Overnight Backpacking: Top 5 Tips for Your First Trip

So you’ve decided to go on your first overnight backpacking trip. Maybe some friends have invited you to join them. Or perhaps there’s a longer trail that’s caught your eye. Possibly you have hopes of one day through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. Now what? Where do you start? Read on for my top 5 tips for a successful overnight hike.

1. Keep it Simple

Start with a shorter hike if you can. Think about how long your average hikes are now. Are you carrying a backpack filled with food and water and other gear? Try looking for a moderate hike with the goal of covering 6-8 miles or less round trip. Think about the time of day you plan to start, and give yourself plenty of time. The last thing you want to do is set up your tent in the dark your first trip out (It’s totally doable and even kind of fun, but save yourself the stress your first time if you can!). I like to give myself plenty of time to get there, find a spot, and settle in for the evening. You could plan to arrive at the trail head around lunchtime, have your lunch, and then start your hike.

Additionally, consider things like the elevation gain/loss on your chosen trail. What is the average weather like that time of year? Will there be plenty of shade or will you be exposed most of the time? Is there a water source? And how crowded is the trail typically? Doing your research ahead of time can help you decide what to bring. I like to use the AllTrails app to preview trails I’m unfamiliar with – it includes elevations changes, current weather conditions, and reviews from other users. The paid version also allows you to download maps to your phone as well. Another option would be to go with friends who have done overnight hikes before. Tap into their knowledge, recommendations, and experience. Which leads me to….

2. Gather Your Gear

Once you know where you’re going and the general weather, it’s time to gather your gear. Overnight hiking is a fine balance between bringing the essentials and still having some comfort – at least in my opinion. I definitely bring some items that are non-essentials. The trick is to not bring too many. Ultimately, you want to make sure you have the following:

• The Big Three:
  • Tent
  • Sleep System (Bag/Hammock, sleeping pad & pillow if desired)
  • Backpack (60-65L bag should be plenty sufficient for overnight)
• Cooking system
• Clothing
• First Aid Kit (Always bring a basic first aid kit – you never know when you’ll need it)
• Water & Water Filtering system
• Headlamp
• Pocket knife
• Navigation system (maps, compass, or another alternative)

Of course, this is a very basic list. For example, your cook system might include items like your stove, fuel, a pot, a cozy, and your food itself. Or it could just be a package of tuna. Personally, I like a hot meal at the end of the day. (Check out this post for some backpacking meal ideas!) The same thing applies to clothing – your needs will depend on the weather and the length of your trip. Always bringing some kind of rain gear and a spare pair of socks! And this doesn’t include any of those non-essentials. If you would like a more comprehensive list, don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter! You will receive a free pdf printable checklist to use as you pack for your first overnight hike.

One last word about gear: take the time to get your backpack fitted. It can make all the difference in the world! If you happen to live close to an REI, try going there. The employees are very knowledgeable, and will gladly help you fit your backpack. They can even show you how to pack it for the most comfort. Plus, they usually have a lot of outdoor experience and will share some great tips!

Bonus idea: Do you have friends who like to backpack? See if you can borrow some equipment from them before you commit to buying.

3. Practice for Your Overnight Hike

You’ve got your trail in mind; you’ve got your basic gear – now what? Take some time to practice. Walk around with your pack and see how it feels. If it already feels uncomfortable, it’s not going to improve 5 miles down the trail. Now is the time to make adjustments and learn how to pack your gear. As my husband and I prepared for our first backpacking trip, we hiked several miles with our packs loaded. And I’m so glad we did; we quickly learned what worked and what to adjust. In fact, one vital lesson learned was that my husband’s backpack was too small. We also learned which items to arrange for easy access (snacks!). Every bit of experience you gain now will help!

It’s also a good idea is to practice setting up your tent. It’s so much easier to work out the kinks at home with no pressure. No yard? Backpacking tents are small enough, you might be able to set it up in your living room. This is also an opportunity to figure out repacking your tent. After all, it needs to make it back into your bag at some point! All of these little things will go a long way in making your first overnight backpacking trip a success and in boosting your own confidence.

4. Pack What You Need

Keep in mind: you’re packing for an overnight hike – resist the urge to pack for every possibility. I get it – it’s your first overnight hike and you want to be prepared. So how to avoid overpacking? First, consider what you really need. This is a good time to review your checklist. Are you packing any duplicates? What about too much of something? For example, instead of bringing an entire roll of toilet paper, pack a small amount in a baggy. Do you have a multi-tool AND a pocket knife? You may decide you need both, and that’s ok. But at least consider if you really NEED it.

Second, remind yourself that you are camping. Do you need that extra change of clothes? Spoiler alert: you don’t. Do you need to bring all your electronics? After all, you’re heading into the woods. Don’t forget to look at your cooking gear. A small fuel canister should be more than enough. And unless you’re looking to be a gourmet chef in the backcountry, one pot is plenty.

Third, look at your food and water. Remember, it’s an overnight backpacking trip. Try not to bring too much food. You want a good variety of snacks and your meals. Take time to consider the kinds of food you are bringing, too. For example, canned meat is a lot heavier than pouches or dried. Dehydrated foods are much lighter than fresh. Water is also heavy, coming in at 2.2lb/liter. Many hikers and resources recommend planning on 1 liter for every 2 hours of hiking. That doesn’t mean you have to carry it all, though! A lightweight water filter system means you can bring some water, and filter more as needed. Of course, these are just suggestions. And I hope they help!

Need some meal ideas for your trip? Check out this post: 10 Simple Backpacking Meal Ideas that are Trail Friendly

5. Learn to Leave No Trace

This is your first overnight backpacking trip, which means extensive time outdoors in nature. So, what is Leave No Trace? It’s the idea of protecting the areas we visit while hiking, camping, and backpacking so that we can all continue to enjoy them. And we also leave it in good shape for the wildlife living there. It’s made up of seven basic principles:

• 1. Plan ahead and prepare.
• 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Use existing trails and campsites when possible.
• 3. Dispose of waste properly. Pack out all of your trash and leftover food.
• 4. Leave what you find.
• 5. Minimize campfire impacts.
• 6. Respect wildlife.
• 7. Be considerate of other visitors.

If you’re interested in more information, be sure to check out the Leave No Trace website. None of these principles are super complicated, but they can make the outdoors more enjoyable for everyone.

Bonus Tip: Have Fun!

Your first overnight backpacking trip should be fun! That’s at least part of why you are doing this, right? And hopefully, it will be the first of many trips. Don’t get so wrapped up in details and possible problems that you forget to enjoy the process. Most likely, you will make some beginner mistakes – I know we did, in spite of doing all kinds of research! That’s ok. These tips should help you get started. And keep in mind – these are top tips for your FIRST trip. At the end of the day, it’s your trip. Make it fun for you. And if that means cooking a gourmet meal, or bringing your e-reader, then by all means, go ahead. Just be sure to make an informed choice.

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Is there anything I missed? Anything you wish you had known? Let me know in the comments.

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Need some first time backpacking trip ideas? Check out this post.