Backpack Trip Planning Essentials

Backpack trips are gaining popularity as a great way to spend an afternoon, an overnight or even a few months. Regardless of how long you want to go for, there’s a lot of planning that goes into a backpacking trip.

These simple steps can help you plan your backpacking trip and get you to the trail heads fast.

1. Determine what trail you want to hike and how long you want to go for. Websites such as Hiking and Backpacking.com and The Backpacker.com are excellent places to start your search. They break the trails up into states and have all of the contact information for each trail. The Backpacker.com also has reviews from fellow hikers, which make picking a trip easier.
2. Find the right supplies for your trip. Regardless of how long your backpacking trip is, a lightweight pack is essential. Also acquire a lightweight sleeping bag and tent if you’re spending even one night on the trail.
3. Create a meal plan and cater for at least one extra meal. Even if you’re planning on a day hike, take extra food along in case you get lost or are hungrier than you thought you’d be. Keep your meals easy, quick to prepare and lightweight. Also, don’t forget to pack a stove if any of your food requires cooking.
4. Make or buy a first aid kit that includes adhesive bandages, matches or a lighter, a small knife, scissors, gauze bandages, rubber gloves, tweezers and a cold pack.
5. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, insect repellent and a flashlight or headlamp on your backpacking trip. These aren’t essential to your survival, but you don’t want to be caught without them.
6. Pack extra warm clothing and water. In lieu of extra water, you can pack water purifying tablets and a water filter if you’re sure of finding water on your backpacking trail.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure that your sleeping bag is rated for at least -30 degrees if you plan to do any winter hiking or hiking in the mountains.
• If you’re a beginning hiker, start with a short, day hike and work your way up from there. Also look for trails that are rated easy or moderate.

Check List

Make a backpacking check list and modify your lists based on:

• How long the trip will be
• Can you share common gear
• Weather conditions (but be prepared for unexpected conditions, too!)
• Weight of the pack after you finish loading
• What doesn’t fit into the pack as you finish loading it that’s necessary
• Lightweight sleeping bag or blankets depending on time of the year

How much and what should you carry in the pack?

Are you going out for exercise? Then carrying extra stuff is part of the “workout.” Are you going out to have a good time and take it easy? Then perhaps certain luxury items are just that — a luxury.

How much food do you want to eat or carry? Are you a minimalist or extremist? You probably don’t even know and won’t know until you’ve done a few trips.

How many miles will you be covering each day? Will the terrain be flat or involve some steep climbs? What condition are you in? How many are in your group to share common whole-group items? What will the weather probably be like?  Will you encounter ice, a river or creek to cross?

Look at the checklist above again and scratch out stuff you obviously don’t need or don’t yet possess. Also add things you want. Then see if it all fits in your pack. If not (and it probably won’t the 1st time!) remove items until it all fits. Then try it on to see if it’s too heavy. Lastly, keep a written list of stuff you should have brought or should have left behind.

Please leave a comment if you have some other ideas/suggestions. And have fun out there in the backcountry!