I used to be the person who would watch all those scenic hiking videos online and say, “I should do that someday.” I’d come back from a long shift at work, toss my backpack in the hallway (the one that’s never seen a trail), heat up leftovers, and scroll through endless reels of folks out in the wild—climbing mountains, crossing rivers, waking up in misty forests. It all looked so… peaceful. Free.
And then, a few months ago, I decided to stop fantasizing
and actually do it. I planned my first backpacking trip. It wasn’t
perfect—trust me, I’ve got stories—but it was life-changing. Here are ten
real-deal tips that helped me turn my first trip into a success (or at least
not a total disaster). If you're city-bound like me but dreaming of wild
places, this one's for you.
1. Start Small—Really Small
I live in a mid-sized apartment complex about fifteen
minutes from a big-box outdoor store. I didn’t need to drive across three
states to “go backpacking.” I found a local state park with a beginner-friendly
trail that had a designated camping site just five miles in. That was it—just
five miles. My ego told me to go bigger, but I’m so glad I didn’t. When your
body isn’t used to carrying everything you need on your back, five miles feels
like fifty. Trust me: small victories build confidence.
2. Borrow Before You Buy
You don’t need to spend half your paycheck on gear before
your first trip. I borrowed a backpack and a sleeping pad from a friend who
goes out more often than he showers (kidding... sort of). I used my old gym
clothes, a thrifted fleece, and my daily running shoes. Only after the trip did
I start investing in gear, and only the stuff I knew I’d actually use again.
3. Test Everything—At Home
One of my most humbling moments was trying to set up my tent
in the dark with a headlamp I didn’t know how to turn on. It felt like I was
auditioning for a sitcom. Take an evening to set up your gear in the backyard,
the living room, wherever. Unpack your bag. Cook a meal on your camp stove. Try
zipping up your sleeping bag inside the tent. You’ll thank yourself later.
4. Pack Like a Realist, Not an Instagram Influencer
I used to think backpacking meant I had to look like I
stepped out of an outdoor lifestyle catalog. No. You’re there to hike, sweat,
maybe smell weird, and soak up nature—not win a fashion contest. Pack only what
you need and what works. Layers are your friend. You don’t need five outfit
changes. A rain jacket, good socks, and a comfy base layer will go a long way.
5. Get Used to Being Uncomfortable—and That’s Okay
If you’re like me, you're used to climate control, hot
showers, and checking your phone every ten minutes. Backpacking strips all that
away. Your bed is the ground, your entertainment is a forest squirrel trying to
eat your granola, and your bathroom... well, it's wherever you find privacy. It
was weird at first, but then it became freeing. I stopped worrying about my
to-do list and started noticing the wind in the trees, the color of moss on
rocks. You adapt. And in that discomfort, you grow.
6. Snacks Matter More Than You Think
This one’s personal. I love food. So when I was miles from
civilization with nothing but sad trail mix, I realized how much joy a good
snack can bring. Bring something that makes you genuinely happy—my pick was a
chocolate bar and spicy dried mango. When I hit a wall physically, those little
treats gave me the morale boost I didn’t know I needed.
7. Tell Someone Where You're Going
Before heading out, I texted my roommate the trail name, the
route I planned to take, and when I expected to be back. It wasn’t about being
paranoid—it was about being smart. Accidents can happen, even on easy trails.
Let someone know where you’re headed and check in when you’re back. Basic
safety, but essential.
8. Get to Know Your Local Trails
One of the coolest things that came out of this trip? I
started paying more attention to my local parks and green spaces. Living in a
suburban neighborhood, I always assumed you had to “go far” to find nature. But
within an hour’s drive, I found multiple trails, wooded areas, and even a
secret little waterfall. Look around—chances are there’s beauty closer than you
think.
9. Don’t Go Solo (At Least Not Yet)
I went with a friend who had done a few trips before, and
that made all the difference. When my shoulder straps dug in or I couldn’t
figure out how to hang a food bag from a tree, she was there with advice (and a
lot of patience). Going with someone more experienced can help you build skills
without feeling overwhelmed. Plus, sharing campfire laughs under the stars?
Unbeatable.
10. Let Go of Perfection
My first trip had bugs, bad weather, sore feet, and one
near-disastrous water filter fail. But it also had still mornings with pink
skies, a quiet that I didn’t know I craved, and the deeply satisfying feeling
of knowing I could do something hard. Backpacking isn’t about doing it
“right”—it’s about showing up, learning as you go, and remembering that nature
doesn’t care if your socks match.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking was never about escaping life—it was about
reconnecting with it. Out there, without buzzing notifications and tight
schedules, I remembered what it felt like to be fully present. Now, even on my
morning commute or while running errands at the corner market, I carry that
stillness with me.
If you’ve been on the fence about taking that first trip,
here’s your sign. You don’t need to be a wilderness expert or an athlete. You
just need a decent backpack, an open mind, and a willingness to get a little
dirty.
You’ve got this. And when you’re sitting under a sky full of
stars after a long hike, sipping your hard-earned cup of instant coffee, you’ll
wonder why you waited so long.
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