This article is the perfect one for all the newbies in the outdoor world. It will tell you all about the importance of high-quality gear when you go backpacking, and how to choose the right one for your needs. It will also share with you some tips that can make or break your first journey. Even if the best way to learn is by making mistakes, we’re here to prevent them before they even happen. Follow this guide and you’ll soon be backpacking in the wild like a professional. Not to mention that your skills will be extraordinary!
The gear you’ll need
Backpacking is all about sticking to the essentials and making things as light as possible. You’ll be walking a lot, and you don’t want to carry all that extra weight with you for nothing. The only thing you’ll get from that is a terrible backache that will probably ruin the whole experience. So lightweight clothes, lightweight sleeping bags, lightweight tents for backpacking. You can see that the main accent falls on lightweight.
Having the right backpack
Your backpack needs to be comfortable, spacious, and made from high-quality materials. Bonus points if you have a waterproof one. Remember that the most expensive one doesn’t equal the best one. Sometimes you can pay less to get more. Make sure that the backpack has foamy cushions on the parts where your shoulders and back directly meet the material. This will lift any possible pressure points.
Also, it would be great if your backpack has multiple compartments. This will keep you more organized and you won’t have to unpack the whole thing just to find the lighter that was on the bottom.
Pick the right tent
Tents come in different sizes and colors. Not that the color plays a huge role, but if you plan on investing in something that you’ll be using for years, why not make it more to your liking? If you plan on sharing the tent with multiple people, you should invest in a bigger, more spacious tent. But, if you want some privacy, then a smaller tent is the right choice. Not to mention that it’s easier to fold and you won’t have to carry your team on your shoulders.
There are tons of videos online on how to set up a tent. Make sure you see some of them, and of course, practice. Set up the tent once or twice in your living room or backyard. Setting it up in the wild is not so complicated, but it would be an awkward situation if you’re unable to fold it back up after that.
Sleeping bag for a good night sleep
If you plan on freezing during the night, then skip this step. Sleeping bags are the best thing that has happened to the outdoor adventure industry. They keep you warm no matter how much the temperatures drop, and they also come in a variety of forms and with different fillings to them.
Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose from down-filled sleeping bags and synthetic sleeping bags. Generally, down-filled ones offer you more warmth and bigger comfort, and if you’re allergic, have no fear. The newest technologies allow people who are allergic to down-filled sleeping bags to use them freely. If you’re an adventurist who goes camping and backpacking often, opt for a backpacking sleeping bag, as it’s easy to fold and carry around.
Warm clothes, food, water
Temperatures get pretty low out there, and if you’re far away from home or your car, you’d want to stay warm. The tent and the sleeping bag will definitely provide you with comfort, and they’ll keep you warm throughout the night, but help yourself and bring some warm clothes with you. Roll your extra pair of clothes and store them at the bottom of the backpack. A warm jumper and extra pair of fuzzy socks are exactly what you need.
If there is no drinkable water out there, you should bring enough water bottles with you. Just when you thought that you have enough, pack one extra bottle just in case. Have snacks available at all times, and don’t worry about calories. You’ll be burning more than you can possibly eat in one day, so the scale will magically go down once you return.
Details make it or break it
Have a flashlight available at all times, as it can get dark in the wilderness. Also, for setting up the mood and keeping yourself warm, you can start a campfire, and you should have matches or lighter with you. Stick them in the smallest compartment of your backpack. A first aid kit can come in handy in risky situations.
The most important thing is that you have fun on your first trip. It’s almost never perfect, and over time you’ll learn new things. Some of them will work in your favor, others won’t. Stick to the essentials and have a great trip!
Conclusion!
A backpacking trip in the outdoors is an awesome activity to bond with your family and friends or spend some time with yourself and clear your head. A day or two away from the buzzing city brings serenity and peace. These types of adventures also boost self-confidence as you’ll learn some new skills and you’ll face situations that you’ll successfully surpass and gain experience. The first trip can make or break your long-term interest in outdoor backpacking. So make sure you are best prepared and allow yourself to fall in love with the nature of the activity.
Such backpacking skills and the possession of the gear will allow you to discover local beauties while it will get you prepared for adventures when you travel abroad. Many world travelers enjoy exploring remote parts of the destinations they visit. This brings you closer to familiarizing yourself with the new country and allows the freedom to discover alone or in a group wherever you may roam!
Have fun!
