Beginner Backpacking 2

Let's continue with useful tip, be sure to read the previous part as well.

Establish a hydration plan. If ya didn’t know… water is freakin’ heavy. And depending on how long your backpacking trip is, you may not be able to carry all the H2O you need.

On an average day, you’re supposed to drink at least 2-4 litres of water. However, strenuous activities and sweating more than normal (aka backpacking) require you to drink a lot more.

While you’re hiking, it’s recommended to drink approximately a 500 ml of water every hour. And it’s important to remember not to chug water. Instead, take small to moderate size drinks frequently.

Understand clothing layers. Since you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time, you’re going to experience temperature swings and possible showers as well. No matter where you’re backpacking, it will likely cool off at night and be warmer during the day.

The key to staying comfortable is understanding how to effectively layer your clothes. Not all materials/fits/styles are created equal. Base layer is closest to your skin and used for moisture control

1. Mid layer is for insulation to keep you warm in cooler temperatures

2. Outer shell layer is for keeping you dry and protected from wind + rain

If you’re hiking in the winter, these layers become even more crucial to your comfort and safety on the trail. Check out our top recommendations for the best winter hiking pants to learn more about layering and staying warm + dry throughout the day!

All in all, you want your clothes to be comfortable, non-restrictive, light-weight, and easy to pack.

Wear the right shoes. There are several types of shoes that are appropriate for hiking but they all have some things in common. They’re comfortable, worn-in, have good traction, and are breathable.

It’s incredibly important to make sure your shoes fit how they’re supposed to and provide a good grip on the ground so you’re not sliding around all over the place. Hiking boots support and protect your ankles – they’re great for uneven terrain, cold-weather hikes, and maximum ankle/foot support. They can be heavy and clunky and take a significant amount of time to break in prior to taking them out on the trail. Trail runners are light-weight, breathable, and comfortable out of the box – they’re perfect for trail running (is that obvious?), warm weather hikes, and even ground terrain.

They don’t offer as much durability or stability when it comes to hiking, and the amount of traction you get can depend on how fast you’re moving (science is awesome, right?).

Start physical training ASAP. I suggest giving yourself at least two weeks to a month to train your body before your first backpacking trip, if you can. You need to focus on your lung capacity and overall strength + dexterity.

One of the best (and most fun) ways to get in physical shape for backpacking is to take day hikes wearing your fully loaded pack. You’ll want to target similar terrain if you can.

By carrying your loaded pack, you’re preparing your body for exactly what it’s going to go through for several days in a row. If you need to, start light and work your way up until you feel comfortable carrying your full pack.

Jogging and/or cardio at least 4x a week is a good place to start building up your lung capacity as well. But, hiking around carrying your pack will do a pretty good job, too.

Even if you only have a few days, don’t skip this. Prepare yourself in any way you can, even if it’s a short jog before work or wearing a heavy backpack around your house.

Know when to take a break. There’s nothing wrong with sitting down to rest. In fact, your body needs rest to repair and recharge itself. Taking frequent breaks throughout your hike can significantly reduce your risk of extreme fatigue and/or injury. It an also work wonders for your mindset, too.

Stop and enjoy a beautiful view. Take an extra 15 minutes to eat your lunch. While reaching your destination each day is important, remember it’s not a race or a competition. Listen to your body and know when it’s time to chill out for a while.

I like to take short breaks every few hours to eat a snack, rest my muscles (and brain), and make sure I’m drinking enough water.

Don’t overestimate your abilities. If you’ve never gone backpacking before, you won’t know what to expect until you actually get out there. It’s important to plan your first backpacking trip knowing that you aren’t going to be able to hike as far as you probably think you can.

You’re going to be carrying a lot of gear – odds are, your body isn’t used to that and your pace is going to be rather slow.

It’s also important to remember that there’s nothing wrong with going slow. Pay attention to every step. Soak in the smells, colors, sights, and don’t rush the process. Just know you need to plan for this in advance.

Be conscious of wildlife. Whether you’re in the back-country or hiking a well-known trail, remember that you’re a visitor. The area your stomping around in is home to countless species of wildlife. It’s their home and you’re just visiting so you need to be respectful of their space and leave them alone.

Know what types of wildlife to expect in your area and understand how to navigate an encounter. If you’re not sure, ask a park ranger or someone familiar with the area.

Additionally, if bears frequent the area, know how to handle, prepare, and pack your food so as not to attract unwanted guests at your camp.

Leave No Trace. Spending days outdoors can leave more of an impact than you think.

Use these backpacking tips for beginners to start your journey on the right foot (literally if you’re right footed). You’re set to hit the trail! Now, you can confidently, safely, and responsibly enjoy spending your weekend away from the realities of society and totally immersed in Mother Nature.

TravelFit Beginner Backpacking

TravelFit boutique travel agency, travel, trip, discover unique travel experiences in Estonia, unique trips, exclusive trips.