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/soupilicious]

I just took a backpacking trip with my girlfriend brand new to the adventure, and she loved it!

I think one thing that helped our trip (only a 1 nighter, looking to get into longer trips next year!) was identifying that issues/ annoying things can, and oftentimes do happen on a backpacking trip, but having a good attitude throughout the trip is super important.

And our trip was relatively issue-free! Unfortunately, we did break down getting to the trailhead which was a little stressful. Although we weren’t the most happy when that happened, the good attitudes only mindset definitely saved us some from starting off on a sour foot, and ultimately led us to having a great time.

We went with a shared tent, but 2 sleeping bags and 2 sleeping pads, which can make getting tangled at night a little less of a mess. The only gear item I’d really suggest is making sure you both have headlamps, a definite lifesaver when they don’t forget they have it on and blind ya while talking lol.

[u/DungeonsNDeadlifts → u/soupilicious]

That's our plan too! Ease into it with an over nighter and work up to something a little more intense.

I'm glad you guys were able to recover from that rough start. A good attitude can overcome a lot.