20 Essential Backpacking Tips for a Stellar Outdoor Adventure
So, you've decided to answer the call of the wild, trade your comfy bed for a sleeping bag, and carry everything you need on your back. Welcome to the wonderful world of backpacking! It's an incredibly rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views, a deep connection with nature, and a true test of self-reliance.
But before you lace up your boots and head for the hills, a little preparation goes a long way. To help you on your journey, here are 20 essential backpacking tips that we've learned through my our own adventurers.
1. Start Small & Local: Don't plan a multi-day trek through challenging terrain as your first trip. Begin with an overnight trip to a nearby state park or a well-maintained trail. This allows you to test your gear, practice your skills, and get a feel for backpacking without being overwhelmed.
2. Test Your Gear Before You Go: Never use brand-new gear for the first time on a long trip. Set up your tent in your backyard, try cooking with your stove, and pack your backpack and walk around the block. This ensures everything works and fits properly.
3. Prioritize Your Footwear: Your feet are your most important asset. Invest in high-quality, well-broken-in trail runners or hiking boots that fit properly. Bring a couple pairs of moisture-wicking socks and a pair of camp shoes (maybe) for comfort.
4. The Lighter, The Better (Within Reason): Every ounce counts when it's on your back. Focus on lightweight gear for your "Big Three" (backpack, tent, sleeping bag). However, don't sacrifice essential safety or comfort items for the sake of extreme ultralight.
5. Pack Smart, Not Hard: Distribute weight evenly in your pack, with heavier items closer to your back and between your shoulder blades. Keep frequently needed items (water, snacks, map) easily accessible.
6. Master the Art of Layering: Weather can change rapidly in the backcountry. Pack layers of moisture-wicking clothing (synthetics or wool) that you can add or remove to regulate your body temperature. Avoid cotton!
7. Water, Water, Everywhere (and a Way to Filter It): Always carry more water than you think you'll need, and always have a reliable water filter or purification method (e.g., Sawyer Squeeze, purification tablets). Dehydration is no joke.
8. Know Your Navigation: Don't rely solely on your phone. Carry a physical map and compass, and know how to use them. Download offline maps to your phone as a backup.
9. Leave No Trace Principles are Paramount: Pack out everything you pack in. Stay on established trails, respect wildlife, dispose of waste properly, and minimize campfire impacts. Learn and practice all seven principles.
10. Tell Someone Your Itinerary: Always inform a trusted friend or family member of your exact route, planned campsites, and estimated return time. This is crucial for your safety.
11. Learn Basic First Aid & Carry a Kit: At a minimum, a small, first aid kit is non-negotiable. Know how to treat blisters, cuts, sprains, and other common trail injuries. Consider taking a wilderness first aid course.
12. Practice Your Food Prep: Plan your meals in advance and test out your backpacking recipes at home. Opt for high-calorie, lightweight, and non-perishable foods. Don't forget snacks!
13. Pack for the Unexpected: A small emergency kit with a headlamp (with extra batteries!), fire starter, whistle, and maybe even an emergency blanket in cold weather can be a lifesaver.
14. Respect Wildlife: Store food properly using a food bag and proper bear hang or a bear canister where necessary. Never approach or feed wild animals.
15. Embrace the Dirt: You're going to get dirty. Embrace it! Pack a small trowel for catholes and learn proper backcountry hygiene.
16. Learn to Read the Weather: Pay attention to weather forecasts before and during your trip. Know the signs of approaching storms and be prepared to take shelter.
17. Practice Knot Tying: Simple knots like a bowline, taut-line hitch, and square knot can be incredibly useful for setting up tarps, hanging food bags, and securing gear. The dogbone and speed hanger are also great accessories if knots are "knot" your thing.
18. Keep it Charged: Bring a portable power bank for your phone or other electronics. Put your phone on airplane mode to conserve battery.
19. Be Flexible & Patient: Things don't always go as planned in the backcountry. Trails might be more challenging, weather could turn, or you might encounter unexpected obstacles. Stay calm, adapt.
20. Enjoy the Journey! The whole point of backpacking is to connect with nature, challenge yourself, and create unforgettable memories. Take time to soak in the views, listen to the sounds of the wilderness, and appreciate the simplicity of life on the trail.
With these tips in your arsenal, you're well on your way to experiencing the magic of backpacking. Happy trails!
