. 

4. Sleeping Bags & Liners

Sleeping Bags:

There are a lot of nuances when it comes to choosing the right sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner. There are different shapes, materials, and degree ratings that create a wide range of combinations. What works best does depend on the climate and season in which you'll be hiking.

The best sleeping bag for 3 season hikers:

I  recommend the Kelty Cosmic 20 sleeping bag. This sleeping bag is highly rated, very collapsible and light weight, and keeps you warm during the colder nights. I currently have a sleeping bag rated for 30 degrees and it gets cold in some nights. Which is why the Kelty Cosmic 20 is the perfect solution. 

Sleeping bag liners:

Sleeping bag liners are another piece of essential gear. They provide multiple benefits, keeping your sleeping bag clean so you only have to clean the liner, moisture wicking fabric, as well as additional degrees of warmth.

The best sleeping bag liner:

The Cocoon COOLMAX Mummy Liner is very versatile and provides almost 10 extra degrees of warmth. Make sure to add it to your gear before going backpacking.

For more insight into choosing the right sleeping bag watch this following video.

5. Sleeping Pads

Don't make this sleeping pad mistake:

Do not make the same mistake that I made when it came to sleeping pads. They make a world of difference when sleeping outside and in the cold. I originally had the typical closed cell foam pads or the folding ones that you see strapped to the outside of backpacks. This type of sleeping pad provides little to no support or thermal barrier. After a few miserable trips I knew that I needed to change it out for something new.

The best sleeping pad:

I recommend adding the Sea to Summit Ether Light XT to your backpacking gear. After my first sleeping pad I switched to an inflatable air pad with a higher R value and have never slept so good. These types of sleeping pads are a must if you want to sleep warm and comfortable through your nights in the wilderness.

6. Backpacking Stoves

When I first started backpacking I ate only protein bars and similar food that didn't require any type of cooking. This led to a lot of miserable meals while backpacking. They provided the calories I needed but none of the comfort or morale boost that a warm meal or a hot coffee does.

What backpacking stove to buy:

I recommend the MSR PocketRocket 2. I bought this stove over two years ago and it has been a blessing. It is the smallest and lightest stove that I was able to find and has gotten me through a lot of trips. There are fancier stoves that cost three times more but the added value is very minimal. These stoves might boil your water slightly faster but it makes little difference in the end. Due to the low price point, ease of use, and small footprint the MSR PocketRocket 2 is perfect for beginners and well seasoned backpackers alike.

7. Must Haves:

The following is a list of smaller items that make a world of difference when it comes to backpacking.

• Trekking Poles: I never thought I would use them but as soon as I did my legs thanked me. It makes the ascent of mountains much easier on the muscles and the descent almost unnoticeable on your knees. 
• Inflatable Pillow: This takes up almost no space and weighs next to nothing but really affects your quality of sleep and helps you recover for the next day.
• Cook Set: I use the MSR PocketRocket cooking set with the stove and I've never wanted for anything else. It has all you need to boil the water and then additional containers to share and split up the food for when you're hiking with a group. 
• Moleskin or Duct Tape: I always carry a moleskin kit or some Duct tape with me when I go hiking. You will be grateful for having them whenever a blister pops up during your hike. 

Thank you for taking the time to read through my recommendations. I hope that all of this information has helped you to decide what gear you need to buy.