Backpacking Gear For Beginners

Embarking on your first backpacking adventure is an exciting journey into the heart of nature, and having the right gear can make all the difference. Our selection of backpacking gear for beginners is crafted to enhance your outdoor experience with quality and durability you can count on. From versatile packs to comfortable sleeping bags, we've got everything you need to ensure your trip is both enjoyable and memorable. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a multi-day trek, our gear is designed to be easy to use and reliable, allowing you to focus on the thrill of exploration.

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Adults' L.L.Bean Stowaway Ultralight Day Pack

An ultralight, black recycled polyester backpack with padded straps, ideal for day hikes and city commutes.

Pros: High quality Lightweight Perfect size Versatile Comfortable to wear
Adventure Pro Waterproof Day Pack, 26 L
Price was from: $129 now: $109

A blue 26L waterproof day pack made from durable 400-denier TPU-coated double ripstop nylon.

Pros: Good material Lightweight Bright color Durable Comfortable fit
L.L.Bean Ridge Runner Day Pack, 15L
Price was from: $110 now: $84.99

A lightweight, 15L day backpack made of durable nylon with breathable mesh panels and multiple pockets.
L.L.Bean Waterproof Stowaway Day Pack

A waterproof, ultralight day pack with roll-top closure, made from recycled polyester ripstop in black.
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack, Color Block

A durable, recycled nylon rucksack with hydration/laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pocket, and padded shoulder straps.
Trail Model Day Hiking Pack

A rugged black hiking pack made from recycled polyester with a hydration sleeve and multiple pockets.
L.L.Bean Access 2-Person Tent

An affordable, durable 2-person tent with waterproof coating, fiberglass poles, and a rugged polyethylene floor.
Women's Osprey Pack Fairview 55

A women's travel pack with a detachable day pack, made from recycled polyester in night jungle blue.
Women's L.L.Bean Ridge Runner Backpack, 48L
Price was from: $219 now: $84.99

A rugged, lightweight 48L backpack with women's-specific harness, made from 100D triple ripstop nylon.
Osprey Pack Farpoint 55

A 55L travel pack with a detachable day pack, made from durable recycled polyester with PFC/PFAS-free DWR.
L.L.Bean Continental Rucksack

A durable forest sage rucksack with a hydration/laptop sleeve, fleece-lined pocket, and recycled polyester fabric.
Men's Osprey Stratos 36 Liters Pack

A 36-liter hiking pack in tunnel vision grey nylon, offering exceptional fit, comfort, and ventilation.
Nemo Aurora 3-Person Backpacking Tent And Footprint

A spacious, eco-friendly 3-person tent with aluminum poles, waterproof polyester fabric, and dual vestibules.
Nemo Aurora 2-Person Backpacking Tent with Footprint

A spacious 2-person tent with waterproof recycled polyester, aluminum poles, and dual vestibules for gear storage.
Nemo Fillo Pillow, Regular

A multi-color camping pillow with soft, machine-washable microsuede cover and ultra-comfortable luxury foam insulation.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Tent

An ultralight orange nylon two-person tent with enhanced waterproofing, strength, and spacious freestanding design.
Nemo Dagger OSMO 2-Person Backpacking Tent

A lightweight, multi-color nylon and aluminum tent offering spacious comfort, superior weather resistance, and intuitive setup.
Nemo Dagger OSMO 3-Person Backpacking Tent

A lightweight, multi-color nylon and aluminum tent offering roomy comfort, superior waterproofing, and intuitive setup features.
L.L.Bean Ridge Runner 26L Plus Day Pack

A lightweight gray day pack made from durable nylon and Hypalon, featuring breathable panels and multiple pockets.
Big Agnes Copper Spur UL3 Tent

A lightweight orange nylon tent featuring HyperBead fabric, dual vestibules, and reflective guylines for safe, comfortable camping.
Nemo Hornet OSMO 2-Person Backpacking Tent

A lightweight, multi-color nylon tent with recycled, PFAS-free OSMO fabric and innovative space-maximizing features.
L.L.Bean Adventure Day Packs

A rugged, mallard teal day pack made from recycled nylon with multiple organizational features for outdoor adventures.
Stowaway Day Pack, 28L

A superlight gray 28L hiking backpack made from recycled polyester ripstop with multiple pockets and comfort features.
Men's Osprey Stratos 24 Liters Pack

A tunnel vision grey hiking pack with adjustable torso length, breathable backpanel, and integrated raincover.

Backpacking Gear For Beginners

There’s something truly special about heading out with just the essentials on your back and a map in your hand, ready to explore winding trails, hidden lakes, and the quiet hush of the forest. For those new to backpacking, the right gear can make all the difference between a memorable adventure and a challenging ordeal. As summer days stretch longer and the woods beckon with their promise of discovery, it’s a great time to gear up for your first overnight trek or weekend getaway. When choosing backpacking essentials, it’s helpful to focus on items that offer lasting value, comfort, and versatility—pieces you’ll reach for again and again, whether you’re camping under the stars or heading out for a day hike with friends. Look for lightweight, durable equipment that’s easy to use and built to handle the bumps and scrapes of life on the trail. Packs with intuitive organization, sleeping bags that keep you warm as the nighttime air cools, and compact cooking gear that makes mealtime a breeze all help set you up for success. These are the kinds of details that make it easier to focus on the experience—watching the sunrise from your tent, sharing stories around a campfire, or simply enjoying the quiet rhythm of your footsteps on the path ahead.

Backpacking gear isn’t just for solo adventurers. It’s a thoughtful gift for anyone looking to spend more time outside, from recent grads eager for new experiences to families planning their first overnight in the backcountry. There’s a special kind of joy in passing along a reliable piece of equipment to someone you care about, knowing it will be part of their own stories and adventures. Maybe it’s a friend who’s always wanted to try backpacking but wasn’t sure where to start, or a family member who loves hiking and is ready to take the next step. The right gear can help ease worries about packing, comfort, or unpredictable weather, making it easier to focus on what matters most: enjoying the journey and the company along the way. And because quality gear is designed to last, it becomes a companion on countless trips—each scratch and patch a reminder of good times and new places explored.

Whether you’re setting out for the first time or helping someone else get started, it’s worth investing in gear that’s built to go the distance. With summer in full swing, now’s the perfect season to explore new trails, sleep under the stars, and make the most of the long daylight hours. For more ideas and helpful tips on choosing the right equipment for your next adventure, take a look at our complete selection of Backpacking Gear. Each piece is chosen for its durability, comfort, and timeless style—so you can spend less time worrying about your gear and more time enjoying everything the outdoors has to offer.