Planning Your First Backpacking Trip? 3 Ways to Get Ready

You’ve hiked, you’ve camped, and you’ve gone on all kinds of adventures. But there’s still one adventure you have to try for the first time: a backpacking trip! Backpacking trips are a fun, memorable way to really immerse yourself in nature. It can offer a unique experience, even if you’ve been to the area before.

As you get ready for your first backpacking trip, there are plenty of details to iron out. Everything from route planning to your packing list can play a critical role in the success of your first extended time on the trail.

Should you choose an easier route, or should you push yourself? Do you need hiking gaiters? What about trekking poles? While this isn’t necessarily a comprehensive guide to getting ready for your first backpacking trip, these suggestions are sure to point you in the right direction and help you prepare for the adventure ahead!

Need a Larger Hiking Backpack? Test Them Out First 

Hiking backpacks, including dedicated backpacking packs, come in all shapes and sizes. You may already have a pack you use for day hikes or camping. However, you’ll likely need something larger for a proper backpacking adventure.

In this case, it can be beneficial to try out packs before buying. You want the kind of pack you won’t mind wearing for several hours a day or even over a multi-day stretch. Comfort is essential. You want a pack that fits well on your shoulders and can be secured at your waist so it doesn’t shift as you move. If you can test a weighted pack, even better. Many gear shops will have sandbags to simulate the feel of full bag to start to identify pressure points a pack might have on the body.

Strategize Packing for Comfort and Accessibility 

You may be tempted to pack more than you may need on your first backpacking trip. A fully loaded pack might not feel particularly heavy at the start, but a few hours in, things can change. Ahead of the trip, do a few test packs. Play with weight distribution and feel how your pack moves with you. This way, you can adjust the straps and move items to achieve the best fit.

As for packing itself, pack items you won’t need until you get to your campsite, like your sleeping bag and tent, at the bottom of your back. Anything you need more frequently, like sunscreen, hiking gaiters, snacks, and a light rain jacket, should be accessible near the top of your pack. Anything you need regular access to on the trail, like water, hiking poles, and a sun hat (if it’s not already on your head), should ideally be secured to the exterior of your pack.

Choose a Route and Don’t Be Afraid to Keep It Simple

As a first-time backpacker, you may be eager to get out into the remote backcountry. You may even have your eye on a route that’s been hyped up on social media. These kinds of routes, however, might not be ideal for your first time. There’s no need to push yourself too hard.

It’s okay to keep your route a little shorter and your campsite extra accessible. Taking the well-beaten path comes with many advantages. There’s predictability to it and if you need help, it can be easier to find it. Also, trekking to an accessible and established campground could mean reliable access to water, whether it’s in the form of a well or a stream. Don’t forget a water purification or filtration solution you can count on, and it’ll be an experience you’ll never forget.

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Original Source: https://bit.ly/4cGYJH8