So you’ve decided you want to go on your very first backpacking trip. That’s awesome. Backpacking is one of the most rewarding ways to spend time outdoors (although I may be a bit biased), but let’s be real—it can be very overwhelming in the beginning. Where do you start? How do you know if you’re ready?

The best way to begin is by asking yourself a few key questions. These will help you plan your trip well, and you can avoid many of the most common first-timer mistakes!

Location is everything. Do you want a quick overnight trip close to home, or are you picturing a big adventure in a national park? For your first trip, I recommend choosing something manageable: a trail with established campsites, easy access to water, and less than 10 miles total. This might be a bit too light for your first trip, you know your fitness better than enyone. So if you want to do more like 15 or 20 on a two-day trip, go for it! But remember, for the first time, less is more. It’s about learning the ropes and getting comfortable more than hitting the big miles.

Tip: Local state parks often have beginner-friendly backpacking loops that are perfect for testing your gear and getting your feet wet for the first time.

Your answer here decides what you need to pack. An overnight trip is a very different experience than a week-long trek. Beginners often start with a one- or two-night trip to get comfortable without being overwhelmed.

Ask yourself: “Do I want this trip to be about pushing limits—or just getting my feet wet?”

Going solo and going with a group are very different experiences. If you’re new, I recommend inviting a friend or joining a group trip. Not only is it safer, but you’ll learn faster when you can see how others handle their gear, cooking, and camp setup.

That said—if solo backpacking is your ultimate goal, you can get there. But start small and learn the basics first.

Before you start ordering a pile of expensive equipment, take stock of what you already have and what you can borrow. Focus on the “Big 3” first:

• Backpack

• Shelter (tent or tarp)

• Sleep system (sleeping bag & pad)

These three items will determine most of your pack weight and comfort. Once you have those, you can round out the rest (clothing, cooking, food, etc.).

Do you feel comfortable reading a map? Do you know the basics of Leave No Trace? How will you handle water filtration?

If these questions make you pause, that’s not a bad thing—it just means you have some learning to do before heading out. These are the skills that keep you safe and confident on trail. Good news is, I have lots of videos on all of these things on my YouTube channel! Go on over and check it out!

If you jump into your first trip without clear answers, you risk carrying too much weight, biting off more miles than you can handle, or ending up frustrated. But if you walk through these five questions honestly, you’ll set yourself up for a first trip that’s fun, safe, and memorable.

If you’re feeling stuck or just want someone experienced to walk you through the process, that’s exactly what I help people with. I offer 1-on-1 backpacking coaching right here on OutdoorParadise.org. We’ll go over your goals, your gear, and your confidence level, and I’ll build a personalized plan to get you out on the trail with zero guesswork.

You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—I’ve been where you are, and I can help you take the right next steps.

Learn more about coaching here →

Your first backpacking trip doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen. Start by asking yourself the right questions, take it one step at a time, and remember that every backpacker was once a beginner.

Get on out there are experience the outdoors for yourself!