Making smart choices about backpacking supplies can be the difference between a great trip and one that you remember not quite so fondly. Backpacking supplies need to be functional or multifunctional, lightweight, durable and waterproof, especially if you favor longer back country backpacking trips. Keep your personal needs in mind, whether you are shopping for gear for a day hike or a long excursion.
Step 1
Choose a good quality, lightweight frame backpack. Make comfort the key factor in your decision. Select a pack suitably sized for your backpacking trip, whether you need a smaller day pack or a larger backpack to carry gear, food and water. Check sizes when buying a backpack at Zappos.com as many hiking backpacks come in both smaller and larger sizes. Buy the right size for your frame for a comfortable fit.
Step 2
Shop for a small, lightweight tent for your backpacking trip. Look for a tent that weighs less than four pounds to keep weight in your pack to a minimum. Add a waterproof tent pad if your tent does not come with one.
Step 3
Pick a sleeping bag suited to your backpacking plans. Plan to use an ultralight mummy sleeping bag for fair weather, long hikes. Opt for a heavier, but warmer mummy bag for colder conditions. Choose a mummy bag appropriate for your size to reduce excess weight and make sure that you can sleep comfortably.
Step 4
Buy small and light versions of other backpacking necessities, including a first aid kit, flashlight and knife or multi-tool. Pack a lighter, flint or matches in a waterproof container.
Step 5
Carry water purification tablets or a water filter instead of carrying water. Take the time to learn about water access on your planned hike and pack a light water bladder to carry water along the trail.
Step 6
Focus on nutrient dense high calorie foods to make the most of your space and the weight you are carrying. Pack nuts, dried and dehydrated foods and easy to carry mixes for the trail.
tips
Plan your first backpacking trips with an experienced backpacker to make choosing backpacking supplies easier.
warnings
Never hike or backpack alone.
Always carry a map and compass.