Gear Necessities for Beginning Backpackers - Part 2
This is Part 2 of my beginning backpackers essential gear list. If you missed part 1, you can find it here!
5. Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a tricky thing to buy. There are so many options, and the correct bag is really only determined by where/when you are going. I recommend starting with a standard 20 degree Fahrenheit bag with a synthetic interior. This is a great all-purpose option that will keep you comfortable to about 35 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are a cold sleeper, you might want to go for a 0 degree or a 15 degree bag, but the 20 degree can also be used in warmer temperatures. A good sleeping bag can be expensive, so feel free to rent/borrow this whenever you are first starting out so that you can hone in on what you like for when you decide to purchase one for yourself. With the multitude of options, I will be writing a more in-depth guide at a later date.
4. Water Storage
The most critical and often overlooked piece of backpacking gear is water storage. Depending on your route, you will require different water storage needs. You will need to plan to have between .5-1 liter of water per hour of hiking depending on the temperature and your effort levels. Depending on how many places you can fill up with drinkable water on your route, you will need to adjust the amount of water that you need to store at one single point. I recommend carrying at least one (preferably 2) 32oz plastic water bottle(s) for drinking during the day, and the rest of your water can be stored in a separate container. The easiest/cheapest options is some sort of 1 gallon jug of water. These serve their function well, but can be a bit bulky. I have fallen in love with soft water bags over the years (search “hydration reservoirs”) as they have the very useful property of getting smaller in size as you consume the water within them.
Standard Nalgene (32 oz): Nalgene - Wide Mouth 32oz
Collapsible Storage: Hydrapak 4L
3. Tent
A tent can be a big investment, and as with a sleeping bag and backpack, it can be useful to rent/borrow and give it a “test drive” before you buy one for yourself. I would encourage you to rent/borrow one from a friend or your local outdoor gear shop before buying an inexpensive option. With tents, you get what you pay for, especially when it comes to taking one backpacking. The two most important factors in a backpacking tent are space and weight. If you are backpacking solo, the obvious choice is a one person tent. But if you are backpacking for two or more people, I recommend sizing up your tents. For example, for backpacking with two people, I recommend looking at 2.5 or 3 person tents. Most 2 person tents will be mighty cramped when including backpacking gear inside. To gauge how big a tent will actually be, most will include a diagram of how they anticipate that people will sleep inside of them. Look for this before you purchase. As for weight, the lighter the better. Along with water, your tent will be one of your heavier items. But unlike water, your tent will always stay the same weight. Keep that in mind when purchasing a tent for yourself. You will pay more for these lighter tent options, but your shoulders will thank you in the long run.
Standard 2.5-person: REI Half Dome 2.5
Upgrade 2-3 person: Black Diamond Firstlight 3
2. Backpack
For a backpack, fit is key. Think of a backpack just like a shirt; you need to buy the right size for your build/body. This is another piece of gear where renting or borrowing a pack is a great way to give it a tryout before you jump in. Typically, women’s packs range between 55-65 liters while men’s packs can range from 60-70+ liters. Most companies will offer the same”model” of backpack in both a men’s and a women’s fit. More important than these designations, however, is how the backpack is fit to your body. I encourage you to take your backpack that you rented/bought/borrowed to your local outdoor gear shop and have them fit the backpack to your body (if you do not have a shop to visit, a youtube video can do the trick as well). In my experience, this fitting process will make a much larger impact on your comfort while backpacking than the technical specs of your pack.
Standard: REI Traverse 65 Women's
Upgrade: Osprey Aether 65 Men's
1. Boots
Believe it or not, backpacking is a very high-impact activity. Your feet will take a beating, and if your feet aren’t happy, you’re going to have a bad time. I encourage each one of you to upgrade beyond your basic pair of sneakers or athletic shoes. You don’t have to spend an arm and a leg, but I promise that it will be worth it. You have a couple of different styles to choose from in boots; low-top or high-top. I tend to prefer high-top boots as they provide ankle support and can be used during the winter with crampons, but I know others who only hike in warm/flat-ish environments where low-top boots can be a great option! I have highlighted some of my favorite brands below, but the options that each brand provides are constantly changing from year-to-year. I always lean toward buying from reputable brands because they tend to hold up better over the long run. My final parting wisdom on boots is to make sure to break them in before you go on your first backpacking trip! Grab a thick pair of socks (or two), and walk around your house or neighborhood with your boots on. Get in at least a few miles of walking before you try to take them on your first trip.
Standard Pair: Merrell Thermo Chill Mid
Upgrade Pair: La Sportiva Nucleo High GTX
Now, I know this list can be very intimidating, but I fully support you renting or borrowing these items before your first trip (outside of your own pair of boots). Likely, you know someone who also loves to camp and they will almost assuredly have some extra gear that they can loan you. Happy trails!
As always, please reach out to us at outdoorsyguides@gmail.com if you have any questions and we would be more than happy to answer them!
