If you’re new to backpacking, doing research is critical. Still, you can seek advice from friends and family members who have tried backpacking in the past. If they’re not experienced in backpacking, they’ll likely offer the same old advice: stay safe, or something along the lines of, don’t wander into unfamiliar territories. In most cases, no one will tell you about the intricate details of backpacking—which matter the most! As a backpacker, it’s in your best interests to ensure you pack everything properly. Remember: you’ll be carrying everything in your assortment. From essentials such as sleeping bags to basic commodities like food, you need to fit everything in there like a pro! This guide provides tried and tested tips and tricks every backpacker needs to know. Let’s get packing!
Carry the right gear
Backpacking gear is expensive. And sometimes, you still have to consider other factors such as cheap budget accommodation, cheap food, and good hiking trails: The last thing you want is an expensive budget you cannot cover. With this in mind, it makes it more important to try and save every ounce where possible. According to reviews found on this website, it’s easier to choose the best backpacking gear based on the price range you can afford. Generally, most experienced backpackers recommend renting your equipment if you’ll not use it again. Remember, whatever gear you use, ensure it’s comfortable and meets your needs.
Pack medication
It’s easy to think you’re invisible or immune when travelling outdoors. But here’s the truth, you’re not – you’re far from it! You’ll get sick and when you do, having medication you can reach for is better than trying to locate a pharmacy. If you’re in a foreign country, it can be more complicated because of the language barrier. Imagine trying to pronounce the Spanish word for ‘throat lozenge’ correctly—sounds tough! Remember to carry a variety of medicine that you trust to deal with any illness. Remember: prevention is better than cure. Even if you won’t use the medication, it’s better to stay safe than sick.
Inform your bank
Today, banks are sensitive, especially with suspicious transactions. These are transactions you conduct from a country you aren’t in. They’ll suspend your account immediately and try to contact you to confirm legitimacy—and with good reasons! Before travelling, inform your bank about your travel arrangements. Remember to mention the specific duration you’ll be out of the country. This ensures you’re not trapped on the other side of the world with no cash to use. This is the best tip for backpacking so ensure you keep your bank in the loop.
Carry calorie-high meals
Food is at the heart of any backpacking expedition. What’s more, it makes the heaviest parts of your pack but gets lighter as your backpacking expedition comes to an end. Try to carry food that can be rehydrated, especially if you’re following a trail near a water source. However, the case can be different if you’re backpacking in the desert. If so, carry foods that pack a lot of energy and calories for their weight throughout the day.
Additionally, include fruits and nuts for your lunch meals. Don’t forget some protein bars to keep you filled up. Meals such as pasta, powdered soup for a sauce, and mashed potatoes are great for dinner meals. For more tips, try these backpacking food ideas.
Pick a hike suited to your abilities
If you’ve not pre-planned a specific trail to start with, pick one that isn’t difficult. You also want to avoid going for high-elevation steeps. For instance, try to start with a three-day or even an overnight backpacking trip before jumping headfirst into a whole week. Generally, backpacking routes are circuits that can be done through the different entry and exit points available; This means you’re free to follow different routes. During the first few days, try and follow an easy route when your pack is heaviest. In most cases, the first days are tough for many backpackers because of the weight, and you’re just getting used to the rhythm of the journey. So, try to keep things easy before embarking on tough challenges as the days progress.
If it doesn’t fit, leave it.
This is a general rule most backpackers ignore. However, following this rule ensures you don’t pack large and unnecessary travel items that you think you need, which you don’t need. If something doesn’t fit in your backpack, remove it and go for something light. Please keep it simple.
Are you new to backpacking? If so, try to abide by the above tips. You don’t have to make your backpacking process complex and tedious. Keep everything simple. Also, keeping your backpack organised ensures you reduce what you pack. Remember: don’t overdo. Also, don’t wait until the night beforehand to load your necessities. The best time to pack is several days in advance. Enjoy!
Featured image: Austin Ban/Unsplash
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