Backpacking and hiking is a great way to relax, adventure, have fun. However, it’s also a challenging activity that can be miserable if you pack wrong items. I have done several backpacking and after making some mistakes, I have learned a bit.
Here is a list of some of “Essentials for The First Backpacking” for your backpacking trip. No! Purchasing these will not break your bank account. The best budget friendly items are listed. BUT You do not need all of them in every backpacking adventure. You can easily modify them depending on your destination, length of your adventure.

First item in your “Essentials for The First Backpacking” is the backpack. Your backpack will be your temporary storage to fill all of your essentials. It has to be spacious, light but also sturdy and comfortable. Sounds complicated, huh🤔 !! Yes, It can be. Here is what I finally found and loved.

Backpack (less than 3 days + resupply on the way): TETON Sports Hiker 3700 Ultralight Internal Frame High-Performance Backpack
Backpack (more than 3 days + resupply on the way): TETON Sports Ultralight Plus Backpacks; Lightweight Hiking Backpack

One person tent: ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 1-Person Backpacking Tent
Two person Tent: ALPS Mountaineering Zephyr 2-Person Tent

You cannot expect to have the most comfortable sleep in the most comfortable bed while doing overnight hiking. Also Sleep bags are made for different outside temperatures.
Please think about it thoroughly, where and when you will most likely will camp overnight. It is a very critical item among “Essentials for The First Backpacking”. It is absolutely possible to make the most out of it. Now that you need to make it the best possible with the weight limitations that you carry, I will give you the best option possible.
And NO! You cannot use one universal sleeping bag for all the 4 seasons and weather!!

Sleeping Bag: TETON Sports LEEF Ultralight Mummy Sleeping Bag 3 to 4 season, Options for several temperatures
Sleeping Bag: Kelty Cosmic 20 Degree Down Sleeping Bag – Ultralight Super lightweight
Hoodless Sleeping Bag: TETON Sports Polara 3-in-1 Sleeping Bag
2- Person Sleeping Bag: Kelty Tru.Comfort Doublewide 20 Degree Sleeping Bag – Two Person
Ultralight Quilt: Horizon Hound Down Camping Blanket

Include the sleeping pad in your “Essentials for The First Backpacking”. Do not make mistake!! You cannot sleep with just a sleeping bag, You need pad to make it more comfortable. There are several types of pad, some are like memory foam perfect for camping if you are close to your vehicle. But for backpacking, air pad is a must.

Overall Sleeping Pad: Sleepingo Sleeping Pad for Camping – Ultralight
Cold-Weather Sleeping Pad: Ultralight 17oz Camping Sleeping pad- Gear Doctors ApolloAir – Compact , Warm

Pillow: Trekology Ultralight Inflatable Camping Travel Pillow
Other things to remember: repair patches for sleeping pad

Want to prepare food or your planning to starve? You need some items to have pure and healthy water, plus cook some meals, boil water. Purchase these and add it to your “Essentials for The First Backpacking”. Having some lightweight also practical items are a must. Here are what you definitely for your backpacking trip.

Water Purifier: Katadyn Vario Water Filter, Dual Technology Microfilter
Backpacking Stove: Optimus Crux Lite Solo 0.6L Non Stick, Compact, Versatile, Cook System
Cookware/ cutlery / plate/ Spoon: Odoland 15pcs Camping Cookware Mess Kit
Other things to remember: dish cloth, mini lighter or fire-starter, stove windshield

Let’s talk about the clothing. Depends on the weather you are going for backpacking and possibility of cold front air or rain, here are the complete list of the items needed. You may want to select what it will fit your situation. Include these in your “Essentials for The First Backpacking” to stay dry, warm and comfy.

Women Waterproof Jacket (Overall): Mountain Hardwear Women’s Stretch Ozonic Jacket
Men Waterproof Jacket (Overall): Mountain Hardwear Mens Finder Waterproof Rain Jacket for Everday Use
Women Waterproof Jacket (Ultralight): MARMOT Women’s Roam Lightweight Waterproof Hooded Rain Jacket
Men Waterproof Jacket (Ultralight): Eddie Bauer Men’s Rainfoil Packable Jacket
Waterproof Pants (Full length zipper): BenBoy Women’s Outdoor Waterproof Windproof
Water resistant Pants (3/4 length zipper): BALEAF Women’s Hiking Cargo Capris Outdoor Lightweight Water Resistant
Men Insulating Jacket: Amazon Essentials Men’s Lightweight Water-Resistant Packable Hooded Puffer Jacket
Women Insulating Jacket: Amazon Essentials Women’s Lightweight Long-Sleeve Water-Resistant Puffer Jacket
Insulating Baselayer: WEERTI Thermal Baselayer for Women Warm Hat
Sleeing socks: Warm Thermal Socks, Sunew Women Men Winter Insulate Heat Thick Heavy Crew Socks
Neck Warmer: NovForth Winter Neck Warmer

Women Short Sleeve Baselayer: Women’s Short Sleeve V-Neck Activewear T-Shirt Dry-Fit Moisture Wicking
Men’s Short Sleeve Baselayer: Men’s Short Sleeve Compression Shirt Base Layer
Women’s Underwear: Women’s Quick Dry Travel Underwear Mesh Hiking
Hiking Socks: Merrell Women’s 3 Pack Performance Hiker Socks
Men’s Hiking Shoes: Columbia Men’s Newton Ridge Plus II Waterproof Hiking Boot
Women’s Hiking Shoes: Columbia Womens Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped Hiking Shoe
Other things to remember: sun hat, bug net, spare socks

Let’s face it. There will be so many moments that you will need a survival and practical kit. This is a must to include in “Essentials for The First Backpacking” list. Here are what you definitely need to take with you.

Pocket Knife: RoverTac Pocket Knife Multitool Folding Knife Tactical Survival Camping
Head flashlight: GearLight LED Head Lamp – Pack of 2 Outdoor Flashlight Headlamps
Trekking Poles: TrailBuddy Trekking Poles – Lightweight, Collapsible Hiking Poles
Other things to remember: sunhat, sunglasses, backup lighter or fire-starter, thread & needle, repair tape (e.g. fabric tape, electrical tape, or cuben tape)

Going on Backpacking and ignoring hygiene?? absolutely not, There are the lightweight and very useful items you should carry in your backpack.
Towel: 4Monster Camping Towels Super Absorbent, Fast Drying Microfiber Travel Towel
Other things to remember: bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, sunscreen, lip balm, toilet paper, Baby wipes, first aid kit

Although I am listing this at the end of “Essentials for The First Backpacking”, but it should be the first item you purchase. What if you need to contact somebody, emergency or rescue team. Having these items will give you piece of mind, make your backpacking even more memorable.

Personal Locator Beacon (with two-way messaging): Garmin inReach Mini 2, Lightweight and Compact Satellite Communicator
Personal Locator Beacon (without two-way messaging): ACR ResQLink 400 – SOS Personal Locator Beacon with GPS
Compass: AOFAR Military Compass,AF-4580 Lensatic Sighting, Waterproof and Shakeproof
Ultralight Camera: GoPro HERO8 Black E-Commerce Packaging – Waterproof
Binoculars: occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars with Clear Low Light Vision, Large Eyepiece Waterproof

Thanks for reading this post, I Hope these recommendations for “Essentials for The First Backpacking” will help you plan accordingly and make your hiking trips lighter, safer, and more enjoyable. You can see all the essential items via this link: My Amazon List.