How to Plan Your First Overnight Backpacking Trip

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Your first night in the backcountry is a milestone. Keep it simple and it’ll be the first of many. Here’s how to plan an overnighter you’ll actually enjoy.

Pick an easy, close route

Choose a well-trodden trail with a short distance (5–8 km) to your first camp and a reliable water source nearby. Save the epics for later.

Check the essentials

Weather forecast, permits or campsite bookings, sunset time, and any fire restrictions. Download an offline map and share your plan with someone at home.

Dial in the big four

Shelter, sleep system, backpack and footwear make or break a trip. Start with our tents, sleeping bags and hiking boots.

Water and food

Carry a water filter and know where you’ll refill. Keep meals simple: a no-cook lunch and a one-pot dinner are plenty for one night.

Pack light, pack smart

Lay everything out, then remove the “just in case” items you won’t realistically use. A lighter pack is a happier trip. Don’t forget a headlamp and a small first-aid kit.

On the trail

Start early, pace yourself, drink regularly, and reach camp with daylight to spare. Leave no trace — pack out everything you bring in.

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More researched gear in Top Picks · beginner know-how in Camping Tips · plan a trip with our Trail Guides.

Gear for your first overnight

• Navigation and safety: carry a map and a baseplate compass like the Suunto A-10, which weighs nothing and never runs out of battery. Add a compact first-aid kit such as the Surviveware Premium and a headlamp from our headlamps guide.
• The big four: we’ve broken them down in our guides to 40–65L backpacks, tents and sleeping bags.
• Water: our water filters guide explains squeeze vs gravity in plain English, and a Nalgene 32oz marks your rations by the ml.
• Pack smart: a Sea to Summit Ultra-SIL 5L dry bag for the sleep clothes that must stay dry, and a PackTowl Personal instead of a cotton towel.
• On the trail: if your knees complain on descents, see our trekking poles guide.

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