At this point, we might be coming to terms with the fact that Summer is winding down. The mornings are cooler, the dark creeps in earlier, but there is a silver lining– Autumn backpacking. Backpacking in the fall can be an ideal way to extend the fun you’ve had all Summer. It yields ideal conditions (most of the time) and stunning, shoulder season views throughout. All of this makes it a wonderful time to give backpacking a try for the first time! But, you’ll need some gear first; read on to see what you’ll need and the variety of options available on Geartrade! (And, as always, if you don’t need it, don’t buy it. Using what you have is always the best option)
The Backpack is the most important piece of gear you will carry – I mean, the entire activity is named after it! Unlike car camping, you’ll be carrying everything you need in this bag. Choosing a pack comes down to three factors: size, liter capacity, and features. Backpacks designed for backpacking typically come in sizes ranging from small to large. These sizes are universal between men and women, however, a men’s specific pack will have a broader shoulder strap. This is based on generalized anatomy and may change from person to person. All to say – don’t let this turn you off from a pack that feels great! You can find your size by measuring your torso from your C7 vertebrae (the bumpy one on the back of your neck when you tilt your head forward) and the point of your lower back that sits between your iliac crest.
Photo Credit: REI
Packs come in a variety of liter sizes on top of the torso size. These liters represent the capacity and weight limits of your bag. For your first backpacking trip, you may want to air on the side of caution and choose a larger liter size. On your very first trip, you probably won’t have all the ultralight gear as seasoned backpackers do (nor do you need to), and you might want to bring along some more creature comforts to help ease you into the experience. Something from 40-60L will be plenty of space for you. Do remember, though, the more you bring, the heavier the load! The final portion of pack consideration is going to be the features. Bells and whistles are nice, but they also cost a pretty penny. The main goal in this category, especially for your first time, will be comfort. We’d suggest avoiding ultralight packs as they will not carry as much or have much padding. If you do find a pack that is comfortable, make sure you feel comfortable with all of its components.
Your home on this trip will be packed along with everything else and probably at the bottom of your bag. Your tent is arguably the second most important item you’ll carry. Now, if you already have a tent, use it. There is little point in buying something brand spankin ’ new (or even UnNew in this case) if you already have something that works. But, if you don’t have anything, or your old tent is going into retirement, choosing a 3-season tent will be your best option.A 4-season tent will be overkill and much heavier. If you’re familiar with sleeping in a hammock or bivy, these are great options that will also save weight!
Your mattress for this trip will most likely be inflatable, but a sleeping pad is very different from any blow up mattress you might be familiar with. Sleeping pads are much lighter and will roll up to become incredibly packable. They come in insulated versions which are great as you go deeper into fall/winter, and can include a pump sack for inflation. There are also lightweight foam mats on the market that tend to be cheaper, but not as comfy.
After spending your whole day on the trail, nothing feels better than crawling into your sleeping bag for a well deserved night's rest. Sleeping bags come in short, regular, and long versions, They also can be insulated with down (similar to your favorite puffy jacket) or synthetic filling. When considering down vs. synthetic, you might consider how cold and wet it will be on your trip. If it's cold and dry, down might be best. If it’s wet and dry, go the synthetic route. Down will clump and be harder to redistribute evenly if it gets wet. But, it is also the warmer and lighter option. If you can be careful and don’t mind the extra dollar amount, down rocks! However, if you just need something that will work, synthetic bags were made for you!
Stove + Utensils
Besides the food you will cook, the backpacking stove is pretty crucial. Granted there is no fire ban in your area and you are confident you can start one (and put it out correctly), be our guest to cook the old fashioned way. But, when you’re miles away from the car and even further from a local diner, a stove and fuel will be necessary. Backpacking stoves like this one are considerably lighter than anything you would bring car camping, will last you years, and are so easy to set up. You’ll also need a fuel canister to power it. If you plan to bring as little as possible, one pot and a spork are probably the best options. Your pot can serve as a water boiling station and a bowl/cup and the spork will just save the smallest bit of civilization to bring along with you. Pro tip: You can also bring a fork from home and a lightweight pan/pot if you have one!
Yes, you really need it. Risking some sort of complication with your water will never be worth it. In the backcountry or along trails where your water source has yet to pass through a filter system, you’ll need to do this yourself. A water filter is typically very small and will be such a game changer. Instead of carrying copious amounts of water with you on your trip (which will almost always be the heaviest thing you carry), a water filter offers the solution. Now, you’ll be able to stop for a water break along the way. Not only is this a great time to drink water and refill what you need, but you can also have a snack, take in the views, and make any adjustments you might need. And that’s a wrap! Remember these items are the true beginner’s kit. If backpacking in bear country, we suggest checking out our other blog post regarding proper food storage technique. We hope this helps set you up on your first backpacking trip this fall! If you do get out there, tag us on social media using #unnewoutdoor to show off your awesome UnNew gear! Have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you out there!
Photo Credit: REI
Yes, you really need it. Risking some sort of complication with your water will never be worth it. In the backcountry or along trails where your water source has yet to pass through a filter system, you’ll need to do this yourself. A water filter is typically very small and will be such a game changer. Instead of carrying copious amounts of water with you on your trip (which will almost always be the heaviest thing you carry), a water filter offers the solution.
Now, you’ll be able to stop for a water break along the way. Not only is this a great time to drink water and refill what you need, but you can also have a snack, take in the views, and make any adjustments you might need.
And that’s a wrap! Remember these items are the true beginner’s kit. If backpacking in bear country, we suggest checking out our other blog post regarding proper food storage technique. We hope this helps set you up on your first backpacking trip this fall! If you do get out there, tag us on social media using #unnewoutdoor to show off your awesome UnNew gear!
Have fun, be safe, and we’ll see you out there!