Name: How to Get Started Backpacking | What I Tell My Friends
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How to Get Started Backpacking | What I Tell My Friends

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Skip to ContentSo, you’re interested in backpacking, but you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Backpacking can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to get you started on your backpacking adventure.ContentsThe most important decision you’ll need to make when planning your first backpacking trip is deciding where to go. For beginners, shorter trips are usually best; you don’t want to overwhelm yourself by taking on too much too soon. Consider opting for a two- or three-day excursion close to home so you can get used to carrying a pack and navigating trails at a leisurely pace.You should also consider the terrain of your chosen route. If possible, select a trail that isn’t overly technical or difficult; something with gradual climbs and gradual descents that won’t leave you exhausted after day one. While more advanced routes will provide greater challenges and rewards, they might be better left for experienced backpackers who have built up their endurance and know-how over multiple trips.No matter what route or destination you choose for your first backpacking trip, it will undoubtedly be an unforgettable experience full of discovery and self-reflection. With some careful planning ahead of time and proper packing techniques while out on the trail, there’s no reason why backpacking can’t be part of many wonderful adventures in nature! So go forth with confidence—the great outdoors awaits!Some people want to get into backpacking for the solo aspect of the activity. Backpacking alone can be an amazing experience, however, if you haven’t backpacked before, it may be better to go with an experienced friend or a guide first.I took a class at Utah Valley University where we had a few in-class classes that prepared us for a trip, including route planning, and then as a class, we backpacked for 3 Days in the middle of the desert. It was an amazing experience that taught me a lot about backpacking and provided me with the confidence and know-how for backpacking safely on my own. If you have a local college or university, they may have a backpacking course that you can take.Another option is to go with a guide. Guides typically handle the challenging aspects of planning a route, carrying and planning water fill-ups as well as many other challenging aspects of backpacking. This makes the trip much easier for you, but also, you may miss out on a lot of the learning process that goes with planning a trip. However, you can still learn a lot from a guide, and they can help prepare you for taking your own trips.One of the major benefits of going backpacking alone is that it gives you the freedom to make your own decisions. You can set your own schedule, choose where you want to go, and decide what activities to do—all without having to consult anyone else. Plus, there’s something special about being in a place entirely by yourself; it can be a great way to get in touch with your thoughts and feelings.On the other hand, going backpacking alone can also be more dangerous than going with someone else. It’s important to have someone who can look out for you if something goes wrong on the trail. Also, with solo traveling, you don’t have a buddy to divide the shelter weight with, so it can feel more strenuous. Finally, it can sometimes be lonely when there isn’t anyone else around to talk to or share experiences with.The biggest benefit of going backpacking with a friend is that it provides safety in numbers; two people are much less likely to run into problems than one person alone. Additionally, having someone else along makes sharing costs easier and allows for more flexibility when planning routes and activities since you can make joint decisions together. Lastly, backpacking with a companion offers companionship when things get lonely on the route—which they inevitably will!On the other hand, traveling with friends requires compromise; if one person wants to stay longer at one spot while another wants to leave earlier then someone is bound to feel frustrated. And speaking of feeling frustrated…it’s important not to let disagreements over plans derail your trip before it even starts! Talk about expectations beforehand so everyone knows what kind of experience they are signing up for before leaving home.Whether you go backpacking alone or with a friend is completely up to you—and each option has its own benefits and drawbacks! Ultimately, it comes down to how comfortable you feel solo traveling versus traveling in pairs (or larger groups). Whichever decision you make will undoubtedly lead to an amazing adventure—just make sure that whatever path you choose is safe and enjoyable for all involved! Good luck!One of the most important things to do when getting started in backpacking is to choose the right gear. There are a lot of different factors to consider when making your gear choices, including the type of terrain you’ll be hiking in, the climate, and your personal preferences. For example, if you’re planning on doing a lot of off-trail hiking, you’ll need a good pair of hiking boots that provide good ankle support. And if you’re hiking in cold weather, you’ll need clothing that will keep you warm without being too bulky. Do your research and talk to experienced backpackers to make sure you’re choosing the right gear for your needs.When it comes to staying warm in cold weather, layering is key. Base layers are the foundation of a good cold-weather outfit, and they should be made from materials that wick away sweat and keep you dry. The next layer should be insulating, such as a sweater or vest, followed by an outer layer that protects you from the wind and rain. And don’t forget a hat and scarf! By dressing in multiple layers, you can easily adjust your clothing to match the temperature, ensuring that you stay comfortable no matter what the weather throws your way.Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors considering you probably won’t need to carry as many layers with you but sometimes the heat can be a bit too much. Sun shirts help to keep you cool while still enjoying the summer weather. The sun shirt is made of a lightweight fabric that helps to wick away sweat and keep you cool. It also has UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can stay out in the sun without worrying about getting sunburned. Whether you’re walking along the beach or hiking in the mountains, a sun shirt will help you stay cool and comfortable on your backpacking tripWhen choosing shoes for backpacking, it’s important to strike a balance between weight and support. You don’t want shoes that are so heavy that they weigh you down and cause shin splints, but you also need shoes that will provide enough support for hiking and camping.Many people pack an extra pair of comfortable shoes to loung in at camp each night. Comfy sandals, for example, are great camp lounging shoes since they can let your feet air out and you don’t have to stay in your hiking shoes the whole time. This is also a great tactic if you get your shoes wet on the trail and need to wear something while they dry off.Waterproof shoes are also a good choice, as they will help to keep your feet dry in wet conditions. Ultimately, the best backpacking shoes are the ones that fit your own personal needs and preferences. So take some time to try on different shoes and see what works best for you. With the right pair of shoes, you’ll be ready to tackle any backpacking adventure.When you’re out on the trail, the last thing you want to worry about is what you’re going to eat for dinner. Dehydrated foods are a great option for backpackers because they are lightweight and easy to store. All you need to do is add boiling water and wait a few minutes for your meal to rehydrate. Dehydrated foods come in a variety of flavors, so you can choose something that sounds appetizing after a long day of hiking. Don’t forget to pack a long-handled spoon so you can reach the bottom of your dehydrated food bag!I’ve tested a few brands of dehydrated meals and they are all a little different. Some brands tend to taste saltier or have more meat options than other brands. If you want to spoil yourself on the trail, consider trying some dehydrated desserts like cake or ice cream as well.To get boiling water, you can either use a fire-safe mug and place it on a rock over a fire, or you can use a backpacker’s stove. On my first backpacking trip, I went with a group of 6 people and I was the only one that opted to bring a ceramic mug instead of buying a stove. Everyone thought that I was a poor college student who didn’t know any better – they were right, of course.Now that I have a few trips under my belt, I’ve realized that the convenience of a stove and the speed that water boils on my JetBoil is well worth the cost. Plus, I frequently backpack in places where fires aren’t allowed or aren’t safe so it’s often necessary for me to have a stove.Before you can hit the trail, you’ll have to decide on what kind of sleep system you’ll use for your trip. Will it be a tent or a hammock? Let’s break down both options so that you can make an informed decision and get the best night’s sleep possible.&nbsp;The traditional backpacking shelter is the tent. Tents come in all shapes, sizes, and prices, so there’s something out there to fit any budget or group size. They are generally lightweight and easy to set up, which is great if you’re short on time or have limited space in your pack. Tents also keep you off the ground, meaning that bugs and critters won’t be able to easily crawl into your sleeping bag at night.&nbsp;One thing that tents have going for them is the ability to store all of your gear in a weather-protected space (except food that should be stored outside of your tent and in many cases, in a bear tin tied in a tree). Additionally, you can add a sleeping pad under your sleeping bag for extra comfort and ventilation.Tents can be used in almost any environment except for snowy ones (unless you invest in a 4-season model), but they do rely on flat ground for setup. This means that if your campsite has an uneven surface or lots of rocks, setting up a tent could be difficult or frustrating. Additionally, tents usually don’t offer much ventilation—which can lead to condensation buildup inside when it gets really hot outside.Hammock camping has become increasingly popular over the years thanks to its versatility and comfort factor. Unlike tents, hammocks don’t require flat ground—you simply need two trees close enough together that will support your weight—so they’re great for making camp in places where tents wouldn’t work well or at all. Hammocks are also more comfortable than most tents because they conform better to your body shape and provide extra cushioning due to their suspension off the ground by ropes or straps (called “tree huggers”). That being said, many people have reported that they don’t sleep very comfortably in a hammock so it may be worth laying in and trying to take a nap at a local park before going on your trip. They also tend to provide better airflow than most tents since they are open on both ends and keep you further away from the ground (where cold air might gather). On top of that, when properly suspended with tree huggers instead of rope tied directly around tree trunks, hammocks don’t damage trees.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;However, hammocks do have some drawbacks when compared with tents; namely their lack of protection from wind and rain (though rain tarps were designed specifically for this purpose). It’s also important to note that despite being lightweight overall, hanging a hammock requires twice as much equipment as setting up a tent does—namely two tree huggers plus carabiners/straps/ropes depending on which model you own. If it gets cold or windy at night, you’ll also want to bring an extra blanket for underneath you while you sleep—so it may not always be ideal if space is limited in your pack.&nbsp;When deciding between a tent and a hammock for backpacking trips, both pieces of gear have their pros and cons depending on what environment you’ll be camping in and how much comfort/convenience matters to you personally. What works best for one person might not work best for another; however, whichever option you choose should help ensure that your journey is safe and enjoyable!The first piece of gear you will need for a good night’s sleep is a sleeping bag or quilt. A sleeping bag should keep you warm and dry in any environment, while a quilt should be used in warmer climates. Both are lightweight and easy to pack, so choose the option that fits your needs best. Additionally, if needed, you can always add extra insulation with items such as an insulated mattress or bivy sack.It’s no secret that the ground isn’t the most comfortable place to lie down after a long day of hiking—which is why cushioning and pillows are essential for any backpacker looking for better sleep on their trip. Using an inflatable mattress pad can provide additional cushioning from hard surfaces as well as insulation from cold temperatures during colder seasons. If weight isn’t an issue then adding a lightweight pillow will provide comfort while helping keep your neck aligned during sleep.Getting a good night’s sleep on the trail doesn’t have to be difficult—all it takes is knowing which pieces of gear will make your life easier! Sleeping bags or quilts, tents or hammocks, cushioning and pillows–it all comes down to personal preference and what works best for your situation. Whatever route you decide to take just make sure you have everything ready before hitting the trail so that when you get home after your hike all you’ll remember is how amazing your night’s rest was! Happy camping!If you’re considering a backpacking adventure, it’s important to plan ahead! A little bit of preparation will ensure that your trip is enjoyable and safe. Whether you’re heading out on your own or with a group, here are some tips to help you plan the perfect backpacking trip.Whether you want an easy weekend jaunt or a multi-day journey, it’s important to choose the right destination for your backpacking trip. Consider factors such as distance from home and available amenities in order to make sure that your location is both accessible and comfortable. Research trails and other landmarks in order to get an idea of how much ground you can cover in a given amount of time.Once you’ve gathered all of your necessary supplies, it’s time to map out your route. This is an important step when planning a backpacking trip as it will help ensure that you stay safe while out in nature. Make sure to research any areas along the way that may have special regulations or restrictions and be aware of any potential hazards such as wildlife encounters or sudden weather changes. Having a detailed map of the area can also come in handy if you get lost along the way!An important aspect of any route planning or backpacking trip planning is figuring out where you’ll have access to water. Most of my backpacking experience is in the desert so we often only had the water we carried with us or one water source along the route. Water is essential so you’ll need to plan for getting and filtering water, or carrying enough water to keep you hydrated throughout the trip.Once you have an idea of where you’re going and what gear you need, start thinking about when things will happen during your trip. Estimate how long it will take to hike between destinations so that you can create a schedule for each day or even each hour if necessary. Scheduling your activities will help ensure that everyone stays on track throughout the entire journey.One of the best parts about going on a backpacking trip is getting up close and personal with nature! Take some time before setting off on your journey to research local flora and fauna so that you know what plants and animals are native to the area. Knowing what type of environment you’ll be trekking through can help prepare you for potential encounters with animals or plants that might be unfamiliar. When researching local flora &amp; fauna, make sure to look up any safety tips related to them—such as avoiding certain types of food or plants—so that nothing surprises you while out exploring!With these tips in mind, planning a successful backpacking trip doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! Start by gathering all of your necessary gear and then map out your route based on where you plan on venturing. Finally, do some research into local flora &amp; fauna so that nothing takes you by surprise while exploring nature! With these simple steps taken care of beforehand, all that’s left is hitting the trail—so get ready for an unforgettable adventure!For many, backpacking is the ultimate dream. A chance to explore the world with nothing but a backpack full of supplies and your sense of adventure. It can be an amazing experience, but it can also be dangerous. To make sure you stay safe and healthy on your next trip, here are some tips for having a happy backpacking experience.Don’t skimp on supplies! Make sure you bring enough food, water, clothing, and other essentials with you so that don’t run into trouble along the way. If possible, pack more than enough in case something unexpected happens or if conditions change unexpectedly. Having extra supplies is always better than not having enough when it comes to backpacking trips!Be aware of your surroundings at all times while backpacking. Pay attention to people around you and any noises or suspicious activities nearby. Be mindful of animals as well; wild animals can be unpredictable at times and may even attack if they feel threatened. Knowing your environment can help keep yourself safe from potentially dangerous situations.Pay attention to what’s going on around you so that you don’t end up in dangerous situations like getting lost or injured. Make sure to check weather reports before heading out so you know what conditions to expect and can prepare accordingly. If possible, hike with someone else – not only is it more fun but it can also be safer if something unexpected happens while out there! Finally, be aware of any wildlife in the area and take necessary precautions – do your research ahead of time so that you know how best to interact with them safely.Staying hydrated is one of the most important things for your health when backpacking. Bring plenty of water with you (at least one gallon per person per day), as well as snacks that are high in energy but low in weight such as protein bars, nuts, dried fruit, etc. Keeping your energy up will make it easier for you to tackle any terrain that comes your way!It’s easy to get carried away when backpacking, but it’s important to know your limits. If you feel tired or sore, take breaks throughout the day and rest whenever needed—your body will thank you! And, of course, always let someone know where you are going when embarking on a new trail or venturing into an unfamiliar area.Backpacking can be an incredibly rewarding experience but it’s important to be prepared and stay safe while doing so. By following these tips, you can rest assured knowing that your next backpacking trip will be healthy and happy! So grab your gear, pack some snacks and water bottles, check the weather forecast – then get out there and enjoy nature!

Skip to ContentSo, you’re interested in backpacking, but you don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Backpacking can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and preparation, it can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Here are a few tips to get you started on your backpacking adventure.ContentsThe most important decision you’ll need to make when planning your first backpacking trip is deciding where to go. For beginners, shorter trips are usually best; you don’t want to overwhelm yourself by taking on too much too soon. Consider opting for a two- or...

How to Get Started Backpacking | What I Tell My Friends

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