5 Essentials Every Backpacker Must Get Right
So what if you didn't turn back?
Maybe you’ve dreamed of carrying everything you need for a couple days, sleeping under the stars, and waking up to crisp morning air on the trail, but you’re not quite sure where to start.
I get it. Backpacking feels BIG and I clearly remember just wanting to try it to make sure it was everything I dreamed it would be.
But it’s not just about hiking farther; it’s about packing smart, fueling your body, staying safe, and feeling completely prepared.
So today, I want to share 5 Essentials Every Backpacker Must Get Right to feel strong, safe, and confident on the trail.
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✅ Pack Light, Pack Smart – You don’t need all the fancy gear, but you do need the right gear for your body, terrain, and weather. Start with the Big Three: Shelter, Sleep System, and Backpack. Do your research or ask fellow backpackers for recommendations. Go to the stores and ask questions!
✅ Dial in Your Trail Nutrition – A backpacking trip isn’t the time for mystery foods! You’ll need lightweight, nutrient-dense meals that fuel your energy without weighing you down. I love dehydrating my favourite home-cooked meals so I KNOW what I'll be enjoying at the end of a long hiking day.
✅ Train for the Pack, Not Just the Trail – Hiking with 20-25 lbs (OR MORE) on your back is different from a casual day hike. Strength training, core stability, and endurance-building workouts will make a huge difference. That's right, although "just getting out to hike" is one of the best ways to train for the trail, there are other things that will help you feel stronger for your adventure.
✅ Master the Art of Layering – Weather can shift fast. Understanding base layers, insulation, and rain gear keeps you comfortable and safe. It's important to understand fabrics, moisture wicking, water resistance vs water proof and more, because wearing the wrong thing can get you in BIG TROUBLE, even on a summer day! Ask me about my solo day on the ECT when I started showing signs of hypothermia - it was 18 degrees Celsius!
✅ Confidence in Navigation & Safety – Know before you go! Learn the basics of using a GPS device and a little knowledge of how to read a map "just in case". It's also important to understand smart campsite selection, wildlife awareness and how to handle unexpected situations.
Want to go deeper into these essentials? These (and more) are exactly what we cover inside EMPOWERED BACKPACKER, a virtual and interactive course to take you from unsure to trail ready.