Getting into backpacking? Awesome! But let’s be real—starting your backpacking journey can feel a bit overwhelming.
Between route planning, hiking big miles, backcountry cooking, and yes, all the gear, there’s a lot to take in! When I first started building my backpacking setup, I had so many questions about backpacking gear for beginners.
Since then, I’ve backpacked over 100 miles, doing section hikes on the Appalachian Trail, Colorado Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and solo thru-hiked the 38-mile Trans-Catalina Trail.
I’ve tested dozens of pieces of gear over that time, some of them amazing, and others….not so great. While I’m always refining and testing my kit, I’ve dialed in a pretty great setup – and I’m sharing my favorites with you!
This guide covers my favorite essential gear to get you started in your backpacking journey.
Don’t forget to download my free backpacking gear essentials guide below, which includes a handy one-page backpacking checklist!
