A BACKPACKING GEAR LIST FOR NEW HIKERS
From Hyperlite Mountain Gear
Huge skies, dense forests, shades of blue and green you’ve never imagined. Climbing peaks and covering distances you didn’t think you could. The sense of accomplishment one feels navigating trails, sleeping under the stars, braving the elements, and leaving easy, everyday conveniences behind cannot be understated! What’s more, all you need is a thoughtfully loaded backpack to head out and have these amazing experiences!
The best way, over time, to dial in a comfortable, reliable, durable, and weatherproof setup is by going backpacking and seeing what works for you. But you’ll need a few things to get started! The following list covers the essentials with our suggestions for equipment we use and rely on for great times in wild places!
THE BIG THREE: PACK, SHELTER, AND SLEEP SYSTEM
These three items comprise the most weight and the most significant expense when starting to build a backpacking kit. First, consider where you’ll be spending most of your time outside–will it be wet, dry, lush, or rocky? How long will your trips last? What time of year? The answers here tell you how robust your shelter needs to be and what kinds of temperature ratings to look for in a quilt or sleeping bag. Once you have an idea of the size of those items, you gain a better understanding of what kind of volume your pack needs to have.
OUR PICKS:
SHELTER
UltaMid 2 Pyramid Shelter
Ultralight Stake Kit
2 Voile Straps (to create the center pole for an UltaMid shelter with your trekking poles)
SLEEP SYSTEM
40º Top Quilt (choose the appropriate quilt or sleeping bag for the temperature ranges the time of year of your trip)
Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XLite Sleeping Pad
Stuff Sack Pillow
PACK
2400 Southwest (As the number of days out increases or limited options for resupplies demands it, move up in pack volume – five to seven-day – 3400, seven-plus days – 4400)
Shoulder Pocket or Versa (for easy access to phones, maps, cameras, snacks, satellite communicators, etc.)
EAT, DRINK, AND BE HAPPY!
There are a lot of ways to get your calories in and stay hydrated on a backpacking trip. A hot meal at the end of the day can be a big motivator, so add variety to the menu and keep your options open with a lightweight fuel canister stove and kitchen kit. A water filter will ensure that the water you gather along the way will be safe and clean to drink and cook. Meals outside are the best, so treat yourself!
OUR PICKS:
KITCHEN
MSR PocketRocket Stove
VARGO Ti-Lite 750ml
Mini Bic Lighter
REpack Freezer Bag Cooking System
Vargo Titanium Long-Handle Spoon
(Consider adding something like a compact pot scraper for cookware clean up)
HYDRATION
Sawyer Squeeze Filtration System
Platypus Platy 2.0 - 2 L Reservoir
(Add another Platypus Platy or additional Smartwater Bottles if water sources are limited on your route)
EFFICIENCY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME!
Digging is for groundhogs! Sort out your gear so you won’t have to empty your entire pack to find your spoon! Keep all your gear tidy and organized with an assortment of Stuff Sacks and our game-changing Pods. Then, develop a system so the things you don’t need until the end of the day are stored in or near the bottom (sleeping bag, sleep pad, shelter), and items you want access to like clothing and food are closer to the top.
OUR PICKS:
ORGANIZATION
Jumbo 13L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Shelter)
Small Pod and Small 2L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Kitchen/Cookware/Food)
Nano 0.3L Drawstring Stuff Sack (Electronics)
Small 3L Roll-Top Stuff Sack (Sleep System)
Large Pod (Clothing/Ditty)
THE EXTRA CAST MEMBERS
The show won’t go on without them! With the exception of your trekking poles, these are items that can go in a Shoulder or Hip Belt pocket for easy access throughout the day and into the evening.
MISCELLANEOUS
Trekking Poles
Small Pack Towel
Victorinox Swiss Army Classic SD
NiteCore NU25 Headlamp
Phone
Wallet
Hand Sanitizer/Soap
CLOTHING-THIS ONE’S ON YOU!
What you wear every day is up to you! Don’t rely completely on what looks to be a perfect forecast. Weather can change quickly, and many of these items can help mitigate circumstances that could lead to dangers like hypothermia. These are our suggestions for the kinds of clothing that can keep you warm, dry, and comfortable in a variety of situations and environments.
Shirts, shorts or pants, and base layers made with technical, breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics
Rain Jacket/Shell
Fleece Hoodie
Fleece Beanie
Down Hoodie
Hike Socks
Camp Socks
Undies
TOTAL WEIGHT: *Approximately 10 to 12lb
(*Give or take a few ounces based on time of year, pack size, sleep system, and clothing)
(*Before consumables like food, water, and fuel)
HAPPY HIKING!