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Gear
The right kit makes a trip; the wrong kit ends it early. These beginner backpacking gear guides break down the essentials: what to carry, what to skip, and how to build a capable setup without overspending on your first trips.
Beginner's Guide To Backpacking Gear in 2025
Eric Hanson
0Ultimate Guide to Backpacking Gear for Beginners
Justin Outdoors
0Beginner’s Guide to Solo Backpacking: Gear You Need & How to Plan Your First Trip
The Hungry Hiker
0Beginner's Guide to Solo Backpacking: My Essential Gear and Setup for a 6 Day Trip
Earlyretirementwanderlust
0Budget Backpacking Gear for Beginners
GearTest Outdoors
0Beginner Backpacking List: Must-Have Gear You Can’t Forget!
StepMassive
0Beginner's Guide to Solo Backpacking: Essential Gear and Setup for Your First Adventure
Jon Conti
0Essential Gear List for Beginner Backpackers
Justin Outdoors
0Ultralight Backpacking Gear List for Beginners
She Roams Wild
0Ultralight Shakedown Ep. 1 — Bullfrog’s Ultralight Backpacking Setup
Extra Ultralight
0My Greatest Full Comfort Ultralight Gear List Ever! (4,000 miles testing)
JupiterHikes
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Free tools
Your free outdoor toolkit
Everything Map
Listings, trails, spots, clubs and public land on a single full-screen map. Switch layers on and off, then tap any point for the details.
Open Everything MapTrail Explorer
Browse a community map of named trails with distance, difficulty, and where each one starts.
Open Trail ExplorerRoute Planner
Drop stops on a map and watch distance and drive time add up. Export a GPX or share the link.
Open Route PlannerOutdoor Clubs
Browse local clubs with meeting info and how to join, or start your own for free.
Open Outdoor ClubsGear Checklists
Printable, save-as-you-go packing lists. Tick items off and pull them up on your phone.
Open Gear ChecklistsMaintenance Schedules
Pick your equipment and get its full service schedule. Add your usage to turn intervals into dates.
Open Maintenance Schedules
