Are you ready to embark on your first backpacking adventure but feeling overwhelmed by all the information out there? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this comprehensive beginner's guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to make your trip a success, from what to wear to safety tips and essential items to pack.
What are we waiting for? Without any further ado, let's get into it!
What to Wear
The key to an enjoyable backpacking trip starts with proper clothing. Opt for moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics to keep you comfortable on the trail. Here are some essential clothing items to pack:
Moisture-wicking base layers : Keep sweat at bay and stay dry. You need breathable clothing that will wick sweat away from your body and dry quickly. One example is merino wool t-shirts and wool socks! That is for hygiene purpose as well!
Quick-drying pants and shirts : Ideal for unpredictable weather conditions. Another tip is to avoid cotton as it takes forever to dry and clothes can get really smelly due to the sweat during the hike!
Insulating layers : Be prepared for chilly nights or sudden temperature drops. Temperature on the mountains can change quickly therefore you need to prepare for unexpected weather conditions. It is better to be prepared than get cold during the night!
Sturdy hiking boots : Invest in a good pair to protect your feet on rugged terrain. While opinions vary on the subject since a lot of people prefer trail runners since they are often lighter, I suggest if you are a beginner to wear hiking shoes to support your ankles, provide you better balance and stability especially on descents.
Camp sandals: After you finish your day, believe me, that the most amazing feeling is when you remove your shoes and let your feet air out! It is recommended to have a lightweight pair of sandals to enjoy this feeling to the full.
Choosing a trail
When choosing a trail, beginners should consider several key factors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Start with shorter trails that have well-marked paths and moderate terrain to build confidence and stamina. Below are some tips which will help you choose the most suitable trail for your needs.
Trail Difficulty: Assess your fitness and experience level to choose a trail that matches your abilities. Look for trail ratings and descriptions to understand the physical demands. Consider how much time you have and your daily hiking capacity. Shorter trails are ideal for beginners, while longer trails require more planning and endurance.
Terrain and Elevation: Evaluate the terrain (e.g., rocky, muddy, flat) and elevation changes. Steep inclines or rough terrain may be more challenging and require more energy. If you are choosing a high elevation hike note that while going up can be very tiring, although the way down is more dangerous because a wrong step can lead to injury! Stick to well-marked, well-defined trails to minimize your chance of getting lost and getting injured.
Accessibility and Proximity: Select a trail that is easily accessible from your location. Consider the distance to the trailhead and available transportation options.
Camping and Water Sources: For multi-day hikes, check the availability of campsites and water sources along the trail. Plan your route to ensure you have access to safe drinking water.
Wildlife and Natural Hazards: Be aware of potential wildlife encounters and natural hazards (e.g., rivers, cliffs). Learn how to safely navigate these challenges and take appropriate precautions. If you are a beginner backpacker, I would avoid such hikes as they can be very tough and dangerous.
Comprehensive Items to Pack
Packing smart is crucial . A rule of thumb is to consider the 20% rule of body weight. What is 20% rule of weight? Your backpack should not be more than 20% of your body weight. For example, if your weight is 70kg then your backpack should not weight more than 14kg. I suggest to follow this rule for shorter trips! If you decide to stay for a longer stay, for example a week I suggest that you follow a 10% rule of weight. Using the previous example, your backpack should not weight more than 7kg.
This is a bit controversial, as some people think that if you are staying more days you will need more items. Although, since the aim of your trip is to walk and always be on the move, this means that you will have to carry your backpack for a greater duration. As a result, to avoid fatigue and injuries, it is suggested to follow the above rules!
Stick to the essentials to avoid unnecessary burden. The lighter your backpack, the better! Although, the lighter items you use the more expensive they will be as well! Here's a comprehensive list of items to pack:
Backpack: Choose a backpack with a capacity suited to the length of your trip (usually 30-60 liters for multi-day trips). What I do, is if I'm going to a shorter trip, for example a weekend getaway, I will use a 50L backpack. If I'm going for a longer duration for example a whole week, I will use a 35L backpack. Ensure it has adjustable straps and a hip belt for better weight distribution.
Tent: Select a lightweight, easy-to-pitch tent appropriate for the weather. Look for one with good ventilation and a rainfly. Generally, the lighter the tent, the more expensive it will be (the same applies for most backpacking gear as explained above).
Sleeping Bag: Choose a sleeping bag rated for temperatures you expect to encounter. You should try to find a bag that weighs less than 3 pounds and as a general rule of thumb you should choose a temperature rating that’s at least 15 degrees colder than you expect the temperature to be at night.
Sleeping Pad: A sleeping pad provides insulation from the ground and comfort. Options include inflatable and self-inflating. A good sleeping bag and sleeping pad will allow you to have a good night sleep and I cannot describe how important that is! If you have a good night sleep you will have energy to continue your trip the next day and enjoy every minute of it!
Hydration System: Options include water bottles or hydration bladders (reservoirs with drinking tubes) that fit inside your backpack. I also recommend, filters, purification tablets to ensure safe drinking water from natural sources. It is always good to have a backup method.
Food: Pack lightweight, non-perishable, high-energy foods like trail mix, dried fruits, nuts, energy bars, and freeze-dried meals. It’s easiest to rely on backpacker meals.
Stove: A lightweight stove and fuel and utensils. Consider compact options to save space. Having a lightweight backpacking stove allows you to stay fueled with hot meals and beverages rather than subsisting on energy bars alone. You will only need boiled water to prepare your meals and have a beautiful end of your day!
First Aid Kit: Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, blister treatment, tweezers, and any personal medications. I cannot stress the importance of carrying a small first aid kit with you. Safety is the number one factor you should always consider!
Headlamp or Flashlight: For lighting at night. Headlamps free up your hands. Pack extra batteries. In addition, if you are sleeping with other people, I recommend using a headlamp with adjustable light. If you need to use your headlamp at night adjust a low light in order not to wake others up!
Toiletries: Biodegradable soap, a small toothbrush, toothpaste, and toilet paper. Pack these in small quantities. Hygiene is always important! I guess, I do not have to elaborate on this.
Insect Repellent: Effective repellent to protect against mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. A big problem everyone faces, during and after their trips is being "attacked" by insects! Use it often, so you don't allow those small rebels to "attack" you.
Trekking Poles: Provide stability, reduce impact on knees, and help with balance on rough terrain. Some people, do not like to use trekking poles as they don't have big freedom on their hands. My suggestion the pros of trekking poles outweigh it's cons. My advice is to use trekking poles at least for your first trips and if you see you are not a fan of them you can just stop using it!
By understanding and packing each of these items, beginner backpackers can better prepare for the challenges and enjoy the experience of their outdoor adventures.
Be ready for any weather conditions
Being prepared for backpacking in any season requires careful planning and versatile gear. Start by researching the climate and weather patterns of your destination to understand potential conditions.
If you are backpacking in summer then you should consider lighter clothes and cooling towels along side with sunscreen which you may not required during other times. If you are backpacking during the winter you should consider taking with you more layers of clothes, waterproof clothes like a Pongo and covers for your backpack. While if you are backpacking during spring or fall you should consider taking with your insects repellent and be ready for any weather condition!
Generally, weather conditions are really unpredictable on mountains. You should be prepared for any weather conditions at any point!
Safety Tips
Safety should always be a top priority when venturing into the great outdoors. Follow these safety tips to ensure a safe backpacking experience:
Tell someone your itinerary : Share your route and expected return time with a trusted individual. In case you run out of mobile battery or you are lost (I hope not), it is important trusted to you, to know what your plans were!
Stay hydrated and well-fed : Keep your energy levels up to avoid fatigue. As I say, if you always carry some water and have food with you, you are not scared of anything! You should always keep yourself hydrated and well-fed!
Stay on marked trails : Avoid getting lost by sticking to designated paths. Don’t rely solely on your phone for navigation since it will likely run out of battery. Learn how to use a map or a compass and while you are progressing on your hike, put marks of buildings or unique trees. If you get lost, then you might stress up and the majority of people do not act well under stress!
Know your surroundings: Look up the local wildlife before you go so you know what to do if you encounter an animal. To avoid attracting bears and other critters, store your food and scented toiletries in a bearproof container.
Food to Take With You
Maintaining energy levels is crucial when backpacking, so pack lightweight, nutrient-dense foods to fuel your adventure. Here are some food items to consider packing:
Trail mix : A convenient and energy-packed snack on the go to boost up your energy levels while you are walking!
Dehydrated meals : Lightweight and easy to prepare at your campsite. With your lightweight stove you will just need boiled water to prepare easy ready made meals.
Instant coffee or tea : Start your day with a warm beverage to boost your spirits. Important, especially for coffee lovers!
Embark on your backpacking journey with confidence armed with these essential tips and tricks. Remember to respect nature, leave no trace, and cherish the unique experiences that backpacking has to offer. Happy trails!
So pack your bags, lace up your boots, and get ready to experience the wonders of backpacking firsthand. Your next outdoor escapade awaits!
I'm waiting for all of you to hear how your first backpacking trip went! If you have any more queries that hasn't be covered on the above article feel free to contact me!
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