How To Plan Your FIRST Backpacking Trip! | Miranda in the Wild

Planning a backpacking trip - especially your first trip - can be really daunting. In this video, I share my steps for planning a backpacking trip! There are some tips here for backpackers of all levels, so use this guide to plan your trips and share it with your friends!
Intro: 00:57
Step 1: Pick a Trail: 1:13
Step 2: Do Your Research: 2:43
Step 3: Pack Your Bag: 6:41
Step 4: Make a Plan and Share it: 8:22
BACKPACKING CHECKLIST: www.rei.com/learn/expert-advi...
Visiting a National Park? Look up conditions and regulations here: www.nps.gov
Find trip reports at AllTrails Trail Guide: www.alltrails.com/
Hiking Project Trail Maps: www.hikingproject.com/
Check the weather! National Weather Service: www.weather.gov
In WA State? Washington Trails Association: www.wta.org/
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[@rei]

Hey friends! Miranda here. I hope you liked this video - it was a really fun one to make, but there's just SO MUCH information, so I'm sure I missed something! What do you think? Any big planning steps you'd add to this? Comment below!

[@lalita3090]

Excellent overview - Best tip is that "the trail is always going to be there" -- so true. That's what I say when I hike in elevation esp when the weather is up in the air. I plan on backpacking somewhere close / short - thanks Miranda!

[@JimBridgerHarney]

Not bad at all. I usually like to tell people to stay warm, hydrated, and found. If you can do those things, and in that order, you’ll have an awfully hard time finding a way to die out there.

[@brushemteeth9159]

10:00 - HUGE dissent! If you go somewhere with no cellphone service, you MUST bring a satellite telephone or emergency GPS tracker! If you can't afford to buy or rent one, go somewhere with cellphone service.

[@nzlndr00]

I like to tell people they can basecamp backpack, or do longer trails/trips/through hikes with a few different camp spots. Also, many of my friends have dogs so we are usually checking whether dogs are allowed on some of the trips we do. Also, a big one for me is to be considerate of the rest of the folks in your group. If you split up to do day hikes separately, be back before dark and don’t go on unmarked trails if you have no way to communicate with the rest of your party. I have a couple friends who joined me on a backpacking trip in an alpine wilderness area that weren’t considerate to the rest of us, who scared the shit out of us because we had no idea where they were/if they were ok (until midnight when they returned), that I don’t invite to backpacking trips anymore.

[@lauriesax4659]

This was so good! Another tip I have is go on a few guided trips first. So much can be learned from a good guide, from recipes, to first aid, to pacing yourself, choosing a trail, on and on and on!

[@willemvanuijen]

Extra tip: Be flexible with your plan. Maybe you've made a plan to hike 20 miles in a day and after 10 miles you twist an ankle. Don't limp for 10 miles. Be flexible, don't rush. Do the amount of miles that feel right at the time. Same applies to maybe meeting people you want to hang out with, or an amazing waterfall or swimming pond you find next to the trail. It's not about the miles, it's about smiles. Dive in and have fun. Just make sure you have enough food and water to make it to safety, but other than that just try to enjoy the moment as much as you can. You're not at work, you don't have to hike 1000 miles if you'd rather be swimming today.

[@WAltws-wh9do]

Yeah buddy. I always hate it when my foot or leg fall off and I have to cut a trip short by a week. Burp

[@bob_the_bomb4508]

^ This. 100%

[@AndrewB416]

Yes officer I am sure it was Miranda. She let out a glorious trumpet of a belch while I passed her on the trail and that was the last time I saw her.

[@Scor-ah]

lol

[@melissarobinson9618]

As a solo lady like Miranda I have always been told "be careful! don't go alone! are you nuts?" So it's great to have this video to reaffirm that I'm doing the right things👍

[@jeanettepugh6017]

List maker, fact checker, blog reader, video consumer...research, research, research. So confident and proud on my first solo backpacking trip, I just knew I hadn’t missed a single tip or trick! Settled into my perfect tent site with my perfect tent set up, cooked my perfect meal on my perfect stove only to find I had left my perfect spork at home. Humbled forever.....😳

[@he7is7at7hand]

Uuuuuhhhhh. 😔 Did you use your wood carving skills and make one?

[@patriksaastad724]

In Norway we have a tradition of greeting other hikers when crossing paths in the backcountry. I quite like this, as it for some reason only counts when on trail. In any other situation you do your absolute best to ignore everyone. Eye contact means death.

[@Scor-ah]

As a woman who drove truck alone all over North America for 20 years, I disagree I have always looked strangers in the eye and said hello with confidence. I find this is a great deterrent to any further action

[@alexandersnider734]

Welcome to Seattle

[@mrpimpsoda1]

Why does eye contact mean death? Asking from the US

[@ksyushaxd]

same in Russia!

[@patriksaastad724]

@@mrpimpsoda1 In Norway you keep your eyes to yourself, especially in public spaces. But if you go outside the city, hiking for instance, it is proper courtesy to greet the people that cross your path. In regards to the “death” part, that’s just a figure of speech.

[@CrossoverGenius]

I super, super appreciated the special mention of solo lady backpackers. I’m not a socially outgoing person, so the tip about noticing people/ being noticed had never occurred to me.

[@saraw8868]

"Did you hear that ultralighters..." 🤣 Loved that at the end, thanks for the helpful info!!

[@craigcalzaretta5362]

I can’t believe how excited I got to see this notification.

[@Shane_Conrad]

“Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance” I will make sure to say this anytime someone is late for dinner.

[@brianlaguardia9122]

It's actually an old military saying.

[@vanessaward7687]

I learned that in the military.

[@johnfortier6418]

Ahhhh yes the infamous 7p’s

[@elliemay3147]

As part of share your plan, pictures of what you're wearing and carrying are helpful. Snap a selfie and send with your plan. My family giving a description to SAR.... she might be using her black pack but she also has a red one so maybe she used that one.... or her green one.....

[@chickenspy1854]

My main mistake from my first solo backpacking trip was I got REALLY bored. I forgot that I'd have no one to talk to! lol Especially at night when reading a book was a bit tough. I bring a deck of cards now. You can keep yourself pretty busy with a deck of cards.

[@ThereGoesDan]

I literally just got home from an overnight trip like 20 min ago....it started off like this: "Oh shoot, my jacket! Eh, it's supposed to be warm tonight, I'll be fine."....I wasn't fine 🤦‍♀️👎

[@RalphReagan]

I'm not laughing! I took my summer quilt instead of my real sleeping bag.

[@drewglucksman853]

I'd love to see how you personally store your gear/general gear storage options in the home. This is something that's often overlooked and important for ensuring the longevity of your gear (mold/mildew, sleeping bag loft, general space saving in apartments).

[@rockytopwrangler2069]

... Love the energy of Camp Councilor Miranda ....Listen and Learn ...

[@Sheltonism]

I've had great luck using KZbin to research trails. Once I find a trail that interests me, I look to see if someone has made a KZbin video of their hike. It can REALLY help me plan my own hike! I would also recommend researching water. On some trails in areas where mining has been done, the water is NOT drinkable, even if filtered. You might need to stash some water near a road on your way to the trailhead or carry all your water.

[@ASnowyOwl]

I love how quirky, yet informative these videos are! One idea for a future video is to go over emergency preparedness (especially for hurricane/tornado season)

[@veronicamiranda1133]

I'm going backpacking with my son for the 1st time next week. Super excited!

[@eagle8505]

How did it go

[@bcase5328]

Many US State Parks have backpacking camping sites. And most time the Park Staff will have suggestions for the first time backpacker if you ask them before you reserve your camping site. Yes, I would suggest a few trial runs before hiking into a camping site: overnight in your backyard, use a car-camping camp site, camp at a rural friend's land.

[@russelljackman1413]

I'm always glad to see another video with Miranda! Always very informative, and always funny! Thanks for helping me to learn new things, while making my heart smile! :) Thanks, Miranda! Thanks, Film/Editing Crew! Happy Trails!

[@briandoolittle3422]

IM generally not nervous about danger sleeping in the backcountry at night, but I am always paranoid that every noise I hear is a mouse/squirrel/marmot eating a hole in my tent/backpack to get to a wrapper i forgot to put in my bearbag.

[@johngill5175]

Thank you so much. This is awesome and exactly what we needed!!! So proud to be a member!

[@jasonkarimy8784]

Yesssss! She made the video I’ve been waiting for!! Thank you, Miranda!!!

[@salebowsadventures293]

I just discovered Miranda and love her presentation. I’m also a REI member, too! Great job!

[@claudebeaudry4111]

Finally a video that truly covers how to get started. So many other videos skip that very important part. Thanks, will subscribe!

[@yaroslavbozhkov1567]

Thank you friends! Best wishes from Ukraine. 👍👍👍

[@leahterry7965]

This is just the information/video I needed! Thank you!

[@MamaEvaUSA]

“Pick a trail you are familiar with...” just moved to a new country and am not familiar with anything 😳🤪🤣 Adventure!!!

[@TheThomasites]

If you do get a PLB. Register it. If you are in Canada use the Canadian Beacon Registry. In the USA, use NOAA Beacon Registry.

[@crystalliu2426]

Base weight under 25 pounds, got it, thanks! My back pack itself is already heavy, I really concern about the base weight.

[@bantam700]

I've been on plenty of backpacking trips, and if I'm ever on a multiday trip that goes to plan I will be shocked. Felt in over my head plenty of times, but never in a spot where I felt like my life was in danger. Keeping calm and taking a moment to stop and think it through when things are going south are very important skills to have.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

That dirty sock trick is a pretty good idea.

[@MikeWood]

Some good tips here which should lead to potential first time backpackers enjoying themselves more on their first times out. Also, it sounds like at 7:47 the production team place bets on whether you will Mirandaburp on camera.

[@lalita3090]

Thanks for the great video, I'm planning my first backpacking trip in August. I have all the gear, just scared, but this vid made me feel better!

[@17shmb]

So nice to find this!! I actually got a permit for the JMT last week and then didn’t know what to do next lol

[@ianrudd7442]

Another brilliant video Miranda. The basics apply anywhere. Fortunately in the UK we don’t have to worry about bears.

[@thehafricanultralighter4973]

I jumped right in. My first trip was 3 days 2 nights in a different state. I'm always solo. Lol. Great info Miranda! Always love watching in the wild.

[@jameskappel]

Enjoying your content and your style of humor 🤪

[@warrenphilips8441]

Next time I pass someone on the trail: Sings Sarah McLachlan "I Will Remember You. Will you remember me?" ...that oughta do it.

[@kleberfernando8628]

Hello Miranda! I am from Brazil and I like so much your videos , tips, advice, etc!! thank you so much

[@autumnwishes8364]

Hi Miranda! New subscriber here! Love your videos and content. Lots of great and helpful information. Btw...I just love your video intro “This is my show gosh darn”....it just makes me giggle lol

[@ModernGentleman]

Me too, every time 😄

[@enjoyjavy]

Awesome tips, Miranda! 👏

[@faye76000]

the rain jacket tip is spot on bahahaaha

[@justalurkr]

Item 1: acquire a favorite day hike and become familiar with it.

[@danielleadams4806]

Thanks for the breakdown.

[@sabitron123]

going on my first backpacking trip tomorrow, but i decided to go all in and go to a week long one in another state. perfect time for this one lmao

[@Galactico42]

I have two rain jackets. One is a serious actually-keep-me-dry in a downpour jacket that I pack if there's actually rain in the forecast. The other is a very packable lightweight thing I got an Old Navy like 20 years ago that lives in my daypack/bikebag/pack even if it's the middle of summer in the Utah desert.

[@bghozali]

So excited!

[@SamPeabody]

I appreciated the sock in the car tip. I’m not a big worrier, but the old Boy Scout motto “be prepared” sticks with me. Reminds me of a time I was camping in a national park in a foreign country a long time ago. Some friendly fellow campers at the site next to us offered to bring us for a ride through the park to look at wildlife. We had no reason not to trust them, but I still left a note inside my tent saying when we left and the license plate number of the car, just in case. Everything was fine and they were just nice, generous people, but I never regretted leaving that note.

[@titanpreparedness]

Pick a trail and check for water sources. My first trip there was no water till miles in. Would have been nice to know prior to starting

[@LydJaGillers]

Thank you so much for all of these tips!!!

[@rei]

We appreciate the support!

[@Sarah-mi2rv]

Really appreciated the safety tips!!

[@salenarafn750]

"Eating the burger" 😂😂😂 too relatable.

[@austinkopp9811]

12:54 why did you have to attack me like that lol

[@johnparks2546]

I was thinking the same thing

[@rei]

🙃 love you, ultralighters - Miranda

[@johnparks2546]

Miranda replied ♥️

[@searchingforsquatchy3862]

I love the tip about making eye contact with people. I have a generally friendly face (as long as I'm not hangry) and I like that people feel comfortable enough to ask me for directions if they're lost. And also tell me if they scout wildlife! Hiking in GTNP last week I got so giddy when someone told me where they saw a moose, so I was sure to pass along the information to others and it was so nice to see them get as excited as me😁 -Em

[@musgroveandthepumi1604]

Great video! Hope to see one about winter backpacking with a pulk.

[@Allan_aka_RocKITEman]

*Great vid, Miranda!*

[@chicksgrowtoo]

This was excellent, thank you!!

[@rei]

Hey there! We're happy you enjoyed it! 👋

[@tranquiltigers]

thanks for the hot tips

[@emmastansbury2726]

Great information. I've done a backpacking trip last year with my dad. ( first time) It was a local trail that we had hike before. It was a amazing trip. Meet lost of people on the way. It would be good to see a update video on how to pack a back

[@cmcer1995]

Good info for first time back packers and good reminders for experienced ones as well. I assume when you were talking about marking your water sources you were talking about using an erasable pen? We got the burp in and the short discussion on poop, good job as usual Miranda. Always enlightening.

[@jasonbabila6006]

I prefer backpacking in April, May, early June, and October, not as hot during those months and it's perfect for multiple days camping east of the Cascades.

[@storeman08033]

Great job loved every insightful word. Thanks from South Jerrrseeey

[@rei]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Great Vid Miranda!!! Guthooks too! :)

[@whyattc]

Leave a dirty sock in your car! Halarious but it makes sense! Miranda is the best!

[@april906outdoors3]

The 7 P's! Been using those P words for many years and they have served me well!

[@Color-Theory]

Great advice! I think I'm gonna try solo camping first and work my way up. :)

[@ModernGentleman]

"Hold for banging" good producer 👌

[@ItsAStephanieB]

Lol... Love your videos. Thank you Miranda!

[@robertkelleher1850]

The 7 P’s hahaha. My master chief taught me that in my first day in the Navy.

[@RalphReagan]

I'm at the getting checked out at the doctor's office tomorrow. I hope to do the Foothills trail and the Pinhoti trail later.

[@Allofthemonkeys]

I went on a trip and the nearest city had forcast of around freezing. I took a 20 degree sleeping bag and froze. We were sunning on a rock with all our layers (including rain jackets) to try to warm up. One guys shoes were literally frozen solid. Like he had to wait for them to thaw so he could even get them on. He was also 6'9" and had his lower two feet of body sticking out of this little pup tent.

[@matthewmarquis8732]

You're the best!

[@whenallissaiddonewaisad5376]

"Hold for banging". ROFTLMAO. I can't believe they didn't cut that. Miranda didn't even mention cutting it out. XD

[@Charlvdwalt073]

THANK YOU FOR THIS VIDEO REALLY APRICIATE IT

[@rei]

We're glad it helped Charl!

[@Charlvdwalt073]

Thank you living in one of Beautyfull place in south Africa and lots of amazing hiking spots , i really going to give it a try

[@bigmutant69]

Proper preparation prevents piss poor performance. One less word and flows better hows that for a shakedown

[@brushemteeth9159]

10:00 - HUGE dissent! If you go somewhere with no cellphone service, you MUST bring a satellite telephone or emergency GPS tracker! If you can't afford to buy or rent one, go somewhere with cellphone service.

[@Zeppelinfaktor]

Agreed. Especially if you’re solo. If nothing else it gives your loved ones piece of mind.

[@Alaska_Gal]

I have hiked solo in Alaska (Denali), but this will be my first time solo backpacking! I’ve got all of my gear & while a bit nervous, I am excited to give this a try. 😊

[@rei]

What an exciting trip! We can't wait to hear about it!

[@Risaala]

OMG: your shirt is so beautiful!!!

[@ryanpgiron]

Burping is a sign of relief... 😊

[@listen7634]

Great vid

[@rei]

Thanks for watching! 😄

[@gwendolynwilkins5535]

Another vote for having stuff for rain: my husband and I were car camping once on the rim of Death Valley...in July. Like no rain in the forecast. So we left the rain hood off the tent so we could see the stars. And it rained in the middle of the night. Not heavy, but enough to not want to be out in it. We made a dash for the car and spent the rest of the night there. Always plan for rain. Always.

[@Michael_Aune]

The 7 Ps!

[@lai3741]

Hi Miranda, Huge fan here. Can we please have a video on how to choose the back capacity (not size), or how you pack for different trip lengths?

[@Rusted_Link]

I think I'm going to do my first solo overnighter with others that are doing their first solo overnighter... 🤭

[@narenderkumar4732]

How was it?

[@alexandersnider734]

"Hold for banging" classic producer guy. But for real thanks for backpacking tips, I got Covid cabin fever so for first time in my life wanting to do something in the outdoors. I got the Cascades in my backyard but I've just been on my computer for the past 18 months like a dumb dumb.

[@jep9092]

Her random burping and her friends in the background laughing and cheering her on just gives so much personality to this channel and I absolutely love it. I know these people aren't stones, they're not pretending, they're real

[@rcg5317]

You are awesome funny. I bet you’d be great on a hike even if there mosquitoes. Lots of them.

[@VinceW187]

For me the most important is contingency, have a plan B and C always

[@josephu3447]

Hi Miranda! Can you make a video on Caltopo and how to get the maps? Please!!!!!

[@StephenAldaco]

Take your time on your first backpacking trip! Take breaks enjoy the sights and have fun!

[@KCCgoKartMAN]

You mean I’m crazy for planning my first backpacking trip as a solo 5 day trip to an unclimbed/unnamed mountain on a trail nobody has touched since the ‘60s?

[@chandaharkins4418]

Excellent information! I especially liked the eye contact point. I don't think I have heard that one before. 👍 Also, is "p*ss" a bad word? Who knew?

[@rileypogue2928]

I love living in the PNW because it barely even thought about 'huh REI is a national brand and of course the person talking is from washington'

[@arlenesolis024]

Thanks for tips. This couldn’t have come at a perfect time. I’m planning to hike next week, by myself, at a state park. Looking so forward to it, almost as much as looking forward to your vlog. Is it crazy to say that I’m wondering when you going to start sweating and burping lol 😂. You crack me up when it happens. All we need is Nala pooping 💩. Nature calls . I’m a big fan thanks again for the tips which I use wisely. No alcohol solo backpacking right?

[@scottplumer3668]

When planning a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes a few years ago, I contacted them ahead of time and asked them specifically which numbers my wife should call if I didn't come home. The person I contacted was really appreciative that I did that, so don't be shy about asking!

[@rei]

Thanks for the tip, Scott! It's definitely good planning to keep a record of where you plan to be backpacking, with your loved ones.

[@wildsau1965]

yep , no rain jacket and it rained LOL

[@AwengChannel]

Nice

[@rei]

Thank you!!!😁

[@terryweaver9770]

Yup, I got it, lol!! I love U’r personality, therefore I have subscribed! Yay! Great tips. I am in the process of gathering all my small, inexpensive stuff for hiking/backpacking. Like a trowel, water filter, new bladder, head lamp, etc...all the small stuff. I have yet ventured into the big 3. In my opinion, I think it should B the big 4, “the final 4” 😁 SHOES...Shelter, Backpack, sleeping bags/pads etc.. Why aren’t shoes included in this particular list? I think shoes are equally as important as a backpack or a tent. I mean, U have to have proper footwear for this, rite? I am going Danner for my shoes. I wear Danner everyday anyway. I’ve been wearing Danner for the past 10yrs- it’s what works for me. & for clothing I am going Fjallraven. That’s what works for me too. I try to wear some sort of Fjallraven on the daily, even if it’s as simple as 1 of their canvas belts, I have 3 different colors to match my work business casual attire, lol!! I want for my big 3, if U will, the Keb 52, the Singi Down Sleeping bag, Long, & use’g the Abisko Lite 2p tent. That’s my dream big 3. I try & buy 1 piece of gear/clothing once a month. For example, my next item to get is my cooking system- I have nothing atm!! I want the new Jetboil “Stash” perfect set up for me- love it, want!

[@davidcelaya8519]

Well my first ever backpacking/camping trip will be a Long Trail through hike. All geared up by REI haha