Due to everything that’s going on in the world right now, more people than ever are looking to get outside and enjoy some time away from the rest of the world. For some, this means trekking out into the woods and exploring some of the backcountry in their area. However, if you’ve never gone on a backpacking trip before, you might not even know what you don’t know about how to plan and prepare.
To help any novices looking to get their hiking boots dirty and keep their packs light and dry, here are three things you should consider when planning a backpacking trip.
Bring The Right Gear
The gear that you bring with you on a backpacking trip is of the utmost importance.
Arguably, the hardest part about packing for a backpacking trip is knowing how to keep your pack weight down while also bringing all the essentials. Now, the essentials you want to bring will vary based on where you are. If you’re backpacking in an area that has a lot of wild animals, you may want to pack a gun or hunting rifle for protection. Or, if you’re backpacking to an area with very little water, you’ll need to pack in all the water you’ll need.
According to REI.com, some of the other gear you will want to be sure you pack are light layers of clothes, enough food and snacks to last throughout your trip, sunscreen, rain gear, and more.
Make Sure You’re Physically Fit
While walking through the woods, forests, and mountains might sound like the same kind of walking you do everyday, there’s a big difference. Because of this, you’ll want to be sure that you’re physically fit enough to be taking a backpacking trip before you set off.
To prepare physically, Andrew Skurka, a contributor to Outside Online, recommends that you do some cardio training by running. You should also do a dry run of your backpacking trip by strapping on all your gear and doing some mild hiking so you can see exactly what you’re in for and how your body will respond.
Check That Everything’s Legal
Because you’ll be backpacking in away from your vehicle and traditional lodging accommodations, you’ll want to be sure that you have all your legal bases covered so that you can responsibly set up your camp at the end of your long day on your feet.
According to James Stout, a contributor to Business Insider, there are often laws and regulations about where you can stop to camp in the backcountry, where you can make a fire, and how far away you need to be from water sources. By educating yourself about this beforehand and getting any necessary permits, you’ll ensure that you won’t wind up with a fine or being asked to vacate the spot where you just pitched your tent.
If you’re wanting to take your first backpacking trip soon, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you prepare for this adventure.