Everyone should be prepared for any type of outdoor adventure, no matter if it is backpacking or hiking. A huge difference in enjoyment while in nature, as well as of the overall experience is impacted greatly by the equipment and supplies you bring with you.
I’ve written about the importance of being prepared for a backpacking trip before, after my 5 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu, which was my first long hiking adventure. I learned a lot about the wonderful world of hiking on that trail, and on my next 5 Day hike in Patagonia, I felt much more prepared!
I thought I’d share some of that knowledge today, to help any other novice hikers out there to enjoy their experience to the fullest!
Even if the list for backpacking can be different for each person, depending on the type of outdoor activity you participate in, it would still be wise to have one and do all that is necessary to protect yourself from wilderness dangers.
Thankfully, this advice on all essentials you should bring on your backpacking trip exists and might be proven to be useful to you, especially if you are planning to go on the adventures soon as you have the chance.
Clothing
When it comes to clothes, the smartest action to take would be for you to bring along something which is made out of lightweight fabrics.
Also, the material should be moisture-wicking. One of the reasons would be that using the same tops and bottoms a few times while on a backpacking trip is convenient in case you will be in the wild for a long time.
Of course, shoes are a must and should fit the surrounding. Here is a small list that can help you with what to pack:
Of course, shoes are a must and should fit the surrounding. Here is a small list that can help you with what to pack:
- A Jacket, preferably one that is breathable
A hat that is lightweight
Boots made for hiking
Compression cube Storage
Pants and shirt which should be long-sleeved
Runners made for trail
Sunglasses that are polarized
Wool socks
First Aid Kit
Even if the possibility of a life-threatening injury while on a backpacking trip will most likely not happen, it would still be wise to cover that possibility as well. Even if you only have blisters, having a first aid kit can be helpful. Cuts and small scrapes for instance can turn out to be a huge problem. If not taken care of, they can be infected. So, in an emergency, antiseptic and bandages are useful. Bug bites and sunburns are also regular occurrences. For that reason, having a bottle of bug repellent and sunscreen would be wise to have. Usually, the first aid kits can include:
- Adhesive
Gauze
Scissors
Soap
Food and Water
If you are a backpacking beginner, it can be difficult to determine how much food and water you will need. Experts would recommend having a calorie intake of 3000 kcal per hour. Also, the advice is to have food that is protein-based. When it comes to water, it would be wise to have about half a liter per hour. Especially if your walking pace is moderate. The amount of both would however depend on other several factors too.
As an example, you might need to consider your age, the rate you are seating, what the weather conditions are like, what is your body type, and is your hike of high intensity. As the more experienced backpacker you become, the more knowledge you gain, it will give a better idea of how many food products and water you will need.
The Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is the ultimate multipurpose tool that you will need on every backpacking adventure you undertake. The usage is various and it can range from timing rope to slicing up your cheese and sausages for breakfast or a quick snack. It is difficult to achieve these tasks without it, and some might even be impossible, like cutting a fishing line if you stopped somewhere to fish.
Leaving your knife at home can end up being a frustrating experience.
A Map, Compass, or GPS System
If your backpacking trip is most probably in a remote area with no civilization in sight, it would be recommended to bring a map, compass, or GPS system with you. The natural landscape, no matter if it is a mountainside or a forest, can be disorienting because of constant changes in the sun’s position.
Backpacking adventurers that go unprepared can get lost for days in the woods too often. Getting lost in nature is mildly said, not the best experience to find yourself in, especially in a case your food and water supplies are low and limited. Not to mention, the situation can be very dangerous.
It is important to think about how deep in the wilderness you are planning to go and how remote the location is before you start your backpacking adventure. Weather conditions should as well be taken into consideration.
The longer the walk is and the further you go, more preparation will be needed which means more things to pack. After making an informed and educated decision on what to purchase, splendors of nature and the great outdoors are yours to explore.
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