Backpacking has always been one of the favorite activities amongst adventure seekers. It comes with tons of benefits, starting from health improvement and relaxation to breathing fresh air and recharging your batteries to the max. Backpacking can be a one or multiple days trip, and there are several things that you should pay close attention to.
For example, do you know how to pack your backpack to have the best organization? Do you have any idea how much food and water to take? You’ll surely need enough food, so we have a few backpacking food ideas for you. What about clothes? Seems easy and simple, but in reality, small details can make or break the backpacking trip.
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Avoid those mistakes on your first backpacking trip
Overestimating yourself
If you’re new to outdoor adventures, it’s a pretty common mistake to choose a trail way beyond your fitness level. Make sure your first trail is smaller, simpler, and well-marked. Those are the three most important things you need to remember. If it’s possible, choose a trail that is closer to home. That way, in case of inconvenience you’ll be able to go home quickly.
Also, make sure you check the weather in advance. You want your first backpacking trip to be when it’s warm and the Sun is shining. Rain and wind will only make the trip harder for you, and if you plan on staying the night, it’s going to be pretty cold, and campfire is out of the question because of the weather. But, you don’t want to experience a heatwave, so make sure that the temperatures aren’t sky-high either.
Not bringing enough food and water
While you’re walking, you’ll be burning a lot more calories than usual. So, calorie count should be the least of your concerns. Grab tons of snacks, candy bars, small food that can be easily stored in the backpack. Also, make sure all of the food is full of nutrients, such as proteins, fats, carbohydrates. They will keep you fueled throughout the day, and if you want to feel full for a longer period of time, look for foods rich in fibers.
When it comes to water, you first need to check if your trail has a drinkable water source. most of the trails that are available online have all the info you need, including this one. You can also check some testimonies and reviews from visitors who are active backpackers as well. But, if there is no clean water, you need to bring enough water bottles for the time being. On average, you need 2 liters of water a day. If you walk, those amounts increase. Always make sure you bring one extra bottle just in case.
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Forgetting the essentials
Do you know exactly what you need for that backpacking trip? Sure, you’ll need a backpack, food, water, but what else? If you’re spending the night make sure you bring a tent and a sleeping bag that will meet your needs perfectly. Your backpack should ideally have multiple compartments so that you can be well-organized. In the smaller compartments, you can put your pocket knife, power bank, first aid kid, lighter, and matches…
It tends to get pretty dark out in the wild, so even if you’re not planning on spending the night, make sure you have a headlamp or a flashlight with you stored in one of the compartments. An extra set of clothes that are folded and neatly stored at the bottom of the backpack will find its use when it gets super cold as the temperatures drop below zero. You’d like to sleep in a fresh, clean pair of socks and shirt after all, right?
The importance of the right shoes
You need to ditch your favorite oxfords and bring out that pair of chunky boots that you thought were out-fashioned and ugly. Depending on the trail, you’ll either choose comfy sneakers made for walking long distances, or you’ll get shoes made with high-quality materials, that have thicker soles and cover and protect your ankles.
The right walking shoes will lower the chances of you bending and twisting your ankle, they’ll protect your feet, let them breathe. They should also be the right size for you. When we walk for longer periods of time, our feet tend to swell, and the shoes feel tight. This is going to be a major problem for you, that will probably make you sit down, collect yourself, and walk back home. Invest in high-quality, you definitely won’t regret it.
Summary
Your first outdoors adventure will be far from perfect. You’ll learn new things along the way, people will share their experiences, tips, and tricks with you, and over time you’ll become quite skillful. The best way to learn about those adventures is through mistakes, and in the end, the most important thing is to relax and have a nice time surrounded by nature.