Backpacking Tips

Backpacking tips.

Where to start??

Let's start at the beginning.

The word says it all: Your back will pack everything you need to survive.

Food.

Shelter.

Clothing.

Technology, right?

But what does the word "backpacking" mean to you?

For some hikers, the word "backpacking" conjures up visions of a mule train: dust, sweat, grunting, perhaps a mule driver (a.k.a. trip leader).

For other hikers, self reliance and freedom spring to mind. Foresight, planning, multiple trips to your favorite gear store (virtual or just down the street), pouring over hiking trail maps and figuring out where to camp, a chance to test your skills....all of this is just foreplay prior to the big event.

Other backpackers might be somewhere in between, recognizing that an investment in time (meticulous trip planning), money (adequate gear & technology) and effort (wearing a pack on the trail many hours each day) will pay off in glorious flower meadows, freshly caught lake trout, photos to hang next to your desk, and wildlife encounters (hummingbirds buzzing your red T-shirt, or maybe a glimpse of a bear).

What I'm trying to get at is the fact that there are as many approaches to backpacking as there are backpackers. And there are tons of backpacking tips out there on the Internet.

For a quick overview of the components of planning a backpacking trip, go here.

There's the "fast and light" approach of the determined mile-loggers. They give backpacking tips on what to dump out of your pack.

There's the equally legitimate "slow and heavy" approach of those who like to bring the comforts of home on the trail, including gourmet food and special touches such as the portable espresso maker. After all, it's their stuff to lug around! So their backpacking tips include how to feel like you're still back home!

What about gear?

If you're completely new to the idea of backpacking, read a lot of backpacking gear reviews until you're confident that you can make good gear choices.

If you've already gotten some backpacking experience, read the reviews to see what could make your outdoor time safer or more enjoyable.

Some backpackers go out there for the photo opportunities, or the chance to see wildlife which are vanishing at a frightening pace in our developed world.

They're all about the type of lens, the tripod, the field guide - things which add weight but also add value to the trip. Backpacking tips from an outdoor photographer will be valuable if you resonate with that type of trip.

If you gather 10 veteran backpackers around a campfire, you'd hear 10 different versions of the best trail food, the safest way to treat water, the "must have" item that belongs in every pack.... 10 different sets of backpacking tips!

And isn't that the fun of it? So many glimpses into how to get away from the chains of daily life and out there where you can breathe some fresh air and move at your own pace!

Now imagine me sitting in that circle of veterans. I have only my little individual window on the reality of backpacking. My experience is limited to the Upper Midwest, Pacific Northwest and western Canadian terrains, with a bit of California and New Mexico thrown in for good measure.

So my backpacking tips won't ring true for everyone. But I can at least offer you my short list of considerations before you set off on a multiple day backpacking trip.

The first thing I'll caution you about is this: Be sure you're clear about why you're going!

Because your significant other wants you to?

Because you just bought a bunch of gear and wanna get out there?

Or because you have a burning desire to feast your eyes on places that are new to you? Ah! Now you're talkin'. You're on my wavelength, and my backpacking tips will make sense to you.

1. PHYSICAL CONDITIONING: There's an easy way to do things, and a hard way.

The easy way is to treat your body with respect, and build up to the task at hand.

The hard way? Max out your knees and back on one trip, and never go again. Think you can "tough it out"? At what cost?? Pre-hiking conditioning is a non-negotiable fact! Please seriously consider these backpacking tips so you can keep getting out there.

At the very least, pay attention to your signs and symptoms of hiking inflammation.

2. GEAR: When I started backpacking in the dark ages (1970s), we had never heard of fleece (a fact which brings me to tears as I recall the sopping wet, heavy cotton I wore through rainstorms. I'm lucky to be alive!)

Backpacking gear is a tricky subject. It's a highly personal decision, for each and every piece of gear. Just because the salesperson assures you it will work great, the bottom line is "Will it work great for ME on this particular trip? Repeat after me... "Will it work...."

In picking out the right gear, you can go ultralight, you can go mid-range, or you can carry as much as your back will allow.

It's all up to your your endurance, plus your ability to sniff out bargains, trade with other hikers, read every credible gear review, and learn to make your own supplies (including dehydrated food).

Gear begins with what you put on your feet.

Treat your feet like divas, and your trip will be much more fun. I regard this as one of the most important backpacking tips I can possibly give you.

Spend a lot of time renting or borrowing gear before you commit to a pack, tent, sleeping bag, poles, or other pricey items.

Some gear stores hold annual garage sales - be sure you have a list, and stick to it, or you'll get distracted by all of the so-called "bargains" which might not fit your needs.

3. TRIP LOCALE: One of my favorite past times is to pour over maps and guidebooks in the long, stormy nights of winter.

I have so many "wanna do" trips in my head that sometimes I can't recall my own phone number. (OK, to be honest, that's just one of the reasons. My age has nothing to do with it!)

So if you're joining the leagues of hardcore hikers who backpack, you probably have a mental list, too.

Pick the easiest trip for your first time out.

You want to make your mistakes and maximize your trail time in a relatively safe and easy environment.

And keep collecting backpacking tips, building up a wealth of knowledge so each time out gets better and better!

Save the epic survival struggles for when you are more at ease with your skill set.

4. TRIP ITINERARY: The advice I give to solo hikers goes for all backpackers: make a checklist. I am a great believer in planning things out on paper, with contingency plans and options in case you need to make weather or health based decisions on the trip.

5. FOOD: Some hikers are mentally preoccupied on the trail by what they're going to eat when they stop. I've known people who hike by their watches: time for a snack, time for lunch.

I'm more of the mindset that my body will let me know when it's time to stop, but that's just me.

Or you could aim for the middle ground: Keep some high energy snacks in your pocket and "graze" your way down the trail!

I'm definitely not arguing with the fact that food is a huge consideration for every hiker!

Backpacking food ideas can be simple and hearty, complex and gourmet, pricey, or a complete disaster (think "sawdust").

If you purchase dehydrated or freeze dried food, eat the stuff for at least one meal before you leave home! Sure it costs money, but it can save you from misery or illness.

At the very least, talk to other backpackers about the brands, entrees, and special tricks they use on the trail.

If you plan on bringing your own recipes and ingredients, ditto!! What sounds good at your kitchen counter may not be such a great idea in pouring rain or driving wind.

6. WATER: You've identified water sources on your topographical maps long before you step foot on the trail, right?

You've factored in seasonal fluctuations, recent weird weather patterns (prolonged drought or monster flooding), and distances between water sources.

You've decided on a backpacking water purification method.

Great! You're all set.

7. SHELTER: Some of the ultralight crowd like to go with just the bare minimum in terms of shelter: a tarp.

Others (myself included) like to have a solid roof over their heads in case of bad weather.

One of your biggest investments is your shelter. I'm not just talking about money investment. You'll be using this shelter time and time again (I hope! That's why we're taking the time to stack the odds of a great trip in your favor).

Narrow your interest down by asking yourself what you need in a tent: 3 season or 4? 1 person or 2? room for gear or just the basics?

Lots of questions need to be answered through your research. Go through product guides, gear ratings, manufacturer literature, online forums, and other resources with several tents in mind.

You might be able to rent or borrow your final choice before you purchase it - that's a luxury you should definitely take advantage of. Put the tent through its paces!

When you've made your final decision, not only should you be sure you love it, but that you can set it up by yourself, in the dark with a 15 m.p.h. wind blowing, stomach growling and wet to the bone.

No, really!!

If you need more resources to plan your first-ever backpacking trip, drop me a line and specify what you're interested in hearing more about.

If you have extensive questions, and want to be sure you're making good gear decisions, we can arrange a phone call to chat about hiking gear . Either way, be sure to mention where in the world & which season you'll be hiking in, so I can tailor my backpacking tips to your situation.

Backpacking tips save you time & money. For tips on a less labor intensive trip, try day hiking.