Take a day hike by yourself to see what it feels like to be in the wilderness alone. Trust your instincts: If something just doesnt feel right, listen to that. (If you already have one, then skip to the next tip). Before you go to bed, have a little snack to keep your metabolism going and keep a candy bar nearby if you get cold in the middle of the night. Here are some tips to help smooth the coordination of a trip with a friend: Clearly define each persons responsibility, Only hike with people who are enthusiastic and ready for a challenge. Pillows. Were still not sure how we managed to fit it inside our packs and man was it a burden to haul around. Hikers and backpackers have utilized a simple list of essential items, necessary for preparedness and comfort in the wild, for many decades. If you think you could run out of gas, consider throwing in an extra gas can. Bring food like hot dogs or brats to roast over a campfire, pizzas they can assemble themselves, foil packet dinners they can help make, or baked beans to cook in the fire. REI and the REI Co-op logo are trademarks of Recreational Equipment, Inc. 426 reviews with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars. Here are some ways to boost both: Regardless of how many miles youve accumulated on day hikes or trail running, practice hiking with 20+ pounds in a backpack before you ever consider an overnight backpacking trip. Get the Lay of the Land. Bring food theyll eat. Here are a few ways: To learn more about frostbite and hypothermia, including how recognize symptoms and treatment options, see the Cold-Related Injuries and Illnesses section of our Cold-Weather Hiking Tips article. Backpacking and Thru Hiking Tips Keep gear light and efficient is key for backpacking. Published Jul 6, 2023 4:52 PM EDT, We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. It absorbs moisture easily, provides limited insulation when wet and requires a long time to dry. For winter camping, midweight long underwear is a good choice for all-around use. This is, arguably, the most important aspect of planning a backpacking trip. Join once, enjoy forever. Ozark-St. Francis National Forests, Arkansas. Be prepared to navigate. Defining exactly what your goal is for an upcoming trip will help you select a destination and route that pairs well with it. Remember, every ounce counts. Solo backpacking can be freeing and fun. Read one hiker's account about overcoming the fear of hiking alone or books like "She Explores," a collection of stories that celebrate taking on new solo adventures. Step 2: portage your kayak. Stow your bottles upside down: Water freezes from the top down, so by stowing bottles upside down, the bottle tops are less likely to freeze shut. Have a safety plan. Without others along, youll be able to go where you want to and travel at a pace that suits you best. . Be neighborly. Intro Top 5 Backpacking Tips I Wish Someone Would Have Told Me BackpackingTV 114K subscribers Subscribe 7.3K 198K views 2 years ago I've made a lot of mistakes in life. Avalanche Safety Equipment: If you will be traveling in avalanche terrain, its essential that you carry three items and know how to use them: Note: If youll be traveling across a snowy landscape you must be able to identify and avoid avalanche terrain. Perhaps the biggest difference between summertime camping and winter camping is the possibility that youll be camping on snow (assuming you live somewhere near where it snows). Just remember to, also, take a look at the maps elevation profile so that you dont end up in over your head. Know what youre going to do if you get bit by a rattlesnake, run into forest fires, or face a flood. Consider games like wilderness Bocce ball played with rocks and stumps. Follow these tips when you decide where to go backpacking for the first time: Using gaiters will keep snow out of your boots and they will add a bit of warmth. Defy nature and sleep soundly with these winter camping tips. Theyll save you in case you want to (or need to) stay an extra day. Ready-made tuna salad pouches. Tips for making camp in the snow: Pick a spot that's sheltered from the wind and free of avalanche danger, then prep your tent site by packing down the snow. I guess since we didnt let kids off the hook with carrying some of their own gear, we shouldnt do it with dogs either. 1.5 3. 2. Keep an eye out for piles of poop and other fresh bear sign. Playing what if? scenarios in your mind during the weeks leading up to a trip is another great way to mentally preparing for situations that may require you to adapt. Heres how its done: Are you keen to partake of a backpacking trip for a chance to relax in nature? The more familiar you become with these sounds, the less scared youll likely be when you hear something. Keep your boots inside:Bringing your boots inside your tent will keep them a few degrees warmer than if you leave them outside. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Head out with a full tank of gas. Trail permit. 4. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Make up a scavenger hunt tailored to ages and ability levels ranging from find a pinecone to find a rock with green lichen.. Again, we strongly recommend finding a friend to join you for your first backpacking experience. Bear spray and bear safety gear. The latest lures and gear from ICAST 2023. Cold-weather bags are supplied with generous amounts of goose down or synthetic insulation. Add even more ground insulation: Put your waterproof layers between your two sleeping pads to add a little extra insulation from the cold ground. Continue reading below to find out if youve got what it takes to become a backpacking pro. Other options include traditional pump filters, gravity fed filters, or iodine tablets. Carrying unnecessary clothing, tents not designated for backpacking use, bulky, synthetic sleeping bags, or excessive cookware are all mistakes made, almost exclusively, by beginners. Sleep in clean clothes: Over time, body oils, sweat and dirt can rob your sleeping bag of its insulating power. Survey your surroundings before you set up a tent to be sure you arent sleeping where a tree could fall. Also invest in decent moisture-wicking wool socks like Darn Tough. A negative attitude can affect the feel of an entire trip. Daunted by the prospect of making the jump from "hiker" to "backpacker"? Pitching your tent on a rock shelf can help protect from flash floods in the canyons of the southwest. Contrary to the above sentiment, we recommend a shorter hike each day (1-6 miles depending on age & fitness) than what you might plan if it were only adults. In winter, it is important to have a fully waterproof jacket and pants rather than merely water resistant because if moisture penetrates your inner layers, you can get seriously chilled. If your dog is still a puppy or has sensitive paws, consider the terrain you plan to hike. When you reach your destination for the day, rather than immediately unpacking, take some time to find the right camp spot. When you tell a friend or family member that youre going solo backpacking, dont be surprised if they question how safe the endeavor is. Sled: For longer trips and expeditions, some winter campers pull a sled. No backpacking guide is complete without mentioning a few caveats. We all have visions of how camping trips should go. Dont plan an entire trip, assuming a friend will join you because they mentioned that they would like to, only to have them back out because they couldnt get the time off of work. Backpacking means carrying your life essentials in a backpack for an immersive outdoor experience that involves hiking, backcountry camping, and even staying in cheap accommodations. It shouldnt be hard to anticipate which area of your body will take the biggest beating over several days spent hiking. on your first backpacking trip and doing so for many miles over rugged terrain. You can narrow your options by thinking through things like how much time you have, how many miles you want to hike, what scenery youd like to see and what the weather will be like. Flashlight and/or lanterns. Connect with others who have done it to get advice and suggestions to prepare for your trip; join a local hiking club or find others in online communities. Snowshoes, skis or a snowboard: If theres only a few inches of snow on the ground, hiking is a perfectly fine way to get around (if the trails are slick, consider putting winter traction devices or crampons on your boots.) Be sure youre practiced in proper techniques and safety requirements before you engage in any outdoors activity. On a backpacking trip, youll be responsible for carrying all the gear, making all the decisions and figuring out whats making that creepy noise in the middle of the night. 1.1 What Backpacking is All About. Have an emergency kit. Kids have smaller legs and tend to get bored easily. But it can also be stressful and even scary at times. Read Next: Best Backpacking Water Filters. Here are some tips to keep in mind: Despite the eye roll that I receive every time I make this joke with my wife, practicing knots is a fun way to build your outdoor skill repertoire. Here are our 3 most commonly used methods for food storage on the trail: Spending time out in the wilderness requires a certain level of self-sufficiency and planning for those situations we hope we never encounter. RMNP - Roaring River / Lawn Lake Trail looking towards Mt. Kristin Bjornsen Nov 13, 2012 Beginner Skills. A hot meal indoors can work wonders. Developing your skill set as an outdoor adventurer can be one of the most fun aspects of the whole game. A few handy items are: Pillow from home extra blankets slippers with a sole 1.3 1.Take a Simple Route. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Check for trees. Even if youre not prepared yet to go solo, by following these organizations on social media, participating in their programs, or joining one of their local networks, you can get connected with advice and resources, find community, and lay the foundation for solo trips in the future. Try 'pseudo solo backpacking'. Long-term camping in the wild can be a highly rewarding experience, however, it will require proper gear, skills, clothing, and extensive planning. The otter was shredding. Invest in a device like the Garmin inReach for the worst-case-scenarios. Plus, a map and compass are much lighter than a bulky GPS unit. Ive learned a few good camping hacks along the way. Winter Camping Cold-Weather Camping Tips to Keep You Warm While You Sleep 15 expert tips on how to winterize your cold-weather camping game, thrive and survive. Camping doesnt require anything fancy. Make a camp kitchen box. Sleeping Bag: To ensure comfort on cold nights, its a good idea to use a bag that's rated at least 10F lower than the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. Charette coats everything again after four or five weeks of use. The requisite gear for winter camping is similar to what youd take backpacking but with an emphasis on warmth and toughness. The camping essentials for a trip often include: Tent. The "take only pictures, leave only footprints" backpacker mantra is no longer enough. 1. Learn to hang a bear bag properly, or invest in a canister, so that you can prevent animal encounters. Backpacking is hard. Know how to use it and keep it handy. Dried or freeze-dried fruits and veggies. GPS and cell phone apps rely on battery and signal, neither of which is a given in remote environments. If you will be on snow, here are some tips: One of the joys of winter camping on snow is the ability to build your dream kitchen. This isnt a must, but a bag of cheap glow sticks from a dollar store will provide hours of post-dark entertainment and help you keep track of groups of little ones in the woods. Practice some of these before and during your first trip: With the increase in popularity of GPS devices, the art of reading, orienting and navigating with the use of a map and compass seems to be dying. A strong lower body will help counteract the fatigue and soreness, often, encountered by inexperienced backpackers. The general rule of thumb is that a pack should not exceed 10-15 per cent of your body weight. Adding someone else to the mix can create a plethora of new challenges. Check out some tips below, or explore our guide to backpacking food ideas, gleaned from our hard-earned experience (a fancy way to say weve done it wrong a lot). To keep it from getting unbearably heavy, look for ways to lighten the load. While camping, bring activities they can only do outdoors like fishing rods, bows and arrows, or rafts. But, if youre headed to an area that receives lots of snow, youll need some form of flotation to make traveling easier. Hiking Canada's Samuel Glacier, Yukon Territory & British Columbia. If the idea of getting out of your toasty warm sleeping bag in the middle of the night seems unbearable, use a pee bottle. Learn more in How to Choose Base Layers. Youll get a feel for what its like to be on your own but without the commitment of hiking in several miles. Pack covers are bulky, heavy and, sometimes, ineffective. No internet article or video can replace proper instruction and experiencethis article is intended solely as supplemental information. Do not cut or break limbs off of live, dead or downed trees. But if you dont want to feel all alone out there, pick a place that is likely to have at least a few other backpackers. Synthetic: Which Insulation is Right for You? Check online to reserve a campsite before you leave and consider dispersed camping if your preferred spot is full. Consider trekking poles. Pack only what youre going to eat. Keep electronics warm: Cold temps can zap battery power. June 13 2023. Below are suggestions on meals at all times of the day. 1. Dont mess around with emergencies in the backcountry. Set up the tent or tarp, then dig out the area below so you can stand up. Winter bags are distinguished by their draft tubes behind the zippers, draft collars above the shoulders and hoods to help keep the heat in the bag. It's a little more challenging to pack food for days at a time. Granola or granola bars. Have a Backpacking Checklist. Your kid wasnt born as your adventure buddy. Theyre not just for old people. 279. Know your limits: With no one else along to bounce ideas off or to assess potential dangers with, you need to be very honest with yourself about your skills and capabilities. The best advice for how to portage a sit-on-top kayak is to do it with a buddy. This will ensure you both stay happy on the trail. A forest makes all sorts of noises at night, most of them caused by completely benign things, like small animals crawling around or just a simple breeze. Do 50 jumping jacks, jog in place or chase your friends around camp. one hiker's account about overcoming the fear of hiking alone. Wed highly recommended purchasing a pre-made one (check out our guide to the best first aid kit for backpacking) to begin with, and adding/removing items as you learn and your skills grow. It creates a sense of personal responsibility for the child and prepares them for greater physical burdens with future trips as they age. You can easily unsubscribe at any time. Research your trip beforehand and have a route planned before you leave. And if you happen to be carrying a heavy load, the added support the provide is a godsend. On the other hand, when you go camping, you can drive your car to a location and set up your tent there or walk a bit further in the woods or to the beach to camp there. Make your own firestarter. Pretreat for ticks. I also use a pack cover to go on the outside of my pack. These are your main options: Learn more about backcountry travel in winter. foil packet meals, camping food ideas, campfire meals, camping recipes. Pretreat for ticks. Alkaline batteries should work in any device, but they drain at a faster rate. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. Dont sleep with food in your tent. Be respectful of wildlife and view them from a distance. How to Choose Sleeping Bags for Backpacking. Accumulate what you plan on putting in the pack first, then select the one that fits it all. Save the lightweight sacrifices for when youre in the backcountry. Use toothpaste tablets. Learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of dehydration or, better yet, follow our strategies below to prevent them from happening in the first place. Katrina Bloemsma, a senior instructor at the Seattle REI Experiences, first learned to ski at age 3. MyOpenCountry is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. 2. Its easy for first-time backpackers to focus only on the number of overall miles theyd like to achieve on any trip. There have been many times where I have calculated the distance along my intended route, in an attempt to estimate hiking time, without minding the elevation change. Holding the bottle close to your tummy or between your legs will really heat you up, but be carefulthe bottle will initially be quite hot. In a world with so many stresses and distractions, spending time with yourself on a solo backpacking trip can provide the opportunity to disconnect, focus wholly on an objective and create exactly the type of trip you want. Bring your backpack and other gear inside (avoid sharp items that could rip your tent, like crampons and axes) and place it around you on the floor of your tent to act as insulation against the cold ground. To their credit, it is generally true that the safety margin with solo travel is narrower; without a hiking partner, its entirely up to you to figure out what to do if something goes wrong. These skills prepare you for the inevitable mental and physical challenges that come with spending time outside, increase your ability to adapt to emergencies and, ultimately, ensure that you are enjoying the outdoors responsibly. 22 days ago. In addition to his role as an outdoor adventure guide, Chris Olson seeks to share his passion for, and experience in, the great outdoors through writing and photography. Its essential that you leave a detailed itinerary with someone you trust. Instead of covering the outside of your pack, line the inside of it with a trash compactor bag and keep all gear inside. In general, thicker (or puffier) equals warmer. You dont need to bring an extra towel, even if youre planning to hike for six months. Trekking poles keep weight off your knees, which might not matter for shorter trips but will matter after many miles on the trail. Using your shovel, you can dig out and shape the snow to make a cooking surface, seats, tables and even a storage cabinet. Bring snacks, meals, and treats you know theyll like. Prepare for the Elements. But that doesnt mean you can never go alone. Sharing your love of nature with your offspring or four-legged best friend can create memories to last a lifetime. Beginner Backpacking Trips Where To Go? There are fewer bugs and crowds while you experience the beauty and peacefulness of a pristine winter wonderland. Look for packaging-free or refillable toiletries. Binoculars. Before you go, take an Avalanche Awareness class, offered for free in many locations, including some REI stores (look for an REI Outdoor School Avalanche Awarenessclass in your area). A cold or wet kid isnt a happy kid. Backpack: Winter camping and backpacking requires extra gear and warmer, bulkier clothing, so you may need to use a larger pack than you typical do in the summertime. Carry an emergency transponder. If you dont like oatmeal, dont bring it, even if its on all the backpacking lists. Bring along protein bars, dehydrated dinners like the best backpacking food or MREs. Think of the things you need on a regular trip, such as: Toiletries (such as toothbrush . Step 1: portage all your drybags and gear. Our expert outdoor gear testers tried 19 different camping cots from popular brands like Coleman, L.L.Bean, and Helinox. Bring a down jacket. Prop your skis or snowshoes upright so they wont disappear under a blanket of snow and make sure things like your stove, shovel and water bottles are put away where you can find them. We use the Steripen Ultra, a device that kills 99.9% of all harmful bacteria with UV light. Forgetting To Consider Elevation Along Your Intended Route, Beginners Guide to Backpacking: Planning Your Backpacking Trip. At lower elevations, you can dig a hole in the dirt about 8 inches deep, bury feces and put a rock on top to deter animals from digging it up. 1. (To learn more about planning a trip, read our article How to Plan a Backpacking Trip.) Because of their lack of cockpit to carry on your shoulder, sit-on-top kayaks can be tricky to portage. Lightweight stoves with a single burner are great for the backcountry, but when you have a vehicle, just bring something like the classic Coleman gas stove so you can heat water while you cook eggs or boil noodles while you stir up a sauce. Camping in the Rain: Tips and Gear to Keep You Dry and Comfortable A rainy trip doesn't need to be a miserable trip. Learn all about different hiking, camping, backpacking, and outdoor travel topics, as well as featured products that we personally test, review, and recommend. Raise your voice in the movement to protect and share life outdoors. Campground maps rarely reflect where the actual site may be, and if you arent familiar with the area, its easy to reserve a site wedged among dozens of campers with generators or downwind from the outhouse. Or do you just want to try something new to say that youve done it? Do your research. Create games in the woods. Anyone can join and everyone belongs. Finding ways to keep yourself feeling, relatively (I mean if youre not a little dirty, then youre not trying hard enough! This will make them a bit more pleasant to put on in the morning. Screw the lid on tight, makes sure it doesnt leak and toss it in your sleeping bag. You may find that being alone will present physical and mental challenges that you didnt expect, so choose a trip that is well within your skill and comfort levels. After youve done a couple trips, youll get a handle on whats right for you. Carry bear spray. The ten essentials, to which they are commonly referred, is a great place to start for any new backpacker wondering what they should carry. Consider some heavier foods if theyre your favorite and come packed with the nutrients your body needs. Downsize your toothbrush: Some people cut the handle off their toothbrush. Trash compactor bags are super waterproof, replaceable, affordable and weigh a fraction as much as a pack cover. Folks who identify as LGBTQ+, members of the BIPOC community and other under-represented communities in the outdoors, can connect with inclusive organizations like The Venture Out Project and Wild Diversity to get both inspiration and cautionary advice. Look for fabrics like polyester or wool that wick perspiration away from your skin and dry quickly. Instead of your usual run on flat pavement, find a route that requires some steep hills or stairs, even if it is a shorter distance. The weight of your backpack should not exceed 25-30% of your ideal body weight, meaning that you will have to think carefully about everything you pack. 2. No matter how properly you plan your camping holiday, Mother Nature may throw you a curveball in the form of unexpected weather. The newsletter sign-up system is currently down for maintenance. Here are some food and water recommendations: Melting snow: During winter, many creeks and lakes are frozen solid or buried beneath feet of snow, which means youll likely need to melt snow for drinking water. The same is true for socks and boot insoles. Outdoor equity, climate action, places we love. Unless youre dispersed camping or youre somehow the only one in your campground, follow quiet times, dont play loud music and generally be considerate of those around you. But Ive also learned from countless interviews with experts over the years. Keep a clean camp. What to pack for a backpacking hiking camping trip! What to Pack. So whether youre a hard-core thru hiker or a casual family car camper, hopefully these camping tips, tricks, and hacks will give you some help or inspiration this summer. Shelf-stable, dried jerky, such as poultry, salmon or meat jerky. Learn More . Some packs contain a sleeping bag compartment in the bottom, complete with a . Start small and make a good plan prior to leaving. A resilient adventurer, Lauras 2013 Appalachian Trail thru-hike featured 27 straight days of rain. Carrying too much gear, or gear that is poorly suited to long-distance trail travel, is an easy way to make your trip feel like more work than it needs to be. Dont push it. As a professional guide, she has led climbing trips in the North Cascades and on Mount Rainier, Aconcagua and Denali. Make meals interactive. for your first email from REI. Your fitness level might allow you to go 8 miles without stopping, but unless your dog has been acclimated to that before, dont expect them to do the same. Here are some tips: Get trained in first aid and navigation: Going solo means you cant count on anyone else to help you out if you get injured or hopelessly lost. Ashley Thess. ), clean and refreshed on any overnight or long-term trip is key to your overall enjoyment. Having the right gear for your trip can be critical to your enjoyment when youre out in the cold for extended periods. Two miles flat is, significantly, different than two miles with 1,500 ft of elevation gain. I dont think many newbie hikers or backpackers realize the benefits associated with using trekking poles. Be warned though, its not always as idyllic as it sounds. Just make sure to keep it dry (when wet, down loses much of its insulating ability). But whos to say that a solo trip cant be just as rewarding? Start with smaller, easier trips to gain experience and build confidence. Adam Roy 9 hours ago Beginner Skills Hike Smarter: 14 Expert Pieces of Advice Every New Backpacker Should Know Want to improve your next trek, guaranteed? You might be surprised how much of their gear you can fit in a small dog pack. Its OK to turn around at any point.

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