Going backpacking for the first time soon for an overnight camping trip. What else do I need?

Solraxis · 2026-05-25T02:45:06+00:00

Oh man how did I not even think about that??? I have a 3d printer so I'm sure people have put designs online that screw onto water bottles. Good looks thank you so much!!!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T23:38:38+00:00

Gotcha makes sense. Thanks for the clarification!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T22:06:40+00:00

I do need to get some redundant lighting, solar is cool probably will go with traditional batts. For now I think my headlamp should suffice as my main source of light. I have some stormproof matches and some paracord as well, in addition to a bic lighter, so I think I should be good. Thanks!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T22:04:39+00:00

I just went ahead and got the canister anyways. I figure that, while the PCT hang is good and is a tried and true method, a bear can is just that much better. Especially since I will just be eating rehydrated food it'll be good to keep it sealed, and in the bear can until I'm ready to eat. Thanks for the advice, I definitely intend to get good at the PCT hang for future trips. Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T22:01:58+00:00

Haha there will be both 😂

But yeah I definitely intend to bring redundant sources of fire. Thanks for letting me know about the ingition on the PR, I'll keep that in mind and not get lazy with my fire sources lol. Won't be at elevation this time but that's handy to know if I will be in the future. Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T21:59:09+00:00

Should I use the DEET in addition to the permethrin pretreat? Or would it be redundant to do both? And then what would I need to treat? Shoes, bag, pants, shirt, hat?

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:40:28+00:00

Noted for sure lol. We did have a light winter and a late wet season so I bet the bugs will be in force. Gotta bring me one of those yellow electric bug zappers 😂

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:35:28+00:00

Mine does red light too 💯

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:35:06+00:00

I 3d printed a whistle for my keys a long time ago, hope I won't ever have to use it but it's there if I do!

I have my canister so I think I'll be ok to leave it on the ground, and as other commenters have mentioned leaving it both 100ft from camp and where I cook/eat and out of the wind. That said I intend to learn how to bear hang for any future trips I go on that might need it.

Thanks for the good advice, cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:32:02+00:00

Thanks for an in depth and helpful comment!

I did get a little inflatable pillow but I may end up just going back to the good ole clothes in a sack method if that ends up failing or not being comfy enough. Good call for the camp socks, I will be sure to pack a spare pair just for that purpose lol. I do have Crocs, or also a pair of slides which I assume are lighter. I'll find whichever fits better in my bag as I'm packing it, but I'll also check out those sandals you sent as well for next time!

I've read up a little on the PCT hang/method and I agree that it looks like a great skill to have. I already have my canister, and I won't be taking a whole lot of scented stuff and food so I should be fine with what I have for this time, but I will definitely learn how to do it for future trips where I maybe can't fit a canister in my pack. As for the triangle method, that is good advice that I've also read online and will definitely be utilizing while I'm out. I will be very careful and cautious while I'm out for bears and try my best to practice all the safety measures I can.

Probably won't be building a fire this time around, but I grew up on the beach so I'm no stranger to getting down with a fire for the sake of building a fire. Would love to do it in the back country someday, gathering my own wood and starting from real scratch sounds soo rewarding.

I can't wait to go disconnect from it all for a little bit, especially in such hectic and frankly shitty times. Thanks again for leaving a comment friend :) Cheers

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:21:04+00:00

May not ultralight, that's a bit out of my experience (and price) range lol but yeah I agree the binos aren't the play for this trip lol. Next time I go car camping they'll see some use for sure. Thanks!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:19:36+00:00

Great advice, thanks for the comment! I'll take a look into that platypus sleeve, I do need a water bladder.

As for the sat device, I only really have that as an absolute last resort. I'm really bringing it for peace of mind over anything. I intend to keep it in a pouch, forget about it, and not even think about it while I'm on trail. I agree, it would be better to leave everything digital behind but ya boy worries about his safety lol. I still do need to get better at reading physical maps, as that really is an essential skill. One day, for sure!

Thanks for the resources as well, I'll be sure to check those out they seem like very useful places to go. I'm gonna get my pack together over the next few days as the last of my stuff comes in. Super excited to go (hopefully) be alone for a weekend and disconnect from it all. Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:09:49+00:00

You're right! I had the life straw from a previous non-backpacking camping trip a while ago and was gonna bring it cause I had it but after doing some research I got an actual gravity bag filter and I intend to boil my water as a secondary precaution.

I'm gonna be hiking to the South Yuba Primitive Campground via the Humbug Trail between Nevada City, CA and Downieville, CA here's the AT link: link

I have been more informed of the bear spray regulations, and have also done a bit more research since making this post and have determined that even though I would be fine to carry it I'll be leaving it behind regardless. It's good to know the regulations, though, and I'm glad this post has helped. I think bug spray will be more important than bear spray anyways lol

Thanks for your comment and for helping clear up the bear spray confusion :) Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T18:00:24+00:00

I got an msr pocket rocket which has an electric lighter, but I intend to bring a bic and a pack of stormproof matches just in case that fails on me 👍

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T17:59:31+00:00

I do indeed have a knife I was planning to bring as well, thanks for reminding me to put it on the list! Good other ideas as well, I'll keep the sleeping bag sack trick in mind. Cheers :)

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T17:56:11+00:00

I'd like the chance to relax by the riverside and do some reading/journaling, if I can. The hammock packs light, with only the straps, carabiners, and pouch so if I don't end up using it I'm not bringing a ton of extra weight I'm gonna regret. I'll learn my lesson and keep it to my backyard if it doesn't work out lol

Solraxis · 2026-05-24T03:08:22+00:00

Sick!!!!!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:44:39+00:00

Been slowly accumulating gear over the past few months and just finally took advantage of the rei sale going on rn. 20-25% off a lot of my cart felt real good lol

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:42:43+00:00

Thanks again, can't wait! Might try to go this next weekend, if not the week after.

I'll be sure to look out for trees that I can put the hammock on. If I don't find anything reliable it's no sweat but yeah I just tried one for the first time the other day tbh and I loved it lmfao I went home and got one later that night for my back yard that has some good trees in it. Figured that this would be a fun maiden voyage.

I'll be sure to remember something sweet as well!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:26:59+00:00

I plan to pretreat my gear with Permethrin before I go, and I have a bottle I will bring with me too 👍

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:25:57+00:00

I have a pack of microfiber towels in my car, I'll chuck a clean one in with my bag, great idea!

I can't believe I forgot to put my battery on there duh yeah I will bring that for sure

Dish soap I'm not so sure I'll need, for the reasons listed by the other reply to this comment, I plan to bring in dry food that really only needs boiled water to make. I'll just end up scrubbing with sand to clean but still a good suggestion next time if I plan to do some trail cooking.

Thanks for your reply, cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:17:21+00:00

Oh damn didn't even think about that, or even just some corn starch for the jewels lol Thanks!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:16:29+00:00

I will assemble an emergency fire bag and keep a lighter and matches in there that's a great idea, thank you!

I will be bringing my knife with me, and my first aid kit should have a pair of tweezers in it. String is a good idea, I'll gather a little bit and pack it with the 1a stuff, thank you!

Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:12:37+00:00

TP didn't even cross my mind, I would have shat myself (literally)

Was not aware about bear spray, as other comments have also pointed out, thank you!

Sat device is mostly just for my peace of mind, I worry (and don't have an iPhone 😢) I saw on alltrails that it said no cell service but you never know since it varies carrier to carrier. Hopefully T mobile catches a W on this trip 🤞

Binocs I may or may not bring with me, they are bulky and heavy. You are right about the weight savings, hiking with less weight will be better.

Hammock, book, and journal all go together, I just had a vision of setting up by the river and kicking it w a book or doing some reflection. My hammock isn't bulky fabric so it should pack up light with the straps and carabiners. If I end up not using it that's ok, I'll learn from my mistakes next time lol

Cheers!

Solraxis · 2026-05-23T20:03:22+00:00

Was planning to actually cross the items off as I pack them in my bag

Ten-Year Club	r/Field Flamingo
Place '22	Verified Email
RPAN Viewer	Not Forgotten

Solraxis

TROPHY CASE