I’m going to cover how to plan a backpacking trip focusing on solo backpackers—mostly because if you can plan a solo trip, you can plan any trip.
Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.
If you’re anxious about planning your first backpacking trip, or just don’t know where to start—especially if you’re going solo—this post covers everything you need to know.
Hopefully, even if you’ve planned a lot of backpacking trips and you’re really experienced with backpacking, I think that this is still helpful information. Even if you share it with other people that you’re going with, and you can all kind of be on the same page.
Great! I’ve broken down the steps for planning a backpacking trip into four main steps, and those are:
Pick a trail. Do your research. Pack your gear. Make a plan and share it.
Four steps. Awesome. Let’s start with picking a trail.
Picking a Trail
Your first solo—or even just your first backpacking trip—is not the time to visit a completely new part of your state. I would definitely recommend sticking to areas that you are comfortable with, that you are familiar with, and where you expect to see a lot of people.
If this is your first ever backpacking trip, then I would totally recommend picking a shorter, easier hike that you have done before.
Inherently, backpacking is harder than hiking just because you’re carrying a lot more stuff. You’re going to be moving slower, and you’re going to deal with all sorts of aches and pains that you might not be familiar with.
Having a hike that you already know you can do in a day gives you plenty of time and breathing room. So you can worry about all the other stuff—and have fun.
When I did my first solo trip, I picked a trail that I was familiar with and then just extended the hike to an area that I hadn’t gone to before. As I continued along the trail, I was aware that I could just backtrack a couple miles.
Especially if you’re going solo, especially if it’s your first time—it’s a much better situation to be in than being out somewhere super remote and not well maintained. That sounds like a nightmare.
I know a lot of people I’ve talked to are really hung up on how to choose a trail for backpacking—and that actually keeps them from going backpacking. Don’t let this be the hurdle that keeps you from getting out there.
If you can’t decide on a trail, just pick your favorite day hike. Check if you’re allowed to camp along that trail, and then just get out there and do it.
It doesn’t matter if it’s two miles or ten miles. Either way, you’re still backpacking.
So get after it.
Research
It is always important to do your research when planning a backpacking trip. This is especially true if you are a solo backpacker. But regardless of your skill level—always do your research.
This is a really broad category, so I’m gonna break it down for you:
Permits:
Do you need a permit to backpack? Is it gonna cost you money? Where do you get one?
Camping restrictions:
Do you have to camp in designated areas? Is dispersed camping allowed? Is camping even allowed at the time of year you’re planning to go?
Parking situation:
Are there enough parking spaces? Is it a trailhead that fills up early? Do you need a special permit to park or leave your car overnight?
Flora and fauna concerns:
Is there poison ivy? Are cougars active this time of year? Are squirrels known to raid backpacks?
I’ve told this story a thousand times, but I was in Alaska backpacking and had a bear maul my tent. I wasn’t in the tent. There was nothing in the tent that smelled, but the bear just knew tents meant food. So it clawed open the side of my tent and broke a pole.
Even having done everything right—cooked away from camp, stored food in a bear locker—things happen. You’re just trying to mitigate the likelihood of something going wrong.
Waste management:
Some trails don’t allow you to bury your poop. So no digging a cathole—you have to carry your waste out with you. It’s a really good idea to know that ahead of time.
Water:
Where are your water sources? Are they seasonal? Year-round? Mark them on your map.
Mark it real good.
Other restrictions:
Some trails restrict fires, fuel types, and stove usage. Some areas don’t allow bear bags—you must use a bear canister or locker.
Know if you’re allowed to have a fire. Know the fire danger level. Honestly? I just recommend not having a campfire when backpacking.
Weather:
Check trip reports. Did a storm roll through? Are trees down? Is the river passable?
Is it flood season? Is that a good time to go?
Research the weather—for all times of year.
One time, I was planning a trip on the other side of the mountains. It was cold where I was, but it turned out to be 95°F over there.
Proper prior planning prevents poor performance.
Pack a rain jacket. Always. If you don’t bring one, it will rain. Even if there’s zero chance.
Backup plan:
Have an alternate hike or backup plan—even if it’s just postponing your trip a weekend. The trail will still be there.
Yes, it’s a lot. But national and state parks usually have websites with everything you need. Many states also have their own trail sites. You can use Hiking Project, AllTrails, or in Washington, Washington Trails Association.
Also, check social media groups. They’re full of updates.
Grab your notebook. Do your research.
Gear Packing
The third step in planning your backpacking trip is checking your gear and packing your bag.
Basically: make sure you have everything before you go.
Check REI’s backpacking checklist. Verify your 10 essentials. Know how to use them.
If you’re using new gear—open it up.
Set up your tent at the park. Pull silica packets out of the sleeping bag.
Count your stakes. Know how your stove works.
For your safety—test your gear before the trail.
Check your base weight. Base weight = everything minus consumables (food, fuel, water).
I recommend keeping your base weight under 25 pounds, if possible. Backpacking is harder with a heavier pack. That’s why ultralight backpacking is popular.
Keep it light.
Two more things:
Bring one activity.
A book. A crossword. Just one. Don’t overpack entertainment.
Food and water.
Bring plenty of calories—more than you usually eat. Pack an extra day’s worth of food.
Make sure you have your filter and know where to find water.
Planning
If you’re going out for multiple nights, plan your camp spots ahead of time. Some trails have designated areas and some don’t allow camping everywhere.
Make sure you can hit those mileage targets.
Know how far you’ll go each day.
Once you’ve nailed down when and where—share your plan.
Tell a couple friends or family members:
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Where you’re parking
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Where you’ll be camping
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When you’ll be back (latest)
Give them someone to call if you’re not back. Let them know when you’re safe and back in service.
Leave a copy of your itinerary in your car.
If search and rescue gets involved, they’ll have something to go on.
Pro tip: Leave a dirty sock in the car. If dogs are tracking, they’ll find you faster.
Let’s be real—I always have something smelly in my car. It’ll work.
Once that’s done—you’re ready to go.
Final Words
While solo backpacking can feel like a jump—it gets easier every time.
If you’re well-prepared and having fun, you’re doing it right.
And speaking of having fun—if you liked this video, hit the like button. Subscribe if you haven’t.
I’ll see you all in the wild.
Toodles!
Did you hear that, ultralighters?
There’s no wrong way to backpack.
Did you get that?