I’ll echo the most given tip: start slow, with only an overnight at a place near you.

If you want a “longer” trip, you could also consider going to a campsite where they have all the commodities like water and showers, setup your tent there and do day hikes from that place. You’ll get a feel of what you need for food and cooking, but still have the safety and commodities of a public campsite at your disposal.

youtube rabbithole and gear Don’t get dragged down in the youtube rabbithole and all its gear recommendations. Gear is really, REALLY personal. before you know it, you’ll spend hundreds of pounds on gear. Although you could view reviews of what you’re looking for, most “top 10 things you need when backpacking” are just ads for specific brands and very much a personal preference. Accept that you will buy gear you dislike in actual use. And that (if you find out you like backpacking) you can gather your gear over the years to suit your need. Don’t buy everything all at once, it will most likely be a waste of money. The stuff you have lying around will be heavier than “backpackgear” but will be more than sufficient to see if you like backpacking at all. You’ll find out what type of camping/backpacking you like and can buy gear accordingly:

• You like hiking but not setting up all the stuff? You won’t need sleeping gear as you’ll go from lodge to lodge/hostel to hostel
• you like having one base camp where you’ll hike from? You’ll buy heavier, more durable gear
• you like walking many miles and only have the minimal gear to sleep and eat? You’ll be buying lightweigh gear that is less durable but super light.
• you’re a comination of any of the above? The gear will be a combination of the above

One more thing about buying gear(which again, I would try to minimize buying anything for a first trip)

You can (mostly) only choose 2 of the following 3 proporties: Weight, Cost, Durability.

1. Gear is heavy but is durable and cheaper to buy
2. Gear is lightweight and cheap but less durable
3. Gear is lightweight and durable, but expensive.

Then, 2 rules for what gear to bring:

1. You need less than you think.
2. Always, ALWAYS test your gear at home if you’ve bought something. Have a tent? Set it up. Have a stove? Try it out. You don’t want to be out and about without a clue and a guide to setup and use your stuff.

food Check your local supermarket for products that can be easily prepared without needing cooling. Some types of bread have long expiry dates and are excellent for backpacking trips. Nuts and energy bars can be great too for snacks. Something like an apple is a great snack too. Try to see what you normally eat, and see if there is anything that would be practical to take with you on a trip without needing a fridge.

If you have a stove with you on your backpacking trip, special dried backpacking meals are lightweight, easy to make and (can be) tasty without being too expensive.