Gear List for Beginning Backpackers
A Basic List of Equipment Needed to Overnight on a Hiking Trail
Jun 26, 2009
Backpacking is one of those gear-intensive activities that lends itself to "GAS" ("Gear Acquisition Syndrome"). Any passionate hiker is bound to have a couple of tents, sleeping bags in a range of ratings, a few different stoves, and countless pairs of boots in various stages of disrepair.
Indeed, it's hard not to shop when a hobby has so many different kinds of tools and toys. Just look at what's available. Backpacker magazine's annual gear issue lists literally thousands of models of backpacking equipment every year.
Backpacker's List of Major Gear Essentials
It's not necessary to have the latest and greatest gear to get outside for an overnight. Here's a basic list of the big- ticket essentials. These are the items necessary to transport your gear, sleep out of the weather, and eat.
- Tent, tarp, or bivvy sack. Even hikers who prefer sleeping under the stars or in trailside shelters need to carry some sort of shelter in case of emergency, rain, or in case the lean-to is full. The smaller and lighter, the better.
- Sleeping bag: The standard "one size all" bag is a three season bag, rated down to about 20 or 30 degrees Fahrenheit. This will handle a wide range of temperatures, including the shoulder seasons of early spring and late fall, as well as high mountains. For winter, a warmer bag will be required.
- Sleeping Mat: For sleeping comfort.
- Stove: A liquid fuel gas stove, a propane cartridge stove, or an alcohol stove. For beginners, a cartridge stove is inexpensive, easy to use, and lightweight. Note: The now common propane-butane blend stoves work well in most conditions, including cold and high altitudes, although liquid fuel is more efficient in very severe conditions. Alcohol stoves don't work well at high altitudes .
- Backpacks: Backpacks should be selected after all other gear is bought or assembled for the simple reason that all the gear has to be able to fit. Backpacks come in two styles, internal or external frames; they may have metal fames (external frames) or stays (internal frames). Try both to see which is more comfortable,
- Boots: Contrary to tradition, thick heavy hiking boots are not always required for backpacking. In many cases, especially on gentle trails, hikers have a choice between trekking shoes or boots. If conditions do require boots, buy them – don't try to rent or borrow. Boots need to fit properly to prevent blisters.
- Accessories: For a list of other essential backpacking gear, see Gear and Accessories for Beginning Backpackers.
Budgeting and Buying Tips for Hiking Equipment
A full complement of hiking equipment is expensive, if purchased all at once, but there's no reason to do that. Most beginning backpackers can find some ways to try before they buy, which gives them a chance to see not only how much they like backpacking, but how well they like certain types of gear.
- Buy used equipment. Start at a local hiking club. Check the newsletter, which will frequently have a 'for sale" section, or put in a notice. The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's newsletter frequently has listings of used and not-so-used gear for sale. Craig's List, e-Bay, and local garage sales are also possibilities.
- Borrow: Friends and relatives may have a stash of old gear available for borrowing, especially if they don't use it often. This is a good way to check out various brands and models, although much of what's sitting around in a friend’s garage is likely to be out of date.
- Rent: Some outfitting stores such as R.E.I. in the United States rent major pieces of gear, including tents, sleeping bags, and packs. Backpackers traveling with an organized trip may get the use of gear included in the price they pay, or may be able to rent certain items from their outfitters.
- Check end-of-season sales: The selection might not be enormous, but the prices are right.
With a little bit of creativity and planning, it should be possible to assemble enough equipment for a night in the woods without having to take out a second mortgage. Of course, after a hiker gets hooked, that's when "G.A.S." kicks in.
For more on hiking gear, check Backpacking Gear Resources.
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