An alpine lake or a running stream make a great option for drinking, but be wary, especially on any international travel. Water filters are designed to filter out all of the tiny microbes and bacteria that could make you sick along the way. Water- Not all water along backpacking routes should be drinking water.Many national parks have bear bags or a bear canister for rent from the ranger station but bring your own bear spray. Protection from the elements- Be sure to bring along sunscreen, bug spray, and deterrents for black bears or brown bears.When you move through different places like Yosemite National Park or Yellowstone National Park, you'll find that a good pair of boots will make the trip much better. The best hiking shoes will support you through the day and into a comfortable sleep, blister-free. Hiking Shoes- Here's another make it or break it item on the list.Good cooking equipment is definitely essential backpacking gear because it will greatly affect how you can fuel yourself and increase your hiking time. Food and cooking gear- A lightweight backpacking stove is a great option for those who want to operate in the backcountry with hot water and warm food at the end of a long day.Check the weather and bring what you need to keep yourself warm and dry, or cool and shaded. Clothes- This should go without saying as most backpacking kits are packed with too many clothes, but don't forget the proper layers.Backcountry campsites don't come with the amenities of an RV park, which means you need to bring everything from soap to TP in order to keep yourself clean. It may cut down on the overall gear weight, but it isn't worth it. ![]() Toiletries- Leaving the toilet paper in the car is one of my most often occurring mistakes, which can make things difficult.Even an expert backpacker can be made miserable without a good shelter in the wrong conditions. Shelter- Some people prefer sleeping out under the stars, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't come prepared with a backpacking tent as an option to keep the rain away if it happens to show up.Overnight trips can be a great luxury, or you can find yourself sleeping on a rock with nothing in between you and the cold ground. Sleeping gear- A good sleeping bag and sleeping pad make all the difference after a long day of hiking through potentially brutal terrain.This short checklist will cover all the essentials, but as you gain more outdoor experience you will find out what essential backpacking gear is for you, and what can be left at home. There are many essential items for backpacking that you'll need whether you are trekking on the Appalachian Trail through North Carolina, or simply headed on a short trip overnight. If you're unsure of what to bring along, old trip reports can serve as a great resource to find out what exactly you should expect. This is important for any beginner backpackers that may not know the rules and regulations without doing a lot of planning ahead of the backcountry trip.Įven experienced backpackers must look ahead to see what they need to do differently in certain areas. Some National Parks even require certain levels of preparation, like bear canisters or permits. ![]() This is hugely important to anyone that wants to feel success their first time out and then will feel much more motivated to continue going out. ![]() Anyone that heads out on a backpacking trip without the proper planning and preparation will surely encounter issues that could have been easily avoided. Here's where most of the problems that can arise while backpacking start. The importance of planning and preparation There is an intrinsic feeling of major success when arriving at camp after having put so many miles under your boots throughout the day. Backpacking is tough work with high levels of reward. ![]() No matter where you do it, backpacking carries a single thread of familiarity through all of the different environments. It's meant to be fully self-sustainable where you rely on no one but yourself and everything that you packed and planned ahead of time. What is backpacking?īackpacking, at its finest, is simply throwing everything you need into a pack you can carry and heading off for as long as you want. So, how do you even start?įirst, we'll look at the absolute basics. Some of the most intimate and close relationships I have ever seen have been formed on the trail. It's something that can be done solo, with a group of old friends, or as a way to meet new people on long-distance trails. Step-by-Step Guide to Planning a Backpacking Adventureīackpacking holds a lot of potentials and is fun for anyone who tries it out.
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