First Backpacking Trip

Drewdog10

FNG
Joined
Sep 15, 2024
Messages
55
Hi all, this will be my first time ever backpacking in the mountains. I honestly don’t know what to bring. It will only be a 3 day backpacking trip in warm weather. I was wondering if anyone could give me tips and or a checklist of what to bring. Thank you!
 

EdP

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Jun 18, 2020
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1,408
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Southwest Va
A better approach would be to make a list, show it to us, and ask "what did I miss." I'd be happy to comment on it and I'm sure others will too.
 
OP
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Drewdog10

FNG
Joined
Sep 15, 2024
Messages
55
A better approach would be to make a list, show it to us, and ask "what did I miss." I'd be happy to comment on it and I'm sure others will too.

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adamm88

WKR
Joined
Sep 6, 2016
Messages
451
Location
Pennsylvania
not an experienced backpacker but have done it a few times, Id add camp shoes, nothing like walking around in camp to cool/Dry feet off in crocs or your prefered shoe. Sleeping pad? it doesn't show on your list. Obviously pack cloth appropriate for the weather. if your first aide kit doesnt have imodium i would add plenty of that.

Also test your gear in your back yard or car camping. 3 days is long enough depending on where your going to be pretty miserable if your gear selection is off........
 

D.Blake

Lil-Rokslider
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Jul 17, 2020
Messages
127
Location
Nebraska
Unless you're an octopus, take it easy on the socks. One pair should do it.

Knife/Multitool
Charger
Spare headlamp
 

Dave0317

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Mar 22, 2017
Messages
435
Location
North MS
How did the trip go? Or is this a ways in the future yet? Figure we are running out of warm weather in most mountains by now.
 

mxgsfmdpx

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Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
5,988
Location
Outside
This is the way to do it folks! Learn what works for you on backpacking trips, get proficient in the woods, scout your butt off. So many folks only time backpacking and camping is during hunting season and it’s glaring who those folks are.

OP, I noticed no water and just filtration on your list. Have you verified water sources are abundant? Don’t go off of google maps or onx, they are incorrect all the time.

I’d also add a glassing pad or lightweight chair into the mix.

Something to consider… Do you need a tent? 90+% of my backpacking trips are sleeping pad on the ground and sleeping bag only. I usually bring a 10x10 tyvek sheet and some cordage as an emergency snow or heavy rain shelter.
 

mtg

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Joined
Sep 24, 2024
Messages
30
Regarding socks, quality is a must. I pack one more pair than the days of my trip. More than once it’s been good to have an extra when I or another on the trip accidentally slipped into the drink! The exception to this is if I’ll have time to wash n dry a pair… which does happen in longer trips as I’m usually parked at high mountain lakes fishing. Also, I want clean pair for the trip out. I strongly recommend “camp shoes”. Mine are cheap foam flip flops.
 
OP
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Drewdog10

FNG
Joined
Sep 15, 2024
Messages
55
Don’t worry guys I’m still alive, just slowly trying to buy the recommended stuff as I can


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Muleface

FNG
Joined
Oct 29, 2024
Messages
13
But seriously, the "ten essentials" from The Mountaineers is a good place to start. "First aid kit" for backpacking is worth focusing. New boots? New backpacker? Make sure you have some stuff for blisters (which aren't horrible so long as you can deal with them).

My favorite "who'da thunk it" item to take into the backcountry was a folding bucket. So handy to be able to have a body of standing water wherever I needed it, for whatever (especially pumping out of it to filter, instead of dealing with a seep).

Something to clean your hands with
Small amt of duct tape or other stuff-repair
 

Dave0317

WKR
Joined
Mar 22, 2017
Messages
435
Location
North MS
Another great resource I like is Andrew Skurka’s blog.
He has some great articles on gear, campsite selection, cooking, pretty much everything related to backpacking. And has the experience to say with certainty what works and what is a waste of time. Some of it may be a bit more UL Backpacking oriented, but you can adapt the info to suit your style of hiking or hunting.
 
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