GET OUT THERE WITH THE RIGHT PLAN
Backpacking gives you a simple goal: carry what you need, walk into the wilderness, and spend the night under the stars.
You do not need years of experience to begin. You need a manageable route, reliable equipment, and a clear plan.
This guide covers the basics of backpacking for beginners, including:
- Choosing the right backpack
- Building your essential gear checklist
- Planning food and water
- Preparing for safety and changing weather
- Making your first trip easier
- Protecting the places you visit
If you serve as a firefighter, law enforcement officer, educator, military member, Forest Service professional, veteran, or government employee, backpacking can also give you valuable time away from a demanding schedule. We have worn similar shoes. You deserve time outdoors.
CHOOSE A BEGINNER-FRIENDLY ROUTE
Start with a one- or two-night trip. Choose a maintained trail with established campsites and reliable water sources.
Avoid making your first trip a major expedition. A shorter route gives you room to learn without turning every small mistake into a serious problem.
Look for:
- Moderate mileage
- Limited elevation gain
- Clear trail markers
- Nearby access points
- Established campsites
- Reliable weather for the season
- Cell service or emergency access when possible
Research the trail before you leave. Check mileage, elevation, permits, closures, water sources, wildlife concerns, and local regulations.
A popular trail is often a smart choice for your first trip. You will have more route information and a better chance of seeing other hikers.
Before heading out, share your itinerary with someone you trust. Include your trailhead, route, campsite, expected return time, and emergency contact information.
PICK THE RIGHT BACKPACK
Your backpack is the foundation of your setup. A pack that fits well will make a heavy load feel manageable. A poorly fitted pack can make a short trail feel much longer.
For most beginners planning a one- to three-night trip, a pack between 45 and 65 liters can provide enough space. Your ideal size depends on your shelter, sleeping system, clothing, food, and packing style.
Focus on fit before brand or features.
Look for:
- A torso length that matches your body
- A supportive, padded hip belt
- Comfortable shoulder straps
- Load-lifter straps near the shoulders
- Accessible pockets for water and snacks
- Durable materials
- Adjustability for different layers
The hip belt should rest on your hip bones. It should carry most of the pack’s weight. Your shoulder straps should feel secure without digging into your neck or restricting movement.
Load the pack before testing it. Add weight similar to what you will carry on the trail. Walk around. Adjust the straps. Pay attention to pressure points.
LeoAdventures members can also explore Mountainsmith pack resources, including Mountainsmith’s Instructions page for setup and fit guidance, plus backpack options from Mountainsmith like the Mayhem EVO 45L Backpack and the Apex series.
BUILD YOUR ESSENTIAL GEAR CHECKLIST
You do not need every new gadget on the market. Start with dependable gear that covers shelter, sleep, navigation, food, water, clothing, and emergencies.
SHELTER AND SLEEP SYSTEM
Pack:
- Backpacking tent, tarp, or approved hammock system
- Tent stakes and guylines
- Groundsheet if recommended for your shelter
- Sleeping bag or quilt rated for expected overnight temperatures
- Sleeping pad
- Small pillow or stuff sack with soft clothing inside
Do not choose a sleeping bag based only on the average temperature. Check the expected low for your trip. Add a margin for changing conditions.
Your sleeping pad matters for more than comfort. It also insulates you from cold ground.
THE TEN ESSENTIALS
The Ten Essentials help you respond to common problems and unexpected delays.
Carry:
- Navigation: Paper map, compass, and offline GPS maps
- Sun protection: Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat
- Insulation: Warm layer, hat, and gloves when conditions require them
- Illumination: Headlamp and spare batteries
- First aid: First-aid kit, blister care, and personal medications
- Fire: Lighter and backup fire starter
- Repair tools: Knife or multitool, duct tape, patches, and zip ties
- Nutrition: Enough food for the trip plus an emergency reserve
- Hydration: Water containers and a treatment method
- Emergency shelter: Tent, bivy, tarp, or another backup option
Your phone can support your planning. It should not be your only navigation or emergency tool. Batteries fail. Signals disappear. Weather changes.
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR
Dress in layers. Avoid cotton when conditions may become cold or wet.
A simple three-season clothing system includes:
- Moisture-wicking base layer
- Quick-drying hiking pants or shorts
- Fleece or insulated jacket
- Lightweight rain jacket
- Hiking boots or trail shoes
- Two or more pairs of hiking socks
- Warm hat and gloves when needed
- Dry sleep clothes
Your footwear should be broken in before your first overnight trip. Wear it on day hikes first. Address hot spots before they become blisters.
A small amount of extra clothing can make a major difference. A warm layer and rain jacket are worth carrying even when the forecast looks good.
PLAN FOOD THAT WORKS ON THE TRAIL
Backpacking food should be simple, filling, and easy to prepare.
You do not need to create elaborate meals. You need enough calories to support long hours of movement and recovery.
Good beginner options include:
- Oatmeal
- Trail mix
- Energy bars
- Nuts and dried fruit
- Tortillas with nut butter
- Instant rice or couscous
- Ramen or pasta sides
- Jerky
- Hard cheese
- Freeze-dried meals
Plan every breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snack. Then add extra food for delays. An additional day of emergency food is a common safety practice, especially in remote areas.
Keep snacks where you can reach them without unpacking your entire bag. Store the rest of your food securely. In bear country, follow local requirements for bear canisters, food lockers, or hanging systems.
Pack out every wrapper, food scrap, and leftover meal.
CARRY AND TREAT YOUR WATER
Water planning depends on your route, weather, elevation, and individual needs.
Check every available water source before your trip. A creek shown on an old map may be dry. A lake may be seasonal. A water source may require a long detour.
Many beginners start with approximately 1.5 to 2 liters for a moderate section of trail. You may need more in hot, exposed, or dry terrain.
Always carry a water treatment method. Options include:
- Squeeze or gravity filter
- Purification tablets
- Purification drops
- UV purifier
- Backup treatment tablets
Filters are convenient for many trips. A backup method adds security if your filter becomes clogged or damaged.
Never assume clear water is safe to drink. Treat water according to the instructions for your system and the conditions in the area.
PREPARE FOR SAFETY
A good backpacking trip starts before you reach the trailhead.
Check:
- Weather forecasts
- Fire restrictions
- Trail and road closures
- Water availability
- Wildlife activity
- Permit requirements
- Seasonal hazards
- Emergency access
Carry a map and compass. Learn basic navigation before your trip. Download maps for offline use if you are bringing a phone or GPS device.
Your first-aid kit should include blister treatment. Blisters are common, and they can quickly change your trip. Add bandages, antiseptic, pain relief, medical tape, and personal medications.
Consider a satellite communicator or personal locator beacon for remote routes. These devices are not a substitute for preparation. They provide an additional option when help is far away.
Watch for signs of heat illness, dehydration, hypothermia, and exhaustion. Slow down before you become overwhelmed. Turn around when conditions exceed your experience or equipment.
There is no failure in ending a trip early. The goal is to return safely and learn for next time.
PRACTICE BEFORE YOUR FIRST OVERNIGHT
Test your equipment close to home. Set up your tent in the backyard or at a nearby campground. Cook the meals you plan to eat. Inflate your sleeping pad. Adjust your backpack while wearing the clothing you expect to use.
Then take a loaded day hike.
This practice helps you find problems while they are still easy to solve. You may discover that:
- Your pack needs adjustment
- Your shoes create a hot spot
- Your stove needs a different fuel setup
- Your sleeping pad is not warm enough
- Your rain jacket does not fit over your layers
- Your food takes longer to prepare than expected
Pack by frequency of use.
Keep water, snacks, navigation tools, sunscreen, and your rain jacket within easy reach. Pack sleeping equipment and spare clothing deeper inside the bag.
After your trip, review your setup. Keep emergency items even if you did not use them. Remove unnecessary items. Replace anything that failed.
FOLLOW LEAVE NO TRACE PRINCIPLES
Backpacking gives you access to places that need your care. Follow the National Park Service’s Leave No Trace guidance.
Remember the seven principles:
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of other visitors
Use established campsites when available. Keep your camp small. Pack out all trash. Store food securely. Follow local fire rules. Do not feed wildlife.
Leave the trail in better condition than you found it.
SAVE ON YOUR BACKPACKING GEAR
Quality gear can make backpacking more comfortable and safer. It can also become expensive quickly.
LeoAdventures helps eligible public servants access significant outdoor gear savings. With a $25 annual membership, you can shop participating brand websites with discounts of up to 40% off retail prices. Discounts vary by brand and product.
Members can also access our camping resources, hiking videos, and how-to library. These resources can help you choose equipment and build practical skills.
We generally offer deals that compare favorably with marketplace sites like GovX, but savings vary by vendor. Check each brand’s current offer before you buy.
Our internal team manually reviews applications using a few specific questions to confirm public service status. We do not claim to use ID.me. This process helps protect your status and limits the sharing of personally identifiable information to what is needed to manage your membership.
One member, Lloyd, a public school teacher, shared: “You guys have great deals and do a nice job of outreach and communication on extra offers, and I really like the sense of community.”
That is what we want for you. Practical savings. Useful resources. A community that understands service.
TAKE YOUR FIRST STEP
Keep your first trip simple.
Choose a short route. Check the forecast. Practice with your gear. Tell someone your plan. Carry the essentials. Respect the land.
Then go.
Apply online for your LeoAdventures membership and explore backpacking gear discounts from participating outdoor brands.
Welcome to our community.
