Top 5 Tips for Your First Backpacking Trip
Backpacking is already intimidating enough. Heed these five tips before you leave for your first trip so that you are uber prepared.
Tip 1: Plan Your Route
Find a website that has the route that you want on a map and print it out (or buy the topographic map for the area)! Whether that is through All Trails, the park official website, or from some other source, I think it is always best to have a physical map of your route on hand at all times. Take that map and mark it up as well! Highlight your route, note your camping spots, and circle water stops. The notes that you take before any backpacking trip will pay dividends while out on the trail. Another resource that you should certainly take advantage of while route planning is the park rangers at the area that you are planning on going to. Although it seems antiquated, give the backcountry headquarters a call and ask the rangers there about your potential route. They will likely gladly give you insider tips to the area and make sure that you have the correct permits and fees paid up front. I have found that park rangers are just some generally great people to talk with as well!
Tip 2: Plan Your Water & Food
Water planning is the most important part of any backpacking trip. Sometimes it is as easy as making sure that you have the correct filtration for the river that you are hiking next to. Other times, you will need to pack in all water that you will need along the entire trip. Remember, scour the map that you downloaded from Tip 1, and make sure that you know how you will be getting water along your route. Food planning is slightly easier, and your tastes will likely be different than any other person. Just make sure that you have enough food for each meal on each day that you are on the trail. I like to pack a couple of treats as well (whether that is a couple of candy bars, a pack of peanut m&ms, or a couple of beers for the end of a long hike). Have fun with it!
Tip 3: Lighter is Better
In my experience, extra clothing is usually the culprit when it comes to unneeded weight in my pack. Unless you are expecting extremely cold temperatures or are a generally cold person (like my wife), you can leave out that extra pair of pants that you likely won’t touch. In reality, you have to be the judge of what clothing you will need and what you won’t. And almost assuredly, you will overpack your first time out backpacking. That is totally ok and normal! Just note the things that you use the most, and more importantly, note the things that you don’t use. Your shoulders and feet will thank you for every ounce that you leave at home!
Tip 4: Check Your Tent & Stove
Before your trip, you should do an entire gear check. Take everything out that you are taking with you and make sure that it is all in working order. The two things that I often overlook (and have a propensity to be out of shape) are my tent and my stove. Take your tent out of it’s bag, set it up, and make sure that everything looks good (i.e. poles/stakes are all there and there are no holes). At the very least, this will give you the opportunity to pack your tent super well so that it fits snugly inside your pack. With your stove, hook it up to the same fuel that you will be using on your trip, and make sure it lights. Often, stoves can fill with unintended grime and may need a good cleaning before being in working order again.
Tip 5: Get Excited!
This is my favorite part. Search for pictures of the area that you are going to. Read articles about it. Look at trail maps. Get hyped up for the trip that you are about to take. If you’re like me, this serves to make the trip extra special!
