Backpacking with Beginners - What I’ve Learned and Where I’ve Failed
Katelyn Kommer
My favorite backpacking trips of this summer so far have been with newbies. When friends or family members are in town, heading to the Utah mountains is always my first suggestion. Nothing beats rolling over to the view of alpine lakes and jagged peaks in the background, and I want to share this love for backcountry camping with everyone I love.
Along the way, I’ve picked up more than a few tips that help ease any worries or fears first-timers may have when backpacking. Additionally, taking the extra time to ensure they have an enjoyable experience means they’ll be down for a new adventure when the next visit rolls around. When I recall my first backpacking trip, I remember anxiously scanning the gear list and fretting over whether or not I would get a minute of sleep. It’s easy to forget these initial fears that crop up when you delve into the world of backcountry camping, so here’s how I’ve learned to make a first timer’s experience one that will keep them coming back.
Plan to Carry More Weight
If I’m backpacking with someone who is nervous about the athleticism involved, I do my best to carry the bulk of the weight. Also, it’s important to consider what elevation your visitor is coming from. What may seem like an “easy hike” in their region may be significantly more difficult when you throw in high elevation and a hefty pack. I do my best to consistently check in with my partner and let them set the pace as well.
Don’t Do Everything for Them
Directly contradicting my last point, I’ve found it important to empower new backpackers to figure out how the gear and systems work. I usually bring my simple freestanding tent as opposed to a non-freestanding trekking pole tent so they can help me set it up, for example. When I took my dad on his first backpacking trip last fall he was enamored with the Jetboil, so I showed him how to use it and let him make our coffee. This approach gives them the confidence to go out and do it themselves the next time.
Include More Luxury Items
When you throw in a hammock, chairs, and extra entertainment (like playing cards or books) backpacking is straight up luxurious and fun. I do my best to encourage people to bring any extra items that they *will actually use* and will contribute to their overall experience.
Provide Itinerary Options
Before the trip begins, I do my best to lay out a couple different itinerary options with varying difficulty for the region we’re visiting. Once we’re on the trail, I also include optional side trips we can take depending on how we’re feeling. This can be tagging a nearby peak, finding a secluded lake for a dip, or a quick scramble up a nearby rock formation. When my little sister and I backpacked in the Wasatch mountains, we made camp at our lake destination and then hiked up an additional 500 feet to eat dinner with a view.
Bring More Food than You Need
Running out of snacks is a one-way street to a hangry meltdown. I’ll never forget my dad’s reaction when I pulled out Fritos BBQ twists on day three of our PCT section hike. He had never experienced the joy of salty snacks so fully, even though he said I didn’t need to pack them. Snacks like dried fruit, chips, and extra candy bars provide a serious moral boost when on the trail (as we all know), and so I always do my best to carry extra treats as a surprise.
Encourage Them to Invest in Gear that Matters
I have a full extra setup for visitors, but new gear is fun. I always tell people that once you’ve bought the gear, you’ll be motivated to put it to use. As a bit of a gear snob, I encourage my friends and family to slowly build up their backpacking kit with quality items, especially when it comes to the big three (sleeping bag, backpack, and tent). My personal setup took more than two years to nail down, and it’s constantly evolving.
Put your Foot Down…. Gently
There’s a significant difference between luxury and unnecessary items. No, you don’t need to bring a hatchet. A small knife will do. I also always ask what shoes my backpacking partners are planning to wear. Whether you’re a trail runner or boot fan, I encourage lightweight breathable fabric that will be comfortable all day. Blisters can quickly ruin a trip and scar those beautiful memories of frolicking through the trees.
Let Them Plan What’s Fun for Them
Circling back to not doing everything, it’s important to let your friends take part in the planning (if they want). If they’re really interested in backcountry cooking and food preparation, let them have a large part in the food planning. If they love maps and trip planning, let them look at a map of the region and pick a peak or alpine lake that intrigues them. Again, this inspires an autonomy for them to plan their own backcountry trip in the future.
One of my favorite moments of this summer was when my little sister expressed how grateful she was that I showed her how simple backpacking can be. It took us about 20 minutes to get our gear together and hit the road. In her mind, backpacking required a detailed list and extensive planning to go well. It fills my heart with so much joy to show my loved ones how simple and easy backcountry camping can be, when you know how to prepare.
