Beginner’s Guide to Solo Backpacking: Gear You Need & How to Plan Your First Trip

[@TheHungryHiker]

Still have questions about how to get started on your solo backpacking journey? Ask me in the comments below!

[@sarahsprinkle1_169]

What if you concerned that your car can’t make it to the trailhead? I have a super old car and would love if you made a video about getting to the trailhead

[@TheHungryHiker]

​@@sarahsprinkle1_169 Great idea for a video! For right now (since I don't have a video currently on this topic) I'll start by saying that transportation opportunities to any given trailhead are going to vary depending on where you are and where you're trying to go. Some popular trails might have public transportation options that will take you to and from the trailhead. There could be rideshare opportunities in the area like cabs, Lyft or Uber or shuttle services. You could carpool with other hikers. You could reach out to Trail Angels in the area who offer rides for hikers to and from trailheads. You could rent a car (I do this often when I'm traveling out of state for a backpacking trip). You could even join a hiking group in your area and carpool with other hikers in the group to the trailhead. From my personal experience, anytime I've thru-hiked or section hiked a long-distance trail, I've had to utilize some sort of public transportation system in order to get me to a starting trailhead or get back into town from an ending trailhead. Hope this helps. Good luck!

[@vagabondwildernesswanderings]

Joining your backpacking program for women has been a profoundly life changing experience for me. With no backpacking experience, I signed up two years ago and now I LOVE solo backpacking. I know what Im doing, Im confident in my abilities, and I also know what my limitations are. And a surprise benefit has been the awesome friendships I've developed with other women in the program. Thank you Kathleen for creating this program!

[@TheHungryHiker]

I love everything about this! The CSFBS program works because you do the work. You're a PERFECT example of that! Thank you for allowing to be part of your amazing, solo backpacking journey. I'm so excited to spend more time out on trail with you in 2025.

[@ervinslens]

Professional and entertaining presentation my friend! Your content always looks and sounds simply stunning!

[@TheHungryHiker]

So happy you enjoyed it! I'm glad you liked the video!

[@LivingMoreFully]

This has got to be one of the best, or the best, summary videos I've seen on the topic of how to best prepare your gear and trip! Excellent job and I look forward to sharing it as a resource for when friends ask. Thanks so much!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Wow! Thank you for that. My hope is to show beginner backpackers what's possible. Solo backpacking is totally possible and within reach for anyone who wants to try it. I hope this video inspires those who keep talking themselves out of giving solo backpacking a try to finally plan their trip and get out on trail this year.

[@LivingMoreFully]

@@TheHungryHiker I love your mission and passion with this! You certainly delivered in this video. I too have found solo hiking and solo backpacking immensely rewarding.

[@DennisMacdonald-r7d]

Great advice, i sleep now in a hammock but before justnon a blanket

[@TheHungryHiker]

I've thought about hammock camping, but it seems like you'd have to be dependent on the trees around you in order to set it up. For someone like me who prefers to camp above treelike, I don't think hammock camping would be a great option for me. I really love sleeping in my tent.

[@adventureseeker9800]

Very nicely done. Very informative.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thanks, I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@TheHikingChick1]

Always excellent advice and well-done videos!🌻💛

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you!

[@ankebosing1968]

Thank you for the packing list! It is very cool that it shows the weight in kg with the click of one button.

[@TheHungryHiker]

You're very welcome! LighterPack.com is one of my FAVORITE free backpacking resources out there. I love how you can design your gear list however you want with all of the cool features. I create a gear list for each of the big trips I plan and go on.

[@dcmsr5141]

As a new retiree with a new pair of knees, I find your vids to be informative and educational, and I dare say refreshing to see the information from another perspective. keep up the good work, I subbed.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Awesome! Happy to see that you've found my videos helpful!

[@doinjusfine1]

I see Forky back there !!!

[@TheHungryHiker]

Forty is always there...and he's always watching. Hahahah!!!

[@danieleloubert7526]

So true, people do transfer their own fears/anxiety to you, but I do what I want anyway!

[@TheHungryHiker]

100% Don't let anyone else's fears or anxiety keep you from doing what you want to do. Life's too short to live in fear.

[@Nadadooly]

This is a very good video.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@edmundmuyot7415]

Is that the Nitecore 20,000 mAh? I have the 10,000, but thinking of biting the bullet in getting the Léger capacity.

[@TheHungryHiker]

It sure is and I've yet to run out of battery juice while using it out on trail for several days...and it's super light! Nitecore Carbo 20000 Lightweight 20000mAh Power Bank amzn.to/3NJLIRT

[@Stevewalks1]

Next Monday I'll be starting my cross country Walk starting in Madisonville ky going west to California then north to Washington State.

[@TheHungryHiker]

Oh Wow!! That's quite the walk, especially in the winter. Good luck!