Whether you’re an avid adventurer or a total newbie, knowing what you really need to bring on a backpacking trip is tricky. You want to be comfortable and prepared for anything the great outdoors throws at you, but also keep your pack light and pared down to only what’s absolutely necessary. (After all, what you carry on your back should weigh no more than 30 pounds.)
A good place to start? Make sure you have what are known as the “10 essentials,” for any safe outing into the wilderness: nav system (map, compass, GPS), headlamp, sun protection, first-aid kit with a whistle and multitool, fire starter, shelter, extra food, water-purifying system (filter and tablets), extra layers, and waterproof clothing. As for the rest (and the, uh, comfort items)? Use this expert-approved packing list for your trip, with products recommended by Allison Boyle, the creator of She Dreams of Alpine, a backpacking education program for women wanting to hike solo, and Jacki Harp, an ardent backpacker and REI store manager in Chattanooga, Tennessee. With this list, you’ll have everything you need to take on a backpacking trip, with gear that’s specifically designed for women in the backcountry. Happy trails!
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