As a first-time backpacker, you must have many questions. What gear should I keep? What should I pack? Should I carry food? All these considerations can even become overwhelming. Since a backpacking trip is an empowering experience that can have a beneficial effect on people of all ages, skills, and backgrounds, you shouldn’t let the planning blues affect your decision to get out there. You'll find the answers to all your questions here.

We have listed down the top backpacking trip for beginners so you can feel more optimistic and less stressed as you prepare for your trip. Use this beginner backpacking guide to plan your backpacking trip from beginning to end, ensuring that you don't forget anything.

1. Distribute the Load

Share the water filter and tent’s weight with a friend. This will make it easier for you to carry the heavy trekking equipment on uneven terrains.

2. Phone Savvy

Instead of taking a book, use an e-reader app on your tablet. Switch off positioning services and leave your phone in airplane mode to save battery. Get a cheaper, lighter compact charger as an alternative.

3. Carry Sunscreen

Wear sunscreen and sunglasses to shield yourself from the light. Hiking all day exposed you to dangerous UV rays, so make sure your eyes and skin are covered.

4. Food to Carry

Even if you’re tired and want to sleep, make sure you eat dinner. Your body will thank you in the morning, we promise!

Fresh bananas, cereal, granola are healthy options. Tuna or peanut butter packets make a perfect lunch choice and are high in protein to help with body ache. Freeze-dried dinners, rice, mashed potatoes, and ramen are only a few of the fast dinner choices you can opt for.

5. Inform A Friend Before Leaving

Before you begin your backpacking adventure, you must notify a friend or relative of your plans. If you don’t return on the scheduled date, this information will aid in the appropriate rescue efforts.

6. Necessary Tools

Since you'll be far from home and won't be able to call a handyman to repair your broken items, bring a few tools with you. These tools will help you in dealing with any equipment problems that might arise.

7. Reboot Your Survival Skills

Practice pitching tents, lighting the fire, reading maps, and being acquainted with other navigation equipment to brace yourself mentally. On the walk, you can also practice practical first aid skills and how to cope with emergencies.

8. Don’t Cook In Your Tent!

When it's cold outside, it's relaxing to cook inside your tent. Cooking inside, though, is not a good idea. It's quick for your tent to catch fire, and the carbon monoxide fumes can kill you. Cook outside because even if it's cold, quiet, and lonely, it’s still safe.

Are you thinking of going on a fun hiking trip this weekend? Don’t forget to get a quality ultralight backpack from Light Hiking Gear to carry all your stuff easily! Our exclusive ultralight backpacks are durable and compact, and easy to clean after a long hiking trip, so you don’t have to worry about storing a stinky backpack! Contact us today for more information!