Tips for Backpacking
You may be interested in backpacking but think it’s way too hard! Believe us, it’s easier than you think! Here are few tips to ensure you have the best experience backpacking!
Choosing Your Route:
Make sure to plan your trip before you ever leave your house. Look at the topo map to determine the best route and possible camping areas. Are you following a trail or going off trail? Are there water sources? Do you need to carry water or can you purify? Now is the time to familiarize yourself with the area (peaks/valleys/streams). Don’t underestimate the mileage. In mountainous terrain, plan to travel about 1-2 miles each hour. For your first trip, plan a place close to home and just go a few miles. You can even consider using a campground with trails nearby. Take a look at our Basic Navigation blog to learn how to navigate in the backcountry with a compass and topography map.
Backpacks:
You can borrow a pack but make sure to try it out first. Load it with weight and take it out on a test hike. If you plan on continuing with backpacking, you should invest in your own. Have an outfitter measure your torso so you can get the proper fit. There are ultralight backpacks, but for your first backpack, get one with enough padding and supportive structure.
Gear:
Because you have to carry everything on your back, make sure you carry only what you need. You also want to invest in lightweight and compact gear. Invest in a good backpack, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, and hiking shoes. Being comfortable and warm is crucial in the backcountry. A loaded backpacking pack should not weigh more than about 20 percent of your body weight. If you are hiking with a group, you can split up the communal gear (tent, stove, kitchen supplies, emergency items, etc). In addition to the Top Ten Essentials, here is a highlight of a few of the essential items you should bring. Check out the complete list Backpacking Gear here.
CLOTHING: Avoid cotton clothing. It does not dry quickly and can cause irritation. Also, it’s heavy to carry when wet. Wear moisture wicking material. Comfortable athletic clothing is perfectly fine for backpacking, you don’t need anything super fancy. Think about the following layers:
BASE LAYERS- These are thin, tight-fitting, and moisture wicking leggings and shirts (long sleeve or short). you can wear on cold days under your clothing, around the campsite in the evening, and sleep in them. They prevent your other layers from getting dirty. Bring a couple base layers for longer trips.
HIKING LAYERS- These are looser fitting pants and shirts that protect you from the elements. Pants (zip-off are great), long sleeve shirt for sun protection, and a hat. Base layers can be worn underneath if it is cold or you can wear your hiking layers alone in warmer temperatures.
WARM LAYERS- Vest, jacket, pullover, beanie, and gloves. If you know temperatures will stay relatively warm, you may not need all of these. In mountainous areas, you need to be prepared for warm and cold weather.
RAINWEAR- A waterproof rain jacket and rain pants are essential to keeping you dry and warm.
FOOTWEAR: This is the most important item you will wear when backpacking. Decide whether you want over-the-ankle boots, low cut boots, or even lightweight trail running shoes. Hiking boots can be very heavy and are not always necessary on most terrains. Make sure your shoes are well broken-in before you go backpacking or hiking. Wear wool or synthetic socks and bring a pair of light shoes or sandals to wear around basecamp.
Make sure fires are allowed!
TENT: Plan to share a two person tent, it’s lighter and more economical to carry one two-person tent rather than two one-person tents. Three season tents are usually good for most people. Most tents come with a footprint to protect the base of the tent from getting wet and dirty and a rain tarp to keep you dry.
SLEEPING BAG: Make sure to buy one rated for the conditions you will be backpacking in. No one wants to be cold at night. You will wear your base layers and can purchase a sleeping bag liner for additional warmth.
Down bags are lighter and warmer but lose warmth when wet and take a long time to dry out.
Synthetic bags are water resistant and cheaper but are heavier and offer less warmth.
SLEEPING PAD: A comfortable night's sleep is crucial, don’t skimp on a sleeping pad. Make sure you take into account both cushion and insulation.
Air pads are comfortable, lightweight and the most compact. However they tend to be more expensive.
Self-inflating pads are comfortable and reasonably compact. However they are heavier and not as compact as air pads.
Closed-cell foam pads are lightweight, inexpensive, and durable. However they are less comfortable and tend to be bulky.
Package your meals separately to grab easily!
FOOD:
Bring a bear vault (if needed or required). Typically a bag and nylon cord to hang the bag is sufficient. Never keep food or scented items in your tent with you at night. Hang your food downwind at least 100 feet from your campsite, 15 feet high and 10 feet from the trunk of a tree.
Pack 2500 to 4500 calories or 2lbs of food per day. Keep it simple and lightweight. You can purchase pre-made backpacking food or make it yourself. It’s easier than you think. Plan out how much food you need and make sure you have enough stove fuel. Always bring a little extra!
Bring what you like to eat and make sure you have a variety of flavors (salty/sour/sweet/spicy) and textures (soft/crunchy/crispy).
Breakfast can be as simple as oatmeal with trail mix and coffee. Lunch should usually be packable and able to be eaten on the trail (packets of tuna/peanut butter/trail mix/beef jerky). Always carry plenty of snacks.
Dinner should be the biggest and most hearty meal of the day. You have more time to prepare and are typically at camp ready to enjoy a relaxing evening. Easy meals usually start with a starch (rice or couscous), a protein, and dehydrated vegetables and spices.
WATER:
Determine whether you need to pack in your water or you are near a water source.
If you are near a water source, bring a purifier/filter/tabs. Water that will be boiled and used for cooking does not need to be purified.
Bring a bigger container to fill with purified water and leave at basecamp. You can use this to fill up your hydration packs and bottles and reduce the number of trips to the water source.
You should carry 1 liter of water for every 2 hours of backpacking you have ahead of you. Of course, adjust this for your specific situation. Consider your age, the intensity of the hike, your personal sweat rate, body type, duration of the hike, the weather, and the distance.
Picking Your Basecamp or Tent Site:
Research in advance. Guidebooks and online resources may have tips for the best place to camp. You may also need a backcountry permit or advanced reservations. Choose a spot at least 200 feet away from water and the trail. You want to stay out of sight of other hikers and away from wildlife going to the water source. Arrive at your campsite at least 2 hours before sunset. Choose a previously impacted area that is flat, shaded, and close to a water source. Be careful where you place your tent, keep direction of sun and wind, as well as the slope of the ground in mind.
Leave No Trace Principles:
Plan ahead and prepare
Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Dispose of waste properly
Leave what you find
Minimize campfire impacts
Respect wildlife
Be considerate of other visitors
Emergency and Preparedness:
Check out how to prepare for an emergency in our blog Basic Survival Skills
Train for the Trip:
Check out how to train for a backpacking trip in our blog Loaded Pack Training