10 Tips for Backpacking Beginners

Over the summer, we went on our first multi-day backpacking trip: the Fjällräven Classic Denmark, a supported three-day, 75km trek over the South Funen Archipelago Trail.

Before this hike, I didn't know how to pitch a tent, adjust a backpack, or use a camping stove. We made a lot of mistakes before and during the trip... there were many lessons learned from the Fjällräven Classic.

If you'd like to read the in-depth version of our experience, check out our "Surviving the Fjällräven Classic" post!

Whether you're thinking about doing one of the four Fjällräven Classic hikes or just looking at going on your first backpacking trip, don't make the same mistakes we made! Here's a list of things we learned from our first multi-day trek:

10 TIPS FOR BACKPACKING BEGINNERS

1. Train more than you think you need.

Start training early (at LEAST 3 months out) and take it seriously. Choose a cardio and strength training plan, like this one from REI, and stick to it! Make sure to plan training hikes and at least one overnight practice hike.

2. Weight matters.

While choosing gear, weight is an important factor. Carrying a heavy backpack for several days over a long distance alone is difficult, not to mention the added challenges of undulating terrain and elevation changes. Take a hard look at every item you put in your packing list, ask yourself if it's truly essential, and consider whether you could use a lighter option. Your body will thank you!

3. Properly fitting hiking boots really are important.

In case you haven't already heard this harped on by outdoor experts, I can tell you that this is one of the most painful lessons learned from our hike. My hiking boots didn't give me any problems for two years of casual day hike wear, but once that pack went on, the boots suddenly became a tiny bit too small... and my feet hated me for it.

I discovered this on our overnight practice hike on the Müllerthal Trail in Luxembourg, 1 month before the Classic. Even though I didn't have quite enough time to order and break in new boots, I figured out how to tape my feet to protect raging blisters from forming on my toes. It took a few practice hikes to get it right, but the final technique (good socks, adjusting my boot laces, and Nexcare Absolute Waterproof Tape) wound up getting me through the Classic.

4. Go on a test hike (or two).

This is where you'll learn what it's like to hike with a heavy backpack all day, test out your gear, learn how to set things up, how to properly pack your bag, and how to troubleshoot problems that come up, like not-so-waterproof rain gear or raging blisters. Try to go on an overnight trip if you can!

On practice hikes I tested out duct tape, band-aids, and other types of blister prevention.

5. Learn how to troubleshoot gear problems before the hike.

Stuff happens. Things break, gear doesn't fit, minor injuries happen. On your test hikes and overnight practice hike, you'll have to figure out what to do when stuff happens... better in practice sessions than out in the wilderness! Test your gear enough in advance so you can make returns or order replacements if something doesn't fit or work quite right.

6. Hydrate before you start.

Drink plenty of water and eat balanced meals to keep your body in its best shape possible when the hike starts. Starting out dehydrated is like trying to start a cross-country road trip on a single gallon of gas!

7. Rain gear!

Oh man. We got rained on so much during the Classic. Almost all of our gear was soaked through by the middle of Day 2, including us! We learned so many things about hiking in the rain that I could probably write an entire post on this subject alone. If there's even the slightest chance it will rain during your trek, be prepared for it:

Invest in solid rain gear. Buying/carrying rain gear that doesn't work in an all-day downpour is incredibly frustrating! Consider re-waterproofing old gear, especially rain jackets, rain pants, and hiking boots.
Bring a plastic poncho. I was so jealous of other hikers that had brought a cheap plastic poncho to throw on over their jackets and packs. It weighs next to nothing and keeps backpack straps from getting soaked. It's a bit of a Quasimodo look but worth it to stay dry.
Bring ziplock bags. Put anything valuable (cell, money, map, etc.) into a plastic ziplock bag. I may or may not have damaged my cell phone by keeping it in my not-waterproof waist strap pocket... and our maps were a soggy mess by the end of Day 3.
Make a rain liner. Use plastic trash bags as a dry sack inside your backpack, in case your backpack rain cover doesn't quite cut it. Trust me, a damp sleeping bag is not a great way to end a cold, wet day on the trail.

8. Bring snacks that work for you.

On the Classic Denmark, meals and trail snacks were included. Each day we went through the food re-supply line and picked up almost everything they offered, intending to be adventurous with the unfamiliar Danish foods like mackerel in tomato sauce, reindeer stew, and a mystery meat called rogn. Most of the food wasn't too bad, but I regretted not bringing more of my own snacks since I had already figured out what I like to eat on the trail during our test hikes.

In preparing for the Classic, we learned that what you choose to eat on the trail can have a huge impact on your trail time! Check out this post from Hiking-for-Her to learn about hiking nutrition.

9. Bring a treat to enjoy at the campsite.

Our friend Maddie brought two mini plastic bottles of Bailey's with her. It served as coffee creamer in the morning and a little boost in the evening. It was a small, minimal-weight treat that lifted her morale both before and after a hard day's hike. Ingenious!

Whether it's a couple mini bottles of your favorite liquor, your favorite candy/chocolate bar, a special tea/coffee, or whatever lifts your spirits at the end of a hard day, consider bringing it along to treat yourself after all that work you put in on the trail.

10. keep dry clothes in the car.

As described in our "Surviving the Fjällräven Classic" post, we were drenched and desperate for a break from the rain by the time we crossed the finish line on Day 3. When we got back to the car, we just wanted to get out of our wet gear. Having dry clothes, dry blankets, and a pair of easy-to-put-on shoes in the car was glorious!

We hope these tips come in handy on your first overnight backpacking trip! Happy trails :)