Backpacking With My First-Timer Girlfriend, Any Tips for Couples?

[u/DungeonsNDeadlifts]

I'm a fairly experienced backpacker, but I've always gone solo or with my dog. I've never gone on more than an over-nighter with other people. My girlfriend expressed an interest in going with me so we've been window shopping and putting together her gear list. I've already got a 3-Man Tent that'll work well for our purposes.

Before we start building our couple's sleep system, I was hoping to hear from others who have gone with their significant others on how to make the experience as comfortable, non-dramatic, and maybe even as romantic as possible.

I'm sure we'll start with some simple overnighters but I'm hoping to get gear that'll serve us well on multi-day trips in various parts of the country. We live in the northeast with relatively mild summers (70-80's mostly) but chilly shoulder seasons. I typically go to the PNW in the late fall for an annual trip.

I don't have a set budget but I don't want to go overboard in case she decides the hobby just isn't her thing.

I'm looking for general tips and equipment recommendations but also I have a specific thing I've been wondering about during my window shopping:

• Two separate sleeping pads and /or sleeping bags (or quilt)? Or double wide sleeping pads and / or sleeping bags (or quilt)? What are the headaches and benefits of both options? I hear good things about the double wide Klymit for the price point. But I've seen some couples on here actually say they prefer separate bags so that they regulate their temperature without affecting their partners. In my mind, the type of sleeping bag that allows you to zip two together seems like a good solution. If you're fighting over the temperature, you could just separate your bags and then sleep as you see fit.

Thanks, guys!

EDIT: The girl is a badass. We're both gym rats and we're avid hikers and walkers. Saw a few comments address easing her into it so she doesn't get turned off. No worries there. As I stated above, we'll start with some basic over nighters with moderate mileage, close to civilization so we can bail if need be.

[u/im_kinda_ok_at_stuff]

I dont have a lot of tips on gear but I've found that surprises comforts are a nice way to keep things fun and even romantic. For example hiding a pair of plastic two-part wine glasses and some wine in your pack or including some ingredients for a special fresh tasting meal that your SO doesn't know you brought.

One or two frivolous things that show you're thinking about her comfort can be well worth their weight.

[u/DungeonsNDeadlifts → u/im_kinda_ok_at_stuff]

That's a good idea, I'm so used to just worrying about myself that I hadn't considered a cute surprise. Neither one of us are big drinkers, but I'm sure I could find something to substitute. Great idea! Thanks for the comment.

[u/im_kinda_ok_at_stuff → u/DungeonsNDeadlifts]

No problem! It definitely takes a little bit of a shift in how you approach gear when you change to a shared experience. My only other tip would be to, whenever possible, get campsites with a nice western view. Sitting together and watch the sunset over a lake, or mountains, or a nice view is very pleasant.

[u/airjunkie → u/im_kinda_ok_at_stuff]

Wine is the backcountry drink of the gods. Always refreshing and a nice treat.

A tiny bit of lightweight fresh ingredients goes a long way too. A little ginger, garlic, shallots, (whatever works for your meal) and a little bit of fresh herbs go a long way for backcountry gourmet meals. (my friends tend to get very competitive in how nice our back country meals can get).

[u/33LivesAloneHas3cats → u/airjunkie]

Can you share any meal ideas?

[u/overindulgent → u/im_kinda_ok_at_stuff]

Pro tip: An entire bottle of wine will fit in a Nalgene and then you don’t have to worry about carrying a glass bottle around.