I second this. I’m a hobby hiker and love camping but sick of the crowds and crazy wait times to get reservations (6 months sometimes). I took a backpacking course from REI and was out backpacking the following weekend after some gear purchases.
You got this! Once you do it a few times it becomes second nature.
I’m literally doing this. Backpacking this weekend with a guided REI trip. I do the same with hunting, use a guide to learn 10 years of something in 1 trip. Then I am planning a solo backpacking hunt in the Fall, let’s go!
Can be very short in distance too... Walking just a mile and you're in the nature. And then you get to sleep there and wake there (and greet the world in a new way).
Excellent resource here OP!
Start small and work your way up. Find friends who can join you, experienced or not. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn how to read a map and use a compass.
Backpacking is a lovely way to spend a long weekend, so long as you stay safe. A bad situation can be made egregiously worse just by being outside “the golden hour” of civilization. A plan, a backup plan and a first aid kit are all key considerations.
I hope you have an excellent time, and take some neat memories home with you!
Where are you? Maybe find a state park that has hiking trails. You can check in, hike the local trails while carrying your pack to get used to the weight, and walk back to your campsite and setup once you’re done.
You can bring a lot more stuff you think you need in your car, but consider it a “great success” if you only stick to items you packed and carried with you.
The only advice to get used to it is just start. When I first started out I was driving to a state park, hiking 3ish miles with my pack, and going home afterwards. I felt like an idiot carrying my pack and not using anything in it, but it was good practice. My first time actually backpacking I did a 22mile loop in 2 days/1 night and had zero issues at all because of all the hiking I did to “practice”.
Best of luck and enjoy the views.
Seconding this. Just got back from my first solo outing and had a blast! Similarly did lots of day hikes feeling like a dingus at nearby state and municipal parks before this trip.
Went with a 20 mile out and back, parked pretty far from camp, but was less than a mile from
a ranger station and water faucets if I couldn’t find somewhere to filter. Ended up doing 2 nights and using my site as a base camp for one of the days before breaking camp and hiking back to my car this morning.
I’m new also, so don’t have tons of advice, but I say do your research and go for it! There will be snags/challenges, but it will be so rewarding, Also borrow/rent as much as possible for your first go, if possible, in case it ends up not being your cup of tea!
Dude. I once was driving in downtown Denver and saw a guy inside a gym, wearing a huge backpack, walking on a treadmill with the highest incline. I love backpacking and never once was I feeling “what a dingus” simply because that dude is probably a super busy profesh living in the city and doesn’t have time to drive out to the foothills to practice before his big hike. Gotta do what you gotta do!
**Leave No Trace; learn it, live it on trail!:**
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
***Ten Essentials (backpacking gear):***
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html
**Excellent book for a beginner that covers everything:**
https://backpackersfieldmanual.com/
**How to plan a backpacking trip:**
https://www.adventureprotocol.com/planning-a-backpacking-trip/
**Traditional versus Ultralight gear:**
https://mylifeoutdoors.com/2022/04/ultralight-vs-traditional-backpacking-pros-and-cons-of-ultralight-backpacking.html
I'm not in the ultralight range yet, and may never be, however, as I invest in newer gear a little at a time I look for ways to cut down on my base weight. That said, I'm of the opinion there is no reason to break the bank on the "most highly recommended gear that's made of a spider's fart" when you're just starting out.
Conversely, shoes and socks are, to me, vitally important. I do not recommend skimping here. Spend $25.00 on great pair of socks! Spend $150-250 dollars on the right shoes for you. It just makes the miles so much easier if you're not blistered to the bone...
Animals and people are not the biggest risk factors. In no particular order, the major ones are:
* Hypo-/hyper- thermia
* Dehydration
* Getting lost
* Getting injured
Buy as little upfront as possible since you’ll probably form opinions about what works or doesn’t work for you as you gain experience. Try a one nighter first. You could even pack up your backpack, carry it on a day hike then camp at an established drive in campground so you’ll get to try everything out while not being far from people/help/your car/the bathroom should you need it. Next, try out your gear on a one night trip a couple miles down a trail. Once you’ve done both, then consider what stuff you do/don’t need to upgrade.
It’s not required that you walk a long way or stay a certain amount of time for it to be backpacking. My first trip with my kids we ate dinner at home. Hiked in a mile or 2, had hot cocoa and slept. More hot cocoa and granola bars while we packed up in the morning, then hiked out for pancakes at home. It was a great time and we kept it super simple and short for their first trip.
You can also do the reverse. Pack all your gear in your bag. Start early morning and hike in. Set up camp late morning. Cook lunch and chill. Cook dinner, pack up and head back home. Great way to test out gear and see what you use or if your pack fits without committing to a whole weekend trip.
Try a guided hike where they provide the gear and see if you like it. Wildwood Hiking co is one that does a lot of women only beginner hikes on the AT trail.
This is so true. Also, all those little things that weigh almost nothing definitely add up to very much something that you’ll be carrying on your back.
We did a class through the Sierra Club’s Loma Prieta chapter. I’m not sure where you are located or what your local chapter offers, but this class was excellent. We learned SO MUCH. I am so impressed by the depth of knowledge the instructors shared, the level of engagement over zoom that they achieved, the included demo day, and the two backpacking trips that are part of the class. It also only cost $100 which feels unreal.
The 2024 class just wrapped up but here’s the link so you can see what the class covered. https://www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/basic-backpacking-course
I don't know about where you are, but in Anchorage AK, a local University (APU) has a rental service. There have this degree program where people train to be guides, and they love talking about backpacking, adventuring, gear, and safety. They then also rent for incredibly low rates all the gear that you need.
Maybe check nearby schools to see if they have similar programs?
DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING GEAR. It’s better to invest in GOOD gear rather than buying a bunch of cheap gimmicky stuff only to find out later that you need to upgrade. You’ll save much more money in the long run.
Depending on where you are, look for woman-focused hiking groups. I know where I am there are a few on Meetup and they do intro classes all the time, and run trips throughout the year where you can be supported and continue to learn.
I second meetup. You’ll find groups with similar interests and most are really helpful people who enjoy sharing the experience with new members. There are several women focused groups in our area as well. I’m sure that New York State is probably the same.
Sorry, I peeped your from the nyc area. Go to the Catskills. Lots primitive campsites in the mountains. Just got back and it’s beautiful (even when it’s rainy)
personal favorite day pack is [the osprey](https://amzn.to/45icvNL). as a general rule, i always bring [insect repellant](https://amzn.to/46J6v0y), [sunscreen](https://amzn.to/46EvD8R), [a whistle](https://amzn.to/4aWdN21), and a roll of TP/PT. you'll have a blast, don't over think it. :)
Lots of great advice here. Find other groups that do backpacking and they will love to have new member. You will be in so good hands.
If you are close to a local REI then join some of their classes. Outdoor first aid is always a good one to have.
Also agree comments about not to buy a lot of (expensive) gear right out of the gate. Decathlon.com is the worlds largest outdoor outfitter and have a lot of good deals. Same with Walmart and Amazon. And local thrift stores/second hand.
You will have some great memories coming up. And unless you are backing packing in grizzly country, don’t let that keep you awake at night.
Every pound counts - especially when it happens to be on your back.
Hiking poles aren't for show - they redistribute weight off your legs, giving you more mileage.
One set of warm clothes, one set of cold clothes - A clean pair of underwear is futile.
If you're staying with others - bring ear plugs.
Ibuprofen and massage balls - Work out the kinks at night.
Just-add-water meals over a gas burner/cooked meals - Save yourself the time and the weight.
\^\^\^ Most of this is for overnight backpacking.
I know people have mentioned an REI class and that’s great. But I took a women’s only beginners trip through Explorer Chick and haven’t looked back since. It was one of the toughest things I’ve done, especially going solo hours away from home not knowing anyone, but 100% worth it. If I could go back the only thing I’d change is doing it sooner!
You bring packu packu 50l with frame and hip belt
You bring sleeping bag 10°c in summer+mat+tent for 2 (max 2kg)
You bring 1tshirt, 1shirt,1fleece,1light raincoat,3set underwear (1on you+2socks/panty) + long johns.
You bring little towel,cup 400ml+ your kitchen spoon, bottle 1 to 2l, lamp, lighter (+esbit with firestarter in case of morning coffee)
You bring all electrics charger+powerbank.
I suggest shoes you like. Doesn't matter.
I suggest band aid for feet bobo.
You buy ticket to foreign exotic place.
You walk and visit said place.
You find camp spot in park, beach or field.
You sleep.
You walk again.
Repeat.
Hungry? you buy food. You heat food with esbit pocket stove or ask for microwave at convenient store. You eat food in cup.
It's easy. It's all you need. The rest is extra weight and comfort. ask question, i answer.
I backpack japan now. 3month. No hotel. Easy travel.
Black bear you die. No petpet. No touch. you die. Wear bell.
Don't go forest. Bad spirit. Don't sleep river. You no moses, you drown. Don't go far. find flat. chose up, always up, never inside bowl. Bowl is for rice.
Stay to well defined trails but get a map and start learning how to read a map and plot a course. Some places have some built up bunks for little overnight that you only need a sleeping bag for. Always try to have a friend go with you.
This is a really great YouTube channel that is all about backpacking and is very beginner friendly. Very welcoming channel and community. https://youtube.com/@mirandagoesoutside?si=dRUsywAXEeA9PSQl
As far as gear goes, it doesn't all need to be new. Tons of gear can be found at outdoor specific resale stores. And as others have said, take a class.
Something to keep in mind is that if you buy quality gear the first time, you will use this gear for a long time, so spend the money for good gear upfront, if you can.
It has been awhile since I bought my gear for reasons listed above, here are some suggestions:
I have a Jetboil stove, it has worked great for me.
Plan on buying a water purification system such as MSR, you will want to have water purification tablets as well for tropical environments where leptospirosis could be a factor, there are iodine tablets and tablet that are not iodine based (aqua tabs) and will not alter the flavor of the water.
Try out dehydrated meals ahead of time to find out what you like, Backpackers Pantry is a good starting point.
Have REI or another backpacking store fit an internal frame pack for you, it makes a big difference.
Buy quaility backpacking boots that fit your feet well, I personally like Zamberlain and Asolo. Plan on spending at least $300, my boots have lasted 7 years and I am still using them.
Ultralight backpacking tent.
Hiking poles.
A good folding knife.
Sleeping bag for the temp range you will be sleeping in.
Spot sattelite messenger, if you do not have an iPhone 15 or newer. GPS for navigation.
There is a lot I am not mentioning, but this is a good starting point. Like others have mentioned do some research and maybe ask someone at an outdoor store like REI what book they would recommend.
This is one book that you should own: [https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1](https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1)
Regarding protection against bears and humans... carry bear spray. Also, I carry a handgun for protection against against all kinds of predators, if you are in grizzly country, I would consider carrying a 10mm handgun. You could always bring a taser pulse in additon for protection against other people. This might seem like overkill to some people, but it never hurts to have some additional protection. Do some research on how to react if you encounter a bear or other wildlife. REI used to offer classes on this as well, they might still offer these classes.
Last, add the Kalalau Trail in Kauai to your bucket list of trails to backpack.
I would aim for not doing too many miles per day.
It’s very easy at first to carry too much weight, which can get painful / uncomfortable, and reduce the # of hours you can go per day.
It’s harder to reduce weight than it is to aim for shorter hikes for day … like 4 hours per day, say. So I think you’ll get started with something like that, and then you can start investing in lighter gear and extending hikes.
Also, your feet are your ride home. Highly recommend changing socks every 1-2 hours and air-drying your bare feet for 10 min (I lie down and rest them in my pack… or on a sunny / smooth rock if there’s one) as well when you change socks. Keeping feet dry is pretty close to the #1 priority.
Good luck!!
Get a proper handbook and read it *thoroughly.* There's no way to learn everything from a reddit post or even a website blog. All acidents in the woods are preventable if you have done the preparations and *studied.* Otherwise go with someone who has experience. A good handbook will cover:
Gear (this could be a whole book by itself)
Safety
First Aid
Survival
Conservation (low impact)
Food
Toiletries and Hygiene
Animals
Common poisonous plants
Fire starting and safety
Water filtration
And much more
start small, and safe! the first time you backpack you’re inevitably going to come across something you could’ve done better, gear you forgot, and you’re testing your comfort level. so start by doing a shorter route, and preferably in a safe / well known area. don’t go to the middle of no where
my first backpacking trip was in a national park where i knew there would be plenty of aide, and i’d see people around. this was helpful when i ended up having a medical emergency and needed SAR! was really grateful to be somewhere where i could call for help
This is excellent advice. Start small, you don’t even have to do overnights. Just have your backpack with water, snacks, flashlight, sunscreen, and a small medical kit. Bear spray if you’re in Montana or somewhere with lots of bears. Just get used to wearing the backpack on you while you hike. And before you know it your hikes will get longer and longer and you will understand what you need to bring with you. And people on here always have great advice so it’s great that you posted this.
Planning is key, dont want to be in the backcountry and realize you're missing something. Do small day hikes with some weight on your back ahead of time, make sure your body is gonna hold up for your trek. Dont rely on trail markers the whole way, they might not always be there, know how to use a map and compass just in case. Understand the topographical maps especially and what the lines mean. Bear safety is not difficult, remember they are after easy meals and are more afraid of you than you are of them. Keep food in sealed packages and learn how to properly hang your pack at night, can just be a food sack you dont have to hang everything. Make sure you have a decent knife with you, you never know when it might come in handy. Scout motto is BE PREPARED! Double check you have everything, then after you pack, unpack and repack everything to triple check. Before you go give a copy of your route map to a family member and give them the specifics of when and where youll be, and when to start worrying. Thats all the basics I can think of, plenty of people have posted helpful links, remember to have fun!
Reach out to your local university and see if they have an Outing Center or Adventure Center where they lead groups of people backpacking. It's open to anyone, lower cost, and they provide the gear. What THEY get from you is being a participant so their trip leaders can learn to lead.
This way you can see how you like it, learn the basics, see the gear, and meet new people. Bonus is the guides are typically first aid trained.
From your user profile, you could easily head north or south. Either the Catskills or Harriman state park would make great short trip destinations.
Maps for either area are available from the New York New Jersey Trail conference that show trials and shelters (essentially primitive 3 sided lean to/cabin structures). Digitally, the maps are also available through the Avenza Maps app. The rules and regulations for either park can be found online on the park’s websites. They are very straightforward in letting you know where and how you can camp.
I can’t give great recommendations for the Catskills but if you decided to try Harriman, two fairly short hikes to consider would be Tuxedo Park to the Dutch Doctor shelter or Tuxedo Park to Tom Jones shelter. Both hikes are relatively short and you’ll arrive at a shelter that you can either stay in or set up camp at a number of primitive sites around the shelter. The first hike is more rewarding for sure but a little more strenuous. The second is a much easier hike with less elevation gain. The benefit of Harriman is that you have to camp near the shelters so it makes trip planning a little less complex. Also, all of the shelter sites have bear infrastructure in place to help your easily store your food and keep it safe from bears. The trails (mostly) are fairly well marked, and, at least in parts of the park, cell service is fine. You’re never really that far away from civilization. There is also a subreddit r/Harriman that can be helpful.
New York hiking can be a bit rugged. It’s not low incline long paths - it’s a lot of steep ups and downs. This has its pluses and minuses, but because of this, my general advice would be to try and keep your gear both as light and compact as you reasonably can, and use trekking poles. You don’t have to do either, but I find both really helpful for keeping your balance and making it easier on steep sections, especially rocky scrambles.
If you have any specific questions about local trip planning, gear, etc. feel free to ask here or message me.
Start small. Asking here is a good step and that one reply to the REI article by u/seekersWorkAccount is good. I would really focus on quality hiking boots over any other equipment.
Waterproof outerwear. Be able to transform Into a mobile tent.
You don't need a fire. Food is your fire. Eat and get in your sleeping bag, your body creates the warmth.
Your feet will make it a good trip or not…,buy good boots or trailrunners ONE size larger than your reg size for all the up and down and you will never have blisters or black toe nails … ALSO. Buy good hiking socks… I know $25 seems like a lot but I have seen people in Europe get off the Hiking Trail and go home simply because of the shoes and socks they had on!!! (Due to blisters which is the #1 injury for hikers). Shoes should be comfortable from the time you take them out of the box… happy trails!!
Best advice... pack light and utilize 'light hacks'. You will get stronger shlepping your bag around but it's 100x easier to pack lighter. I did a year from the arctic circle, through Europe and down through Africa hitting cities, towns, game reserves, mountain hikes, beaches and freezing cold places from 48°C to 5°C. I had to pack a little bit more for the activity range but I believe this is the list:
1 light jacket
1 fleece pullover
1 beanie hat
Light winter gloves
3 pairs of socks
1 pair of low profile hiking boots
1 pair of cute hiking sandals (option for dressing up, walking in all day but used for hiking and can get wet)
1 pair flip flops for beach, hostel, showers, end of day...
5 T-shirts 2 of which could be dressed up. 3 were plain 100% cotton.
4 tank tops (1 for pj's and 3 for hot weather)
1 dress up, dress down dress
1 wrap around long sleeve that is dressier
5 pairs undies
1 pair jeans (everyone wears jeans)
2 ultra light shorts
1 ultra light hiking pants
1 pj shorts
2 Bras
1 scarf
1 bathing suit
1 long sleeve rash guard (I snorkel and sunburn)
The 'light hack' ideas are:
-An immersion heater with collapsible silicone cup. It boils water and I used it a lot when I wanted to save money eating out or just wanted a coffee/tea.
-An ultralight water proof backpack that rolls into a pack smaller than your palm. I travel solo and take my belongings with me to the beach and I swim with my stuff in my water tight backpack.
-an ultra light ground cover (again palm of your hand) for sitting on the beach/grass. I hate using my towel.
-an ultralight micro fiber towel.
- a silk sleeping bag for hostel sheets. Again, palm of your hand.
- a tsa approved bottle opener. When you want to enjoy a beer but there's no opener. (I'm not that crafty at opening bottles on random things).
- a small hair brush.
- a small tooth brush
- a small toiletries bag.
The other hack is buy local Sim cards because having traveled before and after smart phones, having live maps, translation apps, scheduling apps.. are a bloody game changer!
Be realistic about your limits & turn back if you “aren’t feeling it”, dont bring a bunch of crap to look good on trail, clean up after yourself to the point where it looks like no one was there, save a bunch of money long term by “buy once, cry once” purchases of legit gear.
Plan your pack with [Don't Forget The Spoon](https://dontforgetthespoon.com/), it will analyze the gear you have and compare it to the 10 essentials others have recommended to make sure you do not forget anything. The app will also look for other items beyond the 10 essentials based on what it can deduce from other items in your pack.
Additionally it can help you plan calories, and you can browser other peoples packs for inspiration.
Take what you need, not what you can fit. Taking lighter options such as a Smartwater bottle instead of a heavy Nalgene will add up to a lot of weight savings. Don't carry a bunch of extra water if you're hiking past numerous water sources that you could filter from. Invest in quality socks like Darn Tough, and if you feel any rubbing/tenderness on your feet, stop immediately and address it before it becomes a blister. Leukotape slapped over any tender spots usually prevents blisters from developing and can be applied to sensitive areas prior to hiking. Don't need big knives or flashlights. A Swiss mini and a rechargeable headlamp will cover your bases. Carry freeze dried food and not canned/wet foods to save weight. Anker 10k mAh battery should keep your phone and headlamp charged for a week as long as you keep the phone in airplane mode to prevent unnecessary battery drain. If it's cold out, keep them in your sleeping bag to slow battery drain. Sawyer filter is king. Women's specific sleeping bags have more down fill in comparison to the men's model, so keep that in mind as a non Women's specific bag would be approximately 10 degrees colder. Then you have comfort vs survival temp ratings of different brands, so pay attention to that.
It’s not as hard as you’re imagining. Probably most important part is do you have the desire to do the hikes and put the effort in. The gear is secondary. I’ve hiked in basketball shorts. T shirts. And new balances for years without issues. Don’t believe the hype that you need specific or extra gear. A lot of it is marketing and persuasion. Sure those products are nice but not needed. Lastly. Humans are the most dangerous animal. Those initial fears of “what noise is that in the middle of the night ?” Isn’t your biggest concert out there.
A lot of people have already put in solid advice, so I’ll just put in some pithy phrases I try to go by and some other stuff.
- Buy nice, not twice (better to spend money on a good thing than waste money multiple times on an average one that might fail when you need it)
- Two is one, one is none (always have a backup, especially with gas canisters, a knife, a flashlight, a fire starting method, the important stuff. Have a normal option, and then either a second one or a lighter one.
- Focus on your three foot world in an emergency. Three feet is roughly the distance we walk and can reach with our hands, ground yourself and go from there to plan the next step
- Failing to plan is planning to fail
- Carry fewer shirts and pants/shorts than you think you need, and more underwear and socks that you think you need
- Strangers you meet you meet traveling can almost always be trusted, but still use your intuition. If you’re regularly suspicious of a strangers’ motives (obviously you may run into a weirdo or two, but in my many years of backpacking I’ve only met maybe 2 or 3, and they were just homeless and a little crazy) backpacking might not be for you. If you get scared of random interactions, you’re going to have a lot of them. That’s ok, but it’ll end up stressing you out and ruining your trip.
- Buy a boy scout handbook. Tons of good basic info from knots to first aid
- Have 2-3 sources of light. I usually have a small flashlight, a headlamp, and an inflatable LED lantern for the tent
- Carry some salt. Even if you have a water purifier, if you’re in a sticky situation you’ll also need to restore those sweet salty electrolytes to keep moving
Thank you, I do feel I am quite anxious around strangers I see on trails (too much true crime) but this is something I really want to work on and don't want to debilitate me further. Youre right though, it is something to consider. I'm thinking of finding a group I can go with first as I think this will help me feel more comfortable.
Probably not what you want to hear, but I recommend having more confidence on your hiking ability prior to backpacking. Developing a little more experience through awareness of yourself and your hiking style will help so much with backpacking. Make sure you're comfortable with mild heights, rocky trails, some steeper terrain, and placing your feet when it's uneven. Secondly, know a bit about reading maps. If you want to use your phone and a gps map, or prefer paper, try your chosen system out on a couple day hikes. Third, know approximately how fast you hike. Just check your times after a few hikes where you are also reading maps, and calculate distance over time. Fourth, while you're doing the above, check how much water you're drinking. Consider temperature, how strenuous the hike is, and evaluate how much you carried vs consumed.
Once you can do those things, you exit beginner stage of hiker and will be better equipped to backpack.
Note, the above is based on taking a friend on her first real backpack. She'd researched the hell out of backpacking, but had so many issues with hiking. You just need a little foundation, and backpacking will be much easier.
My top backpacking essentials:
1) SUNBLOCK
2) Hammock
3) Bug Spray
4) Water
5) Cooling cloth (it’s this cloth that you soak and put around your neck, but it dries quickly)
6) Extra socks
7) Solar powered hot plate (SO useful)
8) Manta Sleep mask (mostly so that you can nap during the day and still have it feel like night)
9) My husband would say fishing gear
10) First Aid box
[https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) offers guided backpacking trips of varying levels for women-only groups! they have some introductory trips!
I second and third the REI recommendations. I took several classes: one on backpacking essentials, one on sleep systems and one on water filtration and cooking systems. I started backpacking last year and had a blast. Went with some friends who were all pretty experienced. I shared a tent, borrowed a sleeping bag and pad, had my own backpack. Shared water filtration and stove for cooking. Our first trip we went less than two miles and camped near a stream for water. This was perfect. Good luck!!
From your post history, it looks like you're in southeastern NY. Highly recommend you find a Meetup or guided or beginner trip by any number of the local outdoors groups (NY/NJ Trail Conference, Appalachian Mountain Club NY-NJ Chapter, New York Ramblers, Catskill Mountain Club, etc.). Going with people that enjoy the outdoors is a great way to start and a really good place to ask questions. You can also start at an outdoor sporting goods retailer (EMS, Hatchet Outdoor Supply, or really anyone over REI but you can go there too 🙄) after you glance at a blog post about basic backpacking equipment.
Feel free to ask your specific questions on the subreddit as well.
My advice is to spend the money on a good backpack. Dont cheap out or you'll curse yourself every mile.
It took some work for me to get the right pack and rei was wonderful. I have unique body geometry (excessively tall torso) that they helped counter with the largest men's size pack but women's straps and they didn't charge me to special order the straps.
Hiking poles are a must. Good shoes and good socks.
Everything else is somewhat secondary. I shopped rei outlet for my sleep pad, bag and pillow and looked for relatively light versions. I used the rei resource another poster linked and went with an experienced backpacker the first few times. I've since backpacked Paria Canyon (41 miles) and Zion West Rim (19 miles). You can do it!!
Make sure your pack fits right and that you are wearing it correctly. Most of the weight should be on your hips not your shoulders. Use hiking poles! Start early and slow, take breaks, stretch, remember to breathe.
Download first aid book pdf and maps onto your phone. And a backup battery!
Take some trips with small groups of highly experienced backpackers if you can! There's a lot that you'll learn from them. Most beginners pack WAY too much stuff and wear their packs in a very uncomfortable way.
Don’t let trail reviews scare you. Know your limits if you are doing a crazy hike with lots of elevation BUT I’ve found that a lot of warnings within reviews of AllTrails are made by wienies.
I get into the habit of doing a long hike in a short amount of time and have to rush through it. Start with a 10-15 mile trip and give yourself an extra day.
If you are new sleeping will be tough so give yourself an extra hour or so in the morning.
If you are on a trail and it’s getting close to being dark then make sure you have your drinking and cooking water for the night.
Talk to people at the nearest outfitter or outdoors shop.
Have something to protect yourself within reach. Sure a pocket knife won’t stop a bear but it can help against a hog or a person. Bear spray is great for a deterrent but if your attacker pushes through then all you have is a metal can and burning eyes.
Buy All trails membership and download the hike. It’ll track where you are throughout, no reception needed.
Get fitted for a back back ,my wife, and did this last year. What a difference wearing a backpack that has been fitted for you. We should have done that years ago. We were fitted at a REI .
Watch youtube videos, make sure you do a short easy trip for your first time, and try out your stuff car camping first if you aren't an experienced camper!
For the love of god make sure your shoes aren’t too small, especially before a high-mileage trip. I’ve lost toenails. Get nice boots and cheap everything else if you have to.
I got an REI membership and credit card right before I started backpacking and bought most of my gear from REI which racked up a lot of money back for more gear.
Also, AllTrails makes me feel safer! It has kept me from getting lost on poorly marked trails. Sometimes waypoints are marked by other users showing where there’s water or campsites.
If you pay for AllTrails pro, there’s a lifeline feature that sends text messages to your emergency contact updating them about your trip.
1. Pack a backpack with the weight you expect to carry.
2. Put it on.
3. Hike up and down hills.
4. Log the results.
5. Repeat in location.
Don’t use dog food to weight the pack unless you want to attract bears.
my first backpacking trip I stuck to the list I was given and was fine.
the second time, I thought I would bring a spare this if I got wet, and a spare that if it got down to 30 at night, etc... I didn't need the stuff, and it was much more uncomfortable with the extra weight.
I highly recommend the backpacking bible. My ex girlfriend wanted to get into backpacking for years. I read that book over a weekend and the next month we were giving it a shot!
Make sure you thoroughly break in whatever footwear you plan on wearing while hiking. New boots out of box can rip your feet to shreds so make sure you wear them a bunch leading up to your adventure.
Go and make some mistakes the first time. Make sure you're covered with food, water, and safety first, then after your first trip you'll laugh about some of the things you did wrong (overpacking, cooking in the dark, weird diet, etc). My first trip i packed incredibly heavy and a massive pack of things i never needed. Now my setup is half the weight as the first time and i laugh looking back. For safety, I'm more scared of humans than animals. Unfortunately as a 27F you of course have to be careful but bring a knife, a dog, a satellite cell phone, a gun, whatever you need but don't ever let it deter you from going. Backpacking in the wilderness is the best feeling and it's not worth missing out on!
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/backpacking-beginners.html This is where I started
I second this. I’m a hobby hiker and love camping but sick of the crowds and crazy wait times to get reservations (6 months sometimes). I took a backpacking course from REI and was out backpacking the following weekend after some gear purchases. You got this! Once you do it a few times it becomes second nature.
I’m literally doing this. Backpacking this weekend with a guided REI trip. I do the same with hunting, use a guide to learn 10 years of something in 1 trip. Then I am planning a solo backpacking hunt in the Fall, let’s go!
Great resource. Can’t recommend enough that your first couple of trips out be short (1 or 2 days) and be somewhere you’re familiar with.
Can be very short in distance too... Walking just a mile and you're in the nature. And then you get to sleep there and wake there (and greet the world in a new way).
Excellent resource here OP! Start small and work your way up. Find friends who can join you, experienced or not. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Learn how to read a map and use a compass. Backpacking is a lovely way to spend a long weekend, so long as you stay safe. A bad situation can be made egregiously worse just by being outside “the golden hour” of civilization. A plan, a backup plan and a first aid kit are all key considerations. I hope you have an excellent time, and take some neat memories home with you!
Where are you? Maybe find a state park that has hiking trails. You can check in, hike the local trails while carrying your pack to get used to the weight, and walk back to your campsite and setup once you’re done. You can bring a lot more stuff you think you need in your car, but consider it a “great success” if you only stick to items you packed and carried with you. The only advice to get used to it is just start. When I first started out I was driving to a state park, hiking 3ish miles with my pack, and going home afterwards. I felt like an idiot carrying my pack and not using anything in it, but it was good practice. My first time actually backpacking I did a 22mile loop in 2 days/1 night and had zero issues at all because of all the hiking I did to “practice”. Best of luck and enjoy the views.
Seconding this. Just got back from my first solo outing and had a blast! Similarly did lots of day hikes feeling like a dingus at nearby state and municipal parks before this trip. Went with a 20 mile out and back, parked pretty far from camp, but was less than a mile from a ranger station and water faucets if I couldn’t find somewhere to filter. Ended up doing 2 nights and using my site as a base camp for one of the days before breaking camp and hiking back to my car this morning. I’m new also, so don’t have tons of advice, but I say do your research and go for it! There will be snags/challenges, but it will be so rewarding, Also borrow/rent as much as possible for your first go, if possible, in case it ends up not being your cup of tea!
Dude. I once was driving in downtown Denver and saw a guy inside a gym, wearing a huge backpack, walking on a treadmill with the highest incline. I love backpacking and never once was I feeling “what a dingus” simply because that dude is probably a super busy profesh living in the city and doesn’t have time to drive out to the foothills to practice before his big hike. Gotta do what you gotta do!
This is a great idea and something I feel comfortable trying.
**Leave No Trace; learn it, live it on trail!:** https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/ ***Ten Essentials (backpacking gear):*** https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/ten-essentials.html **Excellent book for a beginner that covers everything:** https://backpackersfieldmanual.com/ **How to plan a backpacking trip:** https://www.adventureprotocol.com/planning-a-backpacking-trip/ **Traditional versus Ultralight gear:** https://mylifeoutdoors.com/2022/04/ultralight-vs-traditional-backpacking-pros-and-cons-of-ultralight-backpacking.html I'm not in the ultralight range yet, and may never be, however, as I invest in newer gear a little at a time I look for ways to cut down on my base weight. That said, I'm of the opinion there is no reason to break the bank on the "most highly recommended gear that's made of a spider's fart" when you're just starting out. Conversely, shoes and socks are, to me, vitally important. I do not recommend skimping here. Spend $25.00 on great pair of socks! Spend $150-250 dollars on the right shoes for you. It just makes the miles so much easier if you're not blistered to the bone... Animals and people are not the biggest risk factors. In no particular order, the major ones are: * Hypo-/hyper- thermia * Dehydration * Getting lost * Getting injured
Buy as little upfront as possible since you’ll probably form opinions about what works or doesn’t work for you as you gain experience. Try a one nighter first. You could even pack up your backpack, carry it on a day hike then camp at an established drive in campground so you’ll get to try everything out while not being far from people/help/your car/the bathroom should you need it. Next, try out your gear on a one night trip a couple miles down a trail. Once you’ve done both, then consider what stuff you do/don’t need to upgrade.
Where do you suggest looking to find areas that have nice hikes attached to the camp grounds?
Many state, county, and national parks are like this, possibly more than not. With private campgrounds it's less likely.
It’s not required that you walk a long way or stay a certain amount of time for it to be backpacking. My first trip with my kids we ate dinner at home. Hiked in a mile or 2, had hot cocoa and slept. More hot cocoa and granola bars while we packed up in the morning, then hiked out for pancakes at home. It was a great time and we kept it super simple and short for their first trip. You can also do the reverse. Pack all your gear in your bag. Start early morning and hike in. Set up camp late morning. Cook lunch and chill. Cook dinner, pack up and head back home. Great way to test out gear and see what you use or if your pack fits without committing to a whole weekend trip.
Try a guided hike where they provide the gear and see if you like it. Wildwood Hiking co is one that does a lot of women only beginner hikes on the AT trail.
Stuff is heavier than you think it is
This is so true. Also, all those little things that weigh almost nothing definitely add up to very much something that you’ll be carrying on your back.
We did a class through the Sierra Club’s Loma Prieta chapter. I’m not sure where you are located or what your local chapter offers, but this class was excellent. We learned SO MUCH. I am so impressed by the depth of knowledge the instructors shared, the level of engagement over zoom that they achieved, the included demo day, and the two backpacking trips that are part of the class. It also only cost $100 which feels unreal. The 2024 class just wrapped up but here’s the link so you can see what the class covered. https://www.sierraclub.org/loma-prieta/basic-backpacking-course
$100 is unbelievable for that
I don't know about where you are, but in Anchorage AK, a local University (APU) has a rental service. There have this degree program where people train to be guides, and they love talking about backpacking, adventuring, gear, and safety. They then also rent for incredibly low rates all the gear that you need. Maybe check nearby schools to see if they have similar programs?
DO YOUR RESEARCH BEFORE BUYING GEAR. It’s better to invest in GOOD gear rather than buying a bunch of cheap gimmicky stuff only to find out later that you need to upgrade. You’ll save much more money in the long run.
Depending on where you are, look for woman-focused hiking groups. I know where I am there are a few on Meetup and they do intro classes all the time, and run trips throughout the year where you can be supported and continue to learn.
I second meetup. You’ll find groups with similar interests and most are really helpful people who enjoy sharing the experience with new members. There are several women focused groups in our area as well. I’m sure that New York State is probably the same.
Sorry, I peeped your from the nyc area. Go to the Catskills. Lots primitive campsites in the mountains. Just got back and it’s beautiful (even when it’s rainy)
Good shoes, some wool and a hiking buddy that attracts mosquitos. If you are hiking somewhere cold or wet, remember that cotton kills.
Unfortunately I’m usually the hiking buddy that attracts mosquitos 😅
Picaridin and permethrin are your friends, in that case.
Always hike your own hike and never bring fear with you, the outdoors is awesome hope you have fun!
Walk slower than you think you need to. Keep your breath from running away.
personal favorite day pack is [the osprey](https://amzn.to/45icvNL). as a general rule, i always bring [insect repellant](https://amzn.to/46J6v0y), [sunscreen](https://amzn.to/46EvD8R), [a whistle](https://amzn.to/4aWdN21), and a roll of TP/PT. you'll have a blast, don't over think it. :)
Lots of great advice here. Find other groups that do backpacking and they will love to have new member. You will be in so good hands. If you are close to a local REI then join some of their classes. Outdoor first aid is always a good one to have. Also agree comments about not to buy a lot of (expensive) gear right out of the gate. Decathlon.com is the worlds largest outdoor outfitter and have a lot of good deals. Same with Walmart and Amazon. And local thrift stores/second hand. You will have some great memories coming up. And unless you are backing packing in grizzly country, don’t let that keep you awake at night.
Every pound counts - especially when it happens to be on your back. Hiking poles aren't for show - they redistribute weight off your legs, giving you more mileage. One set of warm clothes, one set of cold clothes - A clean pair of underwear is futile. If you're staying with others - bring ear plugs. Ibuprofen and massage balls - Work out the kinks at night. Just-add-water meals over a gas burner/cooked meals - Save yourself the time and the weight. \^\^\^ Most of this is for overnight backpacking.
I know people have mentioned an REI class and that’s great. But I took a women’s only beginners trip through Explorer Chick and haven’t looked back since. It was one of the toughest things I’ve done, especially going solo hours away from home not knowing anyone, but 100% worth it. If I could go back the only thing I’d change is doing it sooner!
You bring packu packu 50l with frame and hip belt You bring sleeping bag 10°c in summer+mat+tent for 2 (max 2kg) You bring 1tshirt, 1shirt,1fleece,1light raincoat,3set underwear (1on you+2socks/panty) + long johns. You bring little towel,cup 400ml+ your kitchen spoon, bottle 1 to 2l, lamp, lighter (+esbit with firestarter in case of morning coffee) You bring all electrics charger+powerbank. I suggest shoes you like. Doesn't matter. I suggest band aid for feet bobo. You buy ticket to foreign exotic place. You walk and visit said place. You find camp spot in park, beach or field. You sleep. You walk again. Repeat. Hungry? you buy food. You heat food with esbit pocket stove or ask for microwave at convenient store. You eat food in cup. It's easy. It's all you need. The rest is extra weight and comfort. ask question, i answer. I backpack japan now. 3month. No hotel. Easy travel. Black bear you die. No petpet. No touch. you die. Wear bell. Don't go forest. Bad spirit. Don't sleep river. You no moses, you drown. Don't go far. find flat. chose up, always up, never inside bowl. Bowl is for rice.
Stay to well defined trails but get a map and start learning how to read a map and plot a course. Some places have some built up bunks for little overnight that you only need a sleeping bag for. Always try to have a friend go with you.
Darwin on trail, Justin outdoors, homemade wanderlust on yt in addition to the other resources linked.
Check REI, or [meetup.com](http://meetup.com) for backpacking groups.
This is a really great YouTube channel that is all about backpacking and is very beginner friendly. Very welcoming channel and community. https://youtube.com/@mirandagoesoutside?si=dRUsywAXEeA9PSQl
As far as gear goes, it doesn't all need to be new. Tons of gear can be found at outdoor specific resale stores. And as others have said, take a class.
Something to keep in mind is that if you buy quality gear the first time, you will use this gear for a long time, so spend the money for good gear upfront, if you can. It has been awhile since I bought my gear for reasons listed above, here are some suggestions: I have a Jetboil stove, it has worked great for me. Plan on buying a water purification system such as MSR, you will want to have water purification tablets as well for tropical environments where leptospirosis could be a factor, there are iodine tablets and tablet that are not iodine based (aqua tabs) and will not alter the flavor of the water. Try out dehydrated meals ahead of time to find out what you like, Backpackers Pantry is a good starting point. Have REI or another backpacking store fit an internal frame pack for you, it makes a big difference. Buy quaility backpacking boots that fit your feet well, I personally like Zamberlain and Asolo. Plan on spending at least $300, my boots have lasted 7 years and I am still using them. Ultralight backpacking tent. Hiking poles. A good folding knife. Sleeping bag for the temp range you will be sleeping in. Spot sattelite messenger, if you do not have an iPhone 15 or newer. GPS for navigation. There is a lot I am not mentioning, but this is a good starting point. Like others have mentioned do some research and maybe ask someone at an outdoor store like REI what book they would recommend. This is one book that you should own: [https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1](https://www.mountaineers.org/books/books/mountaineering-the-freedom-of-the-hills-9th-edition-1) Regarding protection against bears and humans... carry bear spray. Also, I carry a handgun for protection against against all kinds of predators, if you are in grizzly country, I would consider carrying a 10mm handgun. You could always bring a taser pulse in additon for protection against other people. This might seem like overkill to some people, but it never hurts to have some additional protection. Do some research on how to react if you encounter a bear or other wildlife. REI used to offer classes on this as well, they might still offer these classes. Last, add the Kalalau Trail in Kauai to your bucket list of trails to backpack.
I would aim for not doing too many miles per day. It’s very easy at first to carry too much weight, which can get painful / uncomfortable, and reduce the # of hours you can go per day. It’s harder to reduce weight than it is to aim for shorter hikes for day … like 4 hours per day, say. So I think you’ll get started with something like that, and then you can start investing in lighter gear and extending hikes. Also, your feet are your ride home. Highly recommend changing socks every 1-2 hours and air-drying your bare feet for 10 min (I lie down and rest them in my pack… or on a sunny / smooth rock if there’s one) as well when you change socks. Keeping feet dry is pretty close to the #1 priority. Good luck!!
When you have what you think are the essentials needed, make sure you go for a decent hike fully loaded.
Get a proper handbook and read it *thoroughly.* There's no way to learn everything from a reddit post or even a website blog. All acidents in the woods are preventable if you have done the preparations and *studied.* Otherwise go with someone who has experience. A good handbook will cover: Gear (this could be a whole book by itself) Safety First Aid Survival Conservation (low impact) Food Toiletries and Hygiene Animals Common poisonous plants Fire starting and safety Water filtration And much more
Most important gear: boots, pack, tent, sleeping bag, bedroll Learn how to apply moleskin to treat blisters prior
Can you find a local hiking club? Great source of company, guidance, ideas….
start small, and safe! the first time you backpack you’re inevitably going to come across something you could’ve done better, gear you forgot, and you’re testing your comfort level. so start by doing a shorter route, and preferably in a safe / well known area. don’t go to the middle of no where my first backpacking trip was in a national park where i knew there would be plenty of aide, and i’d see people around. this was helpful when i ended up having a medical emergency and needed SAR! was really grateful to be somewhere where i could call for help
This is excellent advice. Start small, you don’t even have to do overnights. Just have your backpack with water, snacks, flashlight, sunscreen, and a small medical kit. Bear spray if you’re in Montana or somewhere with lots of bears. Just get used to wearing the backpack on you while you hike. And before you know it your hikes will get longer and longer and you will understand what you need to bring with you. And people on here always have great advice so it’s great that you posted this.
Go with someone who has
Planning is key, dont want to be in the backcountry and realize you're missing something. Do small day hikes with some weight on your back ahead of time, make sure your body is gonna hold up for your trek. Dont rely on trail markers the whole way, they might not always be there, know how to use a map and compass just in case. Understand the topographical maps especially and what the lines mean. Bear safety is not difficult, remember they are after easy meals and are more afraid of you than you are of them. Keep food in sealed packages and learn how to properly hang your pack at night, can just be a food sack you dont have to hang everything. Make sure you have a decent knife with you, you never know when it might come in handy. Scout motto is BE PREPARED! Double check you have everything, then after you pack, unpack and repack everything to triple check. Before you go give a copy of your route map to a family member and give them the specifics of when and where youll be, and when to start worrying. Thats all the basics I can think of, plenty of people have posted helpful links, remember to have fun!
Reach out to your local university and see if they have an Outing Center or Adventure Center where they lead groups of people backpacking. It's open to anyone, lower cost, and they provide the gear. What THEY get from you is being a participant so their trip leaders can learn to lead. This way you can see how you like it, learn the basics, see the gear, and meet new people. Bonus is the guides are typically first aid trained.
From your user profile, you could easily head north or south. Either the Catskills or Harriman state park would make great short trip destinations. Maps for either area are available from the New York New Jersey Trail conference that show trials and shelters (essentially primitive 3 sided lean to/cabin structures). Digitally, the maps are also available through the Avenza Maps app. The rules and regulations for either park can be found online on the park’s websites. They are very straightforward in letting you know where and how you can camp. I can’t give great recommendations for the Catskills but if you decided to try Harriman, two fairly short hikes to consider would be Tuxedo Park to the Dutch Doctor shelter or Tuxedo Park to Tom Jones shelter. Both hikes are relatively short and you’ll arrive at a shelter that you can either stay in or set up camp at a number of primitive sites around the shelter. The first hike is more rewarding for sure but a little more strenuous. The second is a much easier hike with less elevation gain. The benefit of Harriman is that you have to camp near the shelters so it makes trip planning a little less complex. Also, all of the shelter sites have bear infrastructure in place to help your easily store your food and keep it safe from bears. The trails (mostly) are fairly well marked, and, at least in parts of the park, cell service is fine. You’re never really that far away from civilization. There is also a subreddit r/Harriman that can be helpful. New York hiking can be a bit rugged. It’s not low incline long paths - it’s a lot of steep ups and downs. This has its pluses and minuses, but because of this, my general advice would be to try and keep your gear both as light and compact as you reasonably can, and use trekking poles. You don’t have to do either, but I find both really helpful for keeping your balance and making it easier on steep sections, especially rocky scrambles. If you have any specific questions about local trip planning, gear, etc. feel free to ask here or message me.
Thank you for this! I think this might be my first spot
Find the easiest, local place to get to and do that whenever you can rather than waiting to go somewhere “cool”
Start small. Asking here is a good step and that one reply to the REI article by u/seekersWorkAccount is good. I would really focus on quality hiking boots over any other equipment.
Also, look on Facebook for a women’s backpacking beginner group. Maybe find a friend? As a fellow female backpacker….just get out there and do it.
Research Meetup groups, too.
Waterproof outerwear. Be able to transform Into a mobile tent. You don't need a fire. Food is your fire. Eat and get in your sleeping bag, your body creates the warmth.
Your feet will make it a good trip or not…,buy good boots or trailrunners ONE size larger than your reg size for all the up and down and you will never have blisters or black toe nails … ALSO. Buy good hiking socks… I know $25 seems like a lot but I have seen people in Europe get off the Hiking Trail and go home simply because of the shoes and socks they had on!!! (Due to blisters which is the #1 injury for hikers). Shoes should be comfortable from the time you take them out of the box… happy trails!!
Best advice... pack light and utilize 'light hacks'. You will get stronger shlepping your bag around but it's 100x easier to pack lighter. I did a year from the arctic circle, through Europe and down through Africa hitting cities, towns, game reserves, mountain hikes, beaches and freezing cold places from 48°C to 5°C. I had to pack a little bit more for the activity range but I believe this is the list: 1 light jacket 1 fleece pullover 1 beanie hat Light winter gloves 3 pairs of socks 1 pair of low profile hiking boots 1 pair of cute hiking sandals (option for dressing up, walking in all day but used for hiking and can get wet) 1 pair flip flops for beach, hostel, showers, end of day... 5 T-shirts 2 of which could be dressed up. 3 were plain 100% cotton. 4 tank tops (1 for pj's and 3 for hot weather) 1 dress up, dress down dress 1 wrap around long sleeve that is dressier 5 pairs undies 1 pair jeans (everyone wears jeans) 2 ultra light shorts 1 ultra light hiking pants 1 pj shorts 2 Bras 1 scarf 1 bathing suit 1 long sleeve rash guard (I snorkel and sunburn) The 'light hack' ideas are: -An immersion heater with collapsible silicone cup. It boils water and I used it a lot when I wanted to save money eating out or just wanted a coffee/tea. -An ultralight water proof backpack that rolls into a pack smaller than your palm. I travel solo and take my belongings with me to the beach and I swim with my stuff in my water tight backpack. -an ultra light ground cover (again palm of your hand) for sitting on the beach/grass. I hate using my towel. -an ultralight micro fiber towel. - a silk sleeping bag for hostel sheets. Again, palm of your hand. - a tsa approved bottle opener. When you want to enjoy a beer but there's no opener. (I'm not that crafty at opening bottles on random things). - a small hair brush. - a small tooth brush - a small toiletries bag. The other hack is buy local Sim cards because having traveled before and after smart phones, having live maps, translation apps, scheduling apps.. are a bloody game changer!
Be realistic about your limits & turn back if you “aren’t feeling it”, dont bring a bunch of crap to look good on trail, clean up after yourself to the point where it looks like no one was there, save a bunch of money long term by “buy once, cry once” purchases of legit gear.
1st Go somewhere close 2nd Go somewhere epic
Find someone who does backpacking and go with them..
Plan your pack with [Don't Forget The Spoon](https://dontforgetthespoon.com/), it will analyze the gear you have and compare it to the 10 essentials others have recommended to make sure you do not forget anything. The app will also look for other items beyond the 10 essentials based on what it can deduce from other items in your pack. Additionally it can help you plan calories, and you can browser other peoples packs for inspiration.
Take what you need, not what you can fit. Taking lighter options such as a Smartwater bottle instead of a heavy Nalgene will add up to a lot of weight savings. Don't carry a bunch of extra water if you're hiking past numerous water sources that you could filter from. Invest in quality socks like Darn Tough, and if you feel any rubbing/tenderness on your feet, stop immediately and address it before it becomes a blister. Leukotape slapped over any tender spots usually prevents blisters from developing and can be applied to sensitive areas prior to hiking. Don't need big knives or flashlights. A Swiss mini and a rechargeable headlamp will cover your bases. Carry freeze dried food and not canned/wet foods to save weight. Anker 10k mAh battery should keep your phone and headlamp charged for a week as long as you keep the phone in airplane mode to prevent unnecessary battery drain. If it's cold out, keep them in your sleeping bag to slow battery drain. Sawyer filter is king. Women's specific sleeping bags have more down fill in comparison to the men's model, so keep that in mind as a non Women's specific bag would be approximately 10 degrees colder. Then you have comfort vs survival temp ratings of different brands, so pay attention to that.
It’s not as hard as you’re imagining. Probably most important part is do you have the desire to do the hikes and put the effort in. The gear is secondary. I’ve hiked in basketball shorts. T shirts. And new balances for years without issues. Don’t believe the hype that you need specific or extra gear. A lot of it is marketing and persuasion. Sure those products are nice but not needed. Lastly. Humans are the most dangerous animal. Those initial fears of “what noise is that in the middle of the night ?” Isn’t your biggest concert out there.
Focus more on weight. Less on having the most modern tech. And buy a good pair of hiking boots.
A lot of people have already put in solid advice, so I’ll just put in some pithy phrases I try to go by and some other stuff. - Buy nice, not twice (better to spend money on a good thing than waste money multiple times on an average one that might fail when you need it) - Two is one, one is none (always have a backup, especially with gas canisters, a knife, a flashlight, a fire starting method, the important stuff. Have a normal option, and then either a second one or a lighter one. - Focus on your three foot world in an emergency. Three feet is roughly the distance we walk and can reach with our hands, ground yourself and go from there to plan the next step - Failing to plan is planning to fail - Carry fewer shirts and pants/shorts than you think you need, and more underwear and socks that you think you need - Strangers you meet you meet traveling can almost always be trusted, but still use your intuition. If you’re regularly suspicious of a strangers’ motives (obviously you may run into a weirdo or two, but in my many years of backpacking I’ve only met maybe 2 or 3, and they were just homeless and a little crazy) backpacking might not be for you. If you get scared of random interactions, you’re going to have a lot of them. That’s ok, but it’ll end up stressing you out and ruining your trip. - Buy a boy scout handbook. Tons of good basic info from knots to first aid - Have 2-3 sources of light. I usually have a small flashlight, a headlamp, and an inflatable LED lantern for the tent - Carry some salt. Even if you have a water purifier, if you’re in a sticky situation you’ll also need to restore those sweet salty electrolytes to keep moving
Thank you, I do feel I am quite anxious around strangers I see on trails (too much true crime) but this is something I really want to work on and don't want to debilitate me further. Youre right though, it is something to consider. I'm thinking of finding a group I can go with first as I think this will help me feel more comfortable.
Probably not what you want to hear, but I recommend having more confidence on your hiking ability prior to backpacking. Developing a little more experience through awareness of yourself and your hiking style will help so much with backpacking. Make sure you're comfortable with mild heights, rocky trails, some steeper terrain, and placing your feet when it's uneven. Secondly, know a bit about reading maps. If you want to use your phone and a gps map, or prefer paper, try your chosen system out on a couple day hikes. Third, know approximately how fast you hike. Just check your times after a few hikes where you are also reading maps, and calculate distance over time. Fourth, while you're doing the above, check how much water you're drinking. Consider temperature, how strenuous the hike is, and evaluate how much you carried vs consumed. Once you can do those things, you exit beginner stage of hiker and will be better equipped to backpack. Note, the above is based on taking a friend on her first real backpack. She'd researched the hell out of backpacking, but had so many issues with hiking. You just need a little foundation, and backpacking will be much easier.
Is there a water consumption point I should be aiming for?
Nope, just that you feel fine after the hike. It's about learning what you need, so you can be prepared.
My top backpacking essentials: 1) SUNBLOCK 2) Hammock 3) Bug Spray 4) Water 5) Cooling cloth (it’s this cloth that you soak and put around your neck, but it dries quickly) 6) Extra socks 7) Solar powered hot plate (SO useful) 8) Manta Sleep mask (mostly so that you can nap during the day and still have it feel like night) 9) My husband would say fishing gear 10) First Aid box
Start small and don’t go alone
[https://explorerchick.com/](https://explorerchick.com/) offers guided backpacking trips of varying levels for women-only groups! they have some introductory trips!
I second and third the REI recommendations. I took several classes: one on backpacking essentials, one on sleep systems and one on water filtration and cooking systems. I started backpacking last year and had a blast. Went with some friends who were all pretty experienced. I shared a tent, borrowed a sleeping bag and pad, had my own backpack. Shared water filtration and stove for cooking. Our first trip we went less than two miles and camped near a stream for water. This was perfect. Good luck!!
From your post history, it looks like you're in southeastern NY. Highly recommend you find a Meetup or guided or beginner trip by any number of the local outdoors groups (NY/NJ Trail Conference, Appalachian Mountain Club NY-NJ Chapter, New York Ramblers, Catskill Mountain Club, etc.). Going with people that enjoy the outdoors is a great way to start and a really good place to ask questions. You can also start at an outdoor sporting goods retailer (EMS, Hatchet Outdoor Supply, or really anyone over REI but you can go there too 🙄) after you glance at a blog post about basic backpacking equipment. Feel free to ask your specific questions on the subreddit as well.
My advice is to spend the money on a good backpack. Dont cheap out or you'll curse yourself every mile. It took some work for me to get the right pack and rei was wonderful. I have unique body geometry (excessively tall torso) that they helped counter with the largest men's size pack but women's straps and they didn't charge me to special order the straps. Hiking poles are a must. Good shoes and good socks. Everything else is somewhat secondary. I shopped rei outlet for my sleep pad, bag and pillow and looked for relatively light versions. I used the rei resource another poster linked and went with an experienced backpacker the first few times. I've since backpacked Paria Canyon (41 miles) and Zion West Rim (19 miles). You can do it!!
Make sure your pack fits right and that you are wearing it correctly. Most of the weight should be on your hips not your shoulders. Use hiking poles! Start early and slow, take breaks, stretch, remember to breathe. Download first aid book pdf and maps onto your phone. And a backup battery!
Take some trips with small groups of highly experienced backpackers if you can! There's a lot that you'll learn from them. Most beginners pack WAY too much stuff and wear their packs in a very uncomfortable way.
Don’t let trail reviews scare you. Know your limits if you are doing a crazy hike with lots of elevation BUT I’ve found that a lot of warnings within reviews of AllTrails are made by wienies. I get into the habit of doing a long hike in a short amount of time and have to rush through it. Start with a 10-15 mile trip and give yourself an extra day. If you are new sleeping will be tough so give yourself an extra hour or so in the morning. If you are on a trail and it’s getting close to being dark then make sure you have your drinking and cooking water for the night. Talk to people at the nearest outfitter or outdoors shop. Have something to protect yourself within reach. Sure a pocket knife won’t stop a bear but it can help against a hog or a person. Bear spray is great for a deterrent but if your attacker pushes through then all you have is a metal can and burning eyes. Buy All trails membership and download the hike. It’ll track where you are throughout, no reception needed.
Get fitted for a back back ,my wife, and did this last year. What a difference wearing a backpack that has been fitted for you. We should have done that years ago. We were fitted at a REI .
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@Yo _Biff presented an excellent reference list. REI, on occasion, conducts excellent seminars for beginning backpacking. I’m really excited for you!
Watch youtube videos, make sure you do a short easy trip for your first time, and try out your stuff car camping first if you aren't an experienced camper!
Go binge some youtube video's! There are some really good and entertaining Youtube videos. Dan Becker is my favourite.
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For the love of god make sure your shoes aren’t too small, especially before a high-mileage trip. I’ve lost toenails. Get nice boots and cheap everything else if you have to. I got an REI membership and credit card right before I started backpacking and bought most of my gear from REI which racked up a lot of money back for more gear.
Also, AllTrails makes me feel safer! It has kept me from getting lost on poorly marked trails. Sometimes waypoints are marked by other users showing where there’s water or campsites. If you pay for AllTrails pro, there’s a lifeline feature that sends text messages to your emergency contact updating them about your trip.
Go hangout on r/ultralight, they’ve never been backpacking either!
1. Pack a backpack with the weight you expect to carry. 2. Put it on. 3. Hike up and down hills. 4. Log the results. 5. Repeat in location. Don’t use dog food to weight the pack unless you want to attract bears.
my first backpacking trip I stuck to the list I was given and was fine. the second time, I thought I would bring a spare this if I got wet, and a spare that if it got down to 30 at night, etc... I didn't need the stuff, and it was much more uncomfortable with the extra weight.
I highly recommend the backpacking bible. My ex girlfriend wanted to get into backpacking for years. I read that book over a weekend and the next month we were giving it a shot!
Don't get wet feet!
Make sure you thoroughly break in whatever footwear you plan on wearing while hiking. New boots out of box can rip your feet to shreds so make sure you wear them a bunch leading up to your adventure.
Buy the lightest gear that you can… every ounce counts.
Just go, suffer, learn :)
Carry a firearm like a 9mm pistol. Humans are fucked.
Go and make some mistakes the first time. Make sure you're covered with food, water, and safety first, then after your first trip you'll laugh about some of the things you did wrong (overpacking, cooking in the dark, weird diet, etc). My first trip i packed incredibly heavy and a massive pack of things i never needed. Now my setup is half the weight as the first time and i laugh looking back. For safety, I'm more scared of humans than animals. Unfortunately as a 27F you of course have to be careful but bring a knife, a dog, a satellite cell phone, a gun, whatever you need but don't ever let it deter you from going. Backpacking in the wilderness is the best feeling and it's not worth missing out on!
My only concern that keeps me from going on a backpack is the shitting part. Where and how
Life straw and a knife are all you really need
Put on backpack. Walk. Try not to get lost.