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Let’s face it, backpacking isn’t the most glamorous thing in the world. Shoving everything you need to survive into a 30 lb pack for you to lug up a mountain doesn’t necessarily summon thoughts of beauty rest. 

But what if I could tell you with a few simple backpacking tips you could transform the experience into something reminiscent of glamping?! 

Over the past four summers of backpacking in the PNW I have accumulated my own toolbox to make sure that I am ready to take on any length trip as comfortably as possible! 

Table Of Contents

1. Get Organized

2. Stay Clean

3. Make Your Bed Comfy

4. Stay Warm

5. Treat Yourself

6. Conclusion

Backpacking Resources For Beginners:

In addition to this post I have other blog posts and guides that will add so much to your backpacking knowledge! Be sure to go give those posts a save 🙂

• The Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Essentials
• 11 Best Backpacking Trails In Washington
• How To Prepare For A Hike In Washington State
• “How Hard Is That Hike?” Hiking Classes Explained!

Disclaimer: This blog post features affiliate links. This means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you :)) 

Backpacking Tip #1: Get Organized

The most annoying part, for me at least, of packing my backpack is where do you put things?!

You need to bring everything from bear spray to your own stove and many times things end up dirty, wet, and all in the same compartment. 

My solution?

Step Number 1: Buy packing cubes!

This has been a game-changer for me. I am able to consolidate all of my clothes, swimsuits, and toiletries into one space that is protected from the rest of the bag.

Sea to Summit Traveling Light Garment Mesh Bag: $22.95

Step Number 2: Buy a See-Through, Lightweight Toiletry Bag

Having a small, see-through, toiletry bag is another one of those game-changers for quick and easy access.

By being able to see where your things are from the outside you can avoid that endless game of pulling the wrong thing out. 

Sea to Summit Traveling Light See Pouch: $17.95

Step Number 3: Wrap Your Clothes In A Garbage Bag

I also make sure to always wrap my clothing bag in a garbage bag for some extra protection! 

When your clothes are in the same compartment as a wet stove or food wrappers it helps to make sure your stuff stays dry, which as many would tell you is of the utmost importance!

If I have learned anything from backpacking through the rainy PNW is that wet= cold.

There is nothing worse than changing out of wet socks into another pair of wet socks because your water bladder decided to leak. 

READ MORE: 11 Of The Best Backpacking Trails In Washington

Backpacking Tip #2: Stay Clean!

One of the many grievances I have heard from others is how hard it is to stay clean in the back country.

I know for me I can only take so many days of feeling grimy until I just want to head home to my warm shower and wipe all the dirt and sweat away. 

While it’s hard to find a hot shower in the back country with a couple of simple products I have found ways of staying clean and feeling like myself while outdoors. 

• Face Wipes: The best thing to make you feel fresh, taking off your makeup. I tend to bring a small moisturizer as well to put on at night after this! It’s always funny (& gross?) to see how much dirt comes off your face after a day out in the mountains. 
• Body wipes! The next best thing to a shower is a wonderful smelling body wipe. These are natural and get the job done

Sea to Summit Wilderness Wipes: $4.50

• Toothbrush and Hairbrush– I love my morning and nighttime rituals of brushing my teeth and hair, it makes me feel put together and clean again. In the past years, I have found that in the travel aisle of any drugstore you should easily be able to find a tiny fold-up hairbrush & toothbrush! Perfect sizes to put inside your toiletry bag! 
• Makeup and Skin Care- One of the things that annoys me so much about the outdoor world is how we have decided that makeup has no place in the outdoors. I personally love looking put together and feel so much more me with a little concealer and mascara. I am almost always taking photos outside and I want to be able to feel comfortable smiling at the camera instead of hiding my face. My favorite products to bring include: 
  
• Deodorant– It’s nice to smell good, need I say more? If anything your tent mates will thank you! I get the small travel size and bring those with me! 
  
• Boybrow from Glossier! This product is so tiny and light it barely takes up any room but it really helps me feel fresh again. Eyebrows are the frame of your face so it’s one of the things I always like to have done. 
• Nars Concealer half size! This concealer is super tiny and makes for a wonderful backpacking size. It allows me to brighten up after a not so wonderful night of sleep or a hard day backpacking and makes me feel like me again
• Mascara! Finally the top thing that will make you look awake- mascara! I use small travel size ones from Clinique.
  
  • I have also heard of friends getting their eyelashes tinted or extensions on before the summer so they can completely ignore this step but still feel pretty outdoors! 

Check Out My Washington Wall Art!

Backpacking Tip #3: Make Your Bed Comfy

There is nothing better than crawling into your sleeping bag after a long hike up the trail.

It can be wonderful to finally rest and rejuvenate. But many, myself included, have had some very bad nights in the tent. Whether it is a rock shoving into your back, a sleeping pad that deflates, or getting way too cold, sleeping outdoors can be a tricky situation.

Luckily if you prepare well there are many things you can do to avoid this! 

#1: Sleeping pads!! A MUST! 

If I am feeling bougee (or nervous I will be cold) I will bring two sleeping pads- one blow up pad and another that is a foam mat.

I personally use the Exped Synnmat UL and it has held up amazingly well so far. It has an R Value (insulation level) of 3.3 which makes for a great 3 season pad and only weighs 15.9 oz.

When there is a chance I will be sleeping on a rocky ground or on snow I will bring my second sleeping pad- the Z lite pad from Thermarest. This pad protects my other pad from popping and adds another layer of insulation. In the snow it is essential to get yourself as far from the ground as possible so this has become a life saver of mine.

It is also wonderful for cold weather camping since you want to get as far off the ground as possible.

#2: A Pillow

This one is another must- I cant tell you how many times I have forgotten my backpacking pillow and ended up with a cramped neck the next day. A pillow can make or break my sleeping situation. 

You can find a small cloth one that stuffs up OR you can get one of the new blow-up ones!

I have found I like the cloth one better but if you are short on space the blow-up ones can be amazing- pro tip: blow it up about ¾’s of the way so it feels a bit more like a normal pillow! 

If you do forget a pillow or don’t want to carry the extra weight I know tons of people who will take their puffy jackets and wrap all of their extra clothes in them. I find it feels a bit lumpy but it’s a great way to use what you already have! 

#3: A Sleeping Bag Sheet!

These sheets make you feel a bit more at home and can contribute some serious heat! I personally love the t-shirt one but I believe you can also find silk if you are feeling extra boujee! I love to throw a bag of dried lavender into mine so it smells even more amazing when I get in!

#4. Eye Mask And Ear Plugs

There is nothing worse than waking up every few hours to rustles outside your tent or your tent mate snoring.

The eye mask helps me sleep in a bit past sunrise if I don’t feel like getting up exactly when the sun does! 

READ MORE: The Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Essentials

Backpacking Tip #4: Stay Warm

Nothing is worse than being way too cold when backpacking. I know for me personally, my body temperature can drop fast and that’s when I can get really grumpy and uncomfortable. 

#1: Layers, Layers, Layers

I always make sure to bring a base layer, a second layer, a puffy, and a shell.

If you want to check out an entire blog post on layering click the post below! 

In addition to what is listed on the blog post above, I also like to bring fleece pants for sleeping so I can change out of my chilly leggings for the night! 

READ MORE: Layering For Hiking

#2: Keep Those Toes and Fingers Warm

One of the worst parts about camping is how hard it can be to keep yourself warm, especially your fingers and toes!

• Bring either fuzzy socks or thicker wool socks to change into when I sleep I find I lose a lot of heat through my feet. 
• Bring down booties! These are made so you can change out of your hiking boots and into some slippers while around camp! They pack up super small and I am always so jealous of those who have them! 
• Toe warmers and Hand warmers– exactly like hand warmers but for your toes! If it is a really cold night I will throw them on top of my socks and some hand warmers in my sports bra 
• Bring multiple pairs of socks and gloves! I bring one for each day and a thicker pair for the night! You always want to make sure you have a dry pair to throw on just in case. 

#3 Heat Up Your Sleeping Bag

In case your anything like me and run cold I will heat up a pot of hot water, fill up my Nalgene and put it in my sleeping bag.

Sleeping bags are made to reflect heat so having a hot water bottle in there can jump start the process!

Backpacking Tip #5: Treat Yourself

The best part of backpacking? You don’t feel any guilt for any of the calories you consume. In fact- more the better! You are fueling yourself and allowing your body to keep you warm and you get to eat yummy food on the way.

#1: Snacks, Snacks & More Snacks

Backpacking food ends up being very different than There is nothing better than eating a warm meal you cooked on a tiny little stove up in the alpine. 

• My personal favorite meals include Daiya Mac n Cheese, Backpackers Pantry Pad Thai, and warm oatmeal and blueberries for the morning.
  
• My favorite snacks are trail mix (a classic, and easily made on your own!) dried mangoes, dates, fruit leathers, fruit snacks, apple sauce and protein bars.
  
• Sometimes I will even bring dessert! 

#2: Something Special To Drink! 

• A cider, beer, or flavored powder to put in your water can make all the difference! I personally love having a powder to put in some of my water, I like to be extremely hydrated the entire time so having something to drink other than plain water is super nice! Many of them also include electrolytes, and a bit of caffeine to get you going! 
• Tea or coffee! I know many, many people who can’t start their day without one of these and who’s to blame them!? Plus there really isn’t anything better than sipping a cup of something warm while watching the sunrise over an alpine lake.

READ MORE: Check Out These 11 Hikes In Olympic National Park

#3: Bring Different Shoes

While this tip isn’t food related, it sure feels like a treat!

I like to bring my Chacos or flip flops to wear around camp. There really isn’t anything better than taking off those dirty hiking boots and slipping into sandals.

If they don’t fit in my backpacking bag sometimes I will clip them to the outside of my bag with a carabiner!

#4: Bring A Fold Up Camp Chair

Another tip that isn’t food related but can really up the level of comfort-ability.

I personally do not have one of these yet, but I always look enviously at those who do. After a long day of backpacking it can feel amazing to simply have some back support.

Many of these chairs are ridiculously light and make for a great addition to any set up.

Conclusion

Backpacking is tons of fun and it can be even better when you are prepared. Hopefully, these tips can help you feel a bit more comfortable the next time you are up in the mountains.

While these tips aren’t necessarily suited to an ultralight packing style they can easily be worth the extra weight!

Let me know in the comments if there are any tips or tricks you use to feel a bit more comfortable in the wilderness 🙂

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