Tent hiking for beginners: your first overnight stay on the trail

HikingStore |14/11, 2026

Tent pitched in a dry spot in a Swedish forest near a marked hiking trail

Many people think that tent hiking is a big step up from a day hike. In practice, you’re walking the same kind of trail – but adding a night and the equipment needed for it. It makes the hike a little more planning, but it doesn’t have to be long or advanced.

Start close to home, on a well-known and marked trail. Go shorter than you usually do and choose a place where you can stop if something doesn't work. The first night isn't about proving how far you can go. It's about trying out the sleeping system and camp routines while the margins are good.

Plan a short and familiar first trip

It's a good idea to choose an area where you've already done day hikes. A trail you recognize makes it easier to assess the terrain and find your way back if the weather or your energy levels change. For a first night, a simple out and back hike on the same trail is plenty.

As a starting point, you can aim for about 8–12 kilometers per day , depending on the terrain, pack weight and experience. This is not a rule. A hilly or rocky trail with a heavy backpack can take significantly more effort than a smooth forest path.

Also plan for the camp to take time. You will need to find a spot, set up your tent, cook, and organize your equipment. The first kilometer of the day will therefore often start later, and the last kilometer of the day should end earlier than on a day trip. A single night is enough to learn a lot – choose an area where the way back is not far away.

You don't have to get all the equipment at once. Borrow or rent if you can and let experience tell you what you actually need. We write more about starting without building an entire equipment system in the articleYou Don't Need the Newest .

Practice tent pitching at home

Set up the tent at home before you leave, in daylight and calm weather. Do it more than once. Check how the poles, tarpaulin, pegs and storm ropes work together – and how the tent should be packed back up.

The tent you’ve never ridden before is the tent you’re likely to have to ride for the first time in the dark and rain. It’s unnecessarily demanding when you’re already tired from your hike. The same advice applies whether you’re camping in the summer or using your tent in colder weather. For specific advice on snow and cold, see our guide to winter tents .

Pack for one night – with the sleeping system at the center

What primarily distinguishes a pack from a day trip is the sleeping system: tent, sleeping bag and sleeping pad . These parts should work together for the season and the temperatures you expect. A sleeping pad that insulates too poorly can let in ground chill and disrupt your sleep, even if the sleeping bag feels warm. Read more about R-value of sleeping pads and temperature selection for sleeping bags .

Pack with a simple zone system: bulky items you don’t need during the day at the bottom, heavy items close to your back, and items you might need quickly – like rain gear, snacks, and a map – within easy reach. Waterproof bags protect your sleeping clothes and sleeping bag if your pack gets wet. Bags in different colors also make it easier to keep track of your contents. Our backpack packing guide walks you through the placement step by step.

Prioritize first aid, map, compass, headlamp, extra battery or power bank, base layer, dry socks and some extra food. The Outdoor Promotion Agency also emphasizes that sleeping bags, sleeping mats and shelter need to be suitable for the conditions of the trip – and that equipment can be borrowed or rented.

Several guides list around 50–70 liters as a common benchmark for tent hiking. This is not a rule of thumb you have to follow: compact gear and efficient packing can fit less, while winter gear often requires more space. Read more in our guide to backpack volume and fit .

Hiking backpack packed for an overnight trip

Choose your tent site with care

Aim for a flat, dry spot that is sheltered from the worst of the wind. Avoid depressions where rainwater can collect and look up for dead branches or trees that could fall in the wind. A little air movement can reduce mosquitoes and condensation; you don't need to seek out a completely windless corner.

A common practical rule of thumb is to camp at least 50 meters from water and buildings. The distance to homes is a matter of consideration and a safe zone, but the right of access does not specify a single fixed 50-meter distance that applies everywhere. Choose a place where you will not disturb residents or landowners, and stay away from cultivated agricultural land. Camping on someone's property requires the landowner's permission.

Check the location in daylight and pitch your tent early. A clearing that looks good in the afternoon may feel completely different when darkness, rain or wind arrives. The right of public access normally allows camping for a few days with consideration, but the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency reminds you that nature reserves, national parks and municipal areas may have their own rules regarding camping . Read the regulations before you set off.

Set up the tent in good time

Once you have chosen a spot, set up your tent before it gets too busy. Attach the storm ropes even if it is calm at the time – the wind can increase after dark. Also check the site one last time with your headlamp. Slopes, wet ground and bog paths can be easier to spot when you look close to the ground.

How the tent is aligned and anchored depends on the construction and the ground. Follow the instructions for your particular tent. Read more about the differences and limitations in our guide to tunnel tents or dome tents .

Hiking tent with vestibule set up on a grassy campsite

Keep food and camp routines simple

Choose foods that you are familiar with and that require little cooking. The first night is not the time to try a complicated meal when you are hungry and want to get the camp set up. The Outdoor Activities Association recommends that you have enough food and something extra for the evening. A thermos or hot drink can make the break more pleasant even when it is not winter.

Preferably cook outdoors on a flat and safe surface. Never use a storm kitchen in a closed tent: combustion can create carbon monoxide, an odorless and dangerous gas. A vestibule is still part of the tent space. Follow the kitchen instructions and choose an open area with good ventilation. Our article on storm kitchens in the cold contains more advice on safe handling.

Keep food and trash out of reach of animals. How you do this will depend on the area – check local recommendations and don’t leave any food leftovers behind.

Make a simple safety plan

Tell someone at home which route you are going to take, where you plan to spend the night, when you plan to be back, and who to contact if you don't hear from them. Check the weather forecast for both the evening and morning. Bring an extra layer, even in summer; temperatures can drop after sunset.

A mobile phone and power bank are part of the safety equipment, but don't count on coverage everywhere. On a marked trail, a map and compass are still useful. The Mountain Safety Council reminds you that a map and compass will help you find your way . Turn around in time if the weather, fatigue or conditions make the plan unsafe. A successful first trip is a trip where you get home safely – not a trip where you have to hold on to every kilometer.

Common beginner mistakes to avoid

Plan a too long distance for the first overnight stay.
Pack more than you need and treat the packing list as a checklist of everything you need to bring.
Wait too long to set up camp or choose a depression where water can collect.
Forget the storm ropes when it's calm.
Don't try tents and packing at home.
Don't leave a roadmap to anyone.
Using the kitchen in a closed tent.

Make the first night easy

Your first tent hike should be close, short and easier than you think you can handle. The difference between a day trip and a tent hike is almost only the night – and it becomes easier with a practiced tent, well-thought-out packing and a tent site chosen in daylight.

Once the first night is over, you'll know more about what works for you. The next article in the series takes us on to Kungsleden in winter: what you need to know .