Backpacking trips are precious! It is remarkable how your feet alone have the power to take you to extraordinary places and help you explore the sheer brilliance of Mother Nature.
If you are planning a backpacking trip for the first time, here are a few ABCs to consider:
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Set a budget
A backpacking trip is for the explorer in you! Several adventure sports, sudden late-night parties, spontaneous dinners, all of this will come at a cost when you’re on a backpacking trip. Make sure you save enough and plan the budget well, to experience these life-changing and precious moments.
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Pick the right backpacks
When picking a vessel for the things you need to pack, consider the number of days of your trip, and research the climate, weather and the environment of the place where you will eventually head towards. This will help you choose the right and limited outfits and resources that you would need.
If you’re taking a flight to reach your backpacking destination, be cognizant of the luggage and weight limits. For example, as per the southwest airlines carry-on size guidelines, the carry-on luggage size that is allowed is 10 x 16 x 24 inches.
Be sure you are choosing your backpack depending on the gender. Women need to be careful with their backs for better choose the best travel backpack for women and don’t go cheap!
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Ensure your bag is light
You will literally have to move around with the backpack for the most part of your backpacking journey, therefore you must ensure it is light-weighted. You must be in a position to move around comfortably, and the bag should not slow you down. Also, always keep extra space in your bag when you begin the hike.
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Don’t forget the 10 essentials
A Seattle-based firm called ‘The Mountaineers’ created a list of the ten essentials that one should carry to be well prepared. These are food (ready-to-eat), water, first-aid, tools, fire, shelter (tent), insulation (sleeping bag), sun protection, lighting (headlamp) and navigation.
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Keep hygiene in mind
We suggest carrying a biodegradable soap in order to wash your body or clothes but don’t do it directly in a river or lake. Carry a hand sanitizer always. Keep toilet paper, you may not need the full roll.Women can carry a funnel-like urination device to pee. It’s also a great idea to keep yourself familiarised with the public toilets in and around the area.
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Invest on quality footwear
Since a backpacking trip will generally involve a lot of walking, you have to wear shoes that will help you hike comfortably. The shoes should keep your feet well-protected.
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Carry enough plastic bags
The not-so-environmentally-friendly plastic bags can come to your rescue while traveling when you have some wet items such as clothes, towel, or underwear. As they take minimal space, plastic bags are a boon to store such items when you’re in a hurry to leave.
What an experience it is to see the world while climbing trails, or crossing bridges across rivers, or camping under a sky full of stars! No flight or train trip can replace that feeling. If you’re planning a backpacking trip soon, follow these tips and you’ll be good to go!
