During conversations with outdoor enthusiasts, you might have encountered the terms backpacking and backcountry being used.
Backcountry refers to a secluded and undeveloped location that is difficult to reach, where one can find the most extraordinary wilderness, incredible opportunities for wildlife observation, and breathtaking views. In other words, it is a remote and off-the-grid place.
You may be curious about the exact definition of backpacking.
No need to worry, we will eventually arrive at the destination.
Below we’ll get into the basics of backpacking for beginners, including answering the frequently asked question: What is backcountry camping?
What is Backpacking?
Backpacking is a type of outdoor expedition that involves a combination of hiking and camping, typically occurring in remote regions referred to as the backcountry.
The name is derived from the concept that you need to bear the weight of all your equipment and gear on your back. Unlike day hikes, backpacking requires a bigger backpack to hold your tent, food, water, and other supplies for spending a night (or sometimes multiple nights) in the wilderness.
Backcountry camping is often used interchangeably with backpacking, as they are closely associated.
This leads us to the following question…
What is Backcountry Camping?
The best way to fully embrace the outdoor experience and connect with nature is by going backcountry camping, which involves spending the night in an isolated wilderness and carrying all your equipment on foot.
Backcountry campsites, despite being located in remote backcountry areas, do not offer conveniences or amenities such as running water, restrooms, and RV hookups.
What can you expect at a backcountry campsite?
When camping in the backcountry at a specified campsite, you will generally discover a designated area that is flat and clear for placing your tent. Fortunate individuals may also encounter arranged logs for seating and a simple fire pit, unless camping at high altitude or in fire-prone regions where the latter will not be available.
Some designated backcountry campgrounds have a privy, which is a primitive outhouse. This facility is shared by all campers in the area, and its convenience depends on the location of your campsite in relation to the toilet.
If you are camping in bear country, there will be a food storage option available, most likely a bear pole where you can hang your food pack.
Tent Camping Checklist
- Tent
- Mattress (air mattress or Thermarest)
- Sleeping bags / Bedding
- Camp kitchen (cook stove, cooking utensils)
- Flashlights
- First Aid kit
- Clothing for the weather
- An ax for breaking up dead wood
- Matches or flint
Tips for Buying a Camping Tent
For our initial camping experience, we decided to borrow our neighbor’s old tent, which is a fantastic method to both give camping a try and save money.
When you are prepared to purchase a tent, entering a sports store to examine camping tents might seem overwhelming at first, but it’s important to keep in mind that the majority of new tents will effectively protect you from getting wet.
As the materials and construction become lighter and the designs become easier to set up and more sturdy in high winds, the costs will increase.
Having an understanding of the type of camping you intend to do can assist you in making decisions, as the requirements of a casual camper differ significantly from those of someone who hikes 10km before establishing their camp.
If you are not intending to engage in backpack camping, then the weight and size of the tent do not matter. In such a case, I would recommend opting for a larger camping tent, as it will provide more storage space for your gear and accommodate more campers comfortably. Although the tent we borrowed for our first trip was not lightweight, it managed to fulfill its purpose successfully.
Once we realized that backcountry camping was suitable for us, our decision was to invest in a superior tent.
When purchasing a tent, ensure that it falls within your budget; however, bear in mind that the worst scenario you want to encounter is finding out during a heavy rain at 3am that your tent is not completely waterproof.
If you are new to camping, you may want to consider renting your tent from an outdoor retailer or outfitter as it can serve as a useful resource for tent camping tips. Renting allows you to test out the gear and ensure that you enjoy tent camping before committing to purchasing equipment.
Camping Packing Tips
The way you pack is entirely based on the type of camping you are undertaking.
When you are backpacking, the focus is on being lightweight.
Camping in a designated spot close to your vehicle is less strenuous on your back, but it’s still important to stay organized.
Organizing gear by placing them in plastic containers is an excellent method to stay organized.
In order to keep all of your fresh food items fresh, it is necessary to have a cooler filled with ice.
Tent Camping Safety Tips
When engaging in tent camping, it is crucial to prioritize safety, which encompasses maintaining hygiene and properly storing food.
An essential safety tip for tent camping is to consistently ensure that your camping site remains clean and free of food items, which may lure animals.
When planning, consider that your tent must have a strict no food policy at all times. This policy even extends to snacks, toothbrushes, and toothpaste, as all of these can attract animals.
If you are backcountry camping, ensure that all food items are packed in the car or hung in a tree.
To avoid getting sick from bacteria, it is important to wash your hands and ensure that perishable food is kept on ice.
More planning & more work
When backpacking in the backcountry, it is necessary to hike in and hike out with all your gear. Unlike car camping, where you can easily drive your gear to your camping ground, in backpacking you are responsible for carrying your own shelter (tent), sleeping gear, water supply, food, and any additional equipment you may have.
To ensure your preparedness for unforeseen circumstances, it is important to have basic first aid knowledge, offline navigation skills, a water purification system, and a bear canister for safely storing food while camping in areas inhabited by bears.
Backcountry camping necessitates additional planning and preparation compared to regular car camping.
Permits may be required
When backpacking in National Parks or other protected areas, it is often necessary to secure a backcountry permit in advance.
These limited permits are available for purchase several months in advance, depending on the area, usually on Recreation.gov, and they tend to sell out rapidly. Additionally, they usually reserve a specific number of permits for first-come-first-serve basis. Therefore, if you want to secure a spot, you must personally visit the ranger station or information center.
To make sure it is easier to understand as we explore well-liked places, it is recommended to arrive at the ranger station as soon as you can. To illustrate, when we visited Grand Teton National Park, we arrived at the station two hours prior to its opening time, yet we were still approximately the 20th group in the queue.
To ensure compliance with permitting requirements, it is advisable to conduct some research in advance on the camping location of interest.
