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Beginner Backpacking Kit for Women

Purple Star emoji 24 items
One of the most stressful parts of backpacking is making sure you have everything you need. It can be expensive and confusing. Here's everything that's in my backpacking kit- it's all tried and true! Hopefully this helps you plan your kit, get gear i...
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
The 2+ fits two people with a tiny amount of space for gear. It was more than enough space for me, my dog, and my pack!
Half Dome SL 2+ Tent with Footprint
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Hoods are essential! I like that this one packs down pretty small, is lightweight, and has ventilation. It's kept me dry plenty of times.
Rainier Rain Jacket - Women's
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
These are the only hiking boots I wear. I'm about to get my third pair after over 7 years on my last set! The waterproofing is a game changer!
Moab 3 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boots - Women's
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
Letting my dog carry her own food and waste makes my load that much lighter.
Front Range Dog Day Pack
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Great for a million things. Wiping off the rain before you climb in your tent, drying off after a swim, etc.
Multi Towel Lite
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Essential trail gear for the girlies. Supports leave no trace, less toilet paper to pack out, no trying to find good leaves, etc. Trust me on this one.
Reusable Antimicrobial Pee Cloth
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
A luxury that is soooo worth it if you have the pack space! Not every site has a good spot to sit, and there's nothing worse than squatting in the dirt after a long day of hiking.
Flexlite Camp Chair
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Doesn't replace a bear canister, but provides some protection in areas where bears might not be as big a threat.
Major Bear Sack - 10 Liters
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
I like how small this packs down. The pouches can help you carry more water, too! This system is a classic.
Squeeze Water Filter System
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
This water bladder has never done me wrong. Someday I'll get the 3L, but 2 is great for beginners and shorter trips!
Hydraulics Reservoir - 2 Liters
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
The classic backpacking stove. Small and efficient!
PocketRocket 2 Stove
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
A stove is useless if you don't have anything to cook with. The exact set I have was discontinued but this is similar to what I actually use.
Trail Mini Solo Cookset
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
I don't like eat-ware that is double sided. I think it's gross, especially when backpacking. These do the trick and I love the carabiner.
GoBites Bio Trio Utensil Set
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
I sleep cold, so it was 100% worth it to splurge on a nice sleeping system. This bag is comfy, cozy, and packs down pretty well. I could even cram my dog inside with me when she decided her sleeping pad wasn't;t cutting it.
Disco 15 Endless Promise Down Sleeping Bag - Women's
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Pretty comfy, but this will be the first item I replace when I get a chance. The “rails” didn't do a great job of keeping me on the pad and it packs down way too big for backpacking (in my opinion)
AirRail Plus Sleeping Pad
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
This pack does the job for me! I love the included rain fly, the multiple access points to the main interior, the separate hydration pocket, and the pockets on the hip belt.
Kyte 48 Pack - Women's
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
An investment I would make again and again. It gives me and y loved ones peace of mind when I'm on the trail, especially where I don't have phone service. It also has an emergency SOS system. I will not go into grizzly country without it.
inReach Mini 2
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Everyone's first aid kits will look a bit different. This one is a good starting spot and can be riffed upon as needed.
Day Hike First-Aid Kit
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
You never know when you're going to need a headlamp, but you don't want to be stuck without it when you do. Late night pee-trips, setting up camp as the sun sets, digging through your pack in the middle of the night.
Spot 400 Headlamp
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
Truthfully, any time you CAN pack your waste out, you should. Many trails get so much traffic, much of it from people who don't know leave no trace. Do your part to keep our natural places clean.
GO Anywhere Toilet Kit Waste Bag
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
You're gonna need a poop shovel. Everyone does🙂
The Deuce #3 Heavy Duty Backcountry Trowel
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
Baby wipes work too! Pack these bad boys out!
Wilderness Wipes - Package of 36
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Lindsay Smith profile picture
ALWAYS pack two methods for cleaning your water. One physical, one chemical.
Water Purification Tablets - Package of 30
 
Lindsay Smith profile picture
A cheap, gas station lighter does the trick, too!
Windproof Lighter
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