The romantic idea of simply wandering off into the woods and getting lost in the wilderness is something many people dream about. However, most people who try this find out the harsh reality that we need more to survive than wanderlust. The typical progression customary for every backpacker is being wildly unprepared for their introductory trip. The next trip, becoming completely over prepared. Most people stop there, the “ready for anything” mentality that leads to heavy packs, injured knees and often, unfortunately, old camping gear left in garages to never be used again.
- Backpack.
It’s called backpacking for a reason. You could have all the gear in the world but you still need something to carry it all. Many entry level backpackers go to the outfitter and choose the biggest, “coolest” one. The pack should be chosen last, after there’s an idea about what’s going inside it. For my uses, even a 30 liter frameless, hip belt-less pack is perfectly fine. However, if a ranger realizes you aren’t on a day trip they might want to check your bag to make sure you’ll be safe.
- Tent
The first thing that comes to mind when most everyone thinks about camping or backpacking are tents. These are often the heaviest, largest items in someone’s pack. But they don’t need to be. Many expert backpackers and thru hikers use tarps with no floors that weigh less than 10 ounces. In most conditions, a non-freestanding tent (a tent that does not use poles) will allow you to save weight and give maximum protection from the elements. Large commercial producers use cheap, heavy materials to cut costs.
- Sleep System
It is easy to dream about sleeping under the stars in the wilderness from a warm, soft bed. In reality, the night is the most dangerous time outside. The cold, weather, even a hard sleeping surface can be the things to make an overnight miserable. There are two components to a sleep system – the sleeping pad and the warmth layer. Closed cell pads are lightweight, convenient and great for summer use. In colder conditions or longer trips, inflatable pads might be worth the weight. The sleeping bag or sleeping quilt is one of the most important parts of a kit. It is often the largest, but it does not mean it has to be the heaviest. A down quilt rated about 10 degrees below the expected temperature is preferred. A 20 degree bag is adequate for most conditions.
- Clothes
Clothes are the easiest to over pack. Really, you don’t need much. A simple baselayer does not have to be anything special or performance wicking. Many thru hikers opt for a thrift store button up made out of anything. In cold conditions, more attention should be paid. But for the vast majority of trips, a simple lightweight fleece and a rain jacket provide enough protection from the conditions. Pants are easy, short shorts work fine for women or men. Sock material should be quick drying and not cause blisters. Nylon and wool work well. The shoes are one of the most important pieces of gear and one of the most overlooked. Studies have shown that one pound on your feet could feel like as much as six pounds on your back. Unless there is too much snow, trail runners are light, quick drying and don’t fatigue the hiker as much as boots.
The next time you think about backpacking through the wilderness, remember these essentials and to always pack ultra-light.
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