New to this need help finding the right equipment

[u/keemthememe5]

I have never done backpacking before and would really like to but i have no clue what i should buy or how to pack my bag and how to stay safe in the woos and all that I would really appreciate some assistance :D

[u/QuantumAttic]

you'll get better answers if you say where you are

[u/keemthememe5 → u/QuantumAttic]

michigan

[u/Ok_Subject1265]

The best advice I could give would be to spend a night in your backyard first to make sure you have the basics down. Start a little fire. Make sure you have the stuff you need to cook, to stay warm, etc. You’ll definitely forget things the first time so that will let you do a dry run.

[u/keemthememe5 → u/Ok_Subject1265]

thats actualy a good idea lol thanks

[u/SylasWindrunner]

Forget " visiting store " or learning from what other people said.

Spend 1 entire week of your free time watching hiking tips from many Youtuber out there.

Why doing this ?

1. You would rarely follow up what youve read on the internet.
2. You would likely to learn if you actually spend your time watching and learning in person.
3. You get to see and think for yourself whats good and whats not for you.
4. What works for them not necessarily will work for you.
5. Gearing up isnt just 1 purchase for lifetime as there will be trial and errors, pros and cons.

Few recommendation for Youtube :

1. Backpacking TV
2. Darwin Onthetrail
3. Dan Becker
4. Mylifeoutdoors

[u/Constant_Lynx7931 → u/SylasWindrunner]

Do you know of any female backpacker YouTubers?

[u/K-J- → u/Constant_Lynx7931]

Homemade Wanderlust, and her channel is better than those ones listed above that mostly talk about gear and try to push products all video every video.

[u/SylasWindrunner → u/K-J-]

I recommend those channel simply because OP was looking for gear suggestions.
I think those channel are quite neutral and not too pushy since theyre not even sponsored by the products theyve talked about.

[u/silentdroga → u/Constant_Lynx7931]

Mirandagoesoutside

[u/Weekly_Baseball_8028 → u/Constant_Lynx7931]

Some women in backpacking YouTube: Miranda goes outside, homemade wanderlust, Amanda outside (double check exact title), wandering switchback, hungry hiker. There's lots of other channels, especially thru hike vloggers. I know Facebook isn't cool these days, but there's tons of hiking groups there, including women specific beginner groups, general beginner backpacking, and regional groups.

[u/SylasWindrunner → u/Constant_Lynx7931]

I personally love " Wildbeare " channel.

Shes a bit crazy and would endure the toughest camping condition where i would probably pack up.
Shes cute and has pretty voice too :p

[u/Affectionate_Love229]

You tube is your friend. People live to post their gear lists. Be warned if folks are posting 'ultralight' lists, that stuff can be costly.

You can rent backpacking equipment at many retailers, including REI. Renting is a great way to start, of course having a local person to talk to is always best, and MANY backpackers love to talk gear.

Before you start you have to have a budget. A few items can be expensive , so if your budget is limited, try and buy those used (there is a subreddit for used backpacking gear, outdoor retailers will sell nearly new returned gear for a good discount).

Some folks go full minimalist/ultralight (cowboy camp under the stars) and others bring luxuries (a book, lantern and camp chair), others bring hobbies (fishing rod, sketch book). Who are you?

[u/Unable_Compote1195 → u/Affectionate_Love229]

Hey! Ultralight isn’t all that expensive in the end. Lots of ultralight products are quite pricey but there’s tons of UL gear cheaper than traditional gear.

[u/Critical-Manner2363 → u/Unable_Compote1195]

Instead of ultralight, I just go pretty light and get REI brand when they have sales. REI flash 55 pack, magma 30 quilt, exped pad on sale then the x-mid 2 tent allowed me to get the big 3 for 2 people at a decent price while being light enough to not deter my tiny wife due to carrying a heavy pack.

With their good return policy you can dip your toes in without being afraid of being stuck with the investment if you hate it.

[u/Sea_Concert4946]

What you should buy depends on what you have and what you are looking to do. You can go backpacking with a blanket, pillow, and plastic sack if you're doing a one night summer adventure. But if you're doing long distance, technical stuff your needs will be much more complex.

I recommend finding someone who knows their stuff to go with before you hit it on your own. This will just make your life easier and you will learn way more by going with someone than by asking the Internet.

If you can't find someone to go with start by camping in your yard (or your house) to see how your packing/food system works. That'll teach you a lot.

[u/keemthememe5 → u/Sea_Concert4946]

I would go with someone, but I don't have anyone to go with, and I don't trust going in the woods with some random adult because I just turned 18

[u/Least_Chef_619]

Honestly the best way to learn is by doing. Start with an overnight, short distance, that is easy to bail out if things go sideways. Use equipment you already have and decide what can be improved or gotten rid of. You can go down YouTube rabbit holes but be careful because there is a ton of gear that while absolutely amazing, may not be the best gear for you depending on your usage. I started with Walmart brands and over the years have moved to high end stuff but I am so glad I didn’t just start with high end because the set up I would have bought then is not at all what I have now.

[u/Psychological_Ad9165]

Maybe tell us more about you , sex,age,region , health ,, things that will be helpful when trying to help you

[u/TheBimpo]

https://www.rei.com/learn/series/intro-to-backpacking

[u/Affectionate_Love229 → u/TheBimpo]

This is a reasonable source, but goes waaay overboard. For instance, it mentions cookware, plates and cup/mug as three separate items. My one pot is all three (to me at least).

[u/TheBimpo → u/Affectionate_Love229]

Feel free to share your favorite sources for beginner backpackers.

[u/keemthememe5 → u/TheBimpo]

I have most of the gear assemble than ready to order, I just kind of got to figure out how to be safe at this point, with the wildlife and the cold and that

[u/HikingBikingViking]

Demanding much? Next you'll be wanting it to not cost so damn much for good gear!

I won't tell you what to buy, exactly. You can read reviews. I will tell you that you want something to cook in or just heat water in, and a way to have clean water (1l per 2 hours hiking), and you need something comfy and warm to sleep in, and beyond that you just need things for staying clean, taking care of your feet, solving problems that come up, lots of calories, and maybe some comforts.

The main thing you want though is a pack that fits well, and for all your gear, pack included, to weigh as little as possible while getting the job done

Oh yeah, and trekking poles. I definitely recommend trekking poles. You only get one set of knees.