If you love camping but want a greater challenge, and if you have a love for hiking that you want to elevate, why not consider combining the two? If this sounds like the ideal setup for you, then make sure to include backcountry camping as one of your goals for 2023.
If you’re prepared to move up from day-hikes and campgrounds, gather your backpack and camping gear to get ready for a backpacking adventure in the distant wilderness.
This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information and research for your backcountry camping experience. It covers topics such as preparation, packing essentials, common mistakes to avoid, and offers a variety of destination options. With this guide, you can easily embark on your backcountry adventure.
What Is Backcountry Camping?
When backcountry camping, it indicates that you are situated far from any roads or developed regions. You lack amenities commonly linked to civilized living, such as plumbing, parking lots, and designated car parking areas. Most likely, you have reached your camping spot by either hiking, skiing, kayaking, canoeing, climbing, mountain biking, or horseback riding. The primary guideline for backcountry camping is to always plan ahead: Inform someone of your destination and be ready for any potential adversity.
Start Small
When embarking on your initial backcountry camping expedition, aim to stay out for only a night or two. This approach prevents a potential catastrophe in case you pack unsuitable equipment or overlook carrying spare socks, unlike embarking on a week-long journey without the necessities. Additionally, endeavor to locate a spot that can be easily hiked out of in case of an emergency and conduct thorough research in advance.
Build Your Fitness
Although there is no required fitness test for backcountry camping or hiking, it is important to remember that life in the backcountry can be physically challenging. Engaging in activities such as walking, running, performing bodyweight exercises like squats and lunges, lifting weights, practicing core exercises, and indoor rock climbing can all be beneficial in preparing for the wild outdoors.
To understand backcountry camping, it is important to begin by considering the time, place, and gear. It is crucial to keep in mind that your gear selection will primarily rely on the location and duration of your trip. What is the timeframe for your expedition and what is the prevailing season? Additionally, how much time do you plan to spend in the outdoors?
When considering how to pack, it is important to take into account the specific conditions of your camping trip. Camping in the Arizona desert during the spring will present different needs compared to camping in the national forests of Pennsylvania during the winter. Ensuring warmth during the night primarily relies on having dry-wicking base layers, and the number of additional layers you wear will vary depending on the intensity of the cold weather.
When considering the type of sleeping bag and camping scenario, this logic also applies. Hammock camping can be wonderful; however, in colder weather, you need to bring additional gear to combat the chill from below the hammock.
Choosing the Right Sleeping Arrangements
When choosing a sleeping bag, it is important to consider what will keep you safe and warm. It is recommended to select a sleeping bag rated for at least ten degrees Fahrenheit lower than your expected temperature. By pairing a suitable sleeping bag with warm clothing layers, you can stay warm even during chilly nights.
Afterwards, contemplate the material you will place beneath your sleeping bag. Although Thermarest roll mats are light and comfortable, they do not offer the same protection as a small, inflatable sleeping mat. Many lightweight sleeping mats are available that can either inflate automatically or by blowing air into them by mouth. These mats create an air barrier between your back and the ground, making you feel much warmer and more at ease.
Lastly, you might be thinking about how to sleep during your camping trip, whether it’s in a tent, hammock, or bivvy bag. This decision ultimately depends on your personal preference and practical considerations. If the weather is warm and dry, hammock camping can provide a delightful experience. However, if the weather is warm but there is a chance of rain, it’s advisable to bring a lightweight tarp to protect your hammock. On the other hand, a bivvy bag serves as a waterproof shield for your sleeping bag and offers a simplistic and stripped-down camping experience.
Top Reasons to Go
I’m certain you don’t require much additional persuasion, however, here are a few advantages that validate the value of embarking on a backcountry camping expedition:
Leave the Crowds Behind
When it comes to backcountry camping, one of the greatest aspects is the sense of solitude achieved by being immersed in nature and opting for a path that is not often traveled.
Discover New Environments
Hiking deep into the backcountry grants access to unseen ecosystems, from vast mountain ranges to lush forests and sparkling lakes. Experiencing the overwhelming beauty of nature while encountering diverse environments is truly extraordinary.
Gaze at the Stars
If you are in a certain location, there are numerous remote areas that are not affected by artificial lighting, allowing you to lie down on your sleeping bag and observe the transition from twilight to complete darkness. If this activity appeals to you, you can find additional information about internationally recognized Dark Sky Parks, which are specific regions globally acclaimed for their unobstructed views of the night sky.
See and Hear Wildlife like Never Before
As there are fewer crowds, be prepared to spend your days and nights in the company of the local wildlife. Due to the absence of a constant stream of visitors, there is a higher chance of encountering animals up close, in contrast to well-frequented trails.
How Should I Prepare for My Trip?
It is important to engage in personal preparation for your backpacking trip, regardless of who you choose to accompany you. Having a well-defined plan and a few contingency options is essential (including additional backup plans, because being prepared at all times is important, isn’t it?).
Find a Friend
If you are a novice, it is not recommended to go solo travel in the backcountry because of the potential risks. To ensure your safety, I suggest finding someone or a small group who have a similar passion for the backcountry. However, if you are confident to go backcountry solo, make sure to extensively prepare and select a route with fewer hazards.
Don’t Ignore the Weather
If you have a set travel date, ensure that the location you choose has favorable weather conditions. It should be noted that certain places at high elevations may have snow until late into the spring and summer, necessitating the use of specialized equipment like ice picks for hiking. Irrespective of anticipated weather conditions, it is important to plan for all possible weather scenarios, including extreme heat, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Monitor the weather conditions during the week leading up to your departure to have a clear understanding of what weather you can expect.
Map it Out
To plan your route and camping spots, use 2D and topographical maps available online and in guidebooks. Additionally, identify water sources and alternative campsites as a precaution. Calculate the average daily distance you will cover, considering elevation, terrain, and the collective skill level. Beginner backpackers should strive for 5-10 miles per day as a guide, while experienced hikers typically manage between 15 and 25 miles.
Test your Gear
Before venturing into the wilderness, it is advisable to practice operating your equipment and ensuring that all components are in good working condition.
