Sometimes the best gear advice comes not from ultralight through-hikers, but from someone trying backpacking for the first time and sharing honest lessons learned.
A first-time backpacker posted a detailed "shakeout trip" report to r/backpacking after testing gear on a one-night trip—a smart move before committing to a planned 3-4 night expedition later in the year.
The gear list was relatable: a decade-old Costco backpack, an old car camping tent, and a mix of budget and borrowed equipment. No $400 ultralight shelter or $600 quilts—just practical gear most people actually own.
What worked:
Old gear still performs: The 10+ year old High Sierra 45L backpack and Kelty Salida tent "worked great" despite not being cutting-edge ultralight equipment.
Buy-once-cry-once items: The Exped Ultra 6.5 sleeping pad "worked great"—investing in quality where it matters (sleep comfort) pays off.
Simple filtration: The Sawyer Squeeze filter with Cnoc bladder "was straightforward" and "should last a long time."
Packing lists prevent mistakes: "Without the list, I would have forgotten the headlamp and lighter." Checklists matter.
What didn't work:
35-degree sleeping bags aren't warm enough: "I was cold at night with a light jacket on" in the US Midwest. The bag is being returned for something warmer.
Cold hands and butt: Need "something insulated to sit on" and gloves for camp comfort.
Total pack weight: 28 lbs with food and water "was easy to carry" for short trips, making expensive ultralight upgrades unnecessary for this use case.
Dehydrated meals: "Tasted forgettable, but it was calorie dense and easy to make"—a realistic assessment rather than gear review hyperbole.
The most valuable insight: "Even if I spend a lot of money and go ultralight, I can save maybe 3 lbs, which for these short(er) trips, makes no difference."
This cuts against the gear-obsessed YouTube algorithm that pushes ultralight equipment as essential. For weekend warriors doing 1-3 night trips, decent budget gear performs fine. The $2,000 ultralight setup makes sense for through-hikers carrying weight daily for months, not for occasional backpackers.
Another honest admission: "I enjoyed the experience, but I am someone who would have really enjoyed some company." The upcoming multi-day trip includes "committed friends," recognizing that solo backpacking isn't everyone's preference—and that's okay.
The camping location sounds ideal for first-timers: great views, picnic table, lake access, only a couple miles from parking, provided firewood, and bear-proof food storage. Starting with easier sites builds confidence before attempting more remote locations.
A particularly useful observation: "The majority of YouTube content about backpacking is focused on gear and, especially, pricy, ultralight gear. I wish there was more content about how to make it a good/comfortable experience once you get to camp."
This highlights a gap in outdoor content—endless gear reviews but less about camp routines, staying comfortable, managing cold, occupying time, cooking efficiently, and the actual experience rather than just the equipment.
The post concluded: "I just wanted to share this from the perspective of someone who literally tried backpacking for the first time and had been intimidated beforehand. Hopefully, it is useful to aspiring backpackers who haven't tried it yet."
This kind of honest, beginner-focused trip report is gold for anyone considering backpacking but intimidated by the gear-heavy culture. The main lessons:
- You don't need expensive gear to start - Test equipment on short trips before committing to long ones - Sleeping comfort matters more than pack weight for weekend trips - Camp comfort items (insulated sit pad, gloves) are worth carrying - Packing lists prevent critical mistakes - YouTube's gear obsession doesn't reflect what beginners actually need
The best travel isn't about the destination—it's about what you learn along the way. For first-time backpackers, that lesson is learning that you can start with budget gear and good planning, without waiting to afford the "perfect" ultralight setup.
Just get out there and try it.
