7 Lightweight Camping Essentials for a First Backpacking Trip
The first backpacking adventure should be problem-free with an efficient, carefully selected gear list. All equipment will be carried by the hiker throughout the journey; therefore, even the smallest piece will weigh the same as any other piece. The beginner backpacker is exposed to numerous types of equipment available in the stores. Here is the list of seven lightweight necessities for one night out in the wilderness.
Companies manufacturing outdoor products, for example, Sea to Summit, create compact equipment that easily fits into a small backpack. All of the items chosen are not heavy but still provide comfort in camp.
Shelter Gear for a Restful Night
1. A Light Tent with a Quick Setup
The tent is a primary shelter during a first night hike. It is advisable to use a one- or two-person tent with aluminum poles. Base weight means the overall weight of packed equipment, excluding food, water or fuel. The structure of a tent is self-supporting; therefore, assembly on hard ground will not take much time. The rainfly that is sewn tightly also prevents the inside of the tent from getting wet due to light rain. The setup of the gear before the expedition will make it easy to live in camp during the trip.
2. A Warm Bag for Cool Nights
A warm bag retains body heat throughout the night while camping. Every sleeping bag design shows a comfort limit temperature, which shows the lowest temperature for comfortable sleeping. In general, the comfort limit of around ten degrees lower than the temperature on the trip provides an extra buffer. Down insulation is easy to compact into a small size but still remains lightweight. The same can be said about synthetic insulation; it will retain heat even in wet conditions.
3. A Pad for Comfort off the Ground
A sleeping pad raises the body from the hard and cold ground to rest comfortably outdoors. Air sleeping pads compress to about the size of a water bottle. The R-value of a sleeping pad is a measure of how well a pad protects you from the cold coming through the ground. An R-value of almost four works well for three-season camping. A pump bag allows the pad to inflate without any breath moisture. Doing a quick inflation test the day before helps to make sure the valve works properly.
Trail Gear for Daily Needs
4. A Compact Stove with Nested Cookware
Canister stoves screw into a small fuel canister for hot food preparation at campsites. The stove itself is very light, so it can easily fit into a cooking pot. Nested cooking pots stack within one another to save space. Collapsible mugs and cups pack flat for easy transport after use. A long spoon allows access to the contents of a freeze-dried meal packet. Fuel canisters are available in small sizes ideal for a weekend trip by one hiker.
Some basic equipment that is needed in order to prepare food on the first trip consists of the following items:
There should be one pot that has a capacity of about one liter in volume.
In order to start the stove, there is needed one mini lighter and additional matches.
Also, it is essential to have a small sponge with natural soap in order to wash the pot after eating.
5. A Water Filter for Clean Refills
As it was already mentioned, water has about two pounds in weight per one liter of its volume. Therefore, it is quite heavy. The portable filter will allow hikers to refill their water capacity from streams or other places where water may be found while hiking. The filters are designed to be attached to the bag with water inside. They can be easily folded afterwards.
6. Smart Layers for Changeable Weather
Weather on the trails changes from sunny and warm to cool and windy within one hour. With layers, the hiker will be able to put them on or take them off when the situation changes. For instance, a base layer made up of either merino wool or polyester takes care of removing sweat from the skin. On the other hand, fleece or light puffy jackets provide warmth after the sun has set. The rain shell will protect against rain or wind on top.
7. Dry Bags for Organized Storage
Dry bags will store items in a waterproof bag where rain or river spray will not get through. They feature a roll-top system whereby three layers will be folded down so as to provide a seal. Besides, colors will help you to differentiate between the items in a dark tent. On the other hand, lightweight nylon bags add negligible weight to the whole pack. Lastly, a simple packing system will help in setting up camp quickly after a long journey.
Individual bags for each major group of gear:
One big bag has the sleeping bag and camping clothes.
Another mid-sized bag carries food and a stove for quick meals.
Finally, the smallest bag has a phone, map, or first-aid kit to protect them from rain.
A successful first backpacking experience is achieved when everything selected has its place in the backpack. There are seven basics needed on the trail, as mentioned above. This small set can be conveniently packed into a backpack made by trail brands such as Sea to Summit. One good piece of advice would be to spread all the things out on the floor before going on the trail.