Backpacking
To an avid hiker, the word backpacking means to trek and camp overnight in the wilderness. Now, backpacking is a form of hiking that requires a lot more effort than the typical day hike. Consider that the backpack adds ten plus kilos to your overall weight. But, there is a lot of fun to be had in it too. Backpacking makes a hiking trip easier to extend because you will have everything you need for a few days and nights on the trail. There is something refreshing about living simply, even if it is only for a little while.
Preparation
To successfully plan a backpacking trip you need to keep some things in mind while preparing. Think about your stamina, the terrain, the weather and any possible hazards, otherwise the backpacking experience may not be as fun as you had visualized.
One of the most important things to work on is your stamina. If you are not able to carry ten to fifteen kilos on your back for a long distance, then you will want to plan on only taking shorter trails until your stamina is built up to a point where you will be able to last a while on a backpacking venture. In considering your stamina, also keep the terrain in mind.
The Terrain
Different terrains lend different challenges. An easy terrain without too many rises and falls will be ideal for a beginner. Someone who has been backpacking for a while will be able to take on tougher challenges like mountainous terrain. Different trails have different types of risks so be sure to choose your trail wisely (do some research), because of the hazards that may be involved. There are all sorts of different risks that can be found on different trails. Bears may be common on one trail while totally non-existent on another. Things to look into include what type of potentially dangerous plant and wildlife to expect around the area and what to do if you run into them.
Trail Rules
Also pay attention to the trail regulations. There are some trails that prohibit campfires. Trail specific rules and hazards are always something that will need to be kept in mind when setting out on a trip, but something that is always changing is the weather. Always take the weather into account when you are going on any sort of hiking trip and dress and pack accordingly.
It is important to register at the trail office especially when trekking alone so that details of your route are available in case of emergency. Getting stranded on a trail is something that everyone thinks will happen to someone else, but surely not themselves! Well, this just isn’t the case. Leave your plans with a few people and most important, listen to what your body is telling you. Take a break if needed, the trail will still be there to hike on after having taken a rest. Above all else, enjoy your time backpacking on the trail and take the opportunity to unwind and relax.
