Even if you don’t obsess over gear, backpacking is heavily reliant on the equipment we use. Whether you are an ultralight enthusiast with a seven-pound base weight, or a more traditional backpacker who carries 20 pounds, there are key things you need to ensure safety on the trail.
As you sharpen your skills in the backcountry, you will better understand what you do and don’t “need” when backpacking. No matter how experienced a hiker you might be, it’s easy to forget items on a trip when you haven’t been out for a while. Gear issues on trail fade once you return to the comforts of home.
Next time you’re out, take notes during your hike for your next adventure while these things are still fresh in your mind.
Need some place to start? Here are some gear list recommendations for overnight backpacking gear, lightweight gear, mid-range gear, and gear made in the US
Problems Remembering Everything You Need
Every backpacker has their own methods for trip preparation and for staying organized on the trail. Some people layout their gear and food so they can identify missing pieces. Others use spreadsheets or gear lists provided by websites or gear shops.
While lists and visualizations are helpful packing tools, they can’t compete with your ability to identify gear issues on the trail. A good way to get ahead of the packing curve and alleviate some worries is to assess your backpacking kit on the trail. For example, if your stove is starting to rust and break down, take note of it. By being proactive now, you will ensure that things don’t break down when you really need them. After all, having an important piece of equipment fail at a critical time in the backcountry is never a fun experience.
Backpacking as a Kinetic Activity
Backpacking is an extremely kinetic activity. Especially if you enjoy hiking long distances, you probably find yourself having a difficult time stopping throughout the day. This near-constant activity applies to the trail as well as the campsite.
Even during lunch breaks, hikers tend to spend their time mentally “in motion” as they reorganize gear and food. Not only is lunch a great time to eat and hydrate, it is also an opportunity to transition your layers or move snacks to more convenient locations in your back. Hikers also spend breaks studying their map or GPS or checking in with people at home
Amid all the kinetic activity of a hike is a great opportunity to assess gear choices and equipment performance. Importantly, a “missing link” in a smooth chain of connectivity throughout your hiking day likely signifies a needed change in your kit. For example, if your water filter is getting clogged, it’s going to slow you down all day long. In turn, this represents a necessary gear change.
By paying attention to what is slowing you down now, you can make your next hike smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
The Value of Prep Hikes
One of the best ways to get ready for a hike is to go hiking. No matter what type of backpacking trip you are planning, your prep hike should be significantly shorter and require less commitment than your final objective. Not only do prep hikes give you opportunities to test your kit, but they are also great for physical conditioning.
Especially if you are preparing for a large objective like a thru-hike, short weekend outings can be extremely beneficial. Over a few days, you might find that a certain piece of gear is not going to cut it for the duration of your thru-hike. For example, you might have a sleeping pad that is bearable for 1-2 nights on the trail, but after a week of bad sleep, you realize to need to change it out.
Even if your primary objective is a shorter weekend outing and not an extended thru-hike, preparing on the trail is a great move. In this instance, head out for the full day and use all of your gear as if you are backpacking. This process includes filtering water, cooking food, and setting up your shelter and sleep system. Being on the trail for the whole day will also give you the opportunity to work on your layering.
Post-Hike Planning
Take some time right after you have finished a trip to assess your gear and think about your next outing. This practice can be particularly effective once you have arrived at home and you are unpacking.
Not only will gear issues still be fresh in your mind right after a trip, but the unpacking process also affords a great opportunity to look through your kit for unnecessary or broken items. When you air out your shelter and sleep system, think about their performance on your trip. Did you notice a new hole forming in your tent that needs patching? Is your sleeping bag getting dirty to the point that it finally needs to be washed?
It’s amazing how quickly “essential” gear fixes and tweaks fade from your mind once you have returned to work and the other demands of daily life. As such, taking some time now to remove a piece of clothing you never wear will save on your base weight in the future. Even more, restocking toilet paper, hand sanitizer, sunscreen, and Tylenol will ensure it is ready to go for your next trip.
Whether you are an extreme ultralight enthusiast or a more traditional backpacker, there are certain things every hiker needs on the trail to be comfortable and stay safe. In the end, experience is the best teacher in helping you decide exactly what backpacking kit is best for your personality, style, and needs.
Even the most seasoned backpackers can get rusty with extended time off trail. This notion is particularly true during off-seasons, so next time you are backpacking, take a few minutes to assess how your kit is working. If you notice a weak link in your system, take note of it.
For many people, using a notepad app on their phone works great for gear notes. Other people voice record or dictate their thoughts so they can take notes while hiking. In the end, utilizing the freshness of mind that comes while on the trail will help you inform future hikes more efficiently and effectively.