The most common problem among first time hikers is that they often carry heavy loads from their backpacks. What are the bare essentials in backpacking or hiking that would involve sleeping over in various locations for a good couple of days and even more?

First up, the most important problem is physical aptitude. I'm not saying you have to be in the best shape to backpack but you have to at least be ready physically. It would be very inconvenient if you drag your friends down in your hiking quest. The basic thing is you know your rhythm. You must not move too fast but also not too slow or you'll be hearing complaints about you. The proper ways of breathing could benefit you very well.

Know your backpack or rucksack. Buying the lightest backpack will not make everything lightweight. I have to warn you, you buy a lightweight bag and it gets busted in the middle of the hike, you either have to leave your things on the trail or you hold it with your bare hands. If that's the case, better quit the trip. You can't survive two hours that way.

Backpacking tents are also essential. They are not similar to the regular camping tents that you commonly see. Backpacking tents or hiking tents are lightweight because the activity your are engaging into involves a lot of walking and hiking.

I advice you to not just buy tents that are lightweight. Durability is the key factor that you must opt for. It would be bad if you are sleeping in a very light tent and it suddenly rains heavily, then you are carried away along with the water.

backpacking tents and hiking tents are always lightweight but it is always preferable that you look for a brand with a track record. The best brands to choose would be North Face and Coleman. But it is up to you, as long as you make sure that the brand you choose is an authority in the outdoor department.

The clothes that you will be bringing must not be too many. If the trip is for five days, don't bring five pairs of clothes. The clothing that you will bring must be waterproof to help you navigate the wilds with ease. Having to wear the same clothes over and over again might get uncomfortable so you may just wash them during the night and it should be dry in the morning.

Make sure you have a pair of hiking shoes. Just because it's walking doesn't mean any rubber shoes will do. Have a custom-fitted hiking shoes or buy a pair of Caterpillars. Bring along with you two pairs of socks, not including the one that you are going to use.

Remember to bring along some water, sleeping bags, towels, and shades so that you can enjoy your hiking trip. A headlamp is more practical than a flashlight.

There are specific persons in the team that's going to carry the food, GPS system, portable stove and first aid kit. The team leader usually divides the food and equally share them among the members.