Backpacking can be both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will equip you with essential knowledge & skills to make your backpacking experience enjoyable and memorable.
Table of Contents
What is Backpacking?
Backpacking can be defined as a combination of hiking and camping. You will pack up all your essentials in a bag and hike for as many miles as you want to reach a campsite in the wild and camp there. There will be no electricity, no internet, no bathrooms, and none of your modern life amenities.
Backpackers usually travel alone or in very small groups. Ideally, backpacking trips last at least for a few days. That means you will be cooking, eating, sleeping, and pooping in the wild; everything that a human needs to survive. So, you will have to pack your bag in a way that you can carry all the essentials for wilderness survival.
Hiking on the trail to reach remote campsites allows you to disconnect from your everyday surroundings and connect with nature in a whole new way. You will be sleeping under the starry sky, listening to the chittering sound of all those unknown wilderness creatures.
You will have to plan ahead regarding where to go, when to go, how to go, what to bring, and how to pack to make sure you have a good time in the wild.
Before you set foot on the trail, it is essential to be aware of the basics of a backpacking trip and set your expectations right for your wilderness exploration. So, be aware of your backpacking itinerary and prepare in advance to avoid any unwanted outdoor challenges. Proper planning is paramount to enjoying a cherished backpacking experience.
How to Plan a Backpacking Trip
Planning is an essential part of a pleasant backpacking experience. If you have a solid and comprehensive plan for your outdoor adventure you will feel confident and reassured about the trip. Give yourself enough time to choose a destination carefully, pick your wilderness gear accordingly, and arrange any permits or logistical details to make it go as per your plan.
You do not necessarily need to aim to be a perfect planner, you will make a few mistakes at the beginning. The experience of your first trip will answer a lot of questions about your next expedition.
Where to Go
Pick a trail that matches your outdoor skills and experience level. If you do not have much experience in backpacking, pick a well-traveled route and a well-established campsite. Also, keep in mind that your chosen trail is not too challenging for your ability.
For instance, two trails with similar distances can vary wildly in difficulty if one of them has significantly more total elevation gain than the other. So, it is essential to make your choice after you research the details of your backpacking route.
Make sure the backpacking destination has scenic viewpoints, shade, and the types of activities you are looking for. Check if you need any permits or reservations for your trail, and get those in advance. Do not ignore your outdoor fitness, skills, and experience while choosing a backpacking trail.
When to Go
At what time of the year are you planning to go on a particular backpacking destination is critical to what kind of environment you are going to experience there. Always check the weather forecast for the duration of your trip.
The best time to visit a particular area depends on the type of geographic location. For instance, if you are going to the mountains; mid-summer to early fall is usually the best time to pick.
Do not forget to research the best time to visit your desired backpacking destination considering different factors like weather conditions, bug season, safety, etc.
How to Go
How you will reach the backpacking destination depends entirely on the type of trail you choose. If you are going on a hike that starts from a campground, you will be able to bring your vehicle to the campground; and start hiking from there onwards. So, make advanced arrangements for any required transportation.
Ideally, you would like to have a detailed itinerary of the route and clarity about how you will travel for each step. If you are flying out to your campsite, you will have to make reservations well in advance.
What Gear to Bring on a Backpacking Trip
One of the most crucial aspects of a successful backpacking trip is to pick the right adventure gear. Typically, a common mistake of beginner backpackers is that; they pack on too much equipment.
What gear you will bring on a backpacking trek should be based on the weather conditions of where you are going, how long are you gonna stay there, and what type of activities are you planning to do. Having a camping checklist always helps.
High-quality and durable camping gear usually costs more. One option is to take advantage of gear rentals. That way, you will minimize the initial cost and also be able to test out different outdoor products to decide on the best possible options for you. You can count on outdoor gear reviews to educate yourself.
A great way to go about gear shopping is to figure out your choices in advance to allow yourself enough time to look out for sales and discounts. It is recommended to pack lightweight and compact, as you will be carrying all your backpacking tools on your back.
Backpacks
Backpack selection depends on a few factors that can vary from one person to another. You need to consider the capacity of the pack depending on the length of your trip and the kind of weather you are likely to encounter there.
The backpacking pack should be a proper fit for your torso length and the weight of the backpack should be properly distributed to facilitate enjoyable trail running. Additional features can also make your backpacking experience smother.
Do not forget to try the pack on and test out how comfortable it is on your back. It is always helpful to educate yourself about backpacks and explore different options before you make the purchase.
Backpacking Tent
At the end of the day, you will need a tent to sleep. Sleeping in the wild can be tough, but choosing the right tent helps you sleep with peace of mind. The seasonality of the tent can ensure that you will sleep at a desirable temperature regardless of the weather conditions.
A tent is probably the most expensive and the heaviest piece of equipment you will carry while backpacking. Pick a lightweight tent that is durable enough to withstand different weather conditions. Ideally, you would like a spacious tent with enough doors and easy to set up; practice setting up your tent before you head out to the trail.
An alternative that has grown in popularity in recent times is a hammock or hammock tent. A hammock tent can be set up without a clear campsite, you will only need a few trees within desirable distance.
It can be more comfortable to sleep on a hammock as you will not have to deal with the pressure points created by uneven ground, with the extra benefit of weight reduction for your backpacking journey.
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping bags are supposed to help you get a comfortable sleep in outdoor areas. Your selection of a sleeping bag should be based on the weather conditions of your most frequent backpacking destinations. Look for a mummy-shaped sleeping bag, those are less bulky than other variations.
You need to pay extra attention to the comfort rating and lower limit rating as a proper temperature rating will allow you to use the same sleeping bag in different weather conditions.
The most important thing to consider in selecting a sleeping bag is the materials used for insulation. Two of the most popular insulation options are down insulation and synthetic insulation. The fill used for a sleeping bag with down insulation is natural feathers, while synthetic insulation bags use man-made materials.
Down insulation sleeping bags are lighter, warmer, more compressible, more durable, and more expensive compared to sleeping bags with synthetic insulation; making them ideal for backpacking adventures. You will have to make your pick according to your budget and preferences.
Sleeping Pad
Sleeping pads will provide you with extra insulation and cushioning. Without a sleeping pad, the ground tends to draw heat away from your body. You will find a few options with varied functionality, you will have to pick the one that matches your personal backpacking preferences.
The most basic types of sleeping pads are closed-celled foam pads. Those are relatively cheap, durable, and lightweight but can be bulky. If you want your sleeping pad to be light and compact, insulated air pads might be the best option for you; you will have to inflate your pad with breaths or a hand pump.
If you are willing to spend a bit more for a firmer feel, self-insulated sleeping pads would be ideal for you; those can be fully inflated with just a few breaths.
Stove and Fuel
You are not likely to survive just on energy bars and dehydrated food in the wild, especially if you are on a multiday trip. You will need hot and cooked meals, particularly in cold weather conditions. On top of that, you will have to take in extra calories to compensate for those long hikes on the trail.
So, you will need a backpacking stove and fuel to keep yourself fueled with hot meals and beverages for long-distance hikes. Look for a compact and lightweight outdoor cooking setup that is capable of heating up quickly even in cold weather or high-elevation. Test out your outdoor cooking setup before you pack it up. Do not forget to bring enough fuel for the length of your trip.
Water Treatment
Water is the most important element of wilderness survival. So it is essential to plan for drinking water accordingly. If you are going on a multiday trip, you are not likely to carry all the drinking water for the whole time. The solution is to carry an effective water purification system with you.
Even the purest-looking streams can contain things that you would not like to drink. Drinking impure water can make you super sick and ruin the whole backpacking experience. You would like to carry trail hydration systems or chemical methods like tablets and drops to purify the water.
Navigation and Communication
Venturing into the great outdoors can turn out to be a nightmare if you go off the trail and cannot figure out a way to get back on track. For beginners, it is recommended to go on well well-marked trail; and you will still have to carry proper trail navigation tools. You will be surprised to know how many people get lost every year, even on popular trails.
Before heading out, carry a detailed topographic map of the area with you, even if you plan to use the GPS navigation on your phone for directions. Learn how to read maps and use a compass to determine location and direction. Joining your local backpacking club and enrolling in outdoor navigation courses can be a great way to gain outdoor education about navigation.
Nature can be unpredictable and brutal in an instant. The chance of you getting cell phone signals in remote trails is close to none. So, do not forget to carry a satellite communication system for emergency preparedness. Make sure emergency devices are fully charged or you have backup options.
What to Wear Backpacking
What you will be wearing on a backpacking trip primarily hinges on the type of climate you will be experiencing. Try to wear quick-drying, warm, and comfortable layers to have a pleasant experience.
Clothing
You would like to wear multiple layers while trekking, giving you the liberty of taking off or putting on layers depending on weather conditions. On top of that, multiple layers can help you get extra insulation from trapped air between the layers. Consider the weight, fit, and features while choosing your outdoor clothing.
For your base layer, look for moisture-wicking and quick-drying fabrics like nylon and polyester. Do not wear cotton, as cotton fabric soaks sweat and does not dry quickly; it will be uncomfortable while backpacking. The base layer should be well-fitted and slim for both the upper and the lower part of your body to allow you to easily put extra layers on top.
Mid-layer is all about insulation. What sort of mid-layer you will put on will be dictated by weather conditions. You can use a puff jacket with appropriate insulation. Mid-layer can be used as the outer layer in warm climates.
The shell layer is the last layer you will put on before shouldering your backpack. The primary function of this layer is to provide protection from the weather. Your outer layer has to be weatherproof. Go for an outer layer with a DWR (Durable Water Repellency) coating that helps water bead off.
Footwear
On a backpacking trip, you will be walking a lot and most of the load you will be carrying will be traveling down to your feet. The kind of hiking boots you wear on a hike can make or break the whole journey. So, you will have to pay extra attention in selecting your hiking boot; as it is considered to be the most important component of all your backpacking equipment.
You may become overwhelmed by all the options available on the market. Some people prefer high-neck backpacking boots for ankle protection, others go for lightweight trail runners. You will have to pick yours based on comfort and fit.
Explore and try different options, and walk with the boots on; use the stairs to evaluate fit and comfort. Your toes should not touch the end of the boot and there should not be any soreness on your feet after walking for a while. Consider weight, breathability, and waterproof material before you buy. You can also carry flip-flops to use while showering or wandering casually.
What to Eat and Drink Backpacking
You will have to eat and drink to survive regardless of whether you backpacking or not. The difference is, that you will have to carry all your food on your back on a backpacking trip. So, you will have to plan ahead according to the length of your trip and your priorities.
Food
You will be burning extra calories during your hike, so you will have to take in enough calories to keep your body well functioning. If you are going on a day hike, ready-made backpacking food like nuts, trail mix, bars, dried fruit, and snacks can get you through the trip. However, a multiday hike will require you to carry extra food for you to cook later.
You would like to carry food that is nutritious, calorie-dense, and shelf-stable. For cooking you can carry lightweight dehydrated food like pasta, rice, meat jerky, etc.
Many outdoor retailers offer meal plans for backpacking adventures. Those are usually prepared to be lightweight, compact, and easy to prepare; thus adding convenience to your trip. Do not forget to carry a pot set, bowls, cutleries, and washing materials with you.
Drink
Drinking water should be a priority for your backpacking adventure. Lack of drinking water can make you dehydrated and weak pretty quickly. How much water you will have to carry initially will depend on the weather conditions and your personal requirements.
It is recommended to drink half a liter of water per hour on a backpacking trip of moderate difficulty. Remember, if you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
You will have to carry proper water purification methods as you are not likely to carry drinking water for the whole trip. One of the main causes of fatigue during backpacking trips is the loss of electrolytes. So, it is recommended to bring electrolyte tablets or powder to mix with drinking water.
How to Get Ready to Go Backpacking
Being aware and prepared for everything that you can expect on a backpacking trip is an essential part of a comprehensive plan and a prerequisite for a successful backpacking trip.
Physical Preparation
Backpacking can be physically demanding, and taking steps to improve your fitness can be beneficial for your journey. It is fundamentally important to choose a trail according to your fitness level and backpacking experience.
You can train for your backpacking trip by going for walks, runs, and even short hikes before the event. Do a lot of exercise and stretching, so that you can be flexible enough to prevent injuries.
If you have existing pain and aches in your body, you can educate yourself regarding pain management during backpacking. Therapy is a great way to manage and reduce chronic pain.
If you are not a frequent backpacker, you will most likely find yourself out of breath on the trail. How often you will go out of breath is dependent on your health condition and lung capacity. You can increase your lung capacity by being active and doing different breathing exercises to better prepare for a backpacking adventure.
Mental Preparation
Check the weather forecast for your trail and destination and be aware of what to expect on the trail. That will make you feel prepared and confident for the backpacking journey.
Be educated about “Leave No Trace Principles” and abide by those principles to minimize your environmental footprint and protect the wilderness for future generations to explore.
Practice setting up your gear before you hit the trail, that will make you confident about your backpacking preparation and ability.
Make a detailed itinerary of your whole backpacking trip and leave a copy of that with your loved ones. That will make you feel secure and getting help in case of an emergency a whole lot easier.
Do not wait for the last moment to pack your bag. Packing in advance will let to determine if you are overpacking or need to adjust something. Remember, the weight of your pack should not be more than 20% of your body weight.
Additional Backpacking Gear
What gear you will carry on a backpacking trip is subject to a lot of different factors like where, when, how are you going, and also your personal preferences. Choose your backpacking gadget by keeping weight and functionality in mind.
Headlamp
A headlamp will come in handy as it is easier to carry than a flashlight. It will free up your hand to do other activities like cooking and cutting much more convenient. Go for a lightweight headlamp with an adjustable band and brightness.
Hiking Poles
Hiking poles will provide you with stability in different terrains and will reduce pressure on your knee joints. Try to pick a foldable and lightweight pair of trekking poles.
First Aid Kit
This a really important gear if you are going on an extended trip, you should carry a lightweight first aid kit even on short backpacking trips. You will need it in case of bug stings and small or large cuts. Your outdoor first aid kit should contain at least the basics like bandages, blister plaster, pain relievers, etc. Doing a first aid course will always be useful.
Bathroom Essentials
If you are living in the wild for a few days, nature’s call will come. So, be prepared for that with must-have tools like poop shovels, toilet paper, etc. Do not forget to bury all the biodegradables to keep the campsite clean, don’t just leave those out there.
Sun Protection
Even in cold areas, you can possibly expose yourself to sunburn. So, it will be useful to carry sunscreen, sunhat, or UV protective fabric; whatever you like to protect your skin on a backpacking excursion.
Repair Kit
Carry a basic repair kit to save yourself in case of sudden inconveniences like tent holes, broken buckles, ripped clothing, etc.
Bug Spray
While you are an explorer, bugs are permanent residents of the wilderness. You will have to deal with them one way or another, and the best way to deal with them is by using a bug spray and keeping them away.
Saw and Knife
If you are planning to do a campfire, you will need a saw to sort the logs out. Do not forget, that fallen trees burn much better than the standing ones. A utility knife will come in handy as you will have to do a lot of cutting for various purposes such as adjusting ropes, repairing, etc.
Responsible Exploration
Exploring nature is the quintessential form of entertainment for nature enthusiasts. However, backpacking is not just for personal enjoyment. It also involves preserving nature for future generations through sustainable travel. We will need to adhere to the Leave No Trace policy to minimize the environmental impact of your backpacking adventures.
Trail etiquette must be maintained by practicing eco-friendly backpacking. We need to make sure we practice proper waste disposal and ethical wildlife interaction to leave the wilderness in pristine conditions for others to explore.
Conclusion
Backpacking can be a transformational experience. As you prepare for your next backpacking trip, make sure to plan properly regarding choosing the appropriate gear and understanding the navigation tools to ensure personal safety. More importantly, explore nature responsibly to preserve it for the future. Happy backpacking!