If you are into traveling and love to collect new experiences, backpacking could be the next thing on your list. It broadens your horizons and you can enjoy an immersive experience with different outdoor sceneries. Discovering new places can ease stress and refresh someone’s mind. Going to your first backpacking can be full of excitement, but it should also include effective planning, especially on the essential things you have to bring. Below are tips for you to get ready for your first backpacking trip.
As a first-timer, make sure you choose a destination right for you. The first experience can be miserable if you hike too hard. If the hike is too easy, you have plenty of energy to explore around your camp. Having an overnight hike a few miles away from home can be your best option. To help you decide with the location, you can consult with experienced backpackers for trip recommendations.
You don’t want your first backpacking experience during rainy days or worst when there’s a storm approaching. Plan your trip 7 days ahead for you to get a more accurate weather forecast.
No need to spend on your first backpacking trip. You can simply use your fitness wear and clothing made with quick drying fabrics like nylon and polyester. Avoid the use of cotton clothes which take time to dry when wet. Your backpacking clothes should be grouped into layers; Base layers such underwear, bras, tank top, base layer tops and bottoms. Hiking layers like nylon pants, long sleeve shirts, t-shirts, sun hat. Next are your mid layers or insulation clothing such as a puffy vest or jacket, a warm hat and gloves. Make sure to also bring waterproof jackets and rain pants.
Choose the one that fits comfortably. Load it up for you to test if it’s comfortable on the shoulders and hips. You can consider borrowing from a friend since this is just your first time. It’s recommended to have a waterproof backpack in case the weather will surprise you during the hike.
It would be economical to share a two-person tent as it weighs less. If you borrow or decide to buy your own sleeping bag, make sure to choose the lightweight.
Sunglasses, sunscreen and insect repellant are the items that you should not forget to include in your bag. Too much exposure in the sun UV rays could give you sunburn and damage your skin. Also, be prepared for mosquitos and ticks as they might carry diseases and harm you. Of course you don’t want this kind of experience that you’ll remember from your first trip.
Surely you would like to take photographs and document everything you can see, from your trip buddies to outdoor sceneries. You don’t want your joy of taking photos to be interfered with a camera or phone ran out of batteries. Portable solar charger for backpacking are recommended nowadays and becoming the most popular option for charging electronics while backpacking or camping. It’s because of their small sizes which are very convenient to be included in your backpack and would be useful for your next adventure!
If this is an overnight trip, plan for your dinner, breakfast and a couple of lunches. Ready to eat and easy open can goods as well as package noodles are the best options. Choose food with high-calorie, high protein energy bars that you can munch during the day as backpacking burns a lot of metabolic fuel.
Surely you won’t expect that there’s a nice comfortable room on the trail or in your camp. As early as now, you should know the leave no trace as one of the ethics in backpacking. Make sure you bring your own sealable plastic bag, trowel, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The recommended practice for backpackers is to pack out your used toilet paper and bury human solid waste.
I know what’s in your mind; this is just a minor hike and beginner backpacking trip so what could be the worst thing that can happen. There’s nothing wrong to be always ready in every circumstance. Don’t forget to have your own map, compass, guidebook and the route description, whistle (in case you get lost from your group), and cellphone (this is one of the importance of having a solar charger with you) and waterproof case. Have some first aid kit, flashlight and fire starter in your bag.
You have already packed everything and the schedule has been set, now it’s time for you to get ready physically and mentally for your trip. Although you are not going into a triathlon or any sports contest, backpacking demands a lot of energy the whole time you are on your trip. Ensure you have a good sleep before the scheduled trip, have a full meal before leaving and drink plenty of water. Don’t forget to leave your trip plan to your family member or a friend.
No matter what destination you’ll choose, as long as you can enjoy and explore, it would be a worthy experience. Travelling is like food to every human soul. Go out and see the world as nature is just waiting to be a part of your grand adventure.
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