Just because something is new doesn’t mean it has to be hard. For years, I didn’t backpack because I thought it was too difficult. Now, it’s my favorite outdoor activity and why I wrote this guide.
My guide covers tips for your first outing and easy backpacking trips for beginners. With research and preparation, backpacking for beginners is a fun way to travel to magical places.
WHAT IS BACKPACKING
Backpacking is an activity that combines hiking and backcountry camping. Basically, you put all of your camping and hiking gear in one bag and carry it on your back until you decide to camp. Backpacking allows you the time and ability to explore locations you can’t reach on a day hike.
BACKPACKING TIPS FOR BEGINNERS!
Being a new backpacker can be confusing. I’ve been in your shoes, so I put together a helpful backpacking list for beginners.
- Buy lightweight gear
- Use a water purifier to lighten your water load
- Check the weather often
- Choose a trail near your home
- Plan filling, lightweight meals and snacks
- Get permits early
- Learn and practice Leave No Trace Principles
- Maintain good hygiene
- Check local fire restrictions
- Download offline maps – always assume you won’t have cell service!
GOOD BEGINNER BACKPACKING TRIPS – DOG FRIENDLY
Right about now you may be thinking, backpacking where to start? I’ve made a backpacking list for beginners to help you find backcountry outings. If you are a beginner, I don’t suggest backpacking with dogs because it adds more complexity (e.g., packing for your dog). However if you really want to go with your pup this is a great trail!
Devil’s Thumb and King’s Lake in Colorado
Trail Name: Devil’s Thumb Trail – High Lonesome Trail – Kings Lake – Devil’s Thumb Trail
Length: 16.5 miles
Type: Loop
Days: 2
Dog Friendly: Yes
Trailhead Location: https://goo.gl/maps/og76WyJTQ3WTBs9o9
This backpacking trip takes you through the Indian Peaks Wilderness with views rivaling Rocky Mountain National Park. You’ll cross tundra, creeks, meadows, and mountains with views of the Gore Range and subalpine lakes.
Camp at Devil’s Thumb Lake before taking The High Lonesome Trail following the Continental Divide. On the way back to the parking lot, stop at scenic King Lake for lunch.
GOOD BEGINNER BACKPACKING TRIPS – NOT DOG FRIENDLY
Here is a list of my favorite non dog friendly backpacking trips for beginners
Eagle Peak in Yosemite National Park
Trail Name: Eagle Peak Trail
Length: 14.5 miles
Type: Out and back
Days: 2
Dog Friendly: No
Trailhead Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RYbowBQQeztZQVzA7
The Eagle Peak hike starts at scenic Lower Yosemite Falls. As you hike to the Upper Falls, you’ll be rewarded with classic views of Yosemite Valley. Take some time to cool off in the pools of Yosemite Creek before hiking through shaded meadows and trekking uphill to the campsite.
Once you reach the backcountry campsite at the peak, set up your tent and enjoy views of Half Dome and Yosemite Valley without the crowds.
See more info on Eagles Peak here
Havasupai in Arizona
Trail name: Havasu Falls Trail
Length: 20 miles
Type: Out and back
Days: 5 (The Havasupai Tribe requires visitors to stay at least 3 nights at Supai Campground)
Dog Friendly: No
Trailhead Location: https://goo.gl/maps/Sf7dqgic6V4XBLg99
The Havasu Falls Trail winds down into the magnificent Grand Canyon to the hidden oasis of Supai Village. After stocking up, continue to the campground. There, you can enjoy the otherworldly, turquoise waterfalls and swimming pools of Havasu Falls.
We suggest you spend one of the three days hiking to Mooney and Beaver Falls. These are only a mile round-trip from your campsite. The confluence of the Colorado River is 16 miles there and back.
See more info on Havasu Falls here
Firehole Meadows in Yellowstone National Park
Trail Name: Biscuit Basin Trail – Fairy Creek Trail – Fountain Flat Drive – Freight Road Trailhead
Length: 17.2 miles
Type: One-way (will need a second car to shuttle back to Biscuit Basin parking lot)
Days: 2
Dog Friendly: No
Trailhead Location: https://goo.gl/maps/jV7jSePgYiNVgrm86
This trail takes you from Upper Geyser Basin to Lower Geyser Basin. You’ll see the Sapphire Pool, Jewel Geyser, and can watch Old Faithful erupt from the Upper Geyser Basin Overlook.
You’ll also be treated to waterfalls and the unique colors of Little Firehole River.
Grab a campsite at the unnamed falls or where the river meets the meadow. The next day, continue your hike past Imperial Geyser, Fairy Falls, and Ojo Caliente Springs on your way to Freight Road Trailhead.
BACKPACKING LIST FOR BEGINNERS
Here is a full list of items I recommend bringing if you are first starting out. If you are not sure if you want to backpack forever, I would also recommend going to your local sports store or REI to rent gear! Renting tents, poles, and other equipment is a great option.
Recommended gear for beginners
- Osprey 45L Women’s Overnight Pack
- Leki Corklite Trekking Poles – your knees will thank you!
- Hoka One One Shoes: I stopped hiking in boots a couple years ago and now prefer something lighter. This brand is excellent because of it’s stability and mid-sole, but I recommend buying a few different models and sizes to find the best fit. I personally have the Evo Mafate 2.
- Salomon X ULTRA MID 2 Boots: If you prefer boots, these are the best ones (and they are affordable!)
- Jetboil Stove: More restrictive in terms of cooking but one of the most compact stove sets you can get. I recommend an instant noodle & veggies combo for your dinner 🙂
- Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag: I’ve had this for over 5 yeras and it’s still working great
- Sea to Summit Sleeping Pad: Lightweight and durable
- MSR Dromlite 2L: My go-to water / drom bag since 2013. I haven’t had to replace it yet!
- Big Agnes Copper Spur 3 person tent with mtnGLO: Still my go-to tent! It’s nice and roomy for 2 people and not too heavy so I’ll take it on shorter trips.
Recommended clothes
- prAna Halle Women’s Pants
- Icebreaker Merino mid-layer
- The North Face HyVent rain jacket
- Patagonia Ultralight Down Jacket
- Gloves and socks
- BUFF headband
Other gear recommendations
- Bars and food
- Garmin 64st GPS: Many people have moved away from GPS devices now that we can download offline maps on our phone, but I always like to have one just in case
- Spot3 Satellite GPS Messenger: Same with this! It’s great for peace of mind
- Emergency Gear: First-Aid Kit, Swiss Army Knife, Emergency Blanket
