All You Need to Know For Your First Backpacking Trip

If you are looking to travel as comfortably as possible with only the necessities, here are all the tips you need to know!

Travelling is one of the best experiences in life as adventures are said to “fill your soul.” One of the best ways to have an immersive travel experience is by going on backpacking trips. Not only will this help you broaden your horizons, but it will also allow you to explore nature more comfortably and conveniently. Backpacking, moreover, allows you the chance to traverse the globe on a budget and helps you become more adaptable to nature as you learn to step outside your comfort zone. These trips also expose you to the culture and people of different places, and if you are lucky you may end up finding backpacking buddies along your way. If you are considering travel in the future, a backpacking expedition may just be what you need, and we are here to help you with all the information required to get ready for your first backpacking trip!

1. Get Yourself Accustomed to Carrying a Backpack

Carrying a backpack for a long period may be a difficult task if you are not used to it. The extra weight that a backpack adds is likely to make hiking more challenging. Hence, it is advisable that before embarking on your trip, familiarize yourself with carrying a backpack. You can do this by going on day-long hiking trips carrying a heavy backpack at first. If this option does not work for you, try walking on a treadmill bearing a heavy backpack. To further improve your stamina and endurance, going hiking with a backpack for a few days is a good plan. Even if you do not plan on going hiking for a long time during your trip, the preparatory hiking trips will help you to be fit for travel.

2. Choose Your Travel Destination

Choosing the destination for your journey is an important decision. First, we recommend that you consider the set of skills and abilities that you possess, and then decide on your destination for the trip. As some backpacking trips are considerably more challenging than others, pick one that matches your capabilities. Starting with a difficult trip is likely to put you in a tough situation, and may ruin your fondness for trips.

3. Assess What Paperwork Your Trip May Require

After you have decided on where you want to go, the next step will be to assess whether your destination will require any travel permits. Some permits may require filling out an application, whereas others you can get at the trailhead. If you are planning to go abroad, make sure your passport is ready and current. If you are from the United States, you will not require to apply for a visa when traveling to some countries, but for the residents of other countries, you will most likely need to apply for a tourist visa. It is recommended that you go online and check what kind of paperwork is required for the trip you are planning. And as some of these permits may take months to receive, we advise that you keep a backup destination in mind.

4. Pack the Essential Backpacking Gears and Supplies

 

For any backpacking trip, you will require some essential supplies. The supplies and gears can be costly, and if you are looking to minimize the expense as much as possible, you can find several useful tips on https://gearuphiking.com/tips-to-save-money-on-hiking-and-camping-gear/

Some necessary items are a sleeping bag, a tent, a headlamp, maps, a stove, pots, and more. Without these items, your trip may turn out to be difficult, so make sure you prepare a backpacking checklist before the trip and pack these necessary items.

5. Consider What Kind of Clothing to Take

For your first backpacking trip, you don’t necessarily need to purchase special hiking clothes as long as you have fitness clothing made of moisture-wicking, quick-drying fabrics like nylon and polyester. We advise that you don’t opt for cotton cloths as that takes longer to dry, which is inconvenient when you’re constantly on the move. Some suggested clothing items that you should carry on your trip are long underwear, nylon pants, T-shirts, sun shirt, a sun-hat, puffy vests or jackets, lightweight fleece pullovers, warm hats, and gloves. In case it rains during your trip, we also recommend bringing a waterproof/breathable jacket. A pair of hiking boots is also something you should consider taking with you.

6. Make Sure to Carry Sufficient Food and Water

Food and water are of utmost importance for any backpacking trip. It is advisable, to drink 2-3 liters of water daily. If there are water sources near your travel destination, make sure you have some sort of filtration system to purify the water from that source. The amount of food you will need to take is a little trickier to decide, as you don’t want to run out of food, but also at the same time, you don’t want to make your back heavy by packing way too much food supplies. For your first trip, we recommend that you carry enough food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, so you don’t end up getting hungry. It is also a good idea to look up recipes for camping trips, and tips on how to pack food supplies.

7. Invite Friends to Accompany You

A backpacking trip is something you can choose to do by yourself, but having friends or loved ones accompanying you may make it even more enjoyable. For your first trip, it is sensible to travel with an experienced hiker who can help to guide you along the way.

8. Acquaint Yourself with the Leave No Trace Behind Principles

We should enjoy the outdoors without making any negative impacts, and that is why you must know about the 7 Leave No Trace Behind Principles. These principles will help you to respect nature while also relishing in all its glory.

9. Prepare Yourself for Your Trip

When it comes to your first backpacking trip, you must prepare yourself both mentally and physically. We recommend that you work out regularly before your trip to make sure your body is ready for hiking. It is also necessary for you to acquaint yourself with the gear beforehand. For example, you can try pitching your tent and lighting your stove to get a better handle on these activities.

Conclusion

Backpacking trips can be one of the best ways to experience the beauty of the world that we live in. It allows you to get in touch with nature and your inner traveler and can be one of the best adventures of your life. So pack your bags and get ready for your first backpacking trip!