The sun dips below the sandstone horizon, painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and crimson. The trail behind you winds through a labyrinth of golden cliffs and sculpted canyons, still warm from the day’s heat. Below, a dry wash stretches toward the distance, its silence broken only by the soft rustle of desert breezes. As you settle into camp under the shelter of ancient rock formations, the sky transforms into a canvas of stars, brighter and more endless than you imagined possible. In this vast, quiet wilderness, you’re reminded of what it means to truly be alive: free, connected, and at peace.
Backpacking opens the door to unforgettable adventures, but getting started can feel daunting. For a first-timer, there are many unknown factors: What are the fundamental skills you need to learn to safely and comfortably, spend a night, or several, in the backcountry? What gear do you need, and how much should you budget for it? Where should you go, and when? Should you tackle your first trip independently or with a guide? How do permits work (spoiler alert: they’re mostly not as complicated as it sounds)?
We want to let you in on a secret that isn’t immediately obvious: you don’t need to break the bank or master every outdoor skill before heading out. There are only a few items that make up foundational backpacking gear; and once you have the right basic kit, all you need is a bit of planning and some basic know-how to step onto the trail and experience the incredible freedom of leaving the road network behind and heading deeper into the wild than a single day hike would permit.
Let us guide you through the basics of backpacking gear to make your first backpacking adventure both comfortable and unforgettable. The journey begins here!
Seven To Thrive: The Fundamental Building Blocks of Your Backpacking Kit
Why Seven to Thrive? Because when you strip it down, there are only seven categories of gear that form the foundation of a successful and enjoyable backpacking trip. These aren’t just things you carry—they’re the tools that let you explore, thrive, and rest easy in the backcountry. Here are the Seven to Thrive:
- A Carrying System: Your Backpack
- Shelter: A Tent, Tarp, or Bivy
- Sleep System: Your Sleeping Bag & Sleeping Pad
- Food & Water Systems: A Stove, Cookware & Water Purification
- Navigation & Emergency: GPS, Map, First Aid
- Clothing Layers
- Footwear
Are you looking to build your backpacking kit? Download our backpacking kit planner to help guide you.
Now, let’s get tactical and dive into the Big Three of backpacking gear—your backpack, shelter, and sleep system. These essentials form the backbone of your kit, and choosing the right ones can make or break your experience in the backcountry. Below, we’ve outlined both foundational and ultralight recommendations for each category to help you cut through the clutter and strike the perfect balance between comfort, functionality, and budget.
Why include ultralight recommendations in this guide at all? Simply put, while ultralight gear isn’t necessary to get started, it can be worth the splurge if you’re ready to invest. We want you to know where we think it’s worth spending extra—because between all of our guides here at Dreamland Safari Tours, we’ve spent a couple thousand nights relying on, dealing with, and testing backpacking gear. Our cumulative experence can help you make decisions that you won’t regret, no matter where you are in your backpacking journey.
1. Backpack: Your Carrying System
The backpack is your trusty companion on the trail. It needs to fit well, distribute weight evenly, and accommodate all your gear without unnecessary bulk.
Value Recommendation:
Fjällräven Keb 52
This high-quality beginner-friendly pack features an adjustable suspension system, ample storage, and a comfortable hip belt. It’s a durable and reliable choice for those who are starting out without wanting to overspend. Bonus: it is also PFAS free, and compatible with a hydration bladder.
Ultralight Recommendation:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear Southwest 55L
For experienced or ultralight backpackers, this minimalist pack is a game-changer. Weighing under two pounds, it’s made of durable Dyneema fabric and excels in carrying light loads efficiently while keeping your gear dry. (Did you know? If you join a guided backpacking trip with Dreamland Safari Tours, you have the option of renting a Hyperlite Backpack for a multi-day testdrive before pulling the trigger on this investment!)
2. Shelter: Your Home in the Wild
Your shelter protects you from the elements and offers a cozy refuge at the end of a long day. Protecting you against wind, rain, and bugs, the right shelter can ensure you sleep soundly. Food for thought: if you’re backpacking in our backyard, the desert of Southern Utah and Northern Arizona, stable, dry forecasts often make it possible to leave the shelter behind and simply cowboy camp (i.e. sleep out in the open) – a great way to eliminate weight from your backpack.
Value Recommendation:
Kelty Discovery Trail Tent 1
Sturdy, and budget-friendly, this tent is perfect for first-time backpackers who prioritize comfort and ease of use. It is free-standing, easy to set up, and weighs in at a respectably light 3 pounds and 6 ounces. Need a larger shelter to accommodate 2 or more people? Kelty offers those, too.
Keep in mind that, if you join one of our guided backpacks here at Dreamland Safari Tours, you don’t need to worry about bringing a tent – we’ll provide a Kelty Discovery Trail tent for you to use.
Ultralight Recommendation:
Hyperlite Mid-1
This cutting-edge ultralight pyramid tent offers incredible weight savings without compromising on weather protection. It sets up with a single trekking pole, saving additional weight in your pack. Weighing in at a mere 16.8 ounces (that’s barely more than a pound!), this tent is the ferrari of backpacking shelters – just make sure you know how to drive it.
3. Sleep System: Rest and Recharge
A good night’s sleep in the backcountry starts with the right combination of a sleeping bag and pad. Together, they keep you warm, comfortable, and ready to tackle the next day.
Sleeping Bag – Value Recommendation:
Kelty Cosmic Down 20 Sleeping Bag
The Kelty Cosmic Down 20 sleeping bag offers down insulation at an affordable price, making it a great entry-level option for three-season use in the desert – the 20 degree temperature rating is warm enough to keep you cozy in those cool desert early spring and late fall nights.
Sleeping Bag – Ultralight Recommendation:
Hyperlite Mountain Gear 20-Degree Quilt
How are quilts different from sleeping bags? Easy: they don’t feature a zipper. Going zipperless saves weight — in this case almost a full pound vis-a-vis the 20 degree sleeping bag recommended above. This is your featherweight solution designed for those who prioritize warmth-to-weight ratio.
Sleeping Pads:
We always recommend a combination of two sleeping pads, foam and inflatable. Why not just choose one over the other? Foam by itself is very uncomfortable to sleep on, particularly for side sleepers. Inflatables, on the other hand, are prone to breaking; if your inflatable goes bust while you are in the field, you all a sudden have NO sleeping pad – which isn’t just a question of comfort, with cold nights it can be a real safety issue. Here is what we recommend for our tried and true sleeping pad combo.
Foam Pad: Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sol
Inflatable Pad – Value: Kelty Mistral Si Sleeping Pad
Inflatable Pad – Ultralight: Nemo Tensor Extreme Ultralight Insulated Sleeping Pad
By selecting gear that meets your needs and budget, you’ll set yourself up for success on the trail. Whether you’re going for value options or shaving ounces with ultralight gear, the right Big Three will ensure that your backpacking adventure is as enjoyable as the stunning views along the way.
Ready to build out the rest of your kit? Download our free Backpacking Kit Planner to get started!
