Our favourite backpacking season is fast approaching, so blockout some time in your calendar - do it now, before you read any further, even if you don't know where you're going.
You know the story, the leaves are changing and the world is taking on that psychedelic, saturated mix of yellow, red, orange and lime greens that you can only find in Mr Men books.
As the air grows crisp, don't be the first to retire your tent to storage. Autumn is a gift to us backpackers, so lace up your boots, pack your bag, and get ready to hit the trails.
Why Autumn is the perfect time for backpacking
Have your camera ready, it only comes once a year.
- Spectacular Scenery: Witness nature's vibrant colour palette as woodlands transform into a sea of reds, oranges, and golds.
- Comfortable Temperatures: Enjoy cool, crisp days perfect for hiking without the sweltering heat of summer.
- More Solitude: Experience your favourite trails and campsites with more solitude and tranquility than usual.
- Wildlife Activity: Autumn is a busy time for nature as some of our favourite wildlife prepares to leave whilst other gets ready to hunker down.
- Bug-Free Hiking: We love our bugs, they are essential for our eco-system, but in the Autumn you can say ta-ta to the midges and flies that overstep their boundaries.
Our backpacking philosophy
I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself than be crowded on a velvet cushion" - Henry David Thoreau from Walden
You cannot backpack indoors. Backpacking is leaving your material possessions at home and discovering the outdoors. The core of our approach to backpacking is a commitment to simplicity, mindfulness, travel with a light touch and respect for nature:
- Pack light, travel as far as you want: Packing light isn't only for those trying to go further faster. Carry only what you need and enjoy the journey more, however far you are going.
- Embrace simplicity: Reduce reliance on the digital world and reconnect with nature's rhythms.
- Leave no trace: Minimise impact on the environment, put in more than you take out, take out what you take in. Let's do our damnedest to make sure there is wilderness for future generations.
- Engage with local communities: Take advantage of local facilities, and learn about the areas you're exploring. Yes, this includes visiting yummy eateries along the way, there is a time and place for meals in a bag!
- Continuous learning: Each trip is an opportunity to refine your skills and deepen your connection with nature.
How much do you need to carry?
We think light is best, but how light is light?
A target packweight of 10kg is very achievable by most backpackers, without getting lost down any of the rabbit holes ending in a skinny 5kg ultralight setup.
Ditch the deadweight - If you are already have a lot of backpacking kit it might not even cost you any more. The biggest impact you can make on your packweight is to leave all non essential equipment at home. Don't go crazy, you still need safety gear - but if there is a set of Boules in your top pocket, and you have not used them in your last 10 hikes you should ditch them now.
Be sociable - it's good for so many reasons not least that you can share the weight of your tent. As the heaviest single item in your pack this is going to make a noticeable difference.
If you can get down to 10kg, well done. Welcome to the world of lightweight backpacking.
If you are starting from scratch keep reading for some ideas. If you are upgrading a few bits and pieces in the process please consider donating your retired kit to our Continuum project.
The sub 10kg Autumn backpacking kit list
- Backpack: Orion 45L lightweight backpack - perfect for carrying your backpacking essentials. 1kg
- Tent: Jaran 2 lightweight 2-person backpacking tent - for reliable 3 season protection under the stars. 2kg
- Sleeping Bag: PipeDream 400 3-season down sleeping bag - for staying warm during chilly autumn nights. 965g
- Sleeping Mat: Whisper Insulated sleeping mat - for comfort and warmth. 720g
- Pillow: Drift Camping Pillow - I reckon we will have some grams to play with so let's enjoy a little luxury. 100g
- Stove: Brukit all-in-one cooking system - provides a powerful gas stove and cooking pot all in one compact unit. 585g
- Cutlery: TiMigos - Titanium knife, fork and spoon set to take on every camping adventure. 54g
- Water Filter: Hippo mini water filter - ensure safe drinking water from natural sources. 58g
- Headlamp: Ionic rechargeable headtorch - Essential for navigating in low light conditions and moving around your campsite. 49g
- Rucksack Liner: Airlok dry bags - a range of lightweight dry bags to keep your spare clothes dry. 70g for 36 litres.
- Nutrition: Backpacking meals in a bag - tasty, compact, quick to cook and nutrient rich.
- Water Bottle: Refresher 500 stainless-steel flask - Ok you can get lighter waterbottles, but this is so nice! 280g
- First Aid Kit: Backpackers first aid kit - Be prepared for minor injuries and emergencies.
- Kapar 2: 2 person storm shelter - You can't control the weather but you can be prepared for emergencies. 420g
With a litre of water and spare clothes this is going to be 10kg, there or thereabouts. Remember to adapt this list based on your specific trip duration, location, and personal needs.
Did you miss the action point? Plan your Autumn adventure now
Take the first step towards your autumn backpacking trip today:
- Mark a weekend in your calendar for your trip.
- Choose a destination within your comfort level. Make sure it includes woodland for maximum Autumnal impact.
- Sort out your gear using our kit list as a guide. Wash, reproof waterproofs, boots and other performance kit that has taken a beating over the summer.
- Invite a friend to share the weight / experience.
- Start a journal and record your trip. Share it if you like, but most of all do it for yourself. When the leaves have fallen and winter extends its grip these memories will see you through to Spring.
Remember, the journey begins with a single step. It's time to embrace autumn backpacking.
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