Everything I Packed For My First Backpacking Trip.

This post isn’t to tell you what to buy.  This post is not sponsored.  I have zero monetary gain from anything I am posting right now. Everything I post is free will and my personal and honest opinion. This post is to tell you what I purchased as a first time backpacker. 

When I first started researching gear, it was the most exhausting task ever.  I found it worst that I did not know who or what I could trust. I felt 90% or more of social media and internet reviews and informational posts were sponsored, and dishonest because the creator needed to get paid. Whenever I purchase anything, I always rely heavily on customer reviews, but as we all learned in recent years, even those are often not real and are paid.  I was then forced to trust my instincts that at least a few of the reviews are truthful. Social media groups are where I found information to be the most honest and best reliable platform. 

There are many sites including REI that provides a check list on gear for backpacking. As always, take the list and customize to your needs. Here is a link to REI’s backpacking check list . There is a printable PDF version in this link. When you travel in pairs or groups, you can lighten your load with shared items. This blog list presents only items I carried. There are a few items that were shared that I personally did not carry in my pack including the emergency communication device.

All in All, my total pack came out to 30lbs.  The gear I had was the best for the price for a beginner who was not sure where this would lead to.  As I continue this journey, I will someday lighten the load with upgrades. 

What I Thought I Was Packing vs What I Actually Packed

It took me several attempts at packing, removing, repacking, and weighing for a span of maybe 3 hours (ridiculous I KNOW!!) to get my pack down to 30lbs. I had such high hopes that I was not overpacking, and that everything I carefully thought out to bring was necessary and doable. Well, I was wrong. My pack came in at almost 40lbs! So, trial after trial, I had to dig deep to remove some items. Items removed included monopod, watersack, insulated water bottle (this would have hung to the side), rain jacket, extra legging (for sleeping, instead I opted for long johns that were extra lightweight. My leggings are thicker, therefore heavier), extra shirt, turkish towel, extra meal and snacks including trail mix which was quite heavy!

I did not miss any of these items. We had ample food and snacks since we shared too!

Now onto the details of the gear I packed! Keep in mind, items such as emergency device was carried by brother, and not in my sack, therefore excluded from this list. Prices are priced at original purchase.

1. Backpack. Gregory 65L Amber $187.26

You will need a backpack to carry all of your goods. What I found worked the most was going to a sporting goods store and testing out the backpacks in order to determine size and comfort.  Each of our bodies is built differently, and what may work for your friend may not actually work for you. I ended up choosing a Gregory Amber 65L.  65L felt a good size for a multi-day trip especially if I plan more in the future. The Gregory Amber was specifically listed for a female. 

Features that I needed. 

• adjustable back
• rain proof/water resistant
• belt pockets
• Internal sleeve for hydration pack
• loops for extra items including trekking poles, and shoes 

It is also important to take into consideraton the weight of the backpack as that weight is added to your entire pack. The Gregory Amber was 3.45lbs which I now realize I should have opted for less. 

Features I wished my pack now have

• detachable day pack

2. Backpacking Tent: REI Co-Op

My brother did most of the research for me here. So thankful!  I had purchased a different tent, but this one was on sale for a better price. Naturally, it was also a better tent overall, so he also purchased this one for our trip.  I wanted a 2 person tent because I had the intention of my husband also going backpacking in the future when our schedules align.  This tent was perfect in so many ways.  It came with a fly and a footprint which made it so much easier and affordable. I had to carry the poles outside of my pack since they were a bit longer, but that was no issue.

3. Sleeping Bag: Big Agnes Elsie 15 Degree Mummy $96.97

For sleeping bag, there were a few things I learned during research that I had to take into consideration.  Those things include warmth factor for season, down or synthetic fill, weight of the bag, and mummy vs non-nummy. Down fill of course will cost more than synthetic fill. I ended up choosing a Big Agnes Women’s Elsie 15 degrees which is great for 3 season.  The sleeping bag is synthetic fill which made it affordable and weighed at 3lbs. 

Like backpacks, men and women’s bodies are different.  One may need more heat than the other.  Of course that does not mean you are limited! 

I am not a fan of mummy bags.  I knew that from the beginning.  I do not like blankets that are heavy or tight on me so this was a bit of a struggle and huge adjustment. At night, I ended up not did not zipping the bag all the way around in order to not feel like I was mummified, and yet I still stayed quite warm. 

Features I wished my sleeping bag had: Ability to use it flat even as a mummy bag. 

4. Sleeping Pad: Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad $74.97

Nearly everything you buy for backpacking is about comfort and weight. Your sleeping pad is no different. You want something comfortable, lightweight, and packable. There are several options to choose from including foam padding to air mattress.  I opted for an insulated air mattress pad due to it being smaller in size and more comfortable. 

Being a little on the larger body size, I do feel like the wider selection of air mattress would have been more comfortable. 

5. Pillow: Nemo Fillo Pillow $44.95

I had contemplated on bringing a small polyester fiber filled pillow, one my kids used when there were toddlers, but it was not the most packable and when compressed, it would not bounce back. 

The Nemo Fillo is insulated with a top foam and came with a built-in packable bag.  It was surprisingly comfortable even though I normally use two pillows at home.  This pillow actually had me sleeping well. 

6. Kitchen Stove/Cook Set: Soto Amicus Stove Cookset Combo $44.95

While packing non-cook required food is ideal, food taste best in the wilderness when warm or freshly cooked. It also opens up the many recipe possibilities. 

The Soto Amicus Cookset was a great option.  It came with two-size bowls aka pots.  1 500ml and 1 1000ml.  The stove burner was included and was an easy self-igniter. The kit was quite easy to use and fast at boiling. The fuel canister is sold separately.

7. Eating Utensils: Titanium long handle spork and spoon set $13.99

These inexpensive titanium silverware I purchased from Amazon did great! I am not a fan of spork. I just do not feel like they work for the fork part, but for backpacking, you have to manage.  

Whether you are cooking in your stove cook set, or eating from a freeze dry meal pouch, the long handle spork and spoon are great at keeping your hands at a distance from the heat. 

8. Collapsible water filter/container: Katadyn BeFree 1.0L $48.28

No matter how long the hike, hydration is one of the most important factors.  It’s always imperative that you carry more than you think you will need. For this multi-day backpacking trip, our base camp had running water, so we just needed to filter it. This Katadyn BeFree was a great idea.  The bag is not the most sturdy, but with careful hands, it was ideal. There are thicker, more reliable refill bags you can buy with the filters sold separately for longer use.

9. Headlamp

It is always a good idea when starting out, to use some stuff that you already have on hand.  I applied this rule everywhere I could.  Instead of purchasing a lightweight and smaller headlamp, I just used a battery LED headlamp I already had. It was a bit bulkier, but still great. I mostly used it for night time reading only. Camping on the coast, it never truly got pitch dark.

10. Water reservoir/bottle: Smart Water Bottle

I really wanted to bring my 32oz double insulated water bottle but imagine that weight!  So we all opted for some SmartWater water bottles. SmartWater water bottles are a favorite among many backpackers for their lightweight and shape. It easily fits a side pocket of a backpack yet has a great reservoir capacity.

11. Camp Sandals: Teva Tierra Sandals $84.95

I did not purchase these sandals for backpacking specifically, but they are great camp and water shoes. They are sturdy, and made with great grip. Not necessarily a downfall, but I been using them so much this Summer, I now have a strappy tan on my feet!

12. Bandana $14.98

A bandana has so many uses on the trail, so it is a must have. You can use it as a headband, a neck gaiter to wipe sweat and hands, and more. I ordered an adjustable cooling moisture wicking bandana with UPF 50 off Amazon and it was the perfect fit. 

13. Fanny Pack. Calia (running pack)

Although my backpack had waist band pockets, they were a bit tight for my iPhone 14 pro. Therefore, I chose to additionally wear a small Fanny pack. I already have a couple fanny packs in storage from running packs to everyday packs. The Calia pack I had purchased for running was suitable since it was not bulky, was of synthetic material for easy cleaning, and thinner overall. It does not fit a whole lot of big items since it’s relatively flat and more suitable for running, but my only intention was to use it for my phone. 

14. Battery Bank

I wanted a battery bank for charging my phone when it ran out of batteries. My phone battery does pretty well especially on plane mode, but I needed the security. When traveling in no cell service areas, putting your phone on airplane modes helps extend the battery life. When not on airplane mode, your phone will constantly be searching for service using battery.  For this trip, I knew I would be taking photos and videos, but not sure how much. I had wanted to take a larger battery bank but it weighed as much as a brick! So I opted for an old battery bank I had in the drawer. I was careful to only sparingly use my phone.  With that, I didn’t need any charging until the evening before we hiked out. The small battery bank was only able to charge my phone to about 60-70%, which was plenty. 

15. Reading Book.

Every backpacking trip deserve a luxury item. A fictional novel was my luxury item. At home, I don’t make much time for reading. So backpacking was a great opportunity to sit and read. I did most of my reading before calling it a night. I was half way through this book that I started months ago, and managed to finish it during the trip!

16. Playing Cards. $1

I love bringing playing cards. The pack is small and you can play so many different types of games to keep busy on slow hours. This kept us company when we were just relaxing at camp. 

17. Phone charger cord.

A no brainer! I always bring the shortest cord. 2 feet cord. 

18. Trekking Poles:  REI Co-Op trail break Print Trekking Poles $39.93

Note: the image is not of this trekking pole. We don’t always use trekking poles since we tend to hike friendlier trails, but this set was recently purchased, and used for the first time on this hike since the trail did not necessarily need trekking poles. It was just great to experience and practice using trekking poles for future hikes. Trekking poles are great for stability when climbing and walking through streams, but also great to even the load on your back. While hiking, I also used them to clear pathways of debris, branches, and weeds. 

19. Multi-tool: $11.98

A multi-tool is a necessity to have on any hiking trip. For emergency and regular use, a multi-tool can come in handy. I found this tool for a mere $12. It’s a bit on the heavy side, so in the future, I would like to replace it with something lightweight. 

20. Small quick dry towel

A couple of these are all you need. Use them to dry dishes, wash and dry your face, etc. opt for microfiber since they are quick drying, lightweight, and tend to not produce an odor. 

21. Down Jacket. $117 Columbia Packable Down Puff Jacket

This was actually my very first down-fill jacket I’ve ever owned. I wanted something suitable for cold winter months even if I was not backpacking. For the price, this jacket was warm at 800 down fill power, packable, and lightweight. 

Required features I wanted and got:

• packable into a pocket
• Lightweight
• Down
• Water resistant 
• Hooded

22. Hat

Can’t forget a hat! I would have packed a standard brim hat, but my husband convinced me to pack his fishing hat. His fishing hat had a long string to ensure it did not fly away in the wind, and a neck flap to protect from the sun. Not the cutest, but definitely the better option for protection.

23. First Aid Kit

Note: image is not of my actual kit. I didn’t have a special container or bag for my DIY first aid kit so I just used a quart-size freezer ziplock bag and ensure all the air was out. I prefer to DIY my first aid kit instead of purchasing a stock kit because I already had all the items due to day hikes.

• The kit includes bandaids of varying sizes, bacitracin, iodine, alcohol wipes, a few Tylenol and Zyrtec pills in a tiny eye cream container, gauze, ace bandages, moleskin, nail clipper, tweezer, disposable gloves, Tums, and Salonpas. 

24. Emergency Items

As with any hiking trip, emergency items should accompany the trip. Items like duct tape, and a bivy sack. A set of Bivy sack is is 14.99 on Amazon. We did not have to use any of the items, but they are still essential to pack.

25. Soap/toiletries

Can’t forget hygiene items! I packed a regular-size manual toothbrush, travel-size (previously used so it was half a tube of travel size) toothpaste, baby wipes, SPF lip balm, insect repellent, sunscreen, mini hand sanitizer, travel-size (half) shampoo, and dish soap. All of these liquids were placed in these lightweight travel containers. We also brought a roll of TP just in case along with ziplock bags and small trash bags just to be extra prepared. 

26. Backpacking Chair. $34.99

Our campsite actually had a picnic table bench, so we could have done without chairs. However, to be able to comfortably lean back or sit on the beach with a chair was worth bringing the chair. This chair was collapsible and quite sturdy. I would not lean or fall asleep in any of these backpacking chairs as you will for sure eat dirt. lol

27. (Not pictured) Food and Snacks

Can’t forget food and snacks! We packed some freeze dry purchased meals as well as brought packable lightweight items to try. One of our favorite meal was mash potatoes and gravy and beef jerky sides.

28. (Not pictured) Clothing.

I won’t go into details on the brand and specific selection of clothing I selected for my first backpacking trip. All clothing items, I already had on hand with the exception of my down jacket I mentioned earlier. 

• 1 fleece jacket

I mostly used this jacket as it was not cold enough for my down jacket except late in the evening or early mornings. 

• 2 shirt/tanks

I brought 1 tank top, and 1 shirt. Both were synthetic. I wore the shirt as my sleeping tank both nights and hiked out with the shirt. I swap out my dirty tank the second day. 

• 1 running short

I knew it would be too cold to swim or really get in any water, but I brought along a pair of lightweight, fast drying running shorts. I ended up wearing this over my long underwear (long johns) pants to sleep since they were white.

• 1 long underwear.

Originally I had opted to wear a fleece legging, but glad I made the change as the long underwear was much lighter and more comfortable. 

• 2 underwear.

I didn’t purchase any special underwear. I really thought about it though! I opted for thin synthetic panties I already owned. Synthetic or merino wool underwear are best for long hikes. They are moisture wicking, and durable. It’s important to know when selecting underwear, Merino wool are less likely to hold odors compared to synthetics. 

• 1 sports bra

1 thick strap synthetic material sport bra to swap and dry. 

• 1 legging

I don’t own any hiking pants. Being larger, I have not yet found any hiking utility pants that is both comfortable and well fitted. Most pants are too long, too baggy in certain areas, or uncomfortable in the stomach area. I’ve always been quite comfortable hiking in leggings and continued to do so. I hiked and packed my 90 degrees 3/4 leggings. The only thing in noticed is they are thicker and heavier than hiking pants. 

• 1 beanie.

A beanie was great for the late evenings. I just packed whatever I had on hand. 

And that is all! That is everything I packed for my very first backpacking trip! If you missed my post about how my first trip went and all the feelings, you can find it here! I can not wait to take on more backpacking trips in the future and bring the kids along!

Until then, remember to always pack out what you pack in and leave no trace. Be safe and Happy Hiking!