Backpacking 101

[nickalletto]

I'm new to backpacking and I'm looking for thoughts, opinions, and pointers on equipment. I do have some things already such as an outer frame backpack and 20° backpacking sleeping bag. Keeping A budget in mind, what "backpacking necessities" should I consider picking up? My first trip will be to the high uintas this Fourth of July weekend.


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[Vegan.Hiker]

Hi there. Welcome. A list of the basic necessities would be something along the lines of this list...

Necessities...
Pack
Tent
Sleeping pad
Sleeping bag
Stove
Water filter
First aid kit
Headlamp
Bear bag or canister
Good footwear

Non-essentials but often used...
Quick drying t-shirt, underwear, pants
Hydration bladder (so you can drink through a tube without taking your pack off)
Trekking poles
A good GPS app
An external phone charger
A camera so your friends and coworkers don't think you're telling tall tales

There are a few small items too like a trowel or something to dig a cat hole with, pocket knife, etc. but that's pretty much it.

The people on here including myself can talk ad nauseum about each of the above items so you came to the right place.

 

[Opi]

Welcome!
Few other items - maybe all not necessary
Bug net
Bic lighter and back up lighter
sunscreen
Good hat
sunglasses
Rope
compass
map
Pack liner(like trash compactor bag) and or pack cover
Rain gear
Bug spray
Cook pot and or cup
spoon
Fleece
puffy jacket
gloves

 

[nickalletto]

Talk to me about rain gear. I have an old(er) outer frame back pack. Any ideas for pack cover? Someone told me to always be prepared for rain in the Uintas...


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[WasatchWill]

A lot of people just get a trash compactor bag (unscented) or other heavy duty garbage bag to wrap up there sleeping bag, sleeping clothes, and down jacket or other insulative layers for camp into. That's pretty much what I do to. Much easier than messing with a pack poncho that only covers the outer half of the pack. I use ziplock bags for protecting sensitive electronic equipment if such becomes a need.

 

[Upgrayedd]

I usually just use a trash compactor bag inside my pack.

 

[WasatchWill]

Another thought...will you be going with a group? If so, will everyone in the group be first-timers or will there be some with experience and a full outfit of gear? If so, you may want to see about just sharing the same stove, water filter, and such, if available.

You can find some decent backpacking gear on Amazon for small budgets. Here are some example items...

Stove
Tent
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping Bag
Water Filter

All that adds up to the cost of about 2 nights in a local Motel 6...so, not bad! Your name looks familiar, so if you are who I think you are, and you're still in the Provo area, I'd recommend Out'n'Back in Orem and Recreation Outlet in American Fork as placed you could stop by. Both offer a selection of gear from high end to economical and budget friendly.

 

[JoshuaDyal]

Actual necessities? Shelter (usually a tent), sleeping bag and pad, backpack, sufficient clothes for the weather, food, good hiking footwear of some kind, to taste, and some method of water purification, at least in the Uintas.

Beyond that, you might want to check out this series of videos. It's quite well done, and fairly complete. http://www.cleverhiker.com/lightweight-gear-basics/

 

[IntrepidXJ]

Here's an old thread with a few lists: http://backcountrypost.com/threads/backpacking-checklist.31/

I used Nick's list as a starting point when I first got into backpacking and refined it to meet my needs.

 

[John Goering]

Don't forget there are a lot of sources for used gear that usually have a good selection of quality stuff among the other junk. A little research will pay big dividends. You don't really need the latest and greatest to enjoy backpacking. And don't forget the REI garage sales-if you don't mind standing in line.

 

[nickalletto]

This is all good stuff thanks for the suggestions! I'm pumped for the Fourth of July weekend and backpacking/fishing at Timothy Lakes!


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[gnwatts]

A good book.
Vintage wine.
Ibuprofen.