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Backpacking for Beginners

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Backpacking for Beginners

Haven't you read about all of beautiful scenery and great times people have when they go backpacking? Are you ready to take on the challenge of backpacking but you don't know where to start? Do you have a backpacking trip planned but you don't want to go out there the first time and look like you are just beginning backpacking? Well, read on and find out the basics of what what you need to know in this quick Backpacking for Beginners overview.

Backpacking Equipment

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Skills You Need to Know

Physical Conditioning for Backpacking
Backpacking Safety
Wilderness Travel Techniques
Backpacking Equipment Selection
Outdoor Navigation Skills
Outdoor Survival Skills

The Ten Essentials

Never leave home without them

The Mountaineers, a Seattle based outdoor group, in the 1930's came up with an outdoor equipment list called The Ten Essentials. The Mountaineers suggested no one who was going to spend time in the outdoors should be without this equipment. It was a great idea and soon it caught on with almost all outdoor types.

You should never leave home without The Ten Essentials whether you are going on a quick 1-2 hour hike or a muliti-week outdoor adventure. The following equipment is generally accepted as "the list" but items can and should be added to your kit based on local conditions and for specific outdoor activities.

1. Map
2. Compass
3. Sun Protection
4.Extra Food and Water
5. Extra Clothing
6. Flashlight
7. First Aid Kit
8. Matches
9. Firestarter
10. Knife

Backpacking Equipment Checklist

This backpacking equipment checklist is some of the suggested items you should take on your backpacking trip. You can include or discard some of these items and more based on your personal preferences and local conditions.

1. Watch
2. Wilderness Permit
3. Guidebooks
4. Maps
5. Compass or GPS unit
6. First-Aid book
10. Nature books
11. Camera
12. Trekking Poles
13. Sleeping Bag
14. Foam pad or air mattress
15. Tent or Tarp
16. Rain Gear
17. Windbreaker
18. Vest or Parka
19. Hiking Shoes or Boots
20. Camp Shoes
21. Wool Socks
22. Shorts
23. Pants
24. T-shirt
25. Long-sleeved shirt
26. Underwear and Thermals
27. Small Towel
28. Hat
29. Sun Glasses
30. Gloves
31. Toilet Paper
32. Trowel
33. Hygiene Items
34. Prescription Medication
35. First Aid Kit
36. Insect Repellent
37. Chap Stick
38. Sunblock
39. Pocket Knife
40. Flashlight w/ extra bulb
41. Extra Batteries
42. Lighter or matches
43. Backpacking Stove and Fuel
44. Cooking and Eating Utensils
45. Small Cup
46. Water Bottles or Camelback
47. Water Filter or Purifying Chemicals
48. Food
49. Several Trash Bags
50. Spices
51. 50' Thin rope
52. Duct Tape for gear repair

Comments and Feedback

  • elad Aug 6, 2009 @ 3:03 pm | delete
    Some great info when planning a backpacking trip

    .well done good lens!!
  • Ylliks Apr 15, 2009 @ 4:40 am | delete
    Very informative lens. I'm more of a light traveler who likes to sleep in more modern or non-wilderness establishments, but if you're going into the wild this would be a great start for information.
  • Ramkitten Apr 12, 2009 @ 4:49 am | delete
    Another excellent lens. I carry a 24-hour pack on all Search & Rescue missions and modified version for recreational hikes, whether I'm going out for just a few hours or an all-day trek. Great advice here.
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