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Backpacking is a one-of-a-lifetime adventure that brings mesmerizing landscapes, breathtaking mountain peaks, idyllic lakes, and oozing horizons at the tip of your feet. It lets you broaden your perspective, and experience something new and extraordinary while enjoying the immersive outdoors activity.
A variety of factors influence your backpacking trip – from the weather conditions to the clothing. To be fully prepared and ready to hit the road, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to get you started. Check it out!
Stay Safe
First things first, staying safe while hitting the road is crucial for a blissful experience. Here are some safety tips for backpacking to help keep you out of danger:
- Pack a first aid kit;
- Bring a map;
- Stay on the trail;
- Take bear spray and assemble an emergency plan;
- Avoid strangers;
- Bring an extra layer of clothing, just in case.
While we can’t know for sure what you’ll stumble across, it’s better to be safe than sorry – and be prepared as much as you can. Furthermore, it’s recommended you protect your food from wildlife so you don’t end up fighting for it with the animal!
Choose The Destination
Whether this is your first backpacking trip or you are an experienced under-the-sky sleeper, this guide is helpful for everybody. We’d recommend you choose an easy destination since this way you’ll have more time on your hands to explore the areas around.
If the hike is difficult, with cliffs and high-elevation peaks, you’ll end up feeling miserable, tired, and discontent. Before you decide where to go, you can consult an experienced backpacker to give you hiking recommendations.
For starters, choose a place that’s closer to your home – even a couple of miles road trip is more than enough! Choose a trail with higher elevation gain. Additionally, make sure there’s water nearby, so double-check with local land managers.
Pack Essential Backpacking Gear
Since you’ll have to carry all of the items on your back, you must bring lightweight backpacking gear. It’s not practical to adjust a couple of items from the camping gear, since it’s not compact and it’s heavy. The following are some of the items to consider for a backpacking trip.
Sleeping Bag
Before purchasing a sleeping bag, do some research into the pros and cons of the fill. Whether you choose a synthetic or a down fill, it’s always good to do proper research and ask for recommendations. In terms of weather conditions, it’s better to go with a synthetic fill since it’s more comfortable and versatile.
Tent
Bringing a tent is more economical if you travel in a group. And, it will keep you warmer in cold weather conditions.
Sleeping Pads
Feeling cushioned while sleeping outdoors is important for a good night’s sleep. Sleeping pads will keep you insulated and protected from the cold, hard ground. Types of pads to consider when purchasing include:
- Closed-cell foam pads;
- Self-inflated pads;
- Insulated air pads.
Backpack
Make sure your backpack is lightweight and has enough zippers, pockets, clips, and buckles. If it’s comfortable on the hips, it’s a good one!
Kitchen Essentials
Bringing items like pots, plates, pans, and cups is more than enough. You can bring a sponge to wash them and a mini towel for drying. And don’t forget the spork!
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What Clothes to Pack?
You don’t need tons of clothes for your backpacking trip. Check the tips below to help you decide what to bring:
- Baselayers;
- Hiking layers like T-shirts, and hats;
- Rainwear – coats, breathable and waterproof jackets, rain pants;
- Jackets, gloves, hat;
- Hiking shoes – footwear is the most important item! Make sure your boots are lightweight and supportive over the ankles;
Get Ready – Physically, Mentally, Logistically
Getting physically ready before you hit the road is important for staying safe outdoors. Set yourself mentally, physically, and logistically ready by training, hiking, or running before the actual backpacking trip.
Get mentally ready by familiarizing yourself with the environment, the gear to take, and the set up of tents, sleeping bags, or harboring places. In addition to being mentally and physically ready, make sure you follow the guidelines of the location you’ll be staying and that you have the necessary permits to backpack there.
Furthermore, you need to develop some backpacking skills since you don’t want to end up with your pants down, or with your tent falling on your head in the middle of the night.
Prepare The Meals
The idea of smart menu planning is essential when traveling in the backcountry. To help you get prepared for it, we’ve noted down the steps below:
- Write the menu for the entire trip;
- Repackage spices and food;
- Use lightweight containers;
- Experiment with frozen food;
- Bring enough water!
Want to Learn More?
To learn more about backpacking, hiking, or content related to traveling in the backcountry, please feel free to check our blog.