Make The Most Out Of Your First Backpacking Experience

For all the existing and future backpackers out there, this is the article that will teach you some valuable tips and tricks that will only enhance your experience. Details can be a deal-maker or a deal-breaker, and if you’re well-prepared, you’re unstoppable. Valuable information will be scattered throughout the whole article so make sure you read it carefully.

To make the most out of your backpacking trip you should learn the backpacking essentials; the importance of having the right gear, tips on surviving in the wild, and tricks that will make the cold nights endurable. Let’s take a look at all these in detail and hopefully get you prepared for an enjoyable experience in nature!

Having the right gear

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Backpack

Your backpack needs to be spacious and made from high-quality material. Look for one that has foamy cushions on the shoulders, to prevent any pressure points and to make the journey a lot easier. Also, bonus points if you choose one that is waterproof. If you have multiple compartments, it will help you stay organized, which is something that should be your top priority.

Tent

Tents come in different sizes, and depending on your group, you can opt for a smaller one or a bigger one. But, since you’re backpacking, you should pack light, and it’s best to carry a small tent that will fit you inside. Not only will it offer you some privacy, but it will make the whole journey a lot easier. Over the years, tents have changed, and ultralight tents are the best ones out there, providing warmth and comfort, and at the same time being extra light and super easy to fold and store away.

Sleeping bag

Sleeping bags are another essential that you should invest in. there are two main kinds of sleeping bags: down-filled ones and synthetic ones. Depending on your personal preference, you can choose either one, and with new technology, down-filled sleeping bags are safely used by people who are allergic. There are also different kinds of shapes to the sleeping bag, providing more warmth, or more space, depending on your main goal. If you’re more into comfort, choose the rectangular one, but if you like to have that snuggle feeling all night, the mummy sleeping bag will keep you warm at all times.

Warm clothes

Having an extra set of clothes in your backpack can be a lifesaver. Temperatures out there in the wild can go well below zero, and this is when you pull out the fuzzy socks from the bottom of your backpack. Wear layers and a beanie to keep your head warm, because most of the heat leaves our body through our head, especially when we’re all covered up, but leave the top unprotected. Another reason to carry an extra set of clothes is that you’ll be walking a lot. Walking equals sweat, and the last thing you want is to be cold in the middle of the night and wet because you didn’t bring an extra shirt with you.

Food and water

While you’re hiking, you’ll be burning a lot more calories than you normally do at home or at the gym. Having a snack nearby is great, as it will help you fuel up and keep you going till you reach the final destination. If there are no food sources available, make sure you bring nutritious food that will silence your stomach rumble. Aim for foods rich in vitamins, proteins, and carbohydrates. In terms of water, always bring one extra bottle just in case. You never know when you might need it.

Having the right skills

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Your first backpacking trip won’t be perfect, but where is the fun in that? You’ll have tons of fun stories to tell to people when they ask how did it go. There are some things that you can do to enhance your experience though. For instance, learn how to set up a tent. There are tons of articles and videos online that will teach you how, and you can practice at home. Also, there are videos that will show you how to make water drinkable and how to roll your clothes when packing.

Bringing small things such as a flashlight, matches, a basic first aid kit, utensils is something that we often forget, but it can make our backpacking trip a whole lot easier. A power bank will prolong the life of your phone battery and you’ll be available at all times. The thing is, you’ll surely forget something. It’s inevitable. But, in the end, what matters the most is for you to spend a great time, and learn from your mistakes. As long as you improve and step up your backpacking game, they were worth it!

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