Backpacking Basics
BackpackingForBeginners.net is dedicated to helping you understand how to start enjoying the outdoors as a well prepared and safely outfitted backpacker and camper. Some of my favorite memories are hiking along the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and North Carolina with my family.
You can't beat learning about nature first hand and the healthy exercise is a great stress buster. Once you learn the basics you can go backpacking across the world and feel comfortable and safe.
Many outdoorsmen prefer the solitude of backpacking alone, but I have almost always liked the planning and preparation that goes along with a group hike, whether just for the day or an overnight trip. Having others backpack with you not only gives you someone to share your memories, but also helps to eliminate some of the safety issues a solo hiker may encounter. A healthy respect for the outdoors is a lesson best learned early.
Backpacking for newbies can be intimidating, so the best way to proceed is planning a short trip during the day. This will teach you some of what you can expect as far as the physical demands, and get you familiar with the things that are necessary to to carry in your backpack. One thing I learned early on was if I had to carry my pack for any length of time, it would only contain supplies that were needed for the specific journey I had in mind. That is one reason short hikes are better in the beginning. What you need when backpacking will vary, so learning hiking and camping basics is important.
Backpacking Basics
The logical place to begin is what types of clothing are best. My first few trips into the mountains taught me to leave the cotton clothing at home. I am a sweaty person, and once my cotton socks and briefs got damp they caused painful blisters. Even the cotton shirts I wore chafed more than I would have imagined.
As I started doing overnight stays on the mountains I also found cotton just didn't provide the insulation and comfort I wanted. In colder climes I have worn denim jeans, but even then I would never wear a new pair that wasn't broken in. There may be some cotton blends that work fine, but as a general rule I look for synthetic materials in the shirts, shorts, pants and socks I wear when backpacking.
Although synthetic clothing can generally be fairly cheap, I make a practice
of checking the local Goodwill stores for shirts and pants. The price is right and I like to feel the money goes to a worthy cause. One thing to avoid is any t-shirts with a thick transfer or screen print that doesn't allow air to wick the moisture from your body.
As a hiking and backpacking enthusiast, I am a firm believer in layering for comfort and protection when the weather turns cold. This can even apply to warm weather trips if you are going to spend the night outdoors. Let your local outfitters help you make a backpacking cold weather gear list before attempting an overnight hiking adventure.
1) Skin Layer
The layer next to your skin should move any moisture away from your body. This helps keep your core temperature regulated, and being dry is very important for staying warm in cold situations.
2) Middle Layer
This layer during is important for retaining the body heat that is wiced away by the skin layer. I normally carry my favorite pullover sweater, but there are many articles of clothing made of fleece and wool that work fine and you probably have them in your wardrobe.
3) Top Layer
This important layer is meant to handle the windy, cold and rainy conditions. Remembering to include this type of attire will make backpacking for beginners a more pleasant experience, and in some instances be lifesaving if something unexpected happens to you or one of your group. Talking with an experienced hiker will help you decide if a light weather repellent jacket is enough or something heavier is a better bet.
I personally carry a very cheap lightweight poncho most of the time. I do try to only use them as an extra layer I can tuck in for a little protection. They can be kind of useless in very windy conditions. I also carry a plastic bag to help keep my wet and dry items seperate in my backpack.
Footware
This is an especially important subject to include in backpacking for beginners. The terrain will dictate what style of boots you should use. You notice I said boots. Others may say that sneakers are alright, but even on short day hikes, a pair of boots you have taken the time to break in will save you a lot of grief. They don't necessarily have to top of the line leather clodhoppers, but if you become an backpacking enthusiast, the sooner you create a comfortable pair the more your feet will thank you.
By wearing your boots while carrying a full backpack you can find and treat the areas that chafe your feet and also adjust the pack to a comfortable fit. Novice hikers may find the high top of their boots uncomfortable at first, but the ankle support provided is added protection.
Backpacks
If you are just starting backpacking, the loads you will be carrying will probably not be what the experienced backpacker carries on overnight trips.
There are many different types of backpacks out there including internal and external frames. Also backpacks that use pads that are used for sleeping as the frame, and the lightest no frame ruck sacks for short trips in good weather. Going Camping? Best Rental Rates
Which ever you choose, you need to have a backpack designed to carry all the gear required for your hike, and the comfort factor is high. Since your clothing, food, utensils and sleeping bag comprise your lifeline, it is important to select the best model.
If someone you know has a pack you can borrow that is probably a good way to start learning about what each type of frame feels like. I find eBay to be a good resource too.There are also rentals available through hiking and climbing outfitters. These professionals are a great source of information.
Sleeping Bags And Pads
Whether you choose a synthetic fiber-filled bag or a sleeping bag filled with down, make sure you choose the right rating for the climate. Most backpackers don't need a rating below freezing, because they limit their treks to Spring, Summer and Fall.
If you live and hike on the Northeast or Northwest coast you may find the less expensive synthetics are more water resistant and a good choice. If you live in dryer climates down is a more expensive choice, but are much lighter if this is a major consideration. Keeping a down sleeping bag dry is the only way it will work. Fiber filled is more forgiving and still works when wet, but is heavy and bulky when compared to down.
Sleeping pads basically come in either foam or air chambered. These are really a personal preference. The air pads are bulky and more costly than the foam pads, so try to locate one you can test before you decide. Either way I think you will want an extra layer is more comfortable and helps keep your sleeping bag from contact with the ground.
Tents And Tarps
Since BackpackingForBeginners.net wants to keep it simple, you might want to take an experienced hikers advice on shelter. There are numerous situations where the lightest backpacking tarp or good poncho is sufficient protection. I personally prefer a tent that can be used in at least three seasons. Newbies to the hiking experience will probably want a tent, and one that can handle extra campers just adds to the comraderie.
Backpacking and camping can be a pleasant experience if you take the time to prepare and use the tips outlined above. We hope you will return to check for more informative articles and please feel free to comment and make suggestions to improve our site.
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I was surfing the Internet last night looking at some backpacking equipment. I like to go backpacking about twice a year. Its been a good way for me to clear out my mind now and then. Plus I like getting away from people for awhile.
I am going backpacking tomorrow with my friend Field and a friend of a friend Mike (sort of becoming my friend, he’s a fun guy). We are going to ‘tackle’ a 12 mile streach of the C&O canal trail from the Paw Paw tunnel to Devils Alley.
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Posted in Breakfasts, Snacks | Tagged backcountry cooking, backpacking food, backpacking recipes, hiking food, hiking recipes, homemade energy bars, trail cooking, trail food, and wilderness cooking.
Backpacking And Hiking Journals
I had to carry everything to the shelter to pack my backpack and take the tent down in the rain. Not only is it a muddy mess, carrying wet gear it is heavier. We hiked 3.5 miles to Dick's Creek Gap. Most of the trail was down hill so it wasn't too bad.
Unlike many backpacking routes, this hike offers great mountain views right from the start. The trail follows Cottonwood Creek through prime moose habitat before climbing to excellent camping in the beautiful glacial tarn.
