How to Prepare for A Backpacking Trip

Posted by Rayanne on June 28th, 2021

Backpacking is a fun and exciting way to get some exercise, but it's not something you should undertake without any preparation. Typically, backpacking will take you several miles away from civilization, which means you'll have to be self-reliant throughout the excursion. This guide can help you to better prepare for your first long-distance backpacking trip.

Check the Weather Report

Before you start packing for your first backpacking trip, you should take the time to check the weather for the days of your hiking adventure. It's a good idea to check the weather from multiple sources and to pack for the worst-case scenario. As you check the weather, pay close attention to the anticipated wind speed as well as looking for rain and extreme temperatures. High winds will affect the types of clothing and supplies you'll need to bring especially when you'll be backpacking through the mountains and high hilly areas.

Pack Extra Clothes

In addition to packing for the weather you're expected to experience, you should bring extra clothes to cover every eventuality. This will include packing more undergarments than you think you'll need, adding lighter and heavier clothing to account for temperature changes, and adding extra clothes to cover unexpected delays in getting back. You should also bring along a poncho or raincoat to protect yourself from a sudden downpour. Depending on where you go hiking, you might come across a pond or pool that's ideal for swimming, so it can't hurt to pack your bathing suit and a towel as well.

Don't Rely Solely on Your Smartphone

While you can use a GPS tracking device and other apps on your phone to make your hike more convenient, you shouldn't rely solely on technology to get you through the hike. You may reach a point at which you can no longer receive a signal, or your battery may run out of juice sooner than you expect. For these reasons, be sure to pack a few standard essentials. Among your supplies, you should bring a paper map of the region, a flashlight with extra batteries, cigarette lighters, and duct tape. You should also bring flares to help you signal for help in the event that you get lost.

Leave Room For These Essentials

It goes without saying that you should buy a good quality first aid kit and pack that with your belongings. This kit should include aspirin, insect repellent, and an anti-itch spray or lotion. You should also pack a good-quality hunting knife, a full bottle of sunscreen, and several bottles of water. The food you pack should consist primarily of dried goods that can be eaten on the go, such as nuts dried fruit, veggies, seeds, and canned tuna, or prepackaged meats. Be sure to bring enough food and water for the number of days you expect to be gone. You should have additional water to help you stay hydrated if you do get lost.

Know Your Route

The weekend before your backpacking trip, you should pack everything up and go on a few shorter hiking adventures to help you build up your stamina. A few short hikes can show you what to expect on the longer hike to ensure you really are prepared for the longer excursion. Additionally, you should have your route marked down on a paper map, including your departure and return times. By giving a friend or relative a copy of your route, you can ensure someone knows when you're expected back. If you don't return as expected, they will have the necessary information for mounting a search party to find you. This is an important precaution to ensure you can be rescued in the rare likelihood that something does go wrong with your trip. Your guide should also leave a plan with their employer or with the local ranger to ensure multiple people will know when your party is expected to return.

You can never be too prepared for your backpacking trip. Taking the extra time to prepare for every possible eventuality will ensure you'll be able to handle emergencies if any should arise on your trip. However, being prepared will also mean you'll be better able to enjoy yourself on the trip since you won't have as many worries. Just don't forget to take pictures along the way to document your experience.

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Rayanne

About the Author

Rayanne
Joined: February 10th, 2021
Articles Posted: 63

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