Beginner's Guide to Solo Backpacking: Essential Gear and Setup for Your First Adventure

In this video, we'll cover the essential gear a beginner needs to know about, and the gear you'll need to pack for your first trip. We'll go through each item, explaining why it's important and how to choose the right one for you.
We'll also share our recommended backpacking setup, which weighs only 15 pounds! This includes a lightweight tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, cooking gear, water filtration system, and more.
Whether you're planning your first backpacking trip or just looking to upgrade your gear, this video has everything you need to get started. So grab your backpack and let's hit the trails!
📺 SLEEP SYSTEM VIDEO
• The Best Sleep Backpac...
📺 MOM'S BUSH KITCHEN SERIES
• Mom's Bush🌿Kitchen Set...
📺 CHOOSING A DOWN JACKET
• Comparing 3 Down Jacke...
📺 HOW TO CATCH FISH BACKPACKING
• Ultralight-Idiot Proof...
🎒 BACKPACKING LOAD OUT
Osprey Stratos 34 Backpack: geni.us/OspreyStratos34
Nemo Disco 15: geni.us/Disco15Mens
Nemo Hornet Tent: geni.us/NemoHornet
Nemo Tensor Insulated: geni.us/InsulatedTensor
Sea to Summit Down Pillow: geni.us/AerosDownPillow
Jetboil Zip Stove: geni.us/JetBoilZip
Exped Widget Pump: geni.us/ExpedWidget
Dry Bags: geni.us/SilDryBags
Sawyer Water Filter: geni.us/WaterFilterSystem
Garmin In Reach Mini: geni.us/GarminMini
Black Diamond Headlamp: geni.us/BlackDiamondHL
Ultralight Med Kit: geni.us/ULMedKit
Blister Kit: geni.us/BlisterKit
Culo Clean Bidet: geni.us/CuloCleanBidet
Tent Pole Splint: geni.us/TentPoleSplint
Fire Starter: geni.us/FireStarterGel
Trowel Tool: geni.us/TheDeuce2
Utility Cord: geni.us/Paracord
Spork: geni.us/Utensils
🎣 FISHING
geni.us/TenkaraRodBeartooth
👕 CLOTHING
HOKA Speedgoat 5 Shoes: geni.us/SpeedGoat5GTX
Patagonia Nano Puff Down Jacket: geni.us/PatagoniaNano
REI Mid Layer: geni.us/reimidlayer
REI Sahra Convertible Pants: geni.us/SaharaPant
REI Sahara T Shirt: geni.us/SaharaTShirt
Smartwool Intraknit Base Layer Bottoms: geni.us/reimidlayer
REI Moreno Wool Socks: geni.us/REIMorenoSocks
REI Everyday Boxer Briefs: geni.us/REIeverydayBoxers
REI Fleece Beanie: geni.us/REIfleecebeanie
🎥 HIRE ME
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/ jon_conti
🙉 GET THE ONLY CLOTHES WITH IDAHO LITERALLY BUILT IN!
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⚙ FOR ALL THE UP TO DATE GEAR I RECOMMEND, CHECK OUT MY KIT
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*If you use any of the links we may earn a commission.
------------------
0:00 Intro
1:08 Backpack
1:33 Sleeping Bag
2:06 Tent
3:00 Sleeping Pad
3:22 Pillow
3:33 Cook System
4:12 Clothes
5:40 Charging
6:04 Food Storage
7:29 Water Filtration
9:45 Accessories
10:58 Pooping
11:44 Utilize Compartments
12:14 Navigation
12:31 Med Kit
13:24 Fishing

[@lavalandhawaii5998]

I also always bring a couple Ziploc bags for trash to pack out and a kitchen garbage bag that I can put over my pack in the event of sudden rain. A good idea if you are rolling with down. I also bring a Frog Togs rain jacket for myself, it's cheap, light, and is good if you encounter a chilly wind.. Great setup!

[@thewolfethatcould8878]

So...I have never hiked but just the afternoon type of thing. Something is telling me that this is in my near future. Well, atleast I dream of it. I sure do miss Idaho. Thanks for this video, I hope one day I can look back at This Day and say, "Might that be the day it All changed?'. Guess time will tell, but I thank you for your videos. Have a great weekend!

[@Panda_trax]

Thank you for making this content! Straight to the point video! Thanks again

[@HikingwithGus]

I hate the Sawyer bag! CNOC is what I use. In fact I have boatload of the Sawyer bags I have never used. The Jet-boil is appealing, however, if you are ever in a situation where you run out of fuel, or the temps are too cold for the butane stove you can always use a regular pot and a fire to cook you food, which you can't with the jet-boil pot. Good vid as usual Jon!

[@xmoogoox]

Did a trip with Jon and this kit is perfect: lightweight and complete

[@kayleeson509]

Thanks for the tips!

[@lshn8457]

nice setup, very helpfull and simple, cheers!

[@lyz1636]

cool video, will be taking some notes!!

[@exrhodie1234]

OK, saw the sleeping pad thanks.

[@Campinginthejungle-vietnam]

Really useful knowledge. Thanks

[@chrisrobb8456]

Cool thanks for sharing. I think I want a pillow and smaller sleeping set up, when I'm out with the girl, her bag is all sleeping gear only so it's not so heavy. I think I need to start upgrading that seeing yours.

[@clausfriishansen2247]

Great video - having not hiked for 15 years I'll restart this summer. Going solo and being old(er) also requires me to reduce from the 40lbs on the back then... :) Thanks for the re-inspiration - can't wait to start buying the required stuff.....

[@davbradley23]

Go hiking with the proper footwear, too. Went hiking in my Ariat work boots. Talk about a work out. Stopped every 2 or 3 minutes gasping for air. 😂

[@Handleyocandleghee]

great video dude, ive just got sucked into the idea of doing this so im going to jump on my motorbike and see where i end up, video reminded me of a few things i nearly left without

[@bk12gage]

mate this is a dream of mine motorbiking and doing this bro

[@wrp3ndle107]

GREAT video, I've lived in East mesa my whole life 50 years, and superstition wilderness is my playground. Hope to see you out there. Ps. Bring a snake bite kit...

[@tdg223]

Thanks

[@parknelson3428]

Great video!

[@AshHalls]

That’s a sweet set up, the brain part is my favourite 😂

[@BonnevilleTenkara]

Many backpackers seem to discover tenkara.. I'm a tenkara addict discovering backpacking Fishing in the Wasatch and Uintas and don't know any backpackers so going to be trying to get into it this year so I can fish the streams and lakes.

[@jeremeywelling2245]

only thing i would add is a backpack bivy just incase, nice setup !!!

[@josephlau8476]

I like hiking very much too.

[@jeffseng6385]

Looks like you’re ready to hit the trail. The sleeping bag and tent were excellent advice for a beginner.

[@parknelson3428]

The look when you said “it’s also a rescue tool” made me laugh

[@exrhodie1234]

Greetings from SW Boise! Good video, thanks. I didn't see a sleeping pad there, unless I missed it. What do you use?

[@finncromwell9539]

Love ur vids! I live about 2 hours from Boise, do you know any quick backpacking overnight routes around here?

[@EmilyReynolds-ph3wx]

Love it, can you start saying camel's back in a Borat voice?

[@fightforfreedomneversurren8610]

Just wondering if anyone carries fishing gear with them and what you use? I hike in Idaho with salmon eggs in the high lakes. I do real good with rooster tails as well.

[@eianlim7134]

I'm an ultralighter but this I agree and would recommend to those starting out. relatable and practicle.

[@jeffdur1330]

None of that stuff is ultralight

[@ronaldrose7593]

Hello 👋 my outdoors friend, thank you for sharing your camping 🏕 gear video. You did a fine job. Stay safe out there. 😊

[@loganpreskar9209]

Would you really filter your water beter if you have 2 bottles and filter them back and forth like 10 times? Would be cool

[@carolyngreen1673]

Why no rain gear?

[@Canariofilms]

I need to get the Culo cleaner.

[@davidn.8976]

Hey, I got a Nemo Tensor but it's the uninsulated version. Is there any good reason to own the uninsulated version over the insulated, or should I return it and get the insulated one for more versatility?

[@jasonlommen4769]

A good sleeping pad is a must in my book. Never skimp on one. Summer time you can easily get by with a non insulated, but any other season you need an insulated pad. The cold earth will suck the heat right out of you, no matter how warm your sleeping bag. If you can afford multiple pads, you don’t have to worry about it. If you can only afford one, spend the coin on a comfy, durable, good R value pad.

[@67L48]

If you're a hot sleeper and camp in pretty warm weather, than uninsulated will be fine. But, as stated above, the biggest loss of heat is the ground. Sleeping bag insulation only works due to loft (restricting air/heat flow), so the part of the bag between you and the pad isn't doing much, as it's all compressed by your body. So, the only thing between your body and the heat-sink of the cold ground is a thin piece of compressed sleeping bag fabric, your sleeping pad, and the floor of your tent. Even for warm weather, I'd look for an R rating in the 2 range. For shoulder season, I like to see 5-ish. I don't camp in the winter. But, to answer your first question, there are a few good reasons to own the uninsulated version: uninsulated weighs less, uninsulated is less bulky (takes up less space), uninsulated costs less, uninsulated may be quieter (often, insulation uses mylar/reflectix material that can crinkle), and, again if you're a hot sleeper in really hot conditions, you may *want* to lose some heat into the ground to keep from overheating/sweating all night.

[@johnyoung4129]

Curious what the issue is with the sawyer mini?

[@brianthomason5022]

I did the whole Appalachian trail all I had to do was to join a cult!

[@67L48]

About a year ago when I was researching the various filters, I recall seeing/reading many reviews that the mini had a much, much slower flow rate. Some of that was right out of the box where it was difficult to get a good stream through it and some of that was during use, where the filter just seemed to "clog" and restrict flow. Either way, the reviews were pretty consistent that the mini just didn't seem to work great. I don't have personal experience, I'm just relaying what the various reviewers stated.

[@FrancoisMcinnes]

Jetboil is cool, but low quality for the price. . Mine my destroyed after one summer. I went with Maple., cheaper and more robust so far

[@the404error7]

Out of curiosity, if you're in a state where it's legal to carry a firearm. Would that be a useful tool while hiking in the wilderness for safety? I know personally a few people who carry a 10mm handgun or a .357 magnum revolver for defense against Elk, Bears, and Coyotes. (This is a genuine question, not meant to be politically charged.)

[@xxxtraheatxx7514]

I can’t think of a single reason you wouldn’t take a knife. It’s not useful in every situation, but with zero downsides but a little extra weight, the the upside of protection from everything that walks the earth why wouldn’t you have one

[@asmith7876]

First off, in the USA there shouldn't be anywhere it's illegal to carry...but that's a different topic! I carry everywhere I go in town, every day so when I go to the woods I'm carrying. To be honest I'm more concerned about people than wild animals where I camp. There are bears possibly but crazy humans are a 1000 times more prevalent.

[@asmith7876]

@@xxxtraheatxx7514 I take a knife camping but it's crazy to think it's protection against crazy people or especially wild animals.

[@realtyrocks1969]

If you are between an angry cougar or a bear do you want a pocket knife or a handgun? I'd never go in to the woods without a pistol. I carry a Glock 20 with BuffaloBore 10mm ammo and spare mag in the pack. Your safety is always #1.

[@jeffdur1330]

A bear canister is all you need if you're worried about animals.

[@robertpayne2822]

If you have a down blanket or jacket DONT pack it as tight as you can to save room. Down flattens under compression and loses the ability to do its job as well as it should.

[@andrew720511]

what kind of gun do you bring?

[@brianthomason5022]

10 mm Glock

[@madanmagar405]

What is size of bag?

[@giovannimerced6473]

34L

[@skizzarz]

is it just me or is ratos highlighted on your backpack I think atos makes more sense. A Taste Of Struggle.

[@mathieutoupin5181]

No rain gear?! OK….

[@phillipleathley5833]

No first aid kit???

[@brianthomason5022]

If you're going to die you're going to die

[@ludodown7713]

The yellow package next to the shot of the blister care was first aid.

[@melaniespinks3974]

@@ludodown7713not enough for severe trauma, bad

[@allanspqr14]

5 days with a 34l backpack?....

[@jeffdur1330]

Somebody loan me $1500 so i can go camping

[@67L48]

Without resorting to crappy gear that won't work, last, or be comfortable to use/carry, you can do it for much less. A person doesn't need Nemo, MSR, Big Agnes gear, necessarily. Paria tents are A+ quality for $160. Klymit pads work great for less than a bill. Tons of great ~50L packs for right around a bill or less. There are really good cooking options that aren't a $200 Jetboil ... simple stoves and an aluminum pot is about a quarter the cost of Jetboil. You'd still be into it $400 - $600 starting from scratch, which isn't free, but it's a fraction of $1,500.

[@elijahmoore8472]

Bro doesn’t bring toilet paper

[@MyOpinionisKorrect]

6:04

[@whmm8556]

Bro doesn’t watch videos and comments on them as if he did.

[@andreym212]

Jetboil "for beginners":250$ BRS 3000T: 10$

[@johnmcginn1774]

Why’s he saying “camelsback”?

[@danielwaller5769]

Bro please mention the fucking price when your talking about the items

[@brianthomason5022]

He probably doesn't get paid enough to do all that bullshit

[@jerk_store]

Was adding up all the shit listed in the description. I stopped added when I reached $2k. A beginner doesn't need all this high end hipster label stuff.

[@Max-ik9qb]

Bud NO one in 2023 should be learning to "hang food" as a bear deterent. Outside magazine has an excellent article from 2019 explaining why the "bear hang" is an antiquated and proven to be useless system. Ursack or a hard bear canister is the only way to preserve bears and nature!

[@777ynk]

he kinda said “i hang up my food as a precaution for bears because i dont camp in areas where i really need a bear canister, you might be in an area where you need a bear canister but i dont” 6:53

[@Js-eq7yd]

Bullshit, the PCT bear hang is still widely used and recommended. Hard canister is heavy and bulky. I'd only ever use it if there are no good hanging trees around which is the main drawback.

[@777ynk]

@@Js-eq7yd you’re talking to someone who has no idea what THEY’RE talking about so i doubt they’ll understand what *you’re* talking about

[@Js-eq7yd]

@@777ynk true lol

[@brianthomason5022]

My 10 mm kept me from a bear killing me and that bear was delicious

[@cedarcanoe]

1) Irresponsible not taking cloths for when the weather turns bad. 2) you weigh 200 lbs you say, but looks like your gear can’t be light enough. Slim down.

[@brianthomason5022]

If that's the case then I'm fucked

[@jerk_store]

The lightweight won't kill you but the credit card debt will. The cost of this loadout skyrockets way past $2,000 which consists of nothing but high end labels and that's not even including food and clothing. This is a beginner's guide for someone who can blow all their money because the are still living with mommy... oh 6:37 ...busted. Anyway, a beginner does not need a lot of this expensive glamping gear.

[@BertTotzke]

Thanks

[@skizzarz]

Love it, can you start saying camel's back in a Borat voice?

[@user-vp1vm1gn2c]

what kind of gun do you bring?