Backpacking Gear Overview for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness: What I Packed and Why

Kristin Jones
Sep 25, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Oct 12, 2025

When my cousin joined me for his first backpacking trip of the summer, I knew it was the perfect time to slow down the pace, keep things simple, and share the basics of what makes time in the backcountry comfortable and fun. The Olallie Lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness was the ideal spot — beautiful scenery, mellow trails, and plenty of great campsites close to the water.

The Big Three: Pack, Shelter, and Sleep System

For this trip, I kept my setup light but not ultra-minimal. My 65L pack fit everything I needed with room to spare for a few comfort items. I brought my trusty NatureHike tent, which is quick to set up and holds up great against dew and light wind.

My sleep system included a down quilt and an inflatable pad — cozy, compact, and perfect for a good night’s rest after a relaxed day on the trail. Since temperatures were mild, I didn’t need anything heavy-duty, but I still made sure to bring a lightweight ground sheet to keep moisture out.

Clothing and Footwear

Layering is always important, even on shorter trips. I packed a moisture-wicking base layer, a light fleece, and a rain jacket just in case. I made sure my cousin brought an extra puffy jacket, which came in handy when the temperature dropped at camp. For footwear, I stuck with my trail runners — comfy, breathable, and great for this kind of terrain.

Food, Water, and Cooking Setup

Since we weren’t pushing big miles, I packed some simple meals that felt a bit more “luxury” than usual: instant rice bowls, oatmeal, and a few camp treats like hot chocolate. My small canister stove and titanium pot were all we needed for cooking and coffee.

For water, I used a squeeze filter system with a clean bottle setup — easy to use and quick to refill at the nearby lakes and streams.

Safety and Comfort Items

Even on an easy trip, I always bring the basics: a small first aid kit, map, and GPS backup on my phone. We also carried a small lantern for the tent and a deck of cards for downtime at camp. Those little comforts make beginner trips so much more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

This trip into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness was the perfect reminder that backpacking doesn’t have to be extreme to be meaningful. Slower miles, simpler gear, and sharing the experience with someone new to the trail made it one of my favorite weekends of the season.

If you’re planning your first trip or helping a friend get started, this Backpacking Gear Overview for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness is a great place to begin — lightweight, approachable, and focused on keeping things comfortable and fun.

🎥 Watch the Video

If you’d like to see this trip in action, check out the full video on my YouTube channel — Backpacking Gear Overview for the Alpine Lakes Wilderness: What I Packed and Why.

You’ll get a closer look at how everything fit together, my cousin’s first reactions on the trail, and some of the beautiful alpine lake views that made this beginner backpacking trip so special.

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