#backpacking trail

Pick the Right Destination

If you’re a newbie backpacker, you need to consider various factors like length and difficulty. You also need to consider various considerations like your personal interests.

Consider the Distance

A one-night trip backpacking trip is perfect for beginners.

If you’re doing a round-trip distance, make sure to limit it to 10 miles or less.

If you’re doing two nights, make sure to set up camp the first night. Take a day hike the next day to somewhere nice. Return to the base camp at night, and then go back home the next day.

Gather Trip Information

There is always a good source of information if you’re going on a backpacking trip.  Do your homework. Some of the sources available online include:

Guidebooks

Websites and magazines

Other backpackers

Park rangers and services

Choose the Right Gear

Make sure you have all the backpacking essentials which include:

Map

Sunglasses and sunscreen

Extra clothing

Compass

Flashlight

First-aid supplies

Firestarter

Matches

Knife

Food

Backpacking may turn you off if you completely rough it. Make sure to bring some comforts from home like a stove, sleeping pads and pillows. However, think light when you pack. Do not over-pack. Limit your pack weight to about 30 pounds.

Choose the Right Backpack

Here are some brief guidelines:

When buying pack names, you would see number in pack names. This refers to the backpack’s volume in liters.

For 1-3 nights trip, grab a 35-50 liter backpack.

Multi-day trips require 30-50 liters.

If you’re going on a longer trip, get 70 liters or higher.

These backpacks are sized according to people’s torso length.  They are not dependent on height. To get the right size for you, make sure to measure your measure your torso length.  This is the distance between bony protrusion near the neck’s base and the top of your hips.

Backpacks are designed to allow the hips to carry the weight while your shoulders carry less weight. So, make sure to store heavy items near your shoulders and back.

Pack the Right Clothing

You need six different kinds of clothing for backpacking:

1. Base layer.  Ideally, you should buy clothes that are made up of moisture-wicking polyester.  Wool is great too. Avoid cotton underwear. They take forever to dry.

2. Pants or shorts. Go for convertible ones.

Image Credit: favocape.tumblr.com

3. Footwear. You can choose to use full or mid-cut boots, hiking shoes, trail runners. Avoid tennis shoes because they are too flexible for backpacking.

4. Socks. Don’t wear cotton. You will get blisters if you do. Use wool instead. Synthetic hiking socks are perfect as well.

5. Hats and caps. Use caps, bandannas or hats. Make sure to protect your head from the sun all day. Using ample sunscreen will also protect your skin.

6. Outerwear. Make sure to put on an outerwear. A rain jacket will help keep off rain and bugs. Wearing a jacket or vest will help ward off chills.