Contrary to the touristy vibe, backpacking is all about the thrill of camping amidst nature along with new experiences of travelling on a budget while making unforgettable memories. It is common to have a lot of questions running through your mind as a first-time hiker from choosing an appropriate destination to scheduling your itinerary.
This article will assist you with all the steps required in preparing a backpacking trip that offers a more organised, comfortable, and less overwhelmed trip for you.
Although in this article we will focus on the crucial steps you need for backpacking on your own, it is still recommended to bring a companion in your journey as this makes the trip a lot safer and enjoyable as well.
Pick the right destination for backpacking
The main piece of advice here would be to go for the easier hiking trails when you are starting off. It may turn out to be a matter of inconvenience if the hike is too difficult for you. If it is too simple, you will only have more opportunities to discover the area surrounding your campsite.
Since hiking with a considerably larger pack can make you slower and be more challenging, it is better to aim for fewer distances than a usual day trip for the starters. Also, make sure to choose a well-known path with a well-established camp so that you can have other hikers and campers around in case of crisis.
While choosing a place apart from considering things like the availability of water nearby or appropriate weather to travel, you may also seek consultation from local expert backpackers for more important insights.
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Make sure to carry essential backpacking equipment
As backpacking requires carrying essentials that can be fit into your bag easily, your gear needs to be lightweight to provide easy portability. While packing a tent, a smart move would be to carry a two-person tent as it is more economically preferable and weighs less as well.
In case you decide to borrow a pack, make sure to try it on beforehand to ensure its capacity. Along with that, you may also want to test the backpack with items weighing around thirty pounds to ensure the comfort factor in the long run.
Avoid Lightweight Design:
For your first backpack, avoid lightweight designs as they can be less cushioned and have a less sturdy design than a more premium one. If you are willing to reduce the overall weight, opting for lightweight tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads are rather a good place to start.
Sleeping Bags
In terms of sleeping bags, you should also evaluate between different variants that are versatile, affordable and appropriate for a specific weather. Apart from feeling comfortable, considering the insulation factor while choosing a sleeping pad is also something to keep in mind.
Opting for the right outfit for hiking comes right after finalizing the essentials such as stoves, fuel, tents and more. It is advisable to go for fabrics that are moisture-wicking and quick-drying, such as nylon and polyester while packing for a hike.
Layering Helps:
Experienced backpackers also encourage layering when it comes to clothing as it enables hikers to sustain in altering environments quickly. You also need to give extra focus on your footwear as the majority of your trip will require walking through trails and paths rather than streets.
Make a plan of necessary foods to bring on the trip
For a novice traveller, understanding what foods to bring on a journey may be a considerable challenge. You would like to bring foods that are easy to prepare as well as are healthy and nutritious.
Since you would tend to spend a lot more calories through hiking with substantial weight on your back, having appropriate meals is a must. This will assist you to stay attentive, active, and mindful while maintaining your activity levels. It is also crucial to stay hydrated as much as to have the right meals on your journey.
Learning to cook is something you should do once you have had more knowledge and experience in hiking. However, as a novice, relying on canned meals will make things a lot easier for you; although it is not fully recommended.
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Getting Prepared For A Backpacking Trip
Before your journey, prepare yourself fully by ensuring that you are physically, psychologically, and technically ready. You can also perform at least a couple of similarly-difficult pre-trip treks while carrying a backpack weighing more than the standard weight.
Start preparing by familiarizing yourself with your equipment. Make sure to learn how to set up your tent, light your stove, and filter some water beforehand. It is also a good idea to learn emergency first aid as well as map and compass navigation, as these skills will come in handy even if you don’t embark on any future camping adventures.
Prepare your pre-trip bag a few days earlier to ensure that you didn’t overdo it. A thing to keep in mind is that it should not exceed 20 per cent of your body weight. If your bag is much heavier than that, go over your checklist and see what you can get rid of.
You must ensure that you carry all of the required permissions in addition to planning your journey to and from the trailhead. Although they are more likely to be required in popular tourist locations, it is still a good practice to keep these factors into consideration. To
ensure more safety it is a sensible consideration to provide information to your trusted ones regarding your trip, such as the place you are travelling to and when you plan to return.
For many individuals, the real attraction of backpacking is the calm tranquillity it provides, an opportunity to get away from the hustle-bustle and spend days amidst the wild and nature. Even if it may seem a bit overwhelming, with some forethought and smart planning, you can certainly get the most out of your first backpacking trip with minimum hassle.
