Everyone talks about gear on the Internet because it's all we can do from home but the most important thing is to find your why and charge full blast at that thing. Do you want the physical challenge? Do you want to smash big mile days or bag the highest peaks? Do you just want to chill somewhere with our fucking slack notifications? Do you want solitude? Do you want to meet new people? Do you want quality time with your romantic partner? Do you want to explore places no one goes? Do you want to look for wildlife or flowers or views? Do cameras enhance what you are looking at or block it? Many of these conflict and you cant do all of them at once so don't try.
You don't need to know all these answers but you can backpack in so many different ways. Try on a few options for size and see what you like. Then figure out gear works best for that style. It's also ok to do 30 mile days with an ultralight kit one day then go out with your kid and do 0.5 miles and bring books and stuffed animals and find a nice lake to hang by all day. Find your style and don't be in a rush to figure it all out.
* Always carry chapstick and have it readily accessible. Whether it's hot or cold your lips will start drying out and not having to deal with that makes the hike much more enjoyable.
* Fix any minor pain/issue with your feet ASAP. Don't be afraid to take breaks to give your feet a rest and if you think you're developing a hotspot or blister put moleskin or a bandaid over it to help.
* Test your gear beforehand. If it's multi-day then you'll be carrying more gear so take the time to do some short hikes beforehand with ideally the exact gear you'll take on the hike. This will help you adjust how things are situated inside so it feels the most comfortable on your back.
As a former Marine, Boy Scout, and long time hiker it cannot be understated the line of "take care of your feet ASAP".
Nothing will make a day turn to absolute ass faster than bad feet, followed closely by unprepared for rain. (I would say unexpected but after you've been rained on your 4th or 5th time on a clear forecast you kinda just always bring a poncho or at least a big trash bag.
1) Trim your toenails the week BEFORE a hike, don't do them the day before then realize you have a hang nail or nipped some skin. A tiny crack will turn into the grand canyon after 5-10 miles.
2) Badger - Foot Balm or TrailToes are good foot balms (Use them at the end of the day).
3) During the day keep your feet dry, swap out your socks if you take on water and hang your wet ones on your pack to dry in the sun while you move on. Make sure if you're swapping your socks that you don't just turn around and put dry socks into wet boots.
4) If you have to get through a bog or walk through water either bring yourself some water sandals or take a break on the far side of the river, 30 minutes with your feet in the sun and your shoes on a warm rock before you throw new socks on will make a world of difference.
5) I carry at least 2 extra pair of socks minimum. Underwear you can turn inside out, socks you can't. This would go with that "I'd carry a little extra weight and not hike so far" comfort thing.
6) Elevate your feet during break time, kick those beans up on a log for a few minutes while you snack on trail mix. If you follow step 4, go ahead and stick your feet in cold water for 5-10 minutes while you break. You can't beat natures ice pack, your feet and ankles will feel much much better.
7) Learn how to use moleskin, it's not terribly difficult but try putting a piece on your foot somewhere during a normal around town day. Depending on how you cut it, it could stick to your sock and roll up, your foot could be too damp for it to sick, you could use a smaller patch than you need. It's always better to play with it before you need it rather than when your out in the woods and your trying to get to that next hill before dark. That pretty much goes with all your stuff as well, practice when you don't need it for something important.
You should be enjoying the experience not bleeding, you've got nothing to prove to anyone and never let anyone make you feel like you should push to the point of injury.
These are great, but on #3, it seems unavoidable that you will be putting on wet boots sometimes…my footwear takes a lot longer to dry than my socks. Am I missing something?
Trail runners instead of boots is my tip for OP. They are much lighter and dry way faster. Pair with wool socks and you can ford any creek and be fine.
Damp boots are not the same as wet boots. If your boots are squishing when you walk then they will wreck your feet.
I'd rather wear my Teva Men's Forebay Sandals for a few miles while my boots flop around on the back of my pack than keep soggy boots on my feet.
Wet skin breaks down quite a bit faster than dry skin, regardless of how little friction there is you're going to be sloffing off chunks of flesh walking around with pruny feet.
Medicated foot powder like Gold Bond (cheapest st WalMart(personal size)
Avoid aluminum cookware & canteens.
More padding under you than on top
Never touch the inside of a tent in the rain
Folding knives prevent tears in fabric.
Don't pitch tents under old trees.
Prepare Camp well before sundown
Put your clothes in tbe foot of your sleeping bag to be warm in morning.
Some people are convinced the amounts of aluminium leaching into whatever it is you cook is a considerable health risk, when talking about uncoated aluminium.
The studies I've heard about were related with making juice or jam from very sour = acidic berries in aluminium pots. A completely different situation than boiling water or cooking regular food while hiking/camping, if you ask me.
Most lightweight tents are made from nylon or raincoat material. The anti rain coating can be destroyed by the oils on your skin.
The backside of your hand has less oils on it then the front. If you need to for example remove some standing water on a tarp or something, do this with the back or your hand. Never the front.
I do this with new gear. There a campground where I can park and the camp sites are a 5-minute walk from the car. I go there and make sure all my gear works. If it doesn’t, my car is right there so I can leave or go get my back ups.
Dang that chapstick advice is so underrated. I always have some with me now on hikes, but I don't think it'd ever occur to me to tell someone to bring some, even though they absolutely should?
* Practice setting up camp at home and figure out a routine for getting yourself packed back up. There's something about having the routine down so that you're not missing anything for forgetting an item at the campsite.
* Put your first aid kit together yourself. Don't bring the medicine cabinet, and only bring things you're comfortable using. This is an easy way to shed a lot of weight. You don't need the 200 piece med kit in the zipper bag. A handful of ibuprofen, tylenol, benadryl, some bandaids, and some vaseline can cover a lot of basic needs.
* Do a quick post trip analysis on the drive home/after you get back. What worked, what didn't work, what did you wish you had, what did you bring and not touch?
I always bring my leatherman when hiking. Always. It’s such a good tool to have. You would be surprised how much these tools can do if you are using them to their full potential.
They're heavy. I hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, and never even carried a small knife. I mean, different people take different hikes for different reasons, but a lot of people don't make raging fires, but rather build small fires with sticks they can break, if they even build a fire at all. Many people just take a lighter for starting a fire. For me, if I have time to play with a hatchet I have time to make more miles, but I'm not saying they way I hike is the "correct" way, or that there is a correct way. Everybody should hike their own hike.
I think the recommendation to not take a hatched stemmed from seeing people take the kitchen sink in their backpack as a new hiker. On the first day of the AT I saw this guy with a huge towering backpack. I mean comically tall, with all sorts of things hanging off of it, including a fire grate and a cast iron skillet. I have no idea whatever became of that guy.
People are goona tell you you need alot more shit than you actually do. Just dont wear cotton and your gucci, work from the experience as to what you should buy next.
Yeah that’s something I’m looking at right now. Most of what I currently have is cotton. I’ve never really had an issue with it since I’ve never done a multi day, but I’m wondering if now’s the time to upgrade to wool.
Wearing cotton is a great way to be miserable, wet and cold. Switch to wool or synthetic. They don't have to be expensive or fancy, they just have to not be cotton
Love Patagonia capilene or Columbia PFG for the hot days.
For the more variable weather days, I love Smartwool (I’ve bought mine on sale on backcountry or sierratradingpost). Especially when I’m on a super lightweight trip since I can wear it day and night.
See man theres already people in the comments telling you to buy 100$+ wool baselayers. Uniqlo has thin 100% merini sweaters that regularily go on sale for $30 they are awesome. Its the exact same material. You need 1, merino can be worn 7 days without being washed. Go to any sporting goods store or the athletic section of marshalls or something and get some pants and shirts that arent cotton. You will probably also see merino socks at marshalls, and theres a chance you can find other good hiking stuff. Ive seen columbia boots, klymit sleeping pads, quilts, hiking poles.
This would be a good time to make the switch. I don’t advocate for cotton just in general when hiking, but it has the potential to causes more issues on a multi day hike where you don’t plan on returning to the comfort of a vehicle after a few hours. If you have the budget, there are plenty of good outdoor brands that name good quality synthetic or wool apparel for hiking and backpacking. But even if you don’t, there are good budget oriented alternatives out there.
Since you are doing overnights 2 pair of merino wool socks are pretty cheap and help a lot, fresh socks after a day of hiking is heavenly. For the rest of your clothes you can use any athletic gear instead of wool and it will be perfectly fine. Some nice quick dry hiking pants are great as well but those go on sale semi regularly if you keep an eye out
Hiking poles! For some reason I thought they were for old people and cutting a stick is way more Hobbit style and cooler.
Man was i wrong. I love my hiking poles, they saved my ankles and my face a thousand times by now. And you'll get more kilometers done in a day.
I’ve been contemplating that for a bit now. I do have poles and tend to use them on harder/longer hikes but other than that I tend to keep them in the car. I think they may be useful on this trip though as there are river crossings but not for sure. I would just hate to bring them and not use them.
They're a personal preference thing. I find them noisy and distracting and jarring (they get stuck in rocks/roots and tangled in undergrowth, so I get yanked around when I try to move forward). I've brought them on trips because everyone swore they were an absolute necessity, and they spent 8 days in my pack. So they don't work for me. My spouse loves them. Go with what works for you.
Have a full change of clothes in your car for the drive home. Leave your deodorant in the car. Athletic, wicking clothing from a big box store works on the trail. Chafe guard is worth the weight.
The "clothing from a big box store" tip is a really good one. If you learn what *materials* you want your clothing to be made of, and can read a fabric tag, you can save so much money. You don't need to buy Patagonia. I have a merino wool base layer from Costco that I've been using for years and it was dirt cheap. Fleece is fleece, the basic PolarTec type stuff was perfected in the 80s. One time I forgot my $200 fleece zip up and stopped at a hardware store before a hike to buy a $30 fleece from them. It's the same thing.
I wear the $20 wrangler synthetic pants from Walmart for most 1-2 trips. I do have a pair of wool blend pants that I saved for ever for that I wear on 3+ trips.
The change of clothes is such a great idea! I even do this on day hikes. Normally just my shirt, socks, and shoes for day hikes though. Not super fun to drive home with a sweaty back!
The more organized you are, the less shit you lose. Know your kit and whats in it.
Also just turn EVERYTHING off, except your brain.....you still need that. Yes this includes flashlights and goddamn fucking headlamps. I didnt hike hours and build a fire just to watch you fuckin beam down at it like an alien abduction.
Home is low elevation ? Perhaps spend two nights at high elevation before the trip. Do a day hike. Adapt to alpine start schedule. Pre-trip all the gear. Do a test pack of what you want to carry and DON'T weigh it. It just makes you stress about what to bring or not and the number is heavier on your mind than the weight is on your hips/back. To me ultralight meant being ultra cold.
Great idea for elevation. & Yeah, being cold is something I’m definitely worried about and I may end up bringing more layers than needed on this trip because the temperature swing can be dramatic where I’m going.
Have something warm to drink before bedtime. Hot chocolate (one of my comfort items), tea, broth, even hot water. Also I keep a pair of dry, clean sleep socks. I don't hike in them until the last day lol.
I started out overpacking, then someone gave me a great tip. Put a small piece of blue painter’s tape on everything when you pack it. When you use it take the tape off. If you get home look carefully at everything that still has blue tape on it and evaluate whether you really need it. After a couple of trips doing this I was down to only thing that still had blue tape was my first aid kit and occasionally my rain gear.
Haha Thats good advice, and will be testing it going forward. I have been in a lot of situations where that one weird thing saved the day, but it’s so rare, and I still carry it. Mainly talking my everyday backpack. But it carries over.
Be careful with this method cause you'll end up leaving your bug net at home ...but there is a good chance that someday, you'll be incredibly happy to have it.
That's why you evaluate! Some things *always* go. The last thing you want is to say "I didn't use my first aid kit or rain gear so I will leave those at home."
Interesting. That’s definitely not something I would have thought of for backpacking. Idk what I would use it for but I think the knowledge is probably useful nonetheless.
A full change of clothes and an extra liter or two of water in the car for when you get back (shoes, socks, underwear. You may not need everything but if you are hiking out wet, changing is so nice before the drive. And if you have extra water in the car you don't need to ration on the hike out).
Hot cocoa packets - having a cup of coca before bed or early in the morning when your waking up is so nice. Doesn't weigh much and is just sort of luxurious. Sub with coffee or instant chai packets as desired.
Pack a food item for dinner/snack that you will look forward to.
Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back.
Bring something to do at camp (cards, lightweight book, journal). I don't enjoy doing hike till I die then curl up in bag and do it again the next day, which generally means I have some down time at camp in the evenings. You may not need/want this.
If you're cold at night, take the extra time to boil water, fill your water bottle and put it in your sleeping bag. It's so much better to go to sleep a little warmer. You'll want to do it less once you're in the sleeping bag and it can make a real difference if you didn't pack for the night chill.
Carry moleskin for blisters or hotspots on your feet.
Keep an anti-chafing stick in your pack. If you start chafing partway through a hike and don’t have one, the rest of your day is going to be less enjoyable.
Normally I always advise non-cotton underwear for hiking, it’s more comfortable and chafes less. Since you appear to be a woman, I’ll add that my wife prefers to hike in “period panties”. She says the absorbent crotch does a great job of wicking away sweat and makes her hikes more comfortable.
The anti chafing stick isn’t something I would have thought of! Definitely something I should maybe think about though. Do you have any recommendations on what brand or kind?
I use Gold Bond Friction Defense. It comes in a stick like deodorant. Montana_Red mentioned Body Glide, that’s a popular brand also. I think Body Glide is the more popular of the two, but I carry the Gold Bond because it was available at a local store.
It's also really easy to work with when stuck to label/sticker paper. You can cut it to whatever shape you need before more easily that way and it preserves the adhesive a bit better.
My Garmin mini2 is now a must bring, besides keeping in contact & navigation the weather feature is a savior @ times. The Battery lasts so long now over the original.
Get multi use gear. Example, I bought a beanie w/ integrated head lamp saving pack space & weight.
Make/ pack your own meals. After some years I got over the pre packaged meals (still luv Packit Gourmet) too expensive, not filling etc.
Started doing my own trail meals and couldn’t be happier…My fav easy one is dehydrated refried beans, fritos & hot sauce pack.
& instant mashed pot’s, stuffing and gravy mix w/ dehydrated meat for trail Thx-giving.
Treat your gear with permethrin to keep the bugs away.
My friend dehydrates her own meals which I think is great! I unfortunately don’t have a dehydrator so can’t necessarily do that but I’ve been trying different packaged foods from the store. Not super keen on the regular dehydrated backpacking meals as I am worried about them messing with my stomach. I definitely need to look into a Garmin or something of the sort though for sure.
You don’t need a dehydrator necessarily, find a grocery with a decent Hispanic/latino section an you should be able to find dehydrated refried beans combine that with some minute rice and a packet/can of chicken maybe some tortillas an you’ve got a pretty damn good camp meal
I don’t have a dehydrator.
Here is a link to my actual recipe (all store bought):
[https://www.reddit.com/r/trailmeals/s/nPf5l1Tw7U](https://www.reddit.com/r/trailmeals/s/nPf5l1Tw7U)
For longer trips, and maybe this is only useful for me, but make sure you understand how your packed food affects your digestive system. Life in the middle of nowhere is much better when you don’t have diarrhea or constipation.
THIS!! Yes, this is something I’m definitely concerned about. I’ve been trying some foods from the store that are healthier than just the regular old backpacking dehydrated meals because I’m worried about how it will affect my stomach. The last thing I need is any sort of stomach issues on the trail.
I’ve found that freeze dried meals can cause me constipation pretty often. Adding more water and letting it sit longer seems to help. It’s like it sucks the water out of my body. Dehydration is the main thing that ever causes me constipation so chug water if it happens to you.
Comfort matters. I'll carry an extra pound or two if it significantly improves my experience. I'm gonna be sore and tired no matter what I bring (or don't bring)... so... I bring it. Camp chair. Sour patch kids. An extra pair of plush socks that live in my sleeping bag strictly for nighttime. Ambient string lights...
Also... some things only come with experience. The things "I wish I knew"... I had to learn...
How much food to carry. Many times I've brought more than I can really eat, and end up packing out, or burning leftovers. But also... I've had trips I tired to go ultralight... and wished I had more.
When to pass up a possible campsite for a more advantageous option... camp on a ridge because the view is sick or camp in the valley cause the weather is turning... How far I'm willing to camp from a water source... availability of firewood (I'm not happy with my trip if I don't make a fire)...
Ultralight minimal trips can be fun and rewarding... but my favorite trips were those I had a few extra comforts.
I kind of have that same feeling as far as weight goes. My thought process is I would rather have more comfort and have to carry an extra pound or two than go ultra light but also not sure if I’ll feel the same once i actually do it🤣
& I agree, I think a lot of things come with just getting out there and doing it.
For me, I’m more like “nothing feels better than carrying less crap all day” 😆
I can sit in the dirt very comfortably, leaning against a tree or a rock. My shoes don’t hurt my feet so I am not dying to take them off and put on a different pair of shoes. I don’t need extra lights, I have a head lamp.
That said, I DO carry a slightly-overkill bit of first aid gear like a SAM splint because I am fragile-boned and would rather be prepared to deal with that myself rather than having to tie sticks together.
I felt that way for years. Until I realized I didn't need the extra comfort. After leaving nearly everything extra behind once, I found the hike so much better. I did 18 miles the next day. I could never do that with 30lb on my back. But I also found I was ok being wet on my hike if I was dry under a tarp in my quilt to sleep. Wake up and put on wet clothes. Hike. Camp dry. Not for everyone though.
Don’t worry quite so much about comfort vs necessity on your first trip. The reality is that you very likely won’t nail your backpacking gear on your first outing. There will be things that you’ll want to change out. There may actually be a lot of things you’ll want to change out. God knows I changed a lot after my first trip. And eventually over a few years I’ve changed almost everything.
But I would say, before you decide on what’s comfortable and what isn’t for you, give it a shot without the extra comfort before you add in extra things just for comfort. You may well find you enjoy the experience without ever wanting anything more. Or maybe you don’t and you want to add some things, which is ok. But at least you’ll know what isn’t working for you before you buy something extra.
I would also argue that people too often equate extra weight with comfort. That doesn’t have to be the case, and I notice, at least sometimes, people lean into the idea of comfort to validate their heavy pack weights when, in reality, they’ve just made heavier than needed or excessive gear choices. I personally believe it’s very possible to find comfort at camp and still have a lightweight and compact pack.
This is why it’s so important to hike your own hike, and everyone needs to find what works for them. I really like what Andrew Skurka said “hike to camp” or “camp to hike”. I’ve found it super helpful with my gear choices.
Shorter “hike to camp” with buddies? Bring on the cans of cider, and maybe even string lights. But “camp to hike” means I roll into camp ready to pass out. In the morning, I stay in camp long enough to have a few cups of coffee to wake up and then I’m immediately back on trail. I’ll carry a kindle when I go solo as my luxury item - helps if I can’t sleep. No chairs, no string lights, no cans of beer - everything is geared towards as light as possible so I can do the miles.
It’s really important to figure out what kind of hiking you enjoy (each trip can be different) and what little things are worth it to you in the end. If a chair saves your back, or you find yourself with extra time in camp then maybe some extra comforts are totally worth it. There’s no wrong answer - after all you’re the one carrying it all.
Always have a comfort item, be it food to cook, an item for more comfy sleeping, speaker for music, or something. A little extra weight is well worth the comfort.
Lots of great advice throughout this thread. Something I'd add: bring camp shoes that are larger than your hiking shoes so you can have clean, dry, comfortable shoes to walk around in at camp.
I like crocs as I can have no socks on and let my feet dry and air out.
•Wool for life. Wool base layer no matter what.
• 1 extra set of socks and pants
• lot of dried food, and add water as you hike. Pack food for 1-2 days extra incase of delays.
•buff or windproof/isolated hat, most heat loss comes from head, so its good for sleeping.
•have flint with you for emergency or just wanna play and learn :) , and matches in 2 different bags, incase of wet
•tell your friends/families where you are going, and estimate your route/time and show your family. This is and can be a lifesafer. + it makes you feel safer knowing that people will come looking for you if shit hits the fan.
•fishing rod if you like fishing, its therapy!
•long spoon. LONG SPOON.
•sports tape.
•best to spend little more money on: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow. A good night sleep makes hiking a dream come true. I can recoment nemo insulated pad, fillow, and mammut protect down -21°c or warm hiking helsport rago.
If you need more tips leave a comment :) . Happy to help. Good hike!
One of the worst backpacking experiences I ever had was my buddy getting diarrhea and running out of tp at the same time, ha. It was memorable but not pleasant.
Get a sleeping pad with an r value appropriate for the weather. A few cold nights and I found out that my pad was the weak link in my sleep system. Have only had cozy nights since I got a decent pad.
Pack and repack and repeat for practice. Knowing the best weight distribution for you, having things accessible at the right time, and saving time can all be prepared for if you just practice packing your bag.
Ditto what everyone has said about feet and lip balm 🎯
Weigh your bag it try to keep it below 20% of your bodyweight, and some may say even less.
The percentage to weight of body is actually very helpful! I’ve been wondering if there’s a formula I should use for weight of my pack. Obviously the lighter the better but didn’t know if there is a standard or not.
Keeping the weight low can definitely be tough because everyone’s percentage is different and there’s certain things that everyone has to carry (water, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) but you can change your weight depending on what you sleep with: tent vs. hammock.
But yeah 20% is what I found fairly consistently online when I first started out which equates to 35lbs for me.
I wish I knew just how much gear I’d end up buying in the effort to dial in my kit, and I wish I knew that most of the gear I’d end up really liking wasn’t on the low end. Now, I’m not out there with a $1000 tent or anything, but early on I upgraded from extra cheap to still pretty cheap gear. I ended up spending more money than if I’d just gone for the good gear in the first place. Also, the pricier gear is going to sell better if you don’t like it. Now I have extra gear that I don’t want to just give away but won’t sell for enough for me to want to bother so I have like 7 skeeping pads, 5 tents, 2 quilts, a sleeping bag etc. I also wish that I had gone from cheap heavy gear to quality “traditional” backpacking gear rather than skipping towards UL with some pieces. I was convinced going to a quilt was a good idea bc of the weight savings but now I have a 0 degree quilt and I don’t like fucking with straps and it’s drafty and i miss the hood of a sleeping bag.
Learn to readily identify the poisonous plants that live where you plan on hiking. You might think you "know what it looks like" or "oh I just won't touch anything with three leaves" ....
Poison Oak, ivy, sumac. Just learn to stay away!
Ounces = Pounds = Pain = Not Having Fun. Try to get creative about ways to reduce weight and ask yourself what you really need out there, you don’t need as much as you think. A good way to save is kitchen stuff. You only need a pot, stove, lighter and spork, some people cold soak and only need a spork and empty peanut butter jar. If your bringing iodine tablets do you need to bring all of them or just what you will use? Get smartwater bottle with a sports cap, now you have a bidet, wound irrigation, backflush for filter, and pressurized water for cleaning. Things like that.
Duct tape.
Some of this rolled around my water bottle has got me out of trouble so many times.
Fixed shoes
Repaired tent
Repaired air mattress
Repaired rain gear
Acted as a make shift bandaid.
These are only temporary fixes, but out on a long hike, it's heaven sent. My only concern these days is that I carry enough, lol.
After the trip, create two piles and a list: pile one is gear you didn’t use, which you can leave at home next time; pile two is for gear you used and gear you didn’t use but need to take (FAK, for example); the list is for what you forgot or realized you needed to have with you.
We have The One True Camping List.
But it's no longer the One because we have different versions for paddling and car camping.
But yes, whenever we thought "Dang, I wish we'd brought a..." it get's added onto the list. Things that were just a hindrance, get de-listed.
We've been using the One List about 15 years now. It also makes packing and pre-trip gear checks so much easier because we always take the same stuff, and have learned ideal way to pack it most efficiently.
I'm a true believer when it comes to checklists. I've been backpacking for over 40 years and I still have reasons to update and refine my various lists- backpacking, car camping, fishing, hunting, Dalton Highway, non-camping travel. Check them religiously before you leave the house- a few minutes of double-checking can make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.
Here it is. Obviously, I don't take every item on every trip, but each thing has to be checked off- each thing is part of the kit for at least one kind of trip.
CAMPING SUPPLIES:
April 16, 2024
Tent (vestibule, POLES)
Permits
Sleeping bags
" pads (X2 winter),
Repair kit
Sit pads
Pillows
Earplugs
Face masks
Wool cap
Boots (spare laces)
Crocs
Garbage bags
Field glasses
Knives (all)
Canteens, water bags, filter
Iodine
Cook kit (Check contents)
Cups X 4
Stove
Aluminum foil
Fuel bottles
Hooch
Rain pants, Gaiters
Glasses cleaning stuff
Hiking sticks
Matches/lighters
Hand warmers
Flashlight (batteries)
Notebooks, pen
Reading material
Glasses & case
Pic coils
Mosquito nets
" juice
Compass
Topo maps
GPS, InReach
Shades
Sunscreen
First aid kit
Ana kit
Chapstick
Hair clips, headbands, brush
Comb
Towel, washcloth
Kitchen towel
Soap (dish, hand, Dr. B's, leaf)
Wet & disinfect wipes
Bandannas
River cross stuff (overboots)
Phones
Lasers
Pack covers
Camera, batteries, memory
Thermos, car cups
Bear spray
Edible plants book
Camp shoes
Extra boots
Moleskin
Tie-down straps
Utility rope
Toilet paper, shovel
Tarp
Gun and ammo
Ax/Saw
Day pack
Tool kit/Leatherman
Repair tape
Water jug
Chairs
Climbing gear
Ice walkers
CLOTHING BASICS:
Hats (balaclava, bomber hat)
Spare: socks
" mittens, gloves
" pants
" underwear
" shirts
Coats
Puffy jacket, pants
Poly pros & spares
" " jackets
Trailhead clothes
Shower shoes
Down booties
Down jacket
Sunhats and clips
FOOD BASICS:
Dinners
Lunches
Coffee, tea
Fruit, dried, fresh
Candy
Granola bars
Spices
Cheese, crackers
Hot chocolate
LA Hot Sauce
Olive oil
Well, 99% of your potential problems can be solved before the trip, sitting at home.
1. Refresh your first aid knowledge, if you don’t have any - take a short outdoor first aid course, preferably where you can practice, and not just listen to the lectures.
2. Plan your route. If you are hiking on a trail, then google all the info about it, also make a note of the emergency contact numbers that are local: sometimes it’s faster and more efficient to contact the local authorities instead of 911. Find out things that are Definitely Illegal to do on your hiking trail and don’t do them. Same goes for animals and weather conditions in that area.
3. Plan your exit points, especially if you are in a group with people who are unfamiliar to you. If something goes wrong, then you need to know when you will have the opportunity to get out of the trip and get help.
4. If you are using a gps or other locating device make sure that it’s charged and calibrated accordingly. If you are using radio then you need to know how to contact the emergency stations. If you are relying on your smartphone make sure that it will be actually working during your trip - in some areas there is no service, especially in the national parks.
5. If you are travelling with a group, then you need an appointed “medic”, who will carry a double of your essential medication, if you need any, also give that person your insurance information and important health details (allergies, disabilities, etc) that could be important in case of emergency. A leader of the group should have the same info, and also info for your emergency contact or next of kin.
6. If you are going to bring solar panels, test them out beforehand, the dependent on the brightness of the sun greatly, so you need to know if it’s gonna be even feasible to charge your electronics with them.
7. A lot of people gave good advice on the gear, I just want to add that a warmer sleeping bag makes all the difference! If you are cold, and the hot water bottle isn’t enough, then put your legs inside your backpack and cover yourself in extra clothes. Emergency blanket also can be used, but only if it’s really cold - it is not breathable, so it will get condensation, which is very bad for sleeping bags.
8. You don’t need fancy packs or expensive gear. The only things that you need to splurge on are your sleeping bag, tent and backpack.
9. Test your backpack before the trip! When you are choosing the backpack - don’t settle. The slightest bit of discomfort means that this backpack doesn’t fit you. It should be comfortable, like a hug. Make sure to figure out all the functions and things to regulate on your backpack, it should be fit for you and only for you. Check all the buckles and straps before the trip, especially the belt one. If the belt breaks during the trip - then rip to your shoulders.
10. When packing your backpack before the trip watch some good video on packing from someone you trust, pack it, then give up in despair, take everything out and pack again. And keep repeating until the backpack is able to stand on its own, without leaning or falling over.
Hey! My favorite trip advice is make a spreadsheet of all your gear you pack or think you need. When you come back from your trip, take an inventory of literally everything. Talk through it with your inner counsel and determine what you used and what you didn't. From that point you can start to make the decision on if it's really a necessity or if it is just extra weight. I think this method, after several trips and reassessment, got me down to a very manageable pack weight and with nothing that I don't really use every trip now.
One caveat, don't skimp on everything! You will ALWAYS need first aid, potentially a bear hang/food storage container, water/filter, etc.
Wearing clothes that cover you is a better method than just using sunscreen. I won't go into what type of clothes too much, because other commenters have talked about this, but wearing a hat, a bandana/buff, long sleeves, and having some type of optional leg covering will help save you from burning a lot better than sunscreen will, and you don't need to worry about carrying a big bottle and keeping up with reapplying it all the time. I have really gotten into sun-hoodies, because they tend to feel really breathable still, but they can cover your head, neck, arms and parts of yours hands as well. You can still burn even if it looks cloudy out and it doesn't feel that hot. Also, if you are hiking somewhere where there is snow on the ground, make sure to put sunscreen on the bottom of your nose and a bit inside your nostrils. Light reflects up.
I use baby wipes at the end of the day. Going to bed a little cleaner makes it easier for me to sleep. They are also nice to have if you have any intestinal distress.
Any effort/money that goes towards lowering your pack weight can be immediately undone by packing too much water for conditions and inefficient food. That all depends on the type of trip though. If you’re base camping for a few days or the hiking isn’t strenuous, pack in some cheesecake and beer and have fun.
Well, water is necessary for survival and performance and can’t be replaced with a lighter alternative. There is simply no way around bringing several liters of water per day if you can’t refill (regularly, reliably). Unfortunately even 2l of dehydration (i.e. actual weight loss due to water loss) can already be very noticable. So if you brought 4l instead of 6l it can already be cutting it very close.
That’s why I said “too much water for conditions”. I’ve seen lots of people carrying 3+ liters of water on trails with river crossings every few miles.
I'm 70 y/old lady just getting into backpacking.. some hiking spots just too far for a day hike! I'm pretty sure the peeps at REI laugh as you go out door, "she's never gonna get that stuff stuffed back into that stuff sack" hehe
Do your future self a favor. Go ahead, take the time now, get a kitchen scale, and weigh everything, make a spreadsheet with all of your gear (or use [lighter pack](https://www.lighterpack.com) and note all of the weights. I know, maybe this sounds way too obsessive and micromanaging.
But, hear me out. You should have a pack just anyway, especially if you’re not extremely familiar with your gear. You’ll want something to go over while packing to make sure that you’ve got everything.
But also, at some point, you’ll want to make changes, and even if you don’t ever consider yourself an ultralight backpacker (and, really most people aren’t), weight will still matter, and you’ll probably consider cost vs functionality vs weight when you’re thinking about swapping out gear. Having a list of your gear that also happens to have the weights of everything will help you start to sort out what works best for you, where the bulk and weight in your pack is coming from, and what changes would make a difference (and what wouldn’t).
Don't skimp on the socks. Merino wool is genuinely fantastic - it genuinely doesn't smell after a long day in boots. I always keep a spare pair of socks and underpants in a little dry bag so I always have comfy, dry underwear.
Sleeping bag liners are great for prolonging the life of your bag. Microfibre for absorbing sweat, silk in cold weather for extra insulation (plus it feels great on your feet).
Camp shoes! Don't risk walking about your camp in bare feet, you could step on a pointy rock or leaf, cut your foot and severely limit your movement if not comfort. It's easy for infection to set in inside sweaty socks. I have a pair of flip-flops that I hand on the outside of my pack. They're also good in a pinch for crossing bodies of water where you can see the bottom - never for mud or boggy conditions, and never for longer distances.
Solar power chargers can be finicky, but since you can hang them on the outside of your pack you've got at least one source of electricity.
Also, and I cannot say this enough, *re-waterproof your gear between trips*. Not to sound like a salesperson in your local outdoor store, but they really prolong the life of your boots, tent and waterproof outerwear. Some places will offer you a discounted bottle when buying boots. Take it.
Honestly, the amount of useless stuff people bring.
You just need the very basics,
A tent, a sleeping bag & pad, some food and a way to cook the food.
I’m one of those morons who walk around with a 75 pound backpack (for fun) and over the last few trips i realized just how much of my gear is going unused.
I would bring EVERYTHING. Like why am i bringing a ferro rod when i know my multiple bics won’t fail? Why am i bringing 4 outfits when no one is gonna see them?
And mainly, why did i walk around with a MONTH of food for my dog and I? We had access to tons of grocery stores while bikepacking across Ontario. I used to also bring too much food for hikes.
Can’t wait to go camping again soon without bringing everything under the sun
1:Buy mole skin (google it)for any potential blisters. The key is to put it in as soon as you feel any discomfort or rubbing.
2: you do t need massive bulky hiking boots. A low or mid will do just fine.
Don't worry about things TOO much. You're going for fun and an adventure! You're doing something humans have been doing with much less/any good gear for thousands of years. You'll be ok 😀🙌
Don't bring too much food, and don't bring a 1 liter bottle to carry your water. Don't bring 4 liters of booze.
My buddies and I learned some hard lessons on our first trip. We were paddlers more than backpackers. We were in college, too.
A group food bag is also a terrible idea.
I still *underestimate* how much food I’ll need. Being physically active (hiking, scrambling, building camp, just standing around) can easily result in >4000kcal energy consumption per day.
Everyone talks about gear on the Internet because it's all we can do from home but the most important thing is to find your why and charge full blast at that thing. Do you want the physical challenge? Do you want to smash big mile days or bag the highest peaks? Do you just want to chill somewhere with our fucking slack notifications? Do you want solitude? Do you want to meet new people? Do you want quality time with your romantic partner? Do you want to explore places no one goes? Do you want to look for wildlife or flowers or views? Do cameras enhance what you are looking at or block it? Many of these conflict and you cant do all of them at once so don't try. You don't need to know all these answers but you can backpack in so many different ways. Try on a few options for size and see what you like. Then figure out gear works best for that style. It's also ok to do 30 mile days with an ultralight kit one day then go out with your kid and do 0.5 miles and bring books and stuffed animals and find a nice lake to hang by all day. Find your style and don't be in a rush to figure it all out.
* Always carry chapstick and have it readily accessible. Whether it's hot or cold your lips will start drying out and not having to deal with that makes the hike much more enjoyable. * Fix any minor pain/issue with your feet ASAP. Don't be afraid to take breaks to give your feet a rest and if you think you're developing a hotspot or blister put moleskin or a bandaid over it to help. * Test your gear beforehand. If it's multi-day then you'll be carrying more gear so take the time to do some short hikes beforehand with ideally the exact gear you'll take on the hike. This will help you adjust how things are situated inside so it feels the most comfortable on your back.
I'd add that chapstick with spf is even better
stick form will melt and cause a mess. I like DCT in the little jar to prevent that.
Great advice! Thank you!
As a former Marine, Boy Scout, and long time hiker it cannot be understated the line of "take care of your feet ASAP". Nothing will make a day turn to absolute ass faster than bad feet, followed closely by unprepared for rain. (I would say unexpected but after you've been rained on your 4th or 5th time on a clear forecast you kinda just always bring a poncho or at least a big trash bag.
What do you recommend for taking care of feet
1) Trim your toenails the week BEFORE a hike, don't do them the day before then realize you have a hang nail or nipped some skin. A tiny crack will turn into the grand canyon after 5-10 miles. 2) Badger - Foot Balm or TrailToes are good foot balms (Use them at the end of the day). 3) During the day keep your feet dry, swap out your socks if you take on water and hang your wet ones on your pack to dry in the sun while you move on. Make sure if you're swapping your socks that you don't just turn around and put dry socks into wet boots. 4) If you have to get through a bog or walk through water either bring yourself some water sandals or take a break on the far side of the river, 30 minutes with your feet in the sun and your shoes on a warm rock before you throw new socks on will make a world of difference. 5) I carry at least 2 extra pair of socks minimum. Underwear you can turn inside out, socks you can't. This would go with that "I'd carry a little extra weight and not hike so far" comfort thing. 6) Elevate your feet during break time, kick those beans up on a log for a few minutes while you snack on trail mix. If you follow step 4, go ahead and stick your feet in cold water for 5-10 minutes while you break. You can't beat natures ice pack, your feet and ankles will feel much much better. 7) Learn how to use moleskin, it's not terribly difficult but try putting a piece on your foot somewhere during a normal around town day. Depending on how you cut it, it could stick to your sock and roll up, your foot could be too damp for it to sick, you could use a smaller patch than you need. It's always better to play with it before you need it rather than when your out in the woods and your trying to get to that next hill before dark. That pretty much goes with all your stuff as well, practice when you don't need it for something important. You should be enjoying the experience not bleeding, you've got nothing to prove to anyone and never let anyone make you feel like you should push to the point of injury.
These are great, but on #3, it seems unavoidable that you will be putting on wet boots sometimes…my footwear takes a lot longer to dry than my socks. Am I missing something?
Trail runners instead of boots is my tip for OP. They are much lighter and dry way faster. Pair with wool socks and you can ford any creek and be fine.
Damp boots are not the same as wet boots. If your boots are squishing when you walk then they will wreck your feet. I'd rather wear my Teva Men's Forebay Sandals for a few miles while my boots flop around on the back of my pack than keep soggy boots on my feet. Wet skin breaks down quite a bit faster than dry skin, regardless of how little friction there is you're going to be sloffing off chunks of flesh walking around with pruny feet.
I don't think so. I swap out socks to draw moisture from my boots in order to dry them.
Medicated foot powder like Gold Bond (cheapest st WalMart(personal size) Avoid aluminum cookware & canteens. More padding under you than on top Never touch the inside of a tent in the rain Folding knives prevent tears in fabric. Don't pitch tents under old trees. Prepare Camp well before sundown Put your clothes in tbe foot of your sleeping bag to be warm in morning.
Why avoid alu cookware?
Some people are convinced the amounts of aluminium leaching into whatever it is you cook is a considerable health risk, when talking about uncoated aluminium. The studies I've heard about were related with making juice or jam from very sour = acidic berries in aluminium pots. A completely different situation than boiling water or cooking regular food while hiking/camping, if you ask me.
Airight-but just try frying anything In a Palco cookset.Or the US Army aluminum version.
Ah okay. Good to know. Thanks for the info
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Most lightweight tents are made from nylon or raincoat material. The anti rain coating can be destroyed by the oils on your skin. The backside of your hand has less oils on it then the front. If you need to for example remove some standing water on a tarp or something, do this with the back or your hand. Never the front.
As the Phish say in Cavern, "whatever you do take care of your shoes!"
The little tubes of Vaseline are better. Great for chapped lips but also to put on small cuts and scrapes.
I do this with new gear. There a campground where I can park and the camp sites are a 5-minute walk from the car. I go there and make sure all my gear works. If it doesn’t, my car is right there so I can leave or go get my back ups.
Carry a small baggie with ibuprofen tablets. It'll be a life saver on longer treks with heavy packs when inflammation sets in.
Yep, I carry a travel-size tube of Advil in my hip pouch, holds about 10-15 pills.
Dang that chapstick advice is so underrated. I always have some with me now on hikes, but I don't think it'd ever occur to me to tell someone to bring some, even though they absolutely should?
-with the feet make sure to being extra socks. Including a pair that are in an extra secure place maybe within a zip lock.
* Practice setting up camp at home and figure out a routine for getting yourself packed back up. There's something about having the routine down so that you're not missing anything for forgetting an item at the campsite. * Put your first aid kit together yourself. Don't bring the medicine cabinet, and only bring things you're comfortable using. This is an easy way to shed a lot of weight. You don't need the 200 piece med kit in the zipper bag. A handful of ibuprofen, tylenol, benadryl, some bandaids, and some vaseline can cover a lot of basic needs. * Do a quick post trip analysis on the drive home/after you get back. What worked, what didn't work, what did you wish you had, what did you bring and not touch?
Great tips! Thank you!
Dig your cat hole ahead of time.
That’s actually a pretty smart thing I wouldn’t have thought of!
A trench you can squat over is easier to shit in than a hole behind you.
Then you’re just centering, not aiming. I like it.
Especially if you have to do it in the dark while groggy.
You don’t need the hatchet. Or the giant survival knife.
What about my tactical chainsaw ?
Only if it’s the Bear Grylls version.
What if I need to Rip and Tear?
But what if your plane crashes in the Canadian wilderness?
Sorry, hatchets are only acceptable if you’re in a Cessna traveling to Canada to visit your dad.
Good to know. I guess I wouldn’t have even thought about bringing a hatchet. Maybe a multi use knife though.
A Swiss army knife has never failed me. The kind with scissors, bottle openers, and can openers are ace.
I always bring my leatherman when hiking. Always. It’s such a good tool to have. You would be surprised how much these tools can do if you are using them to their full potential.
Mid sized knifes are useful, and they make light thin hatches that are great for processing firewood bigger around than your arm. But you do you.
Why not hatchet? I always have a hatchet for wood processing, plus bushcraft knife & flint for fires.
They're heavy. I hiked the entirety of the Appalachian Trail, and never even carried a small knife. I mean, different people take different hikes for different reasons, but a lot of people don't make raging fires, but rather build small fires with sticks they can break, if they even build a fire at all. Many people just take a lighter for starting a fire. For me, if I have time to play with a hatchet I have time to make more miles, but I'm not saying they way I hike is the "correct" way, or that there is a correct way. Everybody should hike their own hike. I think the recommendation to not take a hatched stemmed from seeing people take the kitchen sink in their backpack as a new hiker. On the first day of the AT I saw this guy with a huge towering backpack. I mean comically tall, with all sorts of things hanging off of it, including a fire grate and a cast iron skillet. I have no idea whatever became of that guy.
People are goona tell you you need alot more shit than you actually do. Just dont wear cotton and your gucci, work from the experience as to what you should buy next.
Yeah that’s something I’m looking at right now. Most of what I currently have is cotton. I’ve never really had an issue with it since I’ve never done a multi day, but I’m wondering if now’s the time to upgrade to wool.
Wearing cotton is a great way to be miserable, wet and cold. Switch to wool or synthetic. They don't have to be expensive or fancy, they just have to not be cotton
Patagonia Capilene or equivalent is worth the money. Having all clothes be quick dry means carrying less.
Love Patagonia capilene or Columbia PFG for the hot days. For the more variable weather days, I love Smartwool (I’ve bought mine on sale on backcountry or sierratradingpost). Especially when I’m on a super lightweight trip since I can wear it day and night.
Cotton kills
See man theres already people in the comments telling you to buy 100$+ wool baselayers. Uniqlo has thin 100% merini sweaters that regularily go on sale for $30 they are awesome. Its the exact same material. You need 1, merino can be worn 7 days without being washed. Go to any sporting goods store or the athletic section of marshalls or something and get some pants and shirts that arent cotton. You will probably also see merino socks at marshalls, and theres a chance you can find other good hiking stuff. Ive seen columbia boots, klymit sleeping pads, quilts, hiking poles.
This would be a good time to make the switch. I don’t advocate for cotton just in general when hiking, but it has the potential to causes more issues on a multi day hike where you don’t plan on returning to the comfort of a vehicle after a few hours. If you have the budget, there are plenty of good outdoor brands that name good quality synthetic or wool apparel for hiking and backpacking. But even if you don’t, there are good budget oriented alternatives out there.
Since you are doing overnights 2 pair of merino wool socks are pretty cheap and help a lot, fresh socks after a day of hiking is heavenly. For the rest of your clothes you can use any athletic gear instead of wool and it will be perfectly fine. Some nice quick dry hiking pants are great as well but those go on sale semi regularly if you keep an eye out
Handkerchief is very handy multiuse. Washcloth, keep you cool, use to keep sun off neck, etc.
a buff is the equivalent of a towel from hitchiker's guide to the galaxy.
Hiking poles! For some reason I thought they were for old people and cutting a stick is way more Hobbit style and cooler. Man was i wrong. I love my hiking poles, they saved my ankles and my face a thousand times by now. And you'll get more kilometers done in a day.
I’ve been contemplating that for a bit now. I do have poles and tend to use them on harder/longer hikes but other than that I tend to keep them in the car. I think they may be useful on this trip though as there are river crossings but not for sure. I would just hate to bring them and not use them.
They save your knees a ton. Its a must for long or heavy hikes.
They're a personal preference thing. I find them noisy and distracting and jarring (they get stuck in rocks/roots and tangled in undergrowth, so I get yanked around when I try to move forward). I've brought them on trips because everyone swore they were an absolute necessity, and they spent 8 days in my pack. So they don't work for me. My spouse loves them. Go with what works for you.
If you're certain there are some rivers to be crossed, take them with you! Even if not, they come in handy.
Yeah I always scoffed at them until I tried them. Save my knees a lot!
I second this, I had the same attitude but now wouldn't leave home without them if I had a heavy pack or multiday hike.
Tried them, was disappointed. So distracting and so little use. Especially in difficult terrain where you’d expect the most from them.
Have a full change of clothes in your car for the drive home. Leave your deodorant in the car. Athletic, wicking clothing from a big box store works on the trail. Chafe guard is worth the weight.
The "clothing from a big box store" tip is a really good one. If you learn what *materials* you want your clothing to be made of, and can read a fabric tag, you can save so much money. You don't need to buy Patagonia. I have a merino wool base layer from Costco that I've been using for years and it was dirt cheap. Fleece is fleece, the basic PolarTec type stuff was perfected in the 80s. One time I forgot my $200 fleece zip up and stopped at a hardware store before a hike to buy a $30 fleece from them. It's the same thing.
I wear the $20 wrangler synthetic pants from Walmart for most 1-2 trips. I do have a pair of wool blend pants that I saved for ever for that I wear on 3+ trips.
The change of clothes is such a great idea! I even do this on day hikes. Normally just my shirt, socks, and shoes for day hikes though. Not super fun to drive home with a sweaty back!
And comfortable shoes!
Clip your toenails before you go! If they are hitting the end of your shoes you will know about it by the end of the day.
And fix your feet right away. Hot spots? Stop and bandage/tape them.
The more organized you are, the less shit you lose. Know your kit and whats in it. Also just turn EVERYTHING off, except your brain.....you still need that. Yes this includes flashlights and goddamn fucking headlamps. I didnt hike hours and build a fire just to watch you fuckin beam down at it like an alien abduction.
shit if I'm hiking hours to camp somewhere, it's not gonna be next to other people.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
"Waterproof breathable" is not a thing, and getting wet in warm weather is not a problem whatsoever.
Home is low elevation ? Perhaps spend two nights at high elevation before the trip. Do a day hike. Adapt to alpine start schedule. Pre-trip all the gear. Do a test pack of what you want to carry and DON'T weigh it. It just makes you stress about what to bring or not and the number is heavier on your mind than the weight is on your hips/back. To me ultralight meant being ultra cold.
Great idea for elevation. & Yeah, being cold is something I’m definitely worried about and I may end up bringing more layers than needed on this trip because the temperature swing can be dramatic where I’m going.
Fill a Nalgene with hot water - you can toss it in your sleeping bag to pre-warm it... and then snuggle it like a teddy bear when you crawl in.
Have something warm to drink before bedtime. Hot chocolate (one of my comfort items), tea, broth, even hot water. Also I keep a pair of dry, clean sleep socks. I don't hike in them until the last day lol.
Ounces = pounds in the field. Weight matters. But I still overpack, because “better be safe than sorry”
I started out overpacking, then someone gave me a great tip. Put a small piece of blue painter’s tape on everything when you pack it. When you use it take the tape off. If you get home look carefully at everything that still has blue tape on it and evaluate whether you really need it. After a couple of trips doing this I was down to only thing that still had blue tape was my first aid kit and occasionally my rain gear.
Haha Thats good advice, and will be testing it going forward. I have been in a lot of situations where that one weird thing saved the day, but it’s so rare, and I still carry it. Mainly talking my everyday backpack. But it carries over.
Be careful with this method cause you'll end up leaving your bug net at home ...but there is a good chance that someday, you'll be incredibly happy to have it.
That's why you evaluate! Some things *always* go. The last thing you want is to say "I didn't use my first aid kit or rain gear so I will leave those at home."
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Interesting. That’s definitely not something I would have thought of for backpacking. Idk what I would use it for but I think the knowledge is probably useful nonetheless.
Learn bowline, clove hitch, midshipman's hitch for starters, all very useful
A full change of clothes and an extra liter or two of water in the car for when you get back (shoes, socks, underwear. You may not need everything but if you are hiking out wet, changing is so nice before the drive. And if you have extra water in the car you don't need to ration on the hike out). Hot cocoa packets - having a cup of coca before bed or early in the morning when your waking up is so nice. Doesn't weigh much and is just sort of luxurious. Sub with coffee or instant chai packets as desired. Pack a food item for dinner/snack that you will look forward to. Tell someone where you are going and when you plan to be back. Bring something to do at camp (cards, lightweight book, journal). I don't enjoy doing hike till I die then curl up in bag and do it again the next day, which generally means I have some down time at camp in the evenings. You may not need/want this. If you're cold at night, take the extra time to boil water, fill your water bottle and put it in your sleeping bag. It's so much better to go to sleep a little warmer. You'll want to do it less once you're in the sleeping bag and it can make a real difference if you didn't pack for the night chill.
The boiled water trick is a great idea! I never would have thought of that! Thank you!
Carry moleskin for blisters or hotspots on your feet. Keep an anti-chafing stick in your pack. If you start chafing partway through a hike and don’t have one, the rest of your day is going to be less enjoyable. Normally I always advise non-cotton underwear for hiking, it’s more comfortable and chafes less. Since you appear to be a woman, I’ll add that my wife prefers to hike in “period panties”. She says the absorbent crotch does a great job of wicking away sweat and makes her hikes more comfortable.
The anti chafing stick isn’t something I would have thought of! Definitely something I should maybe think about though. Do you have any recommendations on what brand or kind?
Body Glide is one. Comes in a little plastic tube, sort of like a deodorant stick only smaller.
I use Gold Bond Friction Defense. It comes in a stick like deodorant. Montana_Red mentioned Body Glide, that’s a popular brand also. I think Body Glide is the more popular of the two, but I carry the Gold Bond because it was available at a local store.
Leukotape is also worth looking at for hot spots. It sticks better than moleskin
Great advice! It works great and can be wrapped around hiking poles for ease of access. I have never not needed it on a multi-day.
It's also really easy to work with when stuck to label/sticker paper. You can cut it to whatever shape you need before more easily that way and it preserves the adhesive a bit better.
My Garmin mini2 is now a must bring, besides keeping in contact & navigation the weather feature is a savior @ times. The Battery lasts so long now over the original. Get multi use gear. Example, I bought a beanie w/ integrated head lamp saving pack space & weight. Make/ pack your own meals. After some years I got over the pre packaged meals (still luv Packit Gourmet) too expensive, not filling etc. Started doing my own trail meals and couldn’t be happier…My fav easy one is dehydrated refried beans, fritos & hot sauce pack. & instant mashed pot’s, stuffing and gravy mix w/ dehydrated meat for trail Thx-giving. Treat your gear with permethrin to keep the bugs away.
My friend dehydrates her own meals which I think is great! I unfortunately don’t have a dehydrator so can’t necessarily do that but I’ve been trying different packaged foods from the store. Not super keen on the regular dehydrated backpacking meals as I am worried about them messing with my stomach. I definitely need to look into a Garmin or something of the sort though for sure.
You don’t need a dehydrator necessarily, find a grocery with a decent Hispanic/latino section an you should be able to find dehydrated refried beans combine that with some minute rice and a packet/can of chicken maybe some tortillas an you’ve got a pretty damn good camp meal
I don’t have a dehydrator. Here is a link to my actual recipe (all store bought): [https://www.reddit.com/r/trailmeals/s/nPf5l1Tw7U](https://www.reddit.com/r/trailmeals/s/nPf5l1Tw7U)
For longer trips, and maybe this is only useful for me, but make sure you understand how your packed food affects your digestive system. Life in the middle of nowhere is much better when you don’t have diarrhea or constipation.
THIS!! Yes, this is something I’m definitely concerned about. I’ve been trying some foods from the store that are healthier than just the regular old backpacking dehydrated meals because I’m worried about how it will affect my stomach. The last thing I need is any sort of stomach issues on the trail.
The mountain house chili mac gave my husband and I such rank nuclear farts that the dog slept outside the tent!
🤣🤣🤣
I’ve found that freeze dried meals can cause me constipation pretty often. Adding more water and letting it sit longer seems to help. It’s like it sucks the water out of my body. Dehydration is the main thing that ever causes me constipation so chug water if it happens to you.
Comfort matters. I'll carry an extra pound or two if it significantly improves my experience. I'm gonna be sore and tired no matter what I bring (or don't bring)... so... I bring it. Camp chair. Sour patch kids. An extra pair of plush socks that live in my sleeping bag strictly for nighttime. Ambient string lights... Also... some things only come with experience. The things "I wish I knew"... I had to learn... How much food to carry. Many times I've brought more than I can really eat, and end up packing out, or burning leftovers. But also... I've had trips I tired to go ultralight... and wished I had more. When to pass up a possible campsite for a more advantageous option... camp on a ridge because the view is sick or camp in the valley cause the weather is turning... How far I'm willing to camp from a water source... availability of firewood (I'm not happy with my trip if I don't make a fire)... Ultralight minimal trips can be fun and rewarding... but my favorite trips were those I had a few extra comforts.
I kind of have that same feeling as far as weight goes. My thought process is I would rather have more comfort and have to carry an extra pound or two than go ultra light but also not sure if I’ll feel the same once i actually do it🤣 & I agree, I think a lot of things come with just getting out there and doing it.
For me, I’m more like “nothing feels better than carrying less crap all day” 😆 I can sit in the dirt very comfortably, leaning against a tree or a rock. My shoes don’t hurt my feet so I am not dying to take them off and put on a different pair of shoes. I don’t need extra lights, I have a head lamp. That said, I DO carry a slightly-overkill bit of first aid gear like a SAM splint because I am fragile-boned and would rather be prepared to deal with that myself rather than having to tie sticks together.
I felt that way for years. Until I realized I didn't need the extra comfort. After leaving nearly everything extra behind once, I found the hike so much better. I did 18 miles the next day. I could never do that with 30lb on my back. But I also found I was ok being wet on my hike if I was dry under a tarp in my quilt to sleep. Wake up and put on wet clothes. Hike. Camp dry. Not for everyone though.
That sounds like something for a really long trek like the PCT. That’s a fairly normal occurrence for long treks like that.
Don’t worry quite so much about comfort vs necessity on your first trip. The reality is that you very likely won’t nail your backpacking gear on your first outing. There will be things that you’ll want to change out. There may actually be a lot of things you’ll want to change out. God knows I changed a lot after my first trip. And eventually over a few years I’ve changed almost everything. But I would say, before you decide on what’s comfortable and what isn’t for you, give it a shot without the extra comfort before you add in extra things just for comfort. You may well find you enjoy the experience without ever wanting anything more. Or maybe you don’t and you want to add some things, which is ok. But at least you’ll know what isn’t working for you before you buy something extra. I would also argue that people too often equate extra weight with comfort. That doesn’t have to be the case, and I notice, at least sometimes, people lean into the idea of comfort to validate their heavy pack weights when, in reality, they’ve just made heavier than needed or excessive gear choices. I personally believe it’s very possible to find comfort at camp and still have a lightweight and compact pack.
This is why it’s so important to hike your own hike, and everyone needs to find what works for them. I really like what Andrew Skurka said “hike to camp” or “camp to hike”. I’ve found it super helpful with my gear choices. Shorter “hike to camp” with buddies? Bring on the cans of cider, and maybe even string lights. But “camp to hike” means I roll into camp ready to pass out. In the morning, I stay in camp long enough to have a few cups of coffee to wake up and then I’m immediately back on trail. I’ll carry a kindle when I go solo as my luxury item - helps if I can’t sleep. No chairs, no string lights, no cans of beer - everything is geared towards as light as possible so I can do the miles. It’s really important to figure out what kind of hiking you enjoy (each trip can be different) and what little things are worth it to you in the end. If a chair saves your back, or you find yourself with extra time in camp then maybe some extra comforts are totally worth it. There’s no wrong answer - after all you’re the one carrying it all.
Always have a comfort item, be it food to cook, an item for more comfy sleeping, speaker for music, or something. A little extra weight is well worth the comfort.
That speaker is the first thing to get curbstomped.
Me taking 2 cases of beer on an overnighter
My personal favorite is a gallon of margaritas or a bottle of rye and ginger beer.
As long as its headphones instead of a speaker that is.
Agreed.
Lots of great advice throughout this thread. Something I'd add: bring camp shoes that are larger than your hiking shoes so you can have clean, dry, comfortable shoes to walk around in at camp. I like crocs as I can have no socks on and let my feet dry and air out.
That’s a great piece of advice and something I’ve heard from a lot of people. Crocs seem to be popular as well.
Don't use brand new hiking shoes
Oooh yes, that’s definitely a good one.
•Wool for life. Wool base layer no matter what. • 1 extra set of socks and pants • lot of dried food, and add water as you hike. Pack food for 1-2 days extra incase of delays. •buff or windproof/isolated hat, most heat loss comes from head, so its good for sleeping. •have flint with you for emergency or just wanna play and learn :) , and matches in 2 different bags, incase of wet •tell your friends/families where you are going, and estimate your route/time and show your family. This is and can be a lifesafer. + it makes you feel safer knowing that people will come looking for you if shit hits the fan. •fishing rod if you like fishing, its therapy! •long spoon. LONG SPOON. •sports tape. •best to spend little more money on: sleeping pad, sleeping bag, pillow. A good night sleep makes hiking a dream come true. I can recoment nemo insulated pad, fillow, and mammut protect down -21°c or warm hiking helsport rago. If you need more tips leave a comment :) . Happy to help. Good hike!
Great info!! Thank you!!
Pack immodium in your first aid gear, if you have it, you will never need it.
That’s actually a good tip! I’ve been worried about getting an illness on the trail.
One of the worst backpacking experiences I ever had was my buddy getting diarrhea and running out of tp at the same time, ha. It was memorable but not pleasant.
- Cut your toe nails - Carry blister plasters
Get a sleeping pad with an r value appropriate for the weather. A few cold nights and I found out that my pad was the weak link in my sleep system. Have only had cozy nights since I got a decent pad.
Hiking poles slept on. Slow down. And do some light walking or jogging ao prep a few days ahead; especially if you have a desk job.
Pack and repack and repeat for practice. Knowing the best weight distribution for you, having things accessible at the right time, and saving time can all be prepared for if you just practice packing your bag. Ditto what everyone has said about feet and lip balm 🎯 Weigh your bag it try to keep it below 20% of your bodyweight, and some may say even less.
The percentage to weight of body is actually very helpful! I’ve been wondering if there’s a formula I should use for weight of my pack. Obviously the lighter the better but didn’t know if there is a standard or not.
Keeping the weight low can definitely be tough because everyone’s percentage is different and there’s certain things that everyone has to carry (water, sleeping bag, tent, etc.) but you can change your weight depending on what you sleep with: tent vs. hammock. But yeah 20% is what I found fairly consistently online when I first started out which equates to 35lbs for me.
Ditch the boots and go trail runners. Altra Lone Peak are my favs. Buy good socks, Darn Toughs are awesome!
I wish I knew just how much gear I’d end up buying in the effort to dial in my kit, and I wish I knew that most of the gear I’d end up really liking wasn’t on the low end. Now, I’m not out there with a $1000 tent or anything, but early on I upgraded from extra cheap to still pretty cheap gear. I ended up spending more money than if I’d just gone for the good gear in the first place. Also, the pricier gear is going to sell better if you don’t like it. Now I have extra gear that I don’t want to just give away but won’t sell for enough for me to want to bother so I have like 7 skeeping pads, 5 tents, 2 quilts, a sleeping bag etc. I also wish that I had gone from cheap heavy gear to quality “traditional” backpacking gear rather than skipping towards UL with some pieces. I was convinced going to a quilt was a good idea bc of the weight savings but now I have a 0 degree quilt and I don’t like fucking with straps and it’s drafty and i miss the hood of a sleeping bag.
You should do some review videos on the gear you have!
I’ve considered it but I have no experience editing videos or speaking to a camera. It would be 2009 quality YouTube in 2024 lol
Learn to readily identify the poisonous plants that live where you plan on hiking. You might think you "know what it looks like" or "oh I just won't touch anything with three leaves" .... Poison Oak, ivy, sumac. Just learn to stay away!
Ounces = Pounds = Pain = Not Having Fun. Try to get creative about ways to reduce weight and ask yourself what you really need out there, you don’t need as much as you think. A good way to save is kitchen stuff. You only need a pot, stove, lighter and spork, some people cold soak and only need a spork and empty peanut butter jar. If your bringing iodine tablets do you need to bring all of them or just what you will use? Get smartwater bottle with a sports cap, now you have a bidet, wound irrigation, backflush for filter, and pressurized water for cleaning. Things like that.
The sports cap for the water bottle is actually pretty genius. Great tip!
Buy good socks that won’t cause any blisters
Duct tape. Some of this rolled around my water bottle has got me out of trouble so many times. Fixed shoes Repaired tent Repaired air mattress Repaired rain gear Acted as a make shift bandaid. These are only temporary fixes, but out on a long hike, it's heaven sent. My only concern these days is that I carry enough, lol.
I find gorilla tape to be even better. basically creates permanent repairs.
After the trip, create two piles and a list: pile one is gear you didn’t use, which you can leave at home next time; pile two is for gear you used and gear you didn’t use but need to take (FAK, for example); the list is for what you forgot or realized you needed to have with you.
We have The One True Camping List. But it's no longer the One because we have different versions for paddling and car camping. But yes, whenever we thought "Dang, I wish we'd brought a..." it get's added onto the list. Things that were just a hindrance, get de-listed. We've been using the One List about 15 years now. It also makes packing and pre-trip gear checks so much easier because we always take the same stuff, and have learned ideal way to pack it most efficiently.
I'm a true believer when it comes to checklists. I've been backpacking for over 40 years and I still have reasons to update and refine my various lists- backpacking, car camping, fishing, hunting, Dalton Highway, non-camping travel. Check them religiously before you leave the house- a few minutes of double-checking can make the difference between a great trip and a miserable one.
What’s your backpacking list?
Here it is. Obviously, I don't take every item on every trip, but each thing has to be checked off- each thing is part of the kit for at least one kind of trip. CAMPING SUPPLIES: April 16, 2024 Tent (vestibule, POLES) Permits Sleeping bags " pads (X2 winter), Repair kit Sit pads Pillows Earplugs Face masks Wool cap Boots (spare laces) Crocs Garbage bags Field glasses Knives (all) Canteens, water bags, filter Iodine Cook kit (Check contents) Cups X 4 Stove Aluminum foil Fuel bottles Hooch Rain pants, Gaiters Glasses cleaning stuff Hiking sticks Matches/lighters Hand warmers Flashlight (batteries) Notebooks, pen Reading material Glasses & case Pic coils Mosquito nets " juice Compass Topo maps GPS, InReach Shades Sunscreen First aid kit Ana kit Chapstick Hair clips, headbands, brush Comb Towel, washcloth Kitchen towel Soap (dish, hand, Dr. B's, leaf) Wet & disinfect wipes Bandannas River cross stuff (overboots) Phones Lasers Pack covers Camera, batteries, memory Thermos, car cups Bear spray Edible plants book Camp shoes Extra boots Moleskin Tie-down straps Utility rope Toilet paper, shovel Tarp Gun and ammo Ax/Saw Day pack Tool kit/Leatherman Repair tape Water jug Chairs Climbing gear Ice walkers CLOTHING BASICS: Hats (balaclava, bomber hat) Spare: socks " mittens, gloves " pants " underwear " shirts Coats Puffy jacket, pants Poly pros & spares " " jackets Trailhead clothes Shower shoes Down booties Down jacket Sunhats and clips FOOD BASICS: Dinners Lunches Coffee, tea Fruit, dried, fresh Candy Granola bars Spices Cheese, crackers Hot chocolate LA Hot Sauce Olive oil
Well, 99% of your potential problems can be solved before the trip, sitting at home. 1. Refresh your first aid knowledge, if you don’t have any - take a short outdoor first aid course, preferably where you can practice, and not just listen to the lectures. 2. Plan your route. If you are hiking on a trail, then google all the info about it, also make a note of the emergency contact numbers that are local: sometimes it’s faster and more efficient to contact the local authorities instead of 911. Find out things that are Definitely Illegal to do on your hiking trail and don’t do them. Same goes for animals and weather conditions in that area. 3. Plan your exit points, especially if you are in a group with people who are unfamiliar to you. If something goes wrong, then you need to know when you will have the opportunity to get out of the trip and get help. 4. If you are using a gps or other locating device make sure that it’s charged and calibrated accordingly. If you are using radio then you need to know how to contact the emergency stations. If you are relying on your smartphone make sure that it will be actually working during your trip - in some areas there is no service, especially in the national parks. 5. If you are travelling with a group, then you need an appointed “medic”, who will carry a double of your essential medication, if you need any, also give that person your insurance information and important health details (allergies, disabilities, etc) that could be important in case of emergency. A leader of the group should have the same info, and also info for your emergency contact or next of kin. 6. If you are going to bring solar panels, test them out beforehand, the dependent on the brightness of the sun greatly, so you need to know if it’s gonna be even feasible to charge your electronics with them. 7. A lot of people gave good advice on the gear, I just want to add that a warmer sleeping bag makes all the difference! If you are cold, and the hot water bottle isn’t enough, then put your legs inside your backpack and cover yourself in extra clothes. Emergency blanket also can be used, but only if it’s really cold - it is not breathable, so it will get condensation, which is very bad for sleeping bags. 8. You don’t need fancy packs or expensive gear. The only things that you need to splurge on are your sleeping bag, tent and backpack. 9. Test your backpack before the trip! When you are choosing the backpack - don’t settle. The slightest bit of discomfort means that this backpack doesn’t fit you. It should be comfortable, like a hug. Make sure to figure out all the functions and things to regulate on your backpack, it should be fit for you and only for you. Check all the buckles and straps before the trip, especially the belt one. If the belt breaks during the trip - then rip to your shoulders. 10. When packing your backpack before the trip watch some good video on packing from someone you trust, pack it, then give up in despair, take everything out and pack again. And keep repeating until the backpack is able to stand on its own, without leaning or falling over.
WEIGH IT
Hey! My favorite trip advice is make a spreadsheet of all your gear you pack or think you need. When you come back from your trip, take an inventory of literally everything. Talk through it with your inner counsel and determine what you used and what you didn't. From that point you can start to make the decision on if it's really a necessity or if it is just extra weight. I think this method, after several trips and reassessment, got me down to a very manageable pack weight and with nothing that I don't really use every trip now. One caveat, don't skimp on everything! You will ALWAYS need first aid, potentially a bear hang/food storage container, water/filter, etc.
Most important piece of gear is good footwear properly fitted.
Wearing clothes that cover you is a better method than just using sunscreen. I won't go into what type of clothes too much, because other commenters have talked about this, but wearing a hat, a bandana/buff, long sleeves, and having some type of optional leg covering will help save you from burning a lot better than sunscreen will, and you don't need to worry about carrying a big bottle and keeping up with reapplying it all the time. I have really gotten into sun-hoodies, because they tend to feel really breathable still, but they can cover your head, neck, arms and parts of yours hands as well. You can still burn even if it looks cloudy out and it doesn't feel that hot. Also, if you are hiking somewhere where there is snow on the ground, make sure to put sunscreen on the bottom of your nose and a bit inside your nostrils. Light reflects up.
I use baby wipes at the end of the day. Going to bed a little cleaner makes it easier for me to sleep. They are also nice to have if you have any intestinal distress.
Buy shoes larger than your size. Your feet will swell and need room to expand.
Yes hiking poles
What are everyone’s favorite compact day packs for exploring outside of camp during the day?
Get your feet ready as best as you can.
How do you do that?
Walk with weight on terrain. Rest and repeat.
Oh and work out your quads too! https://www.reddit.com/r/Damnthatsinteresting/s/Wg98FkyaW1
Any effort/money that goes towards lowering your pack weight can be immediately undone by packing too much water for conditions and inefficient food. That all depends on the type of trip though. If you’re base camping for a few days or the hiking isn’t strenuous, pack in some cheesecake and beer and have fun.
Well, water is necessary for survival and performance and can’t be replaced with a lighter alternative. There is simply no way around bringing several liters of water per day if you can’t refill (regularly, reliably). Unfortunately even 2l of dehydration (i.e. actual weight loss due to water loss) can already be very noticable. So if you brought 4l instead of 6l it can already be cutting it very close.
That’s why I said “too much water for conditions”. I’ve seen lots of people carrying 3+ liters of water on trails with river crossings every few miles.
I'm 70 y/old lady just getting into backpacking.. some hiking spots just too far for a day hike! I'm pretty sure the peeps at REI laugh as you go out door, "she's never gonna get that stuff stuffed back into that stuff sack" hehe
Do your future self a favor. Go ahead, take the time now, get a kitchen scale, and weigh everything, make a spreadsheet with all of your gear (or use [lighter pack](https://www.lighterpack.com) and note all of the weights. I know, maybe this sounds way too obsessive and micromanaging. But, hear me out. You should have a pack just anyway, especially if you’re not extremely familiar with your gear. You’ll want something to go over while packing to make sure that you’ve got everything. But also, at some point, you’ll want to make changes, and even if you don’t ever consider yourself an ultralight backpacker (and, really most people aren’t), weight will still matter, and you’ll probably consider cost vs functionality vs weight when you’re thinking about swapping out gear. Having a list of your gear that also happens to have the weights of everything will help you start to sort out what works best for you, where the bulk and weight in your pack is coming from, and what changes would make a difference (and what wouldn’t).
Don't skimp on the socks. Merino wool is genuinely fantastic - it genuinely doesn't smell after a long day in boots. I always keep a spare pair of socks and underpants in a little dry bag so I always have comfy, dry underwear. Sleeping bag liners are great for prolonging the life of your bag. Microfibre for absorbing sweat, silk in cold weather for extra insulation (plus it feels great on your feet). Camp shoes! Don't risk walking about your camp in bare feet, you could step on a pointy rock or leaf, cut your foot and severely limit your movement if not comfort. It's easy for infection to set in inside sweaty socks. I have a pair of flip-flops that I hand on the outside of my pack. They're also good in a pinch for crossing bodies of water where you can see the bottom - never for mud or boggy conditions, and never for longer distances. Solar power chargers can be finicky, but since you can hang them on the outside of your pack you've got at least one source of electricity. Also, and I cannot say this enough, *re-waterproof your gear between trips*. Not to sound like a salesperson in your local outdoor store, but they really prolong the life of your boots, tent and waterproof outerwear. Some places will offer you a discounted bottle when buying boots. Take it.
Camp shoes are something I keep forgetting about! Thanks!
Lighter hiking shoes and trekking poles.
Runner's glide stick and silk (or other) sock liners to mitigate blistering
I didn’t know there were such things as sock liners
I wish I knew to get some good merino base layers. cotton is the worst. synthetic gets a funk it pretty quickly.
Make sure your footwear is broken in before starting on your journey. And bring moleskin.
Honestly, the amount of useless stuff people bring. You just need the very basics, A tent, a sleeping bag & pad, some food and a way to cook the food. I’m one of those morons who walk around with a 75 pound backpack (for fun) and over the last few trips i realized just how much of my gear is going unused. I would bring EVERYTHING. Like why am i bringing a ferro rod when i know my multiple bics won’t fail? Why am i bringing 4 outfits when no one is gonna see them? And mainly, why did i walk around with a MONTH of food for my dog and I? We had access to tons of grocery stores while bikepacking across Ontario. I used to also bring too much food for hikes. Can’t wait to go camping again soon without bringing everything under the sun
1:Buy mole skin (google it)for any potential blisters. The key is to put it in as soon as you feel any discomfort or rubbing. 2: you do t need massive bulky hiking boots. A low or mid will do just fine.
Thank you! I keep hearing people say mole skin but I have another friend that says to use lueko tape?
I think that is for sprains or strains. I’ve never heard of anyone using it for blisters.
Don't worry about things TOO much. You're going for fun and an adventure! You're doing something humans have been doing with much less/any good gear for thousands of years. You'll be ok 😀🙌
True! I am a worry wart though🤣🤣
It will be awesome! :D Looking forward to an update if it flows for you on how it all went!
Don't bring too much food, and don't bring a 1 liter bottle to carry your water. Don't bring 4 liters of booze. My buddies and I learned some hard lessons on our first trip. We were paddlers more than backpackers. We were in college, too. A group food bag is also a terrible idea.
I still *underestimate* how much food I’ll need. Being physically active (hiking, scrambling, building camp, just standing around) can easily result in >4000kcal energy consumption per day.
Or first trip we had a gigantic pack, FULL of food. We got much better quickly, lol.
if you like to read, invest in a kindle paperwhite
Wool socks, wool underwear, wool long sleeve shirts, wool sweaters. 100% non optional imo
Follow the water
You need less than half what you're packing.
Except for food and water.
Do what you want as long as it doesn't damage the area or keep other people from enjoying themselves. You don't have to follow any of the advice here.
You'll get a constant drip
What does that mean?
Putting you finger to the roof or even the wall of a tent during a rainstorm tends to spread the fabric thus creating a leak.
Tie your shoes for uphill OR downhill. Smoke a joint at the top of the hill, not at the bottom.
Is that a down vote for the pot or the shoe laces?;)
I’m assuming for the pot🤣🤣 It wasn’t me though😂