How to Plan Your First Backpacking Trip: A Beginner’s Guide
Those dreamy photos: crystal colored alpine lakes, campfires under sparkling stars.
How do you get there? Where do you start? Let’s make it little less overwhelming and prepare you for your first backpacking trip.
Before you go: Know Yourself
Are you a hot or cold sleeper? Do you get hot or cold when you day hike? How much water do you drink on a day hike? Do noises at night give you anxiety? These aren’t reasons to stay home, but paying attention to these little things will help you have a better first backpacking experience..
1. Choose an Appropriate Destination
Your first trip should be enjoyable, not overwhelming, and choosing a less challenging hike in will help out the joy factor.
✔ Short distances
Aim for 2-5 miles (8–16 km) per day, depending on your general hiking experience. If you are regularly crushing 20 mile day hikes, go for the higher end. Just remember that adding the heavy pack will create a different level of fatigue and muscle soreness than your usual day hike.
✔ Beginner-friendly trails
National and state parks often have well-marked, well-maintained paths, and there are likely to be other backpackers.
✔ Manageable elevation
Steep climbs add difficulty; for your first trip stick to moderate or gentle elevation changes- you can add the challenge once you’ve got a few trips under your hip belt.
✔ Reliable water sources
Check maps, ranger stations, and recent user reports to ensure water sources aren’t dry.
If possible, choose a popular route; the increased signage and foot traffic help beginners feel safer.
2. Check Permits, Regulations, and Weather
Permits: Many popular areas require backcountry campsite permits, and the permitting systems vary wildly and can be complicated.
Campfire rules: Many areas restrict fires either completely or seasonally.
Bear requirements: Some wilderness areas require bear canisters.
Weather: Look at the forecast and seasonal conditions (precipitation, heat, fire danger) *for the elevation you will be at (looking at a nearby town forecast is often very different- I use Mountain Forecast if I am heading anywhere near mountains, you can view the weather at different elevation points up the mountain). Mountains can "create their own weather" so even if you think you are in for a bluebird trip be prepared for all weather.
3. Plan Your Route Carefully
Create a detailed route plan that includes:
Start and end points
Daily mileage and time estimates
Elevation profile
Water refill points
Potential camp locations
Turnaround or bailout options
PAPER COPY MAP- Phones die, get dropped in water, etc. Always have a paper copy.
APPS- make sure you download before you go out in the wild.
Share your itinerary with someone at home before you leave, note the department that manages the area (ie USFS, State Park, Sheriff, etc.).
4. Pack the Right Gear (Without Overpacking)
I truly believe that all gear choices are highly personal and variable based on your intended use- what works for me may not work for you; and I’ll never say THIS is the tent you have to have! If possible buy second-hand or rent before your trip to see how you like things without the major financial investment (the trial and error for me took years and is ever-evolving).
It can also be hard to dial in what you truly need; starting with a single overnight trip will give you a good idea of what you like without forcing you to go too long suffering without anything you may have forgotten. You’ll also get a taste of how all that gear feels on your back, and be much more willing to let go of some of your overpacked items.
Remember that your gear needs will change based on seasonality, location, and altitude.
If you’d like to check out the gear list I provide for my students you can view it here: Backpacking Checklist
ALWAYS CARRY the 10 essentials! No exceptions!
Pro Tip: Test out ALL of your gear before your trip (shoes, set up your tent, sleep in your sleeping bag, cook a meal, pack your bag)
5. Learn Key Outdoor Skills
You don’t need to be an expert, but basic skills go a long way:
Navigation
Know how to read a map, use a compass, follow a trail, and use trail markers. Mapping apps are a fabulous tool, but the GPS doesn’t always update in real time, and phones die and jump into water crossings and off cliffs; having a backup map is essential! Join us for a Map and Compass class.
Water treatment
Giardia is no fun; practice filtering or purifying water at home, and be sure to have a dirty container and clean container.
Food storage
Learn bear-safe and rodent safe methods: bear canisters, bear hangs, and campsite rules (some require a specific method).
Leave No Trace
Pack out everything, dig your hole deep enough, and camp on durable surfaces. Learn more about Leave No Trace Principles here.
6. Train Mentally and Physically Before You Go
To prepare:
Take regular hikes on local trails.
Gradually add weight to your backpack.
Practice walking on uneven terrain.
If possible, test a short overnight trip close to home. Pick a spot within cell service and easy to bail out to your vehicle if you feel uncomfortable.
Comfort with your gear and physical readiness will make your first trip far more enjoyable.
7. Stay Safe on the Trail
Safety doesn’t have to be complicated:
Carry a charged phone + power bank, keep it in airplane mode.
Carry a GPS communicator.
Know basic first aid: WFA/WFR are great classes!
Follow wildlife precautions, know which critters you could encounter and procedures for them (ie black vs. grizzly bear territory.)
Pay attention to weather changes.
Trust your instincts: turn back if anything feels off.
Carry an extra days worth of food: high calorie meal bars are compact, don’t need to be cooked and could carry you through if you end up stuck
8. Enjoy the Experience
Remember: your first backpacking trip doesn’t need to be extreme. The point is to unplug, explore, and figure out what you enjoy. Every trip will teach you something new about which gear is best for you, what pace fits your style, and what kind of landscapes inspire you.
Take your time, soak in the views, and celebrate each mile. Your first backpacking trip is the beginning of countless adventures!
Still have questions? Reach out, I am always happy to help people get out on the trails! trailsdiverged@gmail.com
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