Backpacking is a great way to get that much-needed fresh air, exercise, and a deserved escape from the stressful realities of life. However, heading out on a backpacking trip can be dangerous, if you don’t spend time planning beforehand. If you don’t know where to start, you’re in the right place –simply continue reading and observe these seven tips and tricks.
Keep it Simple
You want to enjoy your first backpacking experience, so it’s probably best to skip the several-day trip trekking up mountain faces. Instead, choose a well-traveled route that’s within your comfort zone. By choosing a popular backpacking destination, you’ve got more opportunities of asking someone for support if need be.
Assuming you’ve never had to buy backpacking gear before, you could end up spending a fortune if you don’t set a strict budget before you begin shopping around. Have a look online at the type of gear you need and collect some rough estimates, and then build a budget from here. However, you have toremember extras including transportation, which will vary depending on where you’re going.
If you need to book flight tickets, be ready to save some money by comparing providers and having flexibility. An easy way to see flight prices is with Google Flights, which pulls information from several different airlines. However, there may be a lot of irrelevant results, so you should learn how to use filters, map view, and more.
Go with an Experienced Backpacker
Backpacking is always more enjoyable when you’re part of a group, so invite some of your more experienced friends along for the ride. Having someone with backpacking experience will help you feel more comfortable because they can support you with planning, packing, and making the most out of the trip.
Practice Navigation Techniques
Most people use Google Maps to get around these days, but you may not have a great signal out in the wilderness. Therefore, you need to spend time researching the lay of the land and learning how to use a map and compass. Both of these navigational skills will help you avoid getting lost, especially if you lose the beaten path. There are plenty of resources online or you can buy a detailed book from your nearest bookstore.
If you’ve bought new gear for the trip, make sure you read the instruction manuals and get some practice in before you go. If you decide to wing it, it can have serious consequences. For example, if you need to use a water purification system but you’ve zero clue how to use it, you can end up seriously ill.
Before you set out on your backpacking adventure, make sure you check the weather forecast and pack appropriately. However, you should keep in mind that the weather can be volatile, so be sure to pack for a variety of weather conditions including blistering sun and ravaging storms.
If you have a habit of leaving everything to the last minute, we suggest switching things up and leaving plenty of time to get packed. When you have time to revisit the packing, you’ll be much more confident you’ve remembered everything. To keep track of the packing, write a list and tick it off as you pack it.
If you follow the tips and tricks outlined above, you’ll feel a lot less stressed when you eventually head out on your first backpacking trip. Remember, although trekking through the Amazon rainforest might sound appealing, you should keep your first trip as simple as possible.