Want to get started with backpacking but aren't sure what you need to take with you? Everything from tents to food, boots to sunscreen, I've made a list of everything that comes with me on a trip.
I would never recommend something I don't personally use! This is also just my experience, and everyone's comfort level is different, so this can be adapted to suit you and your trip. Use this as a guide as to find the key pieces of kit and not an endless packing list.
1. What to carry
One of the big three, the backpack... Now I have had both a 65l and a 50l and I found the first to be slightly too big for me. I normally only go on one or two night stays, so this is what I pack for, however if you were going thru-hiking or for a longer trip this would vary your pack size. My current bag is the Gregory Kalmia 50l but I have previously had the older version of the Berghaus Trailhead 65l too, also in my favourites is the Osprey Renn 65l.
Now I like a lightweight bag, but I haven't gone for ultralight as I do love features like - outside pockets, straps, inside compartments, brain bag separation and hip pockets. This is all very personal to you! I also have a short torso, so I struggle to find a bag that's comfortable and doesn't want to tip me backwards. The key here is to use the size guides like a bible - I never went in store to try any bags as I couldn't find anywhere local that stocked anything I liked. So by ordering online I was taking a risk, but make sure you follow the sizing and you should (fingers crossed) get it right.
2. Where you're going to sleep
The next two finish off the big three - your tent and sleeping bag. These three things are your backbone to having a good nights sleep, so getting this bit right is what is going to make your trip a successful one!
Tents can be tricky, I took a long time to decide on my MSR Elixir 1 because I didn't want to carry a load of weight for one person but I also didn't want to go for just a tarp or a bivy as I wanted a 'room' not just a shelter. This came highly recommended to me as I wanted to space to sit up but also have to porch space to cook/put your gear. Known as the "most livable tent for solo backpackers and campers, the Elixir 1tent combines a fast and easy setup with generous accommodations," and I think it lives up to that. It's quite a popular tent out on the trail too!
Your sleeping bag, now with varies depending on the climate/time of year you're camping in and how cold/warm you run. With three different 'types' of bag to choice from, then endless possibilities of materials, warmth and design it can get very overwhelming!
My choice is the Rab Ascent 500 - I run cold, so I wanted something that'll keep me nice an toasty for all three seasons. I also a rectangular shape, as I'm a side sleeper so I move around a lot! It's down filled with 500g and has a breathable interior and exterior layer so he great for those wet days. I also have the Sea to Summit thermolite reactor liner, which adds 8 degrees of warmth, also a great option when it's hot to just use that and not the bag in the summer.
More items to keep you warm and comfortable is a sleeping pad and mat, not to get confused between the two! A sleeping pad goes underneath your mat so add extra warmth and comfortable, it's a thin insulating layer that reflects heat back into your body. I currently have the Therm-a-Rest Z Lite SOL™ Sleeping Pad which I love! Has an R-value of 2 and is super light to add onto the outside of your bag. I also have the NeoAir® XLite™ NXT Sleeping Pad to go alongside it. The "all-season, do it all ultralight air pad" with a R-value of 4.5, it's the most versatile mat there is. I do have to say as a side sleeper, it is narrow but due to my tent it all fits quiet nicely and I haven't fallen off it yet!
To finish off your sleeping kit you can't be without a pillow! Now you can certainly get smaller inflatable ones, which are very popular whoever I know I won't sleep if I don't have a comfy pillow so my choice is the Therm-A-Rest Compressible Pillow, in the cute mushroom design! However the AirHead Pillow is the ultralight version.
3. Clothing to wear
Not only do you have to think about the correct clothing for the trail but what you're going to be comfortable and warm enough in for the night time. You don't want to be over packing on clothing as it can be one of your heaviest items you pack overwise! The key is layers...
Depending on the season a good base layer is great for hiking and sleeping in - I recommend something merino as it's great for summer and winter hiking, as it wicks away the sweat from the body. Next up you'll want a fleece or sun layer, I am always in this Women's CO2 Renu Half Zip Fleece from autumn to spring. Made from an advanced blend of recycled polyester and smart polyester fibres recovered from waste carbon, it'll keep you warm while being sustainable! In the summer I'm always in a long sleeve, to avoid being burnt by the sun - I love an Ariat technical half-zip but anything similar will do the trick.
Adding to your layers you'll need a puffer jack and then a hard shell/waterproof jacket. I have the Rab Microlight Apline Down Jacket as well as the Passenger Pow Recycled Insulted Jacket, I just swap between the two! It's great all year round for colder evenings and an extra layer in the winter. My last layers are the Revolution Race Cyclone Rescuce Jacket, I wear this, especially in the UK almost all year round. It's great for drizzly days in the summer but an excellent rain protector in the winter. It's super light as great pockets and the ventilation is super!
Finally trousers... I am a Nike Dry Fit shorts girly and this is what I'll wear on those hot days. Otherwise I'm a huge Acai Outdoors fan - I have a summer (MAX Stretch) and winter (thermal) pair in multiple colours and have never found trousers quite like these. They are super comfortable, water resistant and snag proof, I never hike without them. I also have the leggings too, which I sometimes wear on those more overgrown trails in the summer. My waterproofs are the Revolution Race Silence Proshell, because I know without fail I won't be getting wet in them, they're also breathable so are find for humidity. I have also just added the Hiball trousers to my wardrobe but these will be for those snow days, as they're fleece lined.
4. Don't go hungry
Food is fuel and you're going to need this to keep up the energy levels. I am a snack person, through and through so I always carry a graze bar or something oaty, nuts and something sweet like Haribos.
For the main event I go down the dehydrated meal option, super easy to have with just boiling water required. Choosing the right meal on the other hand can be hard! There are lots of brands out there but my key piece of advice is to try them before you go. Take them on day hikes, see which meals you prefer, as it'll be personal preference. You can always opt for the simpler porridge option for breakfast, as you can buy the packets and, again use boiling water to make it.
For lunches, wraps are great with peanut butter or some type of filling, tuna is also high in protein. Remember, after your sleep system, this is the most important so take something you actually like and are going to enjoy!
5 . Capturing the memories
Now capturing the moment looks different for everyone, I take my camera everywhere I go but I know some like to journal or take stamp books. However you'd like to remember the trip, there is always space for it! I have a camera clip on the front straps of my bag, for easy access but also so the weight is on my front rather than another thing on your back. If you like writing, a small notebook and pen can be added to the brain of your bag, so it keeps it to hand but also protected.
6. Staying hydrated
Carrying water will be your heaviest item and will depend on the trip you have planned - how far between water sources are you having to walk, what's the climate like, how much should I be drinking a day... these are all the key questions you need to ask yourself.
I have a 2l water bladder that I can day hiking and backpacking. I also carry a 1l Nalgene with me for longer trips as well as a water filter, so all of them can be topped up at water sources. I currently have the Katadyn BeFree 1l, it's super easy to use and portable and out of every filter you get 1000l before you need to change it.
7. Keeping safe
Tell someone where you are going! - my number one rule before anything else. This also includes who you are going with, your expected start/finish time and day, how you are getting there and the conditions of the hike. This can just be a family member it doesn't need to be your local firefighter friend, but if all else fails someone will know your plans and will be able to help.
Route - planning your route and back-up plans are important. Having Plan A is great but if the weather changes or you're not quite up to the original hike, having multiple plans is key! I use AllTrails and OutdoorActive as my two main sources but I also love and recommend a paper map. In the UK I always go with Ordnance Survey, they have the whole country covered and are very detailed. Going abroad you can use the local version of this to find the right area code and then buy the correct map for the hike.
GPS device - I have recently acquired one of these, the Garmin inReach Mini 2. It's a two-way satellite communicator with interactive SOS capabilities just in case of an emergency, so it's perfect for piece of mind for family and friends. It also has maps, tracking and navigation inbuilt, plus it's super lightweight and has amazing battery life. It's a big investment but one that should last you a lifetime.
8. Everything electric
Now taking anything that requires power in remote places is always going to be a problem - it getting damaged, lost, wet or running out of juice. This is where battery packs come in handy! My current piece of kit is the Charmast W2002C 26,800mAh, which can charge your phone 5 times on one charge, it's thin and weighs less than 15 ounces. For just over £20 on Amazon it was an easy buy!
9. All the accessories
This items are not going to make or break a trip but they will certainly help!
Sunscreen - if you plan on not coming home looking like a tomato you might want to pack this, even on a cloudy day, if you're at any elevation there will be UV.
A shovel - depending on the trip you might have to take a shovel (s small one) to dig holes to go to the toilet, not glamourous at all but necessary!
A hair tie - this way if it gets sweaty or wet you can plait it or tie it up out of the way.
Games - a pack of cards or something similar (we love Dobble) can be an easy way to make friends or have a little fun on trail.
10. Having fun!
Most of all, don't let any of this scare you! Plan your route, take your kit and have fun. You don't need the best or more expensive gear out there, I have grown my stash over time when something wears out or needs replacing. As long as you're safe and prepared for the conditions you are going into to, you'll have a memorable trip.
Ready to get planning? Check out my top tips on the best places to visit, making the most of your time and the key kit and equipment needed for all type of weather!
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