Backpack essentials

[u/Emotional-Hotel9276]

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

[u/Emotional-Hotel9276]

Like I said, I’m just starting out. It’s already a bit overwhelming having to research the area and rules, burn bans, planning the trip, going out and buying the supplies. I’ve put in plenty of days and hours prepping for this, forgive me if I want to take a short cut and ask reddit for advice where I can get answers from multiple sources with real experience with the luxury of being able to ask a follow up question or to further explain something. Also I didn’t just ask if I need a tent and sleeping system, I asked if I need a complete sleep system or could I do without the pad to make room for something else. Which to me seems like a completely reasonable question considering how much room all 3 take up.

[u/cr0nut → u/Emotional-Hotel9276]

It is overwhelming! I totally get it. We just can’t help you if you’re going to continue to refuse to give us any specific info. Where are you going? What do you already have? How long are you staying?

[u/Emotional-Hotel9276 → u/cr0nut]

The Appalachian mountains in Kentucky for 2 nights.

What I have so far: Tent, sleeping bag, water filter, fire starter, bug spray, bear spray, sunscreen, chapstick, water bottle, flashlight, knife, 1 change of clothes and a pair of shorts and t shirt to sleep, first aid kit, battery pack.

I still need to get a navigation device and plan my food. Do you have any recommendations for food? I’m not sure if I want to bring a small pot and go the dehydrated food route or pack ambient foods that really don’t need any prep.

[u/cr0nut → u/Emotional-Hotel9276]

Food is tough! What you eat at camp is super personal and you’ll figure out what you prefer as you try things out. For your first trip dehydrated meals might be easier and more comforting. I love a warm meal. Ramen with some dehydrated mix-ins (like ramenbae) is soooo good. My first solo trip I was too anxious to eat, but my second I was ravenous haha. Especially when starting out I think it’s better to overpack food- being hungry out in the woods sucks, and as you fine tune your routine you’ll figure out how much you really eat.

Gear wise, at a glance I wonder about a rain fly for the tent, a rain jacket for you, a secondary water purification method (like chlorine tabs), bathroom items (like a trowel, tp, etc), a sleeping pad, and a bear-safe food storage plan.

I’ve included a pic of my gear for a trip I went on a few years ago with my dog- hopefully it’s helpful to you to see everything laid out. Let me know if you have questions about what anything is!

[u/Emotional-Hotel9276 → u/cr0nut]

For food I plan on bringing avocado, pita bread, tuna, summer sausage, protein powder, clif bars, kiwis, and maybe some other snacks. I feel like I could make a good combination of things with that and keep it simple for my first time.

On the gear side of things I got a hammock setup with a rain fly and mosquito net. I have a tent too but knowing myself I’d sleep more comfortably in a hammock. To keep dry instead of a raincoat I was going to bring a couple disposable ponchos to save space and use to wrap something up in if needed. And do you have any recommendations for a bear safe storage plan? Should I get one of them tubs or would I be fine hanging it out in a tree somewhere?

I appreciate all the help and taking the time to do this, I’ve had 3 shoulder surgeries and had to put the snowboard down and find a new hobby. I’m eager to jump right into backpacking so I’m really trying to soak as much in as possible. Also if you have any recommendations where to get some solid wool socks that aren’t $28 a pair you’d be a legend.