Backpacking For Beginners

Backpacking can be a great and rewarding adventure to embark on. Not only does it offer such an immersive and richer experience, but it can help you push your limits like few other adventures can. If you are looking to give backpacking a try, you will want to be sure to learn about some of the tips that can help you on your journey. Below, we will be going over some of the top backpacking for beginners tips to implement.

Backpacking For Beginners

1. Get an Experienced Partner

One of the first things you should do is find someone that has a sufficient amount of experience to go with you. If you happen to have a friend that has experience, you will want them to take you on it in order to really be able to learn the ropes from someone that has been there and done it before. They will be able to tell you what to expect and they will also be able to show you how to prepare. If you simply do not know anyone experienced willing to go with you, it might be wise to sign up for a backpacking class. That way, you can learn from someone that is experienced.

2. Choose a Route

The location where you will be backpacking is a very important thing to figure out when planning your trip. The location you end up choosing is likely going to depend on various factors including how much time you are willing to dedicate to the trip, your level of fitness, how much distance you are comfortable hiking, logistics, and what time of year it is. All of these things are important factors to consider when choosing the right location because you want to find a location that is suitable to backpack in based on these factors in order to ensure that you have a great time.

3. Choose The Right Gear

Once you have decided on who to go with and where you will be going, it is time to select your gear. There are a lot of different backpacking essentials that you are going to want to be sure to have on hand. Below, we will be going over some of the major essentials that you should have ready to go on your backpacking trip.

Tent: You want to be sure that you have a properly chosen tent for your trip. When choosing a backpacking tent, you want to consider a variety of factors such as the size, weight, and whether or not it is going to be able to hold up to the weather conditions that you might expect based on the time of year.

Stove: Another important piece of gear you are going to want to have on hand is a portable and compact stove. You want a stove that is going to be capable of boiling water fast. This is a good option for those that will be backpacking because it will be able to help you cook your freeze-dried meals.

Water Treatment: Another essential item that you are going to want to have on hand is something to treat the water where you will be backpacking. While some might carry all of the water that they would need for a trip that lasts 1 to 2 days, it is not always possible. Also, you want to be prepared in case of an emergency and you might even want to save the weight of having to carry water with you everywhere you go. Thus, you want to have something on hand that is going to allow you to be able to filter the water that you have available.

Utensils and Other Kitchen Supplies: You will also want to pack a bunch of different utensils and other kinds of kitchen supplies in order to be able to eat and drink throughout your backpacking trip. You can consider various things such as forks, spoons, knives, sink, sponges, and more.

Food: Alternative solution to your backpacking nutritional needs are outdoor meals or MRE meals. That way you can save lots of weight and space in your backpack. They do not need stove or utensils as everything you need for hot homestyle meal comes in a pack.

Once you have these items on hand, you are going to want to be sure to outfit yourself with all of the personal gear that you will need.

Personal Backpacking Gear

1. Backpack

Obviously, if you are going to be backpacking, you will need to invest in a proper backpack for your trip(s). You should find one that is not only comfortable for you but one that is big enough to carry everything you deem essential.

2. Proper Footwear

Another major piece of gear you are going to need to consider is the proper footwear. Because your feet are essential to the success of your trip, this might even be the most important item you choose. You need to find a pair of shoes that offer the right amount of support and that are comfortable for long distances. You should break them in prior to your backpacking trip.

Overall, there is a lot to prepare for when it comes to a backpacking trip. If it is your first time, consider going with a friend that is experienced or taking your first trip with a class. Follow the tips above and purchase the right gear, and you should be able to have a successful trip.