If you love camping but want a more challenging experience, and if you have a passion for hiking that you want to elevate, consider combining the two by making backcountry camping one of your goals for 2023.
To venture into the remote wilderness on a backpacking journey, gather your backpack and camping gear if you are seeking an upgrade from day-hikes and campgrounds.
This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information for backcountry camping, including preparation, packing, avoiding mistakes, and various destination options. It contains all the research and information you require to easily embark on your backcountry adventure.
What is Backcountry Camping?
Backcountry camping, a true wilderness experience that combines hiking and camping, involves traversing barely-touched terrains while indulging in solitude and the natural environment. It is a trip suited for experienced hikers and campers, as it necessitates a specific skill set for survival. Adequate preparation is crucial as you must be capable of packing and carrying all necessary items in your backpack. Rest assured, this article will address what qualifies as ‘essential,’ alleviating any concerns.
Top Reasons to Go
I’m confident that you don’t require much additional persuasion, however, I would like to highlight a few advantages that make backcountry camping a worthwhile experience.
Leave the Crowds Behind
One of the advantages of backcountry camping is the sense of solitude that accompanies being secluded in nature and opting for a less popular path.
Discover New Environments
Many people do not have the opportunity to witness ecosystems that are unseen by many others when they hike deep into the backcountry, where they encounter vast mountain ranges, lush forests, and sparkling lakes. Hiking through these changing environments and being engulfed by nature creates an extraordinary experience.
Gaze at the Stars
If you are in certain locations, you will find numerous regions in the backcountry that are devoid of light pollution, enabling you to spread out your sleeping bag and witness the transition from twilight to nighttime. If this piques your curiosity, you can find additional information about internationally recognized Dark Sky Parks, which are renowned areas worldwide for their unobstructed night skies.
See and Hear Wildlife like Never Before
As there are fewer crowds, get ready to spend your days and nights in the company of the local wildlife. Due to the reduced number of visitors, the chances of spotting animals up close are significantly higher compared to busy trails.
How Should I Prepare for My Trip?
It is crucial to engage in personal preparation for the backpacking trip, regardless of who you decide to go with. Having a well-defined plan is necessary, along with a few alternative options in case of unexpected circumstances (and even additional alternatives – being prepared is important, after all).
Tent Recommendations for Beginners
Over the years, I have tried different backpacking tents, and my preferred choice is the recently enhanced Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 tent. It is an ideal option for individuals or duos, providing absolute perfection.
With a weight of less than three pounds (!!!), ample vestibule space, two doors for convenient access, and the option to utilize hiking poles for a shaded area, this tent possesses all these features.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly backpacking tent, I strongly suggest the REI Passage 2. It costs only $159 and includes the tent and the footprint, which is awesome. The tent has great features such as 2 doors, ample storage, and a reliable reputation. The only downside is its weight, as it comes in at 5lbs 10oz when the rainfly is attached.
If you’re new to backpacking, having a heavier tent is acceptable. However, if you’re intending to do a thru-hike, the weight of the tent will be important.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Pad
When considering the selection of a sleeping bag, it involves a combination of artistic and scientific factors. Initially, determine your preference between down or synthetic fill. Down provides superior warmth, is lighter in weight, has a longer lifespan, and comes at a higher cost. On the other hand, synthetic fill presents an affordable alternative.
Once you have made a decision on the type of fill, the next step will entail selecting a temperature rating, taking into consideration the time and location of your backpacking activities.
If your plan involves backpacking in the mountains, it is important to have a bag that is suitable for colder temperatures, even during summer. Personally, if I feel extremely cold, having a bag with a temperature rating of 20 degrees or below will prevent many uncomfortable nights.
Finally, consider fit as the last but vital aspect. The fitting of the bag you choose is determined by factors such as your sleeping style, body shape, and height.
If you are a tall woman, you may discover that men’s sleeping bags fit better and you can avoid paying extra for a tall woman’s size, even though women’s specific sleeping bags are generally rated for lower temperatures.
If you are a man who tends to feel cold while sleeping, perhaps considering a taller women’s sleeping bag could provide you with the most comfortable and warmest night’s sleep. The main idea is to be open-minded when exploring different options for sleeping bags and not restrict yourself to specific gender-related choices.
Choosing a sleeping pad
When it comes to sleeping pads, you generally receive the quality you pay for, up to a certain extent. I have discovered that the pricier sleeping pads may not necessarily be superior unless your focus is on reducing weight.
When considering the R-value of the pad, pay attention to its insulation value, which determines how well it insulates. Even during summer backpacking trips, the ground functions as a heat sink, causing sensations of coldness.
When you are starting out, a Therm-A-Rest is a straightforward and convenient option that provides the best value for your money. Despite the additional weight and size, the added comfort and insulation it offers make it worthwhile. Throughout the years, I have consistently used Therm-a-Rest pads and have always been satisfied with their performance.
Once you have gained some experience, you may want to upgrade your pad to a more compact and lightweight option such as the Big Agnes Q Core SLX Insulated. Although this pad remains reasonably warm, it is also lightweight and snug.
The Best Water Filters for Camping
Water filtration is of utmost importance. In technical terms, if one possesses a stove, they have a means to filter water. However, it is understandable that not everyone desires to consume hot water while on a hiking trail.
I have come across various eccentric water filtering devices, most of which are troublesome. It is best to steer clear of gravity-fed options, and pump filters can also pose difficulties due to their numerous moving components. It is advisable to opt for a straightforward solution.
The Sawyer Squeeze Water Filtration System is my preferred choice when venturing into the backcountry. I spent $30 on this reliable product because I was short on funds but desired to go backpacking. It’s fast, efficient, and economical. Additionally, you have the option to purchase replacement parts in the event of any damage. However, don’t forget to flush it out after every journey and perform an annual cleansing using a bleach solution.
When it comes to travel, consider using a Grayl. I appreciate the Grayl’s convenience and speed. Although it may be a bit bulky for backpacking, if you find yourself in a foreign country where tap water is not safe for consumption, the Grayl is a valuable addition even with its added weight.
The Best Backpacking Stove for Beginners
Unless you possess the ability to survive on goo for multiple days, a backpacking stove is quite necessary. Additionally, if you’re astute, it can also come in handy during car camping. Having utilized a Jetboil for an extensive period, I recently switched to the MSR PocketRocket 2 Delux, and I will explain the reasons behind this decision.
At a similar price point as the Jetboil, the PocketRocket 2 Mini Stove Kit offers the same functionality as the Jetboil Flash, but with significantly less weight (and at a $20 lower price for the MSR kit). While the Jetboil may boil water slightly faster by approximately 14 seconds, this marginal advantage does not justify the additional inconvenience, expense, and heaviness.
