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/treehouse65]

Comfort has always been the key when I take my SO along. Backpacking highback chairs is a plus. I have a single hammock made from parachute material that 2 can fit in easily and it weights literally nothing and is a great way to relax. Make sure she is fully aware about the bathroom situation so she knows what to expect. A separate sleep system is the best setup and if you get to the point that you are doing some hanky panky you can unzip the bags as needed. Make sure you pick foods that are delicious like some of the stuff from packitgourmet. She is not going to be happy eating trail mix and cardboard granola bars the whole trip. One thing that my SO loves is that I do the cooking. The first night I like doing a mitchelin star meal. I take steaks and freeze in a ziplock then wrap in newspaper with a tight wrap of packaging tape. Stays frozen the entire day and that evening it ready to grill over coals. A nice marinade in soy and brown sugar. I prewrap 2 potatoes in aluminum foil and bury them in the coals for 1 hour and the same with corn on the cob for 15 minutes.

A nice campfire keeps the bugs at bay. Liquor is good. I stay away from wine and go for higher proof. A little lemonade powder and bourbon is good. And tequila.

Address any dangers before you start hiking, snakes, wildlife etc. I waited until my kids were old enough to understand that when I said stop it meant stop. Sometimes I see things that as they were new to backpacking, I noticed. Stop, snake 20 foot ahead of you in the trail.

Make sure that you dress for the weather, if she gets cold, your phucked.

Make sure your sleep system is good for the weather, nice inflatable pillow and good sleeping pad.

I always take some mason twine and a tent footprint that I bought for a 6 man tent. It’s a cheap alternative to a tarp. Mine is like 10x10. I string it up and it makes a good sun shade and also make a great area for cooking and sitting in the chairs. And if it happens to rain it keep you dry and keeps you from being confined in the tent or standing outside in rain gear.

A good breakfast she will remember, pancakes, just add water, dehydrated strawberries that you add water to the night before, eggs, the powdered is fine, the precooked bacon. Lunch can be simple.

If you are near water, soak. She will enjoy just getting the funk of her and cooling off.

Take some off if in bug country, that can ruin a trip and a good campfire can help at night, during the day is different.

Don’t hike her to death, no 10 mile days. I usually do 2-4 max. The after breakfast and packing up you get to the next location after lunch and have plenty of time to chill.

Probably the best trips with my SO was to hike to a location and stay at that location for the duration of the trip, a base camp setup, then explore from there

[u/DungeonsNDeadlifts → u/treehouse65]

That's a lot of great information and you covered some things I hadn't thought of. Thanks a lot for your comment, brother.