If you can easily classify yourself as an adventure geek, why not give backpacking a shot. Backpacking gives you the opportunity to visit places that are firstly not easily accessible by car and places with very minimal human interaction. In other words, you get the chance to get in touch with nature. If that sounds like something you would be interested in trying, here are some tips to ensure you have the best backpacking experience.
Get In Shape
Backpacking is a thrilling experience but it also demands a lot from your body. It involves walking for miles either for a single day or multiple days. If this is your first time backpacking or you haven’t done it in a while, it is important to get in shape before your trip. Some training exercises you could try out include jump squats for overall workout of the muscles on your lower body and legs, step up exercises for your glutes and quad muscles, lift exercises to strengthen your upper body, cardio to build endurance (remember to add a backpack while doing the cardio exercises) and much more.
Do your research before attempting any training exercises, remember to warm up and most importantly please consult your doctor or a professional trainer beforehand.
Bring along backpacking Gear Essentials
Your backpacking gear should be lightweight and compact as everything you will need has to fit. With that being said, it wouldn’t be advisable to repurpose some car camping gear essentials as they may be too bulky for you to carry around. Below are some of the gear essentials you should bring with you.
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Tent
This acts as your shelter from outside elements. When looking for a backpacking tent, ensure its a three seasons tent and keep an eye out for its interior space, durability, quality, doors and whether its lightweight.
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Backpack
Your backpack should be comfortable on the hips and shoulders, durable and big enough for all the essentials you will need to carry and the length of your trip. If possible, have someone from your local camping stores measure your torso so as to find the pack that will perfectly fit you. Make sure you test it before going for your trip. In addition, bring along a rain cover just in case.
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Sleeping bag and sleeping pads
A quality sleeping bag may be expensive but worth the purchase as it will last you for years as long as you take care of it well. Purchasing a synthetic fill would be advisable as it is versatile and affordable.
Sleeping pads provide comfort and insulation throughout the night. The different kinds of sleeping pads include insulated air pads, self-inflating pads and closed-cell foam pads. Each offers a different kind of comfort, it all depends on your preference.
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Stove and fuel
There are backpacking stoves that weigh less than 2 ounces that would be ideal for backpackers. Before buying a stove, put into consideration the fuel type for example gas, liquid, solid fuel and stove design then make your choice.
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Backpacking food
Dehydrated meals are your go to if you intend on backpacking. This is because it’s easy to prepare and also less dishes. Examples of these meals include; Good-to-go Thai Curry, Good-to-Go granola, Mountain House Breakfast Skillet, Mountain House Biscuits and Gravy, Spaghetti Bolognese etc. A brand you could check for their variety of dehydrated meals is Campers Pantry.
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Water filter/purifier
It’s crucial to treat all water you find in the wilderness. There are chemical treatments, pumps, UV and gravity filters. Chemical treatments would be the best option be it adding tablets or drops to your water to purify it.
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Kitchen supplies and cooking utensils
When it comes to this, don’t get carried away and decide to bring your whole kitchen with you. Bring a few plates, pots, cups and cutlery for your meals. Others may opt to eat their meals straight from the packaging bags as you will just need to pour in boiled water in the bag and that’s it. The meal is ready.
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Maps or an App
The last thing you want is to get lost. Luckily nowadays there are apps for literally anything but you can’t rely solely on apps due to maybe network issues or connectivity so paper maps and GPS are an alternative.
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Footwear and clothing
Ensure your shoes and clothing are as comfortable and appropriate for the trip as possible. In this category some essentials you will need include, hiking shoes/boots, hiking pants, shirts and hiking socks. Don’t just grab any clothing from your closet and assume it will do. You could also throw in a rain jacket and an insulating jacket as well. Visit your local camping gear store for these items.
Other essentials you will need include headlamps, a first aid kit, trekking poles, sunglasses, hats/beanies, gloves, backpacking chair, sunscreen, insect repellent, personal hygiene items, some towels, a whistle, zip lock bags.
Location
It’s important for you to choose a location that’s near a river or lake for easy access to water. Once you find a location, obtain the appropriate permits and find out more about their rules and regulations about camping, campfires etc. At Murphy’s Creek Escape, we offer you a once in a lifetime Australian bush camping experience for backpackers. Visit our website to learn more.
Safety should be your priority
It is important for you to have a map and GPS and for you to know how to use it. In addition to that, do bring along a small first aid kit with all the essential tools in it. Anything can happen while you’re in the wilderness. Lastly, get to know what your emergency resources are in the area you’ll be backpacking in.
Read More: Campsite Security
Familiarise yourself with backpacking ethics
As a backpacker, adhering to the principle of “Leave No Trace” is crucial to preserving the natural beauty and integrity of the environment for future generations. This guiding philosophy encourages responsible outdoor ethics and ensures that our actions do not harm the environment or detract from the experiences of others. Here are the key aspects of “Leave No Trace” that every backpacker should follow:
Proper Waste Disposal
One of the most important tenets of “Leave No Trace” is proper waste disposal. This means packing out all trash, leftover food, and litter. If you brought it with you, take it back with you. This includes biodegradable items like fruit peels and cores, which can attract wildlife and disrupt the natural ecosystem. Use designated waste disposal sites if available, or carry a portable trash bag to keep your campsite clean and pristine.
Read More: Eco Camping Tips
Respect Wildlife
Observing wildlife is one of the great joys of backpacking, but it’s essential to do so respectfully. Maintain a safe distance from animals to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Do not feed wildlife, as this can create dependency on human food and cause harm. Store food securely to prevent attracting animals to your campsite. Remember, we are visitors in their home, and it’s our duty to minimize our impact on their habitat.
Leave What You Find
Part of the magic of nature is its untouched beauty. When backpacking, strive to leave natural and cultural features as you found them. This means not picking flowers, disturbing rocks, or taking any natural souvenirs. Preserve the sense of discovery for those who come after you by leaving the environment undisturbed. Additionally, avoid creating new campsites or trails, which can lead to soil erosion and habitat destruction.
Be Considerate of Other Visitors
The wilderness is a shared space, and being considerate of other visitors enhances everyone’s experience. Keep noise levels down to preserve the tranquility of the environment. Yield the trail to others when hiking, and respect the privacy of fellow campers by setting up camp away from others when possible. Follow all posted regulations and respect the boundaries of private property.
Follow Rules and Regulations
Each camping area may have specific rules and regulations designed to protect the environment and ensure the safety of visitors. These can include restrictions on campfire locations, fishing limits, or trail use. Familiarise yourself with these rules before your trip and adhere to them strictly. By following these regulations, you contribute to the conservation efforts and help maintain the area’s natural beauty.