How to Plan a Backpacking Trip: What You Need to Think About Before Hitting the Trail

Dreaming about taking your first backpacking trip but don’t even know where to begin? Knowing how to plan a backpacking trip is a skill in itself, and I am here to walk you through the process.

As a backpacking educator, planning a backpacking trip is my jam, and I want to help you be able to plan your own! Feeling capable and confident during the planning process will translate into feeling confident and capable on the trail.

HOW TO PLAN A BACKPACKING TRIP

This post will give you an overview of everything that goes into planning a backpacking trip. But if you get overwhelmed by the steps and feel like you could use some more guidance, that’s what my Become a Backpacking Badass program is for!

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PICK YOUR DESTINATION

When starting to plan a backpacking trip, destination is definitely one of the most important decisions. I mean, you probably wouldn’t be taking a backpacking trip if you weren’t excited about where you’ll be exploring, right?

So where do you want to go? The mountains, the forest, the desert, or even the beach (like the Lost Coast Trail)? Think big picture about places on your bucket list, then you can start to narrow it down.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR PICKING A ​BACKPACKING DESTINATION

Season/Weather

While some trails, like the Trans-Catalina Trail (which I highly recommend!) can be backpacked all year-round, most trails have a specific season that is best for backpacking. In high elevation areas like the Sierra Nevada mountains, you’ll typically want to backpack in the summer or early fall, while in desert climates like Joshua Tree National Park, a winter backpacking trip is ideal to avoid the heat.

Length/Mileage

Another big consideration when choosing a backpacking destination is how long the trail is – both how long you’ll spend on the trail and the mileage overall and each day.

Elevation Gain

Also pay attention to how much elevation gain you’ll encounter when choosing a destination. If your trip has a ton of elevation gain, you might need to plan more days for the trip to factor in that you’ll go slower when hiking uphill, especially with a backpacking pack.

Permits

It’s also crucial to check if your dream backpacking destination requires permits – and how competitive they are to get. Some places don’t require permits at all, some places might need a free backcountry permit, and some places require entering a permit lottery.

>>>Check out my guide to getting permits for some of the most popular trails and campgrounds in California!

PLAN YOUR ROUTE

Once you’ve chosen your destination, your next step to plan a backpacking trip is to plan your route. Some destinations will have one specific trail to follow, but others will offer options. You’ll also have to figure out how you’re going to split up your hiking days and where you will plan to camp each night you’re on the trail.

Once you have your route planned, I highly recommend downloading GPX tracks and a map of the area. You can’t depend on cell phone service in the backcountry, so you need to be able to navigate offline.

DON’T HAVE A GPS? YOU SHOULD.

I believe every hiker and backpacker should strive to be self-sufficient, and that includes knowing how to practice smart navigational skills in the outdoors.

This is an important safety skill set that I teach in-depth inside of my backpacking program.  There’s no reason to risk getting lost in the outdoors.

Here’s what I recommend to get started: 

(Note: This list contains affiliate links)

1) GAIA GPS Phone App: The Gaia GPS App is definitely one of the best budget GPS for hiking. Make sure to upgrade to premium though so that you can download maps in advance and take them offline into the backcountry for when there is no cell service.

Gaia is offering a special 20% discount on a premium account to those who subscribe online through my link.

Don’t know where to start? If you need help with some Gaia GPS basics, download my quick Gaia GPS navigation 101 guide.

Alternative to Gaia GPS that we also love: AllTrails+ GPS App (The + account gives you access to take maps offline when there isn’t cell service)

2) Get an SOS Device: Once you are able to, I recommend investing in some sort of SOS communication device like the Garmin inReach Mini or the Garmin inReach Explorer+ . These devices provide not only GPS tracking capabilities, but also an SOS satellite search and rescue communicator and text communication abilities in the backcountry.

My Go-To Trail Setup: The Gaia GPS app (premium subscription) + the Garmin inReach Mini.

Alternative to Garmin: Pair your Gaia GPS App with the Zoleo SOS device . With this set up, the Gaia GPS App serves as your GPS navigation device, and the Zoleo serves as an SOS/communication device.

Learn more about the best GPS devices for hiking here.

PUT IT ON THE CALENDAR

Even if you don’t need permits for your backpacking trip, I still recommend putting it on the calendar to make it a priority. It’s easier to stick to your plan if you’ve committed to it and set aside the time on your calendar.

If you got a permit for your backpacking trip, obviously put those dates on the calendar! If you’re backpacking a trail that doesn’t require permits, consider the season and the weather, and pick a time that works in your schedule.

START TRAINING

A big part of planning a backpacking trip is making sure you’re physically prepared. So once you get your backpacking trip on the calendar, it’s a good idea to make a training plan so you can feel strong and ready by the time you hit the trail.

A basic training plan will ramp up mileage and elevation gain over time as you get closer to your backpacking trip. You also want to make sure you spend time hiking with weight in your pack similar to what you’ll be carrying when you backpack.

>>>If you don’t know where to start, check out my Training for Hiking How-To Guide here!

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GRAB MY [FREE] OUTDOOR BACKPACKER STARTER KIT

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GET YOUR GEAR

When you plan a backpacking trip, part of the process is making sure you have the gear you need.

If you need to buy gear, I highly recommend an REI membership. Not only does REI have a great selection of gear, but membership benefits include dividends and free shipping, which make the REI membership totally worth the one time investment.

You can also get scrappy about getting used gear! Check Facebook marketplace for sales on used gear and head to used gear stores if you have one nearby. REI also has a used gear program where you can buy online.

Also, always make sure to test out your gear before you head on a backpacking trip! Whether setting up your new tent in your backyard, making sure your camp stove lights properly, or testing that your water filter isn’t clogged, it’s important to make sure everything works properly so you're not stuck without a crucial piece of gear in the backcountry.

Backpacking packing list

Here are a few absolutely essential items you should make sure to pack when you’re planning a backpacking trip. This is NOT a comprehensive list though, so be sure to check out our Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List to dive in deep on what I recommend bringing on a backpacking trip.

*Please note that this list contains affiliate links.

1) Backpack: Deuter 45+ Liter backpacks make are excellent for backpacking trips of a few days for one person. This was the first backpack I used when I started backpacking, and I still use it often to this day. It's very comfortable, has plenty of pockets and makes packing really simple!

2) Tent: My favorite backpacking tent is the Big Agnes Copper Spur. It’s so well designed and really just such a great tent!

3) Sleeping Bag & Pad: I always recommend getting a down sleeping bag if you are going to be doing a lot of backpacking, and I love Big Agnes down bags.

The Therm-A-Rest NeoAir XTherm sleeping pad is my favorite sleeping pad. It's lightweight and easy to pack. It's super comfortable (no body parts touch the ground), and it's warm!

4) Headlamp: I pretty much don’t go anywhere without a headlamp. I have a Petzl headlamp, and it has been going strong for over 3 years now. It's also always good to pack an extra set of batteries for your headlamp – or a battery pack if you have a rechargeable headlamp – whenever you hike or backpack.

5) Water Bottle and CamelBak: CamelBaks are awesome for hiking! They are the easiest way to stay hydrated, and I typically always bring one with me. I recommend getting one that has at least a 3 liter reservoir. Also consider bringing a Nalgene or water bottle for backup. Then, if a leak develops in your CamelBak, you can at least transfer water to the Nalgene and still be OK.

6) Water Filter: A water filter will allow you to fill up from water sources along the way if they are available on the trail you’re hiking. Do not drink the water in the outdoors without filtering it first! I've become a big fan of the Katadyn BeFree , but the Sawyer Squeeze is a great affordable option as well.

7) Camping Stove: I love my MSR stove system. I bought this after my Jet Boil broke down, and I like it a lot more. It works great at high altitude and takes only about 30 seconds to bring water to a boil.

8) First Aid Kit: Another important item to have is a small first aid kit with the basic first aid essentials in it. The Adventure Medical Kits Mountain Series Hiker Medical Kit is a solid option, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

9) GPS: I am a data nerd, and you should be too! I know so many people don’t utilize GPS when they hike, but I consider it an essential piece of gear. My favorite these days is the GAIA GPS App, which you use on your phone so you don't need a standalone device. Gaia is offering a special 20% discount on a premium account to those who subscribe online through my link.

10) Satellite Communicator: Cell service is often spotty or non-existent in the backcountry, and I think a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach Mini or ZOLEO is a crucial piece of gear for any backpacking trip so you can send texts or call SOS if something goes wrong.

Again, this is NOT a full backpacking packing list! Check out the backpacking checklist below to make sure you have everything you need before hitting the trail.

DOWNLOAD OUR BACKPACKING PACKING CHECKLIST

Never leave any crucial items behind when you head out on a backpacking trip! I’ve compiled all the essentials here for you so that you’ll never forget anything vital. PLUS, as a bonus, I’ve included a list of 20+ of my favorite backpacking food snacks and meals inside of this list for inspiration.

MAKE A SAFETY PLAN

Now that you’ve completed most of the steps to plan a backpacking trip, there’s one more key thing you need to do before you pack up and actually hit the trail – create a safety plan.

Always share your itinerary - including trailhead you’re departing from, planned campsites, and when you should return from your trip - with a trusted friend or family member. Be sure to let them know when to expect you to be in contact and at what time you would be considered overdue.

I also recommend bringing a satellite communicator whenever you go on a backpacking trip. The Garmin inReach Mini or Zoleo are both great options, and having a way to communicate when something goes wrong or you’re just running behind provides some peace of mind.

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And that’s the quick rundown of how to plan a backpacking trip! Hope this info helps you as you begin planning your own backpacking trip and get ready to hit the trail. If you have any questions as you go through the planning process, let me know in the comments.

​​LOOKING FOR MORE BACKPACKING RESOURCES?

Check out these other blog posts to help you hit the trails!

• 15 Rookie Mistakes To Avoid Your First Time Backpacking

• 7 Reasons Why Women Make Great Backpacking Leaders on the Trail

• Essential Backpacking Hygiene Tips & Feminine Care in the Outdoors

• 11 Essential Tips for Backpacking in the Rain Like a Pro

• Training for Hiking How-To Guide

Cheers,

Allison - She Dreams of Alpine

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