If you’re looking to plan your first backpacking like one of the thousands of other people who recently got into exploring nature, you’ve made a great choice. There is no better experience than going out in nature with a pack strapped to your back and getting away from civilization. I believe that backpacking resets your brain and puts life into perspective. It reminds you of what is important and forget whatever disaster is playing on the 24 hour news cycle.

1. Plan too difficult of a hike
Start small when planning for your first overnight trip. 3 or less miles is a perfect first trip where you are getting out and away from the crowds and roads but it isn’t overwhelming. By choosing a shorter hike, you are setting yourself up for success and guaranteeing a better experience.

2. Wait to go until you have the right gear
For your first trip, you don’t need as much as you think you need. If it is warmer out such as summer, you don’t need a 0 degree sleeping pad and an R-value pad of 5 (check your temps before you go). Your basic 20 degree bag and a foam mat will work and get you out faster. Don’t wait to go backpacking because you don’t have the high tech gear. With some good budget gear you can get out faster. Basketball shorts and sweatshirts make perfect backpacking gear for your first trip and my brother in laws still use those now (after 5 years of backpacking). Lastly, DIY backpacking meals are a great way (see our blog post here) to get out with the ingredients you already have in your pantry.

3. Carry Too Much
Backpacking is an exercise in less is more. There is a balance between being prepared for a sudden rainstorm and carrying three extra pairs of clothes. In my experience, between tend to pack way to much clothes for a simple overnight trip. Do you really need a change or clothes for a simple overnighter? Leave the extra clothes in the car and change when you get back to the trailhead, giving you clean clothes for a drive home or when you stop to eat but saving you some weight while backpacking. Lastly, less is more when it comes to the camp kitchen. One pot for two people is normally all that is needed for up to 2 people and can stretch to 4 if you eat staggered. This allows you to spread out the cook kit and keep less in your pack and yes a Spork is required for backpacking!

4. Not Enough Water or Not Planning Water Refills
On the first hike I have photos of above, we ran out of water on the second day. Since this was our first time backpacking, we made the crucial mistake of not carrying enough water to see us through two days of hiking. Water is one of the most previous things in the Southwest and requires extra effort and thought to ensure you either have enough to get you through a trip or you have a plan for refills throughout and have validated that water is available. On this trip, we wrongly assumed there would be water since the map showed a small stream near our campsite. Turned out that in the middle of a dry Arizona summer, that creek was just mud and a trickle. We ended up hiking out early the next morning and chugging the gallon of water we had luckily stored in the truck. Don’t forget to have a plan for refilling your water and how much water you will need, especially if doing freeze dried meals.

5. Forget Why you are Going
I sometimes considering backpacking Type 2 fun. For those not familiar with Type 2 fun, Type 2 fun is activities that are strenuous or demanding but fun when you look back on it. Most people go backpacking to reach areas inaccessible with a car or to get away from people. Getting to these spots is not always easy, but the memories you make will be for a lifetime. Don’t forget to stop, look around, and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature around you. Backpacking isn’t always about the destination but the journey getting there.

Bonus: Don’t forget to these tips when taking someone else on their first Backpacking trip as well. I recently took my wife on her first backpacking trip last summer and she didn’t have as much fun as I hoped for. In the hopes of making her comfortable, we carried more than we needed too and went further. 18 miles is a bit much for someone’s first time. Start small!

Summary:
Hopefully these tips help you out whether you are planning your first backpacking trip or your tenth backpacking trip. Let me know in the comments what you think or what mistakes you have learned from and don’t forget to connect with us on Instagram!