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Beginners Guide To Backpacking


Do you remember your first backpacking or camping trip? Do you remember all the things that you packed that you wished you would have not put in your pack or car? It was the first over night backpacking trip up to Hurricane Ridge located on the Olympic Peninsula. Our destination, 1.07 miles to PJ Lake. The trail that I was hiking had over a 700ft elevation change from the trailhead to the lake. 

As my friend and I began to make our way down to the camp site things seemed to be going pretty good. Personally, I was feeling pretty good. I had my pack and I was ready. However, this was the first time in a long time that I had done a backpacking trip. So, of course I brought everything but the kitchen sink. 

Item list:

  • 30L Backpack
  • 3L of Water
  • Clothes (pants, shorts, shirts, socks)
  • Three man tent
  • 3 meals (MRE style)
  • Snacks (trail mix and cliff bars)
  • Jacket
  • Air mattress
  • Sleeping bag
  • flashlight and headlamp
  • Cooking items (plate, spoon, fork, knife)

None of the items in my pack was light weight. I am sure you see where this is going. I had more than I should have had for an overnight trip. The bulk of the weight was the water and the tent. This really didn't leave much room for anything else. Of course whatever you bring in, is what must come out.

The next day, my friend and I enjoyed being by the lake and just taking in the scenery. But in the back of my mind I knew that I was going to have to make the trek back up the over 700ft elevation change to where the car was parked at the trailhead. As we started the climb, I was feeling good. I had fueled up and started toward the car. Then it hit me. Every part of my body started screaming at me due to the weight of the pack. All I wanted to do was get down off the mountain and in my bed. Honestly, I didn't think I was going to make it. Well, I did. I am here to tell the story and share with you my first experience as a backpacker. You might be asking yourself, "what would you say to a beginner backpacker?" Here is my answer, pack light and only what you need. 

Here is a list of things that one might need for an overnight trip:

  • Backpack
  • Water
  • Sleeping bag
  • Hammock OR a single person tent
  • Air mattress
  • Jet-boil for boiling water and a spoon
  • 1 pair of pants/shorts
  • 1 shirt
  • 2 pairs of socks
  • Jacket OR sweatshirt for the cool morning and evening
  • flashlight or headlamp
  • 3 MRE style meals (use the pouches for eating out of)
There is my list. Is there anything that you would switch out or maybe even add to the list? Leave a comment. 



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