With a little effort, backpacking can be a lot of fun. Planned trips can make it easier for you to camp in scenic spots without having to deal with a lot of people at campsites and RV sites. If you want to experience the thrill of crashing through the wilderness and finding your way home, learn how to plan the trip safely and carefully. Know what to bring, how to plan a trip effectively and how to keep your group as safe as possible.
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Part 1 of 3: Planning a Trip
Step 1. Climb during the day first, then climb overnight
Before going on a trip for a few days, try daily hikes through a variety of terrain and weather to see which one suits you best. It's a good idea to make sure you get to enjoy a jungle adventure before actually exploring the 22 kilometers of wilderness.
- Try climbing without equipment. However, bring plenty of drinking water, snacks, a map of the area, and the right boots. Go a kilometer or two with some friends and have fun.
- If you like it, try climbing longer and further on more rugged terrain. If you like it, bring your backpack and see if you enjoy it. Gradually, build a series of trips.
Step 2. Choose a general destination for your backpacking trip
Do you like mountains? Meadow? The vast lake? Backcountry may be close to where you live, or you may want to venture further afield for a more adventurous hiking experience. In most areas, you don't have to travel far by car to find National Parks where you can hike and camp.
- Set the right time for the destination of your choice. Some destinations will be very crowded at certain times of the year, or during holidays, but other destinations are not suitable for backpacking at certain times as well. If you are a beginner, it will be very uncomfortable to visit the desert in the middle of summer.
- It's also a good idea to avoid areas where bears live during their breeding season, which may vary by region.
Step 3. Select a specific park or wilderness area
Want to hike the Cumberland Gap? Exploring Yosemite? Setting up a tent in the Grand Tetons? Once you've settled on a certain area of the country you want to explore, choose an area that's suitable for outback camping. Here are some of the best real camping destinations in the United States:
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Joshua Tree, CA
- Denali National Park, AK
- White Mountain National Forest, NH
- Olympic National Park, WA
- Zion National Park, UT
- Glacier National Park, MT
- Big Bend National Park, TX
Step 4. Plan a route through the area
The different wilderness areas and parks will provide a variety of options for backcountry hikers. So check a map of the area's parks for specific trails, or get one online by visiting the National Parks website. Generally, long hikes consist of three types that can be selected based on the level of difficulty, the type of terrain, and the scenery you want to see at the destination. The three basic types of backcountry climbing include:
- A circular hike that follows a long circle until you end up where you started your journey.
- An 'out and back' hike, where you hike to a specific destination, then return to retrace your hiking trail.
- An 'end to end' hike usually requires leaving the car at both end points of the destination, or you can arrange for a pick up at the end of the destination. This type is usually done for long hikes that pass through several areas.
Step 5. On the first hike, devise a route and schedule that is safe and comfortable for you
Even if you want to get started right away and try the hard stuff, also consider the terrain, the weather, your experience, and your group's conditions when planning how far you're going to go each day. Most trails are graded by difficulty, so it's a good idea to try level 1 or 2 in the first few hikes. The level is also quite challenging.
- Beginners and weekend hikers should plan on climbing no more than 6–12 miles (9.7–19.3 km) per day of existing hikes. On some rough terrain, the distance is more than adequate.
- Experienced hikers in top condition often climb 10–25 miles (16–40 km) per day, depending on the terrain. However, you better not push yourself too much.
Step 6. Look here to see if your destination requires a permit or other preparation beforehand
If you are camping on public land, there is usually a small fee to enter the park and camp there. The parks are usually quite small and you only need to bring 15 dollars or so for a night, depending on the season.
- In most parks, you will need to show your car license and the contents of your tent or bag when climbing. Local regulations will be explained when you come to register at the ranger's office.
- Most National Parks and other public lands also have specific guidelines in their neighborhoods for the particular year you are camping. For example, Yosemite National Park requires anti-bear cans to store food.
Step 7. Find out about local fire regulations
Bonfires are fun for camping as long as local regulations allow it. Many areas prohibit the lighting of fires during the dry season. In other seasons, bonfires are only permitted in certain locations, usually in the ring of fire located at the campsite. In some places, a separate bonfire permit is required to use cook stoves in rural areas.
Never leave a fire unattended. Don't start a fire unless you have enough water to completely extinguish it. As a precaution, clear the area around the fire 15 feet (5 meters) long, to prevent the fire from burning objects outside the circle of fire
Part 2 of 3: Packing for the Hike
Step 1. Use a sturdy backpack that fits your posture
A backpack or backpack should be sturdy enough to carry heavy loads, but also light enough so that you don't feel pain after a long hike. Look for bags with internal frames, chest straps, and waist straps to help secure the bag to your body properly.
- Backpacks are sold at sporting goods stores and are tailored to your size and height. It's a good idea to try one bag at a time to find the one that fits best.
- Your backpack should have room for food and water, a first aid kit, rain gear, sun gear, flashlight or headlight and batteries, a tent, and a sleeping bag, although you may not need one on a group trip.
Step 2. Wear sturdy hiking shoes
Climbing will not feel comfortable without proper footwear. If you want to walk miles, you need to make sure that your shoes can withstand the pressure. The best choice? Wear a pair of waterproof boots with good support and strength to make your journey easier.
Never go on a day trip in sandals or thin sneakers. Tennis shoes can sometimes feel comfortable, light, and perfect for hiking in certain areas, but make sure that the shoes you wear are sturdy enough to cover the terrain you will face
Step 3. Put on several layers of clothing
Wearing several layers of clothing will make you comfortable in various weather conditions. Even if the weather is warm when you start your hike, that doesn't mean it will stay the same throughout the day.
- Moreover, mountainous areas are known for their rapid evaporation and volatile weather. Even if it's 32 degrees Celsius when you're just starting out, bring a rain bag or coat. You'll also need a hat, gloves, socks and sock lining, underwear, shorts, and sturdy hiking boots.
- Instead of cotton, try wearing synthetics, wool, or other fabrics that keep you warm and dry quickly.
- Bring lots of socks. You'll be walking a lot, so it's important to keep your feet clean and dry during your trip.
Step 4. Bring lots of high-calorie snacks
Hiking in the backcountry isn't the time for foods like s'mores and bacon. If you're traveling short distances, opt for foods like soups and curries that are diluted and cooked in water, or those packaged into freeze-dried meals. You can also learn to dry food. Pasta is also usually carried on hikes.
It would be easier if everyone brought their own snacks but had dinner together. Bring snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as nuts and dried fruit, which can help restore energy and get you moving. The raisins and nuts are still good
Step 5. Pack together, not individually
Everyone should bring their own sleeping bag, and there should be enough room in the tent for all. It's obvious. But don't let you spend the night in the backcountry with three people and four tents, or five stoves with just one canister of fuel for the three of you. Pack smart. Compare the equipment your group members bring and divide the essentials that will be used, then place them among your belongings.
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Bring at least one:
- water filter
- Camping stove
- Cooking pot or pan
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Consider carrying duplicates of important items, such as:
- First aid kit
- Compass
- Map copy
- Lighters or matches
- Flashlight
Step 6. Check your equipment inventory
It is very important to make sure all equipment is functioning properly. Test equipment and replace/repair parts that are not working properly. Remember, if something is damaged, you need to bring it back.
- Clean your tent, especially if you haven't cleaned it since you last used it. You should get rid of any dust and especially food particles that may be left on the tent if you don't use it for a long time. Set up a tent and let it air out before you repackage it.
- Always have new lighters and camping fuel ready, and check for batteries, flashlights, or other equipment that can break down in the wilderness and cause trouble.
Step 7. Prepare the whistle and mirror
Every outback adventurer needs to carry a whistle and mirror in his bag in case of an emergency. If a climber is separated from the group, a whistle can be used to search for the missing climber. In the event of an emergency, mirrors can be used to reflect sunlight and send a signal to rescue teams. It's the little things that can be a lifesaver.
Step 8. Bring a map of the area
Bring a complete map of the area you will be climbing. This is important so that the climb goes safely and smoothly. Park maps are usually available at trail entrances, in the Visitor Information Center area, or you can get topographic maps at sports supply stores.
- National Park maps are generally low resolution and can be used for daily hikes. However, maps from the British Ordnance Survey or USGS (US Geologic Survey) have elevation contours, are more accurate and reliable, provided you know how to read them. These maps are available at most sporting goods stores in the area you will be hiking.
- Bring a compass and find out how to read it and use it with your map.
- You can use some software programs to print copies on waterproof paper if you cannot access them in print. GPS devices can pinpoint your location, but you should still have a map and compass with you.
Step 9. Balance your luggage
Your backpack may look fine by now, but the imbalance and soreness in one of your shoulders will be felt after walking a few kilometers. It's important to stretch the heavy objects in your bag and keep them balanced on both sides and from top to bottom.
- Place the heaviest objects right behind your back and inside the bag to keep it balanced. Usually large and heavy objects are inserted first, then the extra space is filled with objects such as clothes and other equipment.
- Get more information on how to properly pack your hiking backpack.
Part 3 of 3: Plan to Keep Safe
Step 1. Identify potential local hazards
Before leaving, you need to know the specific dangers that threaten climbers in the area. Is there a poison oak there? Rattlesnake? Bear? Is it bee season now? What would you do if you were stung?
- Preparing for lightning is an important part of climber safety. Learn to recognize and find the right shelter during lightning and storms.
- If you're going on an adventure of 6,000 feet or nearly 2 kilometers, learn how to recognize acute mountain sickness and how to treat it.
- Make sure you know first aid for things like cuts, scrapes, and broken bones.
Step 2. Always be with your group
Backcountry hikes need to be done in groups, unless you are a very experienced climber. Gather like-minded friends, between 2-5 people, for a safe first hike. Ideally, there is an experienced climber who controls the climbing area and accompanies you.
- If you're experienced, you can introduce the thrill of backpacking to novice hikers. If you've never tried backpacking before, take this first trip with experienced hikers.
- It's best if your climbing partner is experienced in climbing speed, climbing distance, and camping style. Some people like to travel without a lot of luggage and hike long distances. Others prefer to enjoy the view from the car.
- If you're traveling alone, make sure someone knows the plan and you have the tools and skills to do everything yourself.
Step 3. Carry enough drinking water until you reach the next water source
Water is heavy, but very important for climbing trips. You need to bring enough water, at least 2 liters of drinking water to drink every day, especially if you work hard and sweat during the climb.
- If you use a water filter, bring spare parts, including the filter parts. These filters are often clogged with deposits or simply broken.
- Boiling water for at least one minute is an effective backup method in an emergency.
Step 4. Talk to someone before you leave
Provide details of your itinerary to people who are not on the trip, including your route, supplies, and which areas you would like to stay in. It's important that someone knows when it's time for you to come back, so they can report you if you're late. Make sure you contact them once you arrive safely.
- At the very least, leave a note in your car. This can be especially helpful if you don't get back to your car on time.
- Register with the ranger's office or the Visitor Information Center before you go camping. It's an easy way to let others know how long you want to explore the area.
Step 5. Calculate your speed
The average climbing speed is 3.2-4.8 kilometers per hour. Don't be too ambitious. Don't take too many photos. Enjoy the scenery that unfolds in front of you. Determine the approximate place you will camp the night before. Plan your trip carefully so that you can camp near a water source every night.
Step 6. Do not store food in the tent
All food should be secured from bears and separated from the tent if you plan to hike in the backcountry. Although bears are rarely seen in hiking areas, it's important to protect yourself from similar animals who are curious and may want to sample your food.
- If you're visiting bear-inhabited areas, bring a bag and rope to hang your food from a tree, or use an Ursack or a can of bears. It all depends on local regulations.
- Follow the same precautions with anything scented, such as hair care products, shampoo, lotion, toothpaste, and chewing gum.
- Always use the same bag for storing and hanging food and scented items, from camp to camp.
Tips
- Check out Forests and National Parks in the area that can be used for seasonal camping, as well as required/prohibited items there.
- Check out the USGS website and get the Tilt Angle and know how to set the compass for it and how to read the map once it's set.
- There are many online resources with destinations, trails, and equipment lists. Some of them are listed below.
- If you are traveling overseas, find out what items are prohibited and will be inspected during the flight. While you may need a stove for camping, you can't bring the fuel with you; buy fuel at the destination.
- Bring a tool that has multiple functions; will definitely be very useful.
- Learn how to make a fire manually if you're going camping in the woods.
- Place heavier items in the center of your bag instead of at the bottom.
Warning
- Check for wild animals by looking for footprints or animal droppings. If there's fresh dirt near where you're going to camp, consider looking elsewhere.
- Backpacking can take a lot of work, but it's really amazing once you get into it.
- Choose your camping site carefully. Watch for dead branches overhead that could fall into your tent. Check the ground to find out if there have been previous floods. If a storm is forecast, avoid unprotected parts of the mountains.
- You should wear clothing that keeps you warm even in wet conditions, such as wool and fur (especially in, but not limited to, cold environments). Avoid cotton. If you get caught in the rain, this will save you.
