BACKPACKING FOR BEGINNERS: TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

BACKPACKING FOR BEGINNERS: TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED

Looking to get started backpacking but unsure where to start? Here are a few general tips that will leave you feeling more confident to get out there and give it a try.

Step 1: Use your resources

Looking back at the start of my backpacking journey, I remember feeling completely overwhelmed with all the decisions that were in front of me. Not only were there tons of gear decisions that needed to be made, but there were fears like bears, how to stay warm, getting lost and how much food to take, that weighed heavy on my mind.

One of the first steps that gave me confidence in moving forward was talking with people who had experience. No one in my family or friend group had experience in backpacking. With no one to help guide me, I buckled in for countless hours of online research. This research led me to a local gear shop, The Native Summit, to buy the goods to get started. My initial intention was to just stop in and buy some gear. Not only did I find the gear, but I was met with a staff of people who were passionate about outdoor recreation and were willing to help me navigate all these tough decisions for my trip. For me, having the ability to talk with people who not only knew the gear but also had personal experience was a breath of fresh air!

Whether it’s a friend with experience, or your local gear shop, the ability to ask questions and address concerns with a trusted source can be a great tool to get the ball rolling.

Step 2: Don’t let "the planning" get in the way of "the doing"

Backpacking gear is an incredibly subjective thing. What goes in my pack for a trip could have zero resemblance to what you choose to carry. Pair this with a million products to choose from, and even more opinions, and you have yourself a recipe for a lot of confusion. For me, this was a large initial hurdle, and I got stuck in the planning phase for years trying to get everything perfectly dialed in and figured out before heading out on my first trip.

Once I made the leap and got out on my first trip, I soon realized the biggest learning tool was the experience. Using your gear for multiple days and getting that first-hand experience is not only going to give you confidence but will also give you hard-earned insights into your specific wants and needs during your time outside. I’ve yet to find a resource or tool as impactful as this! Accept that you're going to learn as you go and chalk your initial heavy pack as a rite of passage into the world of backpacking.

Step 3: Make a list

So many of us getting started backpacking take way more than we need on our first trip. Without having experience, it's hard to silence all the fears and "what-ifs" in our minds. This often leads to something backpackers call “packing your fears.” Do your best to talk through your fears and research them before going out, but don’t beat yourself up if a few extra items make it into your pack. Trust me, everyone does it in the beginning – and that’s okay!

One helpful tool for fine-tuning your backpacking gear is making a list of all the things that you take out on your trip. It can be as simple as just listing all the items - or you can have a more detailed list by adding how much each item weighs. Pack weight can significantly change your overall backpacking experience - knowing what is weighing you down can come in handy! When you get back from your trip, reference this list and ask yourself, “Did I really need all the items?” Maybe something didn’t work as well as you planned, and you want to update that before your next trip. Cross things out and make notes prioritizing the changes you want to make for future trips. The sooner you can complete this step post-trip, the fresher these things will be on your mind.

This step of organizing your thoughts and evaluating your gear will go a long way when it comes to dialing into your kit!

Step 4: Backyard first, Everest second

A great first step to building confidence before setting out on a multi-day backpacking adventure is starting close to home. Backpackers will refer to this as a “shakedown.” You can think of it as a practice trip for your trip. This "shakedown" could be as simple as setting up camp in your backyard for the night, packing up your gear and hiking around your neighborhood or a local state park. Rest assured, if you fail here, or have a miserable time due to a preparation oversight, you are within striking distance of a hot shower and bed at home.

This is where the rubber meets the road, and this step provides you an opportunity to test your gear and skills. Not only will this step provide you with confidence, but it will hopefully highlight areas that need attention or improvement.

Looking for more tips or to dive in deeper on one of these steps? We're at your disposal! Stop by the shop and ask your questions - we're here to help you get started on your journey into the world of backpacking.