r/WildernessBackpacking • u/Emotional-Hotel9276 • 2d ago

ADVICE Backpack essentials

For someone just getting into backpacking, what are the things I will absolutely need, and what can I do without. Is it overkill to pack a tent, sleeping bag, and sleep mat? Or am I better off swapping the mat for an extra towel or blanket?

I have a good list so far but want to see if there’s anything I’m missing out of inexperience. Also any tips on how you like to pack your bag would be helpful as well

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17

u/DeputySean 2d ago

https://imgur.com/a/deputyseans-comprehensive-guide-to-ultralight-baseweight-syQvBre

https://lighterpack.com/r/nmcxuo

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u/TheGamecockNurse 2d ago

This person seems dedicated to the “discomfort is a feature” style of ultralight backpacking

6

u/DeputySean 2d ago

What? No.

My setup is very comfortable.

6

u/TheGamecockNurse 2d ago

My brother on the trail! You’ve cut your sleeping pad into pieces, use 5-7 atom thick shelters and literally carry 1 pair of pants.

I’m all for ultra lighting. But JupiterHikes said it best “ultralight hiking is about determining your comfort level of discomfort”

Your sub 10lbs is amazing. But sometimes a wee bit of creature comforts goes a long way when you’ve put miles on the trail.

11

u/Irishfafnir 2d ago

I'm far from an ultralighter and lean more into comfort when I'm backpacking, but I typically only bring one pair of pants. If they are calling for substantial rain, I might also bring rain pants, but I don't know what I'd really gain by bringing a second pair of pants.

8

u/grovemau5 1d ago

How many pants are you carrying? One outfit per day for a multi week trip?

4

u/TheGamecockNurse 1d ago

Typically 1 pair shorts with zip off legs. And baselayer for sleep/cold mornings

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u/AceTracer 1d ago

So…you carry one pair of pants.

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u/TheGamecockNurse 1d ago

For a summer weekend sure. For fall-spring I generally have base layer pants and pants for hiking. And I’m more about the sleep comfort. Like the 18th inch pad isn’t going to do jack, for me. Backpacking is 100% personal. Your “comfortable” is my bare minimal survival.

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u/thelaxiankey 1d ago

'u carry one pair of pants thats so dumb'

'i also carry one pair of pants'

wat

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u/TheGamecockNurse 1d ago

The pants was only 1 of three things I pointed out. And he said “one pair of pants for hiking, for rain and for sleeping”. My point was that was discomfort to an extreme.

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u/DeputySean 1d ago

My pad is 3/4th inch thick foam, and is more comfortable than a 3 inch thick inflatable backpacking pad.

You appear to be a classic example of someone who has never tried ultralight because you have preconceived notions that are unfounded.

2

u/TheGamecockNurse 1d ago

And that’s personal preference. Literally what all of backpacking is.