First Time Backpacking: Gear, Location, and Tips.
My first time backpacking was a success and I believe it’s because I was prepared with great gear. Also, I chose a beautiful but easier location for first timers and I did one night to test all my gear out.
On this blog, you will discover what gear I purchased, the location I chose, and some first timer tips.
First, a quick story. I am a wife, mom of a 5 year old and 2 year old, an RDH and a Vancouver Washington family photographer. My husband and I have always loved being outdoors and searching for new locations to explore in the pacific northwest. In addition, I love scouting amazing locations for families to have their photos taken.
Once we had kids, it became more challenging to get outside to explore but we decided that even if we get one or two nights together that would be great! Someday, they will come with us but for now, we will practice backpacking alone.
In February 2022, I applied to get a permit into The Enchantments in Leavenworth Washington. It is very unlikely to get a permit, let alone your first time. So, when I found out in March that I received a permit I was so excited but knew I needed to get in better shape and start learning about what I would need to have for a successful trip!
I lost weight (I’ve still got a ways to go)and started walking 5 times a week prior to our first trip. Once in awhile, I hop on my Peloton too. Hence, I am not in the best shape of my life but before kids, we were both very active. Kids change your work out schedule right?! HA!
Ok, so here is my complete list of what I have for gear for my first backpacking trip. Granted, I am new to this, so the gear listed is what worked for me for now.
If you have any tips I would love to know what you recommend!
First Time Backpacking: Sleeping Gear List
As a mom, my body feels pretty wrecked sometimes. Motherhood is mentally and physically demanding and after having two babies in my late 30’s, it has physically taken a toll. So, I knew the most important thing to me was to be comfortable, dry, and warm! My list has some budget friendly items but when it came to comfort, I went for the better gear.
If you can, go to your local REI and ask them what they recommend. You can try on things. Yes, you can try on sleeping bags before buying one! Based upon your needs, budget, and trip, they can point you in the right direction. They were so helpful and I was relieved to know that my sleeping bag and tent were the right fit for my upcoming trip.
The items listed below were from REI or Amazon and I would highly recommend all of them. I was comfortable, dry, and toasty at night. The tent kept us dry even though it was raining steadily all night long, I was impressed we were not soaked. The low that evening was in the low 40’s, slight wind, and lots of rain.
-Sleeping bag: REI Co-op Down Time 25 Down Sleeping Bag – Women’s
-Sleeping pad: Therm-a-Rest ProLite Plus Sleeping Pad
-Pillow: Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
-Tent: REI Co-op Quarter Dome 2 Tent
Backpack
As I mentioned above, for my first time backpacking my comfort was my top priority! So, I went for the best backpack within a $300 budget. This was by far the best part of walking into REI in Portland Oregon. They will fit you for your pack, give you a run down on how to pack it, and even put weight in it so you can walk around the store and make sure it’s a good fit.
I tried on 4 different packs. They were all pretty good but some were digging into my chest or shoulders, so they ordered a pack that wasn’t there at the time. They thought it would be a great fitting pack for me, they were right! The backpack they ordered fit great and was so incredibly comfortable! My backpack weighed about 23-25 pounds with all of my gear in it.
As an RDH and carrying little kids around most days, my neck and shoulders take a beating. So, having this bag was AMAZING! I freaking love this bag!
All of the weight was off my neck and shoulders, sitting on my hips. My hips were definitely sore but I would still rate this bag a 10 out of 10!
-Backpack: Osprey Aura AG 65 Pack – Women’s
Footwear
Hiking boots or trail shoes? That is the question so many people seem to ponder. I also wondered what would be the best.
As a runner in my past life, pre motherhood, I used to suffer from plantar fasciitis in both feet. It was incredibly painful. So, for my first backpacking trip, I definitely wanted to make sure I purchased good shoes and socks that would not only be comfortable, have decent grip, but also would help me avoid foot pain on longer hikes with the weight of a backpack.
I purchased a pair of Topos from REI in Portland Oregon. I tried on a few pairs and they seemed to be the best fit for now.
Although I didn’t use them on this trip, I would recommend a pair of inserts. I really love the Sole inserts and they have always helped my feet be pain free with hiking and running. Next time, I will be wearing them with these shoes.
Last, I love my Bombas running socks. I know everyone says to wear wool but for now, I am sticking to my tried and true favorite socks.
-Shoes: Topo Athletic Terraventure 3 Trail-Running Shoes – Women’s
-Foot Support/Inserts: Sole Footbeds
-Socks: Bombas @ Fleet Feet Running Store
Food & Water Recommendations for First Time Backpacking Trip
My food and water situation was a learning curve for me. It is one of the heavier things I was going to carry and I also needed to be able to fit all of my food in a bear vault.
There was a few things that I didn’t think about prior to the trip that I quickly learned were important. Such as, how to use the filtered water to cook with vs just filtering water to drink.
For example, I could just fill up my filtering water bottle and drink from it but I could not turn it upside how to get water out to use for cooking. I know I could use the water from my water bladder but that just seemed like a pain.
So, I had a water bladder in my pack, the Lifestraw water filtration bottle for easy to grab water from a stream, and a squeeze water filtration system from Sawyer for cooking. Looking back, I could’ve just left the Lifestraw bottle at home but I really liked it also.
As for food, I did easy to grab protein bars, jerky, almonds, and the mountain house freeze dried meals. I felt like I had more than enough food and it fit into my vault but it was packed quickly. Plus, any garbage that I had I put back into the bear vault, especially at night.
I loved just boiling water with my stove, pouring water into the freeze dried meal, and there was no clean up. Just throwing away the bag the meal was in. Plus, the stove was light and easy to use!
If you have backpacked before, I would love to know what food you love to bring. The freeze dried food is good when you are really hungry but there was so much sodium, it made me feel bloated for days after we got home. Bleh.
-Water Bladder: Osprey Hydraulics LT Reservoir – 2.5 Liters
-Squeeze Water Filter: Sawyer Filtration System
-Water Bottle: LifeStraw Go Filter Bottle with 2-Stage Filtration – 22 fl. oz.
-Food Storage: BearVault BV450 Food Container
-Stove: Fire-Maple “Fixed Star 1” Backpacking and Camping Stove System | Outdoor Propane Camp Cooking Gear
-Propane: Jetboil Jetpower Fuel for Jetboil Camping and Backpacking Stoves, 100 Grams
-Mountain House Meals: Beef Stew
A Few Tips For First Backpacking Trip
Before my first backpacking trip, a seasoned backpacker suggested some gear and also to borrow things if possible. Moreover, you won’t want to invest in the gear if you are not sure you are really going to love it right?
I am officially obsessed with backpacking and when we got back to our car, I was already planning our next trip! Moreover, I am really excited about The Enchantments.
If you love the outdoors and are somewhat adventurous, I think you will love it!
So, here are a few tips from a newbie that worked well for me for now and things that are important to consider bringing!
Last, what you pack in, you must pack out! Do not leave garbage or food. Keep a clean camp and be considerate of wildlife, the forest, and the people that will be coming to camp in that area too.
-The Ten Essentials: Sunscreen/hat, extra clothing/rain gear, compass/navigation, bug repellent, water, boots/shoes, first aid kit, headlamp, tools, matches/lighter, and food.
-Survival Pack: KLIM S.O.L. Survival Pak
-Bear Spray: SABRE Frontiersman 7.9 Ounce Bear Spray Deterrent, 30-Foot Range,
Location For First Backpacking Trip: Lena Lake
I found this location by asking around on a Facebook hiking group and from some of my patients at work. They both had excellent recommendations but we decided on Lena Lake for our first backpacking trip because it is not a long drive from Vancouver Washington, it is beautiful, and was not a very tough hike.
Lena Lake is located just outside of Olympic National Park.
Some hikers said it was going to be easy but I would highly disagree! I would call it moderate for a mom who USED to be very active! 😉
It was a lot of switch back trails for about an hour or so and all uphill. The entire trail is beautiful and has a few fun bridges to stop and take it all in. Moreover, huge boulders, moss, and vibrant green ferns carpeted the forest floor. It was a spectacular green landscape.
Last, knowing you will be rewarded once you reach the lake is helpful as you climb! The lake is so quiet, pristine, and the water was bluish-emerald green. It was phenomenal!
We got a campsite right on the water on a rainy Friday night in early June. I was warned it gets full quickly so I was glad we found one. I think due to the rain and that school is not yet out for summer, we were able to snag a spot easily. There were only 2 other groups of campers but it felt like we were all alone.
If you found this blog helpful or have any tips for my next trip I would love to hear from you!
Get To Know Me
Adventure Family Photography Sessions
Best PNW Wildflowers Locations for Families
5 Kid Friendly Hikes in Vancouver Washington
Hi! Jaime here! I love living in the country with my kids, cats, golden retriever, and chickens. We love the outdoors and are always up for an adventure! If you are in need of an adventurous family photography session, reach out to me. I cannot wait to meet your family!
