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See Also
See Again
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Mental preparation and mindset - Your first time out backpacking can be very stressful, so it’s crucial to remain motivated and positive. You’ll make it to the other side and will celebrate this great life accomplishment.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Packing essentials - Make a list including all the gear you might need for your adventure. Then, lay everything out and eliminate any items that are essential in order to save space and weight.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Selecting the right footwear - You’ll be hiking for long distances and often on uneven terrain. Thus, the importance of proper hiking boots or shoes shouldn’t be forgotten.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Layering clothing for various conditions - While you’re out in the wilderness, weather can change quite suddenly. Whether it becomes cloudy and chilly or starts to rain, layering can help you be prepared for whatever is to come.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Meal planning and nutrition - Make sure to bring enough food with you and account for the fact that you’ll be hiking and moving more than usual, and this will reflect in your appetite! Include dried snacks like jerky, nuts, and trail mix.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Water purification techniques - There are several methods to ensure safe drinking water. You can select either chemical treatments like iodine or chlorine, filtration, or even boiling the water.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
First aid basics - When headed into the wilderness it's essential to carry a first-aid kit with you, just in case. It should include emergency items ranging from supplies such as gauze all the way to medicine like Advil.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Navigation skills - Research and practice using maps, compasses, and GPS devices before your trip. If you are unsure, ask someone with more experience to teach you.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Choosing and setting up camp - Which campsite you choose is important. Do you want to be closer to the restrooms, or near fresh water? Once you decide, pitch your tent and set up your temporary home.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Leave no trace principles - It’s important to practice sustainable traveling and leave places the way you found them so that others can also enjoy the space. This involves respecting wildlife, disposing of waste properly, and being considerate of others.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Fitness and training - Depending on how long you're going backpacking for or how rigorous of a trip it will be, preparing your body ahead of time for the physical demands can be helpful.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Safety tips - While you’re in the wilderness it’s essential to keep safety top of mind as help is often far away (if available at all). Beware of wildlife, weather, and other hazards.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Choosing the right sleeping bag and pad - Considering your bedding is important. Look for items that are not only comfortable but which also will keep you warm during those long, cold nights.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Cooking gear and techniques - When you’re backpacking, it’s important to balance options for cooking with the weight it takes to bring these items. It’s advised to bring reusable bowls, plates, and cutlery for prep, and matches or a lighter to start your own fire.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Hydration strategies - Just as in regular, everyday life, hydration is essential. It’s especially important in the wilderness because not doing so can lead to problems like dehydration or other health concerns.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking etiquette - Be sure to respect others who are in the wilderness as well. Minimize noise, be cognizant of their space and yours, and be sure to not leave trash behind that someone else would have to deal with.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Understanding trail markings and signage - On many trails you’ll find small, colored flags or marks indicating where the trail is located. Make sure to pick and follow one color so that you don’t get confused and lost.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Essential tools and gadgets - Certain gear is extremely useful to have. For example, multi-tools like a Swiss army knife, headlamps, and trekking poles are all there to help your trip run as smoothly as possible.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Dealing with bugs and pests - It’s important when trekking in the wilderness to protect yourself from insects and other pests. Wearing insect repellent is a great way to start.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Solo vs. group backpacking - While solo backpacking can be a fun adventure and often easier to plan, it also potentially poses more risks such as getting lost and not having someone there to help.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Planning your route
- Take some time and learn the pros and cons of different destinations including if you need permits, special gear, or extra food due to the duration of the trip.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking in different seasons - Backpacking throughout the year can look very different. The time of year and season it is can directly impact what you’ll need to pack, how you’ll sleep, and much more.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Trail emergency preparedness - Bring safety flares with you as well as an extra battery pack for your phone. Hopefully it’s not needed, but always be aware of what to do should an emergency occur.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking with kids - If you’re backpacking with kids, be sure to bear in mind their physical and mental limitations as well as your own. A short, safe, well-traveled trek might be your best bet.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Technology on the trail - While it's important to use devices minimally and remain aware and present, sometimes you might want or need to use an app or device. Remember, though, that there may be no cell service where you are.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Photography and journaling
- Remember to capture some memories on your trip, whether through a camera lens or in writing. Both can help you stop and reflect more meaningfully.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Pro tip: Pick a well-established or well-traveled camp for the first time
- It's always nice to see and have others nearby just in case. If you run into difficulties, reach out for help.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Pro tip: Consider going without your dog the first time
- Though it’s tempting to bring Fido, it can drastically complicate things, including planning and actual execution of the trip.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Post-trip care
- After you’re home from the trip, be sure to clean your gear, recover, and reflect on your experience. This will prepare you for the next great adventure! Sources: (REI) (An Ordinary Existence) (National Park Service) (American Hiking Society) (Fresh Off the Grid) See also: The best hiking trails around the world
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
© Shutterstock
0 / 30 Fotos
Mental preparation and mindset - Your first time out backpacking can be very stressful, so it’s crucial to remain motivated and positive. You’ll make it to the other side and will celebrate this great life accomplishment.
© Shutterstock
1 / 30 Fotos
Packing essentials - Make a list including all the gear you might need for your adventure. Then, lay everything out and eliminate any items that are essential in order to save space and weight.
© Shutterstock
2 / 30 Fotos
Selecting the right footwear - You’ll be hiking for long distances and often on uneven terrain. Thus, the importance of proper hiking boots or shoes shouldn’t be forgotten.
© Shutterstock
3 / 30 Fotos
Layering clothing for various conditions - While you’re out in the wilderness, weather can change quite suddenly. Whether it becomes cloudy and chilly or starts to rain, layering can help you be prepared for whatever is to come.
© Shutterstock
4 / 30 Fotos
Meal planning and nutrition - Make sure to bring enough food with you and account for the fact that you’ll be hiking and moving more than usual, and this will reflect in your appetite! Include dried snacks like jerky, nuts, and trail mix.
© Shutterstock
5 / 30 Fotos
Water purification techniques - There are several methods to ensure safe drinking water. You can select either chemical treatments like iodine or chlorine, filtration, or even boiling the water.
© Shutterstock
6 / 30 Fotos
First aid basics - When headed into the wilderness it's essential to carry a first-aid kit with you, just in case. It should include emergency items ranging from supplies such as gauze all the way to medicine like Advil.
© Shutterstock
7 / 30 Fotos
Navigation skills - Research and practice using maps, compasses, and GPS devices before your trip. If you are unsure, ask someone with more experience to teach you.
© Shutterstock
8 / 30 Fotos
Choosing and setting up camp - Which campsite you choose is important. Do you want to be closer to the restrooms, or near fresh water? Once you decide, pitch your tent and set up your temporary home.
© Shutterstock
9 / 30 Fotos
Leave no trace principles - It’s important to practice sustainable traveling and leave places the way you found them so that others can also enjoy the space. This involves respecting wildlife, disposing of waste properly, and being considerate of others.
© Shutterstock
10 / 30 Fotos
Fitness and training - Depending on how long you're going backpacking for or how rigorous of a trip it will be, preparing your body ahead of time for the physical demands can be helpful.
© Shutterstock
11 / 30 Fotos
Safety tips - While you’re in the wilderness it’s essential to keep safety top of mind as help is often far away (if available at all). Beware of wildlife, weather, and other hazards.
© Shutterstock
12 / 30 Fotos
Choosing the right sleeping bag and pad - Considering your bedding is important. Look for items that are not only comfortable but which also will keep you warm during those long, cold nights.
© Shutterstock
13 / 30 Fotos
Cooking gear and techniques - When you’re backpacking, it’s important to balance options for cooking with the weight it takes to bring these items. It’s advised to bring reusable bowls, plates, and cutlery for prep, and matches or a lighter to start your own fire.
© Shutterstock
14 / 30 Fotos
Hydration strategies - Just as in regular, everyday life, hydration is essential. It’s especially important in the wilderness because not doing so can lead to problems like dehydration or other health concerns.
© Shutterstock
15 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking etiquette - Be sure to respect others who are in the wilderness as well. Minimize noise, be cognizant of their space and yours, and be sure to not leave trash behind that someone else would have to deal with.
© Shutterstock
16 / 30 Fotos
Understanding trail markings and signage - On many trails you’ll find small, colored flags or marks indicating where the trail is located. Make sure to pick and follow one color so that you don’t get confused and lost.
© Shutterstock
17 / 30 Fotos
Essential tools and gadgets - Certain gear is extremely useful to have. For example, multi-tools like a Swiss army knife, headlamps, and trekking poles are all there to help your trip run as smoothly as possible.
© Shutterstock
18 / 30 Fotos
Dealing with bugs and pests - It’s important when trekking in the wilderness to protect yourself from insects and other pests. Wearing insect repellent is a great way to start.
© Shutterstock
19 / 30 Fotos
Solo vs. group backpacking - While solo backpacking can be a fun adventure and often easier to plan, it also potentially poses more risks such as getting lost and not having someone there to help.
© Shutterstock
20 / 30 Fotos
Planning your route
- Take some time and learn the pros and cons of different destinations including if you need permits, special gear, or extra food due to the duration of the trip.
© Shutterstock
21 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking in different seasons - Backpacking throughout the year can look very different. The time of year and season it is can directly impact what you’ll need to pack, how you’ll sleep, and much more.
© Shutterstock
22 / 30 Fotos
Trail emergency preparedness - Bring safety flares with you as well as an extra battery pack for your phone. Hopefully it’s not needed, but always be aware of what to do should an emergency occur.
© Shutterstock
23 / 30 Fotos
Backpacking with kids - If you’re backpacking with kids, be sure to bear in mind their physical and mental limitations as well as your own. A short, safe, well-traveled trek might be your best bet.
© Shutterstock
24 / 30 Fotos
Technology on the trail - While it's important to use devices minimally and remain aware and present, sometimes you might want or need to use an app or device. Remember, though, that there may be no cell service where you are.
© Shutterstock
25 / 30 Fotos
Photography and journaling
- Remember to capture some memories on your trip, whether through a camera lens or in writing. Both can help you stop and reflect more meaningfully.
© Shutterstock
26 / 30 Fotos
Pro tip: Pick a well-established or well-traveled camp for the first time
- It's always nice to see and have others nearby just in case. If you run into difficulties, reach out for help.
© Shutterstock
27 / 30 Fotos
Pro tip: Consider going without your dog the first time
- Though it’s tempting to bring Fido, it can drastically complicate things, including planning and actual execution of the trip.
© Shutterstock
28 / 30 Fotos
Post-trip care
- After you’re home from the trip, be sure to clean your gear, recover, and reflect on your experience. This will prepare you for the next great adventure! Sources: (REI) (An Ordinary Existence) (National Park Service) (American Hiking Society) (Fresh Off the Grid) See also: The best hiking trails around the world
© Shutterstock
29 / 30 Fotos
A beginner's guide to backpacking in the wilderness
Everything you need to know to have fun and be safe while backpacking
© Shutterstock
Imagine trekking through the wilderness only carrying a backpack. Whether solo or accompanied, backpacking can be an exciting adventure! But before you lace up your boots and pitch the tent, it’s important to truly prepare. From knowing what to pack to how to dress and even what to do in case of an emergency, you should come ready for anything and everything. Curious to learn how to start your backpacking journey? Click through to find out more.
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