Buzz
With just a little effort, your adventure trips can become incredibly enjoyable. A well-prepared journey lets you camp in scenic spots, free from unwanted crowds at popular camping locations. If you're keen on the idea of hiking through the forest and finding your own way out, you can learn how to plan your trip safely and thoroughly. Discover what to pack, how to plan an effective trip, and how to keep your group safe.
Steps
Plan Your Trip
Start with Day Hikes, then Progress to Overnight Trips. Before embarking on a long journey, try shorter hikes under different terrains and weather conditions to find what suits you. Make sure you're comfortable with forest explorations before committing to a 23km trail through dense wilderness.
- Try a hike without carrying gear, except for water, snacks, a local map, and a pair of proper shoes. Hike 2 or 3 kilometers with a few friends, just for fun.
- If you enjoy it, try hiking longer distances over more challenging terrains. If you enjoy that, take your bag with you and see how you fare. Gradually build up to a multi-day adventure.
Choose a general destination for your backpacking adventure. Are you drawn to the mountains? The plains? The great lakes? Depending on where you are located, the backcountry might be nearby, or you may need to travel further for a true hiking experience. In most regions, you shouldn't have to travel more than half a day by car to reach a good National or State Park suitable for hiking and camping.
- Make sure to pick a time of year that fits your destination. Some places can be overcrowded during certain seasons or holidays, while others may be unsuitable for backpacking during specific times. For example, venturing into the desert during summer as a beginner is not advisable.
- Avoid regions with high bear populations during bear season, which can differ by location.
Pick a specific park or wilderness area. Are you planning to hike through the Cumberland Gap? Visit Yosemite? Set up camp in the Grand Tetons? Once you've selected a region to explore, choose an area suitable for backcountry camping. In the US, here are some of the top spots for serious camping:
- Yosemite National Park, CA
- Joshua Tree, CA
- Denali National Park, AK
- White Mountain National Forest, NH
- Olympic National Park, WA
- Zion National Park, UT
- Glacier National Park, MT
- Big Bend National Park, TX
Plan your route through the area. Each wilderness area and park offers various options for backcountry hikers, so it's essential to review park maps or consult online resources like the National Parks website. Long hikes generally fall into three categories:
- Loop hikes, which form a circular route that leads you back to your starting point.
- Out-and-back hikes, where you travel to a specific destination and retrace your steps.
- End-to-end hikes typically require leaving a vehicle at both ends or arranging for pickup. These are usually for longer hikes that pass through multiple areas.
Be cautious with your routes and schedule during your first trips. While it may be tempting to dive straight into a challenging hike, take into account the terrain, weather, and the experience level of your group when planning daily mileage. Most trails have difficulty ratings, so stick to easy (level 1 or 2) trails for your first few hikes. They'll still provide a good challenge.
- Beginner hikers or those hiking on weekends should plan to cover 6–12 miles (9.7–19.3 km) per day. In difficult terrain, this distance will be plenty.
- Experienced hikers in good shape can sometimes tackle 10–25 miles (16–40 km) per day, depending on the terrain, but it's usually best not to push your limits.
Check if your destination requires permits or other advance preparations. If you're camping on public land, there's often a small fee to enter the park, plus another fee for camping. These fees are generally low, usually no more than $15 per night, depending on the season.
- At most parks, you'll need to display a permit on your car while hiking and attach one to your tent or bag. You'll be informed of the local rules when you check in at the ranger's office.
- National Parks and other public lands also have specific regulations depending on the environment and season. For instance, Yosemite requires the use of bear-proof food canisters.
Know the local fire regulations. Campfires can be a delightful addition to your adventure, but it’s essential to ensure they are allowed. Many areas may prohibit campfires during dry spells. At other times, fire rings at designated campsites may be the only authorized areas. Some regions may even require a special permit for using a cooking stove in backcountry areas.
- Always monitor your fire closely. Never leave it unattended, and ensure you have ample water to extinguish it completely. As a safety measure, clear a 15-foot (~5m) radius around your fire to prevent the wind from sparking a nearby blaze.
Preparing Your Gear for a Hike
Select a durable backpack that suits your body. A good hiking backpack, or rucksack, needs to be tough enough to carry a decent amount of weight but light enough not to cause significant discomfort over time. Seek out a pack with an internal frame, chest straps, and a waist strap to keep the load secure and properly balanced on your body.
- Backpacking backpacks are widely available in sporting goods stores and are typically fitted according to your body size. It’s advisable to have a fitting session to ensure the right fit.
- Your bag should be spacious enough to hold essential items like food, water, a first aid kit, rain protection, sun protection, a flashlight or headlamp with batteries, and a tent or sleeping bag, although some of these may not be needed for a group hike.
Choose the right hiking boots. No hiking trip is complete without suitable footwear. If you're going to cover long distances, it’s crucial to wear shoes that can withstand the journey. The ideal choice? Waterproof boots that offer the necessary support to keep you going.
- Don't attempt a multi-day hike in sandals or flimsy sneakers. While tennis shoes might be lightweight and suitable for certain environments, you’ll need sturdy boots to handle tougher terrain.
Pack in layers. Layering your clothing gives you the flexibility to stay comfortable in varying weather conditions. Just because it’s warm at the start of your hike doesn’t mean it’ll stay that way.
- Mountain weather can change rapidly, so even if it’s 90 degrees when you begin, it’s wise to bring along a light raincoat or jacket. Don’t forget a hat, gloves, socks, underwear, lightweight pants or shorts, and durable hiking boots.
- Opt for synthetic, wool, or down materials to keep yourself warm and dry, as opposed to cotton which absorbs moisture and takes longer to dry.
- Be sure to bring plenty of socks. You’ll be walking a lot, and it’s essential to keep your feet clean and dry throughout your hike.
Bring plenty of lightweight, high-energy food for the group. When venturing into the backcountry, it’s not the ideal time for indulging in s'mores or bacon. For those traveling light, opt for foods like dehydrated soups and stews that only require water, or freeze-dried meals. You might also consider dehydrating your own food. Pasta is another staple among hikers.
- It’s useful for everyone to handle their own snacks, but come together for a communal dinner. Pack energy-dense, protein-packed snacks like nuts and dried fruits to keep you fueled. Classic choices like raisins and peanuts are great options.
Pack as a team, not as individuals. Everyone should bring their own sleeping bag, and there must be enough tent space for all. But don’t end up in the backcountry with extra tents, like three people and four tents, or several camp stoves with just one fuel canister to share. Pack smartly. Coordinate gear with your group, share essential items, and divide the load across your packs.
- Ensure you have at least one of the following:
- Water filter
- Camp stove
- Cooking pot or pan
- Consider bringing backups for vital gear such as:
- First aid kit
- Compass
- Map copy
- Lighter or matches
- Flashlight
Inspect your equipment list. It’s crucial to ensure that all your gear is in good condition. Allow time to check your equipment and repair or replace any malfunctioning items. Keep in mind that if something breaks, you’ll still need to carry it back.
- If you haven’t cleaned your tent since the last trip, make sure to remove any debris and food scraps that might have accumulated. Set up your tent to air it out before packing it away again.
- Get fresh lighters, check the camp fuel, and verify that all flashlights and other crucial items have working batteries.
Pack a whistle and a mirror. Every backcountry camper should carry a whistle and a mirror in case of emergencies. A whistle can help locate a hiker who gets separated from the group. In more serious situations, a mirror can be used to signal for help by reflecting sunlight. These small tools could be lifesavers when you need them most.
Bring detailed maps of the area. Carrying a detailed map of the terrain you’ll be hiking is essential for a safe and successful journey. Trailhead maps are usually available at park entrances or visitor centers, but you can also find topographical maps at outdoor stores.
- While National and State Park maps may be good for short hikes, British Ordnance Survey and USGS (United States Geological Survey) maps with elevation contours are more accurate and useful in emergencies—assuming you can read them. These maps can typically be found at nearby sporting goods stores.
- Don’t forget to bring a compass and learn how to use it with your map.
- If you can't find printed maps, consider using software to print waterproof copies. While a GPS device helps pinpoint your position, you should still carry a map and compass for added reliability.
Distribute your pack's weight evenly. While your backpack may seem comfortable at first, you’ll quickly realize it’s unbalanced after a few miles, causing strain on one shoulder. It’s essential to organize the heavier items in your bag to maintain a balance from side to side and top to bottom.
- Place the heaviest items near your back and low in the bag to ensure better balance. Start by packing the bulkiest and heaviest items first, and then fill in the extra space with lighter items like clothing and smaller gear.
- For more tips on how to pack your backpack properly, check out this article.
Safety Planning
Learn about local hazards. Before setting out, it’s crucial to understand the specific dangers that the area may present to hikers. Is there poison oak? Are rattlesnakes or bears common? What about wasp season? And what should you do if you're stung?
- Being prepared for lightning storms is vital. Learn how to recognize the signs of a storm and locate proper shelter if needed.
- If you’re hiking above 6,000 feet, familiarize yourself with the symptoms of acute mountain sickness and know how to handle it.
- Basic first aid knowledge is essential, including how to treat cuts, scrapes, and fractures.
Hike in a group. Backcountry hiking is best done with a group, unless you're a seasoned hiker. A group of 2-5 hikers is ideal for your first time out. It’s also helpful to have someone experienced who knows the area you’ll be hiking in.
- If you're experienced, you can guide a newcomer on their first backpacking adventure. If you're new to backpacking, consider hiking with an experienced friend.
- It’s important that your camping partners share similar hiking speeds, endurance, and preferences. Some hikers prefer long distances with a light pack, while others like short hikes close to the car.
- If hiking solo, ensure someone knows your route, and that you are equipped and prepared to be self-reliant.
Carry plenty of water to get you from one source to the next. Water may be heavy, but it’s essential during your hike. Ensure that everyone in your group has at least 2 liters of clean water each day, especially if you’re exerting yourself and sweating.
- If using a water filter, bring extra parts and replacement filters, as they can easily get clogged or break.
- Boiling water for a minimum of one minute is a reliable backup method in case of emergency.
Check in with someone before you leave. Leave a detailed itinerary with someone who is not going on the trip, including your route, inventory, areas you plan to stay. It's important that someone knows when you expect to return, so they can check in if you're late. Be sure to contact them after you have safely returned.
- Leave a note on your car, at least. This can be very helpful in the event that you don't show back up to the car on time.
- Check in at the ranger station or the Visitor's Center before you go camping. This is an easy way to let people know how long you're going to be in the area.
Pace yourselves. An average hiking pace is 2-3 miles per hour. Don't get overambitious. Shoot for less, rather than more, so you can take time to enjoy the sights. Determine the approximate area where you will camp each night ahead of time. Try to plan your trip so that you camp close to a reliable water source each night.
Don't keep food in your tent. All of your food needs to be secured from bears, and kept separate from your tent, if you're going to be hiking in the backcountry. Even if bears aren't regularly found in the area you're hiking, it's important to protect yourself from all sorts of curious animals, who might want to sneak a bite.
- If you will be visiting an area with bears, bring a bag and rope to hang your food from a tree, or use an Ursack or bear canister, depending on local regulations.
- Follow the same precautions with anything scented, including hair products, shampoo, lotions, toothpaste, and gum.
- Always use the same bag for storing and hanging food and scented items, from campout to campout.
Lời khuyên
- Check National Forests and Parks in the area for seasonal camping times, and required/prohibited items.
- Check the USGS web site and get the Angle of Declination and know how to set your compass for that and how to read your map once set.
- There are a lot of on-line resources for destinations, trails, and equipment lists, some of which are listed below.
- If you are traveling abroad, know what items are prohibited to carry-on and check during flights. Although you might need a camp stove, you cannot pack fuel with you; buy the fuel at your destination.
- Keep a multi-tool with you, it comes in handy.
- Learn primitive fire if you're going deep woods camping.
- Pack heavier things in the center of your pack instead of the bottom.
Warning
- Look for signs of wildlife, such as animal tracks or droppings. If you spot fresh scat near your intended campsite, you may want to reconsider your choice of location.
- Backpacking can be challenging, but it’s incredibly rewarding once you push through.
- Wear clothes made from materials that retain warmth even when wet, like wool and fleece, especially in cold conditions. Avoid cotton, as it can make you vulnerable in wet weather. This could be a life-saving decision if you're caught in a downpour.
- Be cautious when selecting your campsite. Check for overhead dead branches that might fall on your tent, and inspect the ground for signs of previous flooding. If there’s a forecast for thunderstorms, steer clear of exposed ridgelines.
