Before embarking on a backpacking trip, it is crucial to ensure that you have all the necessary equipment. To effectively assess your gear, it is recommended to utilize a backpacking checklist. Our convenient checklist encompasses the essential items for various durations in the wilderness, ranging from an overnight stay to a week-long excursion. It is important to note that this list is specifically designed for backpacking during three seasons. For specific circumstances such as snow camping, desert camping, or thru-hiking, additional or alternative equipment will be required.
Apply for Backcountry Permits
Backcountry permits are required for overnight trips in many areas, especially within national parks and along popular trails. The purpose of these permits is to restrict foot traffic and safeguard the natural environment of the designated regions.
When it comes to obtaining permits, there are two options: plan well in advance or attempt to obtain a walk-in permit. Typically, people begin applying for backcountry permits in January for trips scheduled during the summer.
In order to apply for any backcountry permits, it is important to have a general understanding of the planned route, desired travel dates, and the number of individuals in your group. Additional information regarding backcountry permits can be obtained for Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Moreover, if you are interested in backpacking along Wyoming’s 550-mile Continental Divide Trail, further details can be found there.
Figure Out Travel Logistics
Once you have determined your general route, you can start organizing the details of your backpacking trip. In addition to regular transportation, you may need to investigate trailhead parking and shuttles if you intend to finish at a different trailhead than where you began. If your backpacking excursion exceeds one week, you will need to find out about locations where you can drop off food. Ensure that you can send yourself a resupply of food or access a town to restock.
Examine your map thoroughly to determine how many miles you intend to hike per day. Once you have calculated this distance, locate a suitable campsite for each night. A good guideline for your daily mileage would be to consider your fitness level, the variations in elevation, and any points of interest you may wish to explore. It is advisable to incorporate some extra days into your itinerary to avoid rushing in case of unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, sharing your group’s itinerary with friends and family is a wise precaution for added safety, as is the case with any trip.
Gather Your Gear
Begin by creating a packing list and take note of any equipment you may need to buy or improve. If you are already a frequent camper, you might be able to utilize most of your existing gear and simply exchange any heavy items for lighter alternatives. In terms of weight, prioritize the main three items: backpack, shelter, and sleeping bag. These will be the most crucial and heaviest items on your inventory, so concentrate on reducing weight in these areas initially.
It is important to test your gear, including hiking boots and backpack, before embarking on any major trips. This will ensure that you are comfortable and adequately prepared for the trail. Additionally, it is crucial to take into account the local wildlife. In areas with grizzly bears, it is advisable to pack bear spray, and bear canisters are often necessary for storing food.
Plan Your Meals
When it comes to backpacking, food is often considered a top priority for many individuals. This becomes particularly evident as appetites tend to increase twofold in the backcountry, which can pose a challenge due to the weight of food. By prearranging your meals, you decrease the chances of overpacking or underpacking.
When deciding on nourishment, be mindful of weight and the likelihood of spoilage. Avoid fresh fruits and lunchmeat, and opt for dehydrated fruits, peanut butter, and dehydrated camp meals instead. Additionally, consider how you will cook your meals. Isobutane-powered camp stoves that are lightweight are the most suitable choice, as fires often have restrictions at certain elevations or within protected areas.
Pick the Place
The first question to consider is where you want to go backpacking, as the answer is often influenced by a particular destination that inspires you.
However, inexperienced backpackers often make the mistake of selecting a destination for their set vacation dates without taking into account several factors that influence the best time of the year for the trip and when it is not feasible. For instance, numerous mountain ranges are not easily accessible (unless one possesses advanced skills and specialized equipment) for a significant part of the year due to heavy snowfall, with hiking trails only becoming available in June or July. Additionally, certain locations frequently experience substantial rainfall and are infested with swarms of mosquitoes during specific periods, both of which can negatively impact the overall experience.
Reverse that faulty thinking: If your dates are inflexible, choose a trip that suits your dates or, alternatively, select suitable dates for your desired trip. Engage in some research concerning a destination’s most unique features and the optimal periods to witness them, such as wildflowers, waterfalls, vibrant foliage, or simply more favorable weather.
Choose a Route That’s Right for Everyone
If your trip plan does not take into consideration the slowest and least-comfortable person, whether they are a child or an adult, whether it is a family, your favorite person, or a group of friends, the group’s pace and some choices will inevitably be influenced by them. Consequently, problems are likely to arise.
When planning trips, I usually follow one of these two strategies, intentionally designed for the benefit of everyone, which typically lead to very different experiences.
- If the trip involves a specific, challenging adventure—climbing a mountain or backpacking a challenging route, for instance—choose partners who have the physical stamina, skills, and comfort level for everything you will encounter.
- If the trip’s goal is a fun adventure for a specific group of people—your family or any mix of people with a range of experience, stamina, and abilities—choose a destination and plan an itinerary that’s going to be enjoyable for everyone, including the slowest, least-experienced members of the group.
Craft a Sensible Itinerary
Ensure that your itinerary aligns with the available time, as trying to fit too many activities into a limited timeframe may lead to exhaustion and diminish everyone’s enjoyment.
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If you plan your travel time too tightly, a delayed flight or bad traffic could ruin your entire trip. When traveling to remote places, especially in winter when weather delays are common, it is important to anticipate delays when taking multiple flights. Planning an itinerary that involves hiking longer distances per day than your group can handle is not recommended. Making travel plans that do not allow for sufficient sleep can be problematic. When crossing multiple time zones, it’s important to anticipate the need for sleep upon arrival at your destination.
Talk to Someone Who’s Done It
Despite having years of experience in hiking, backpacking, climbing, skiing, and paddling, I make it a point to seek guidance from individuals who have either embarked on the exact journey I’m planning or have similar experiences in the same park or general vicinity.
Whenever I engage in that activity, I acquire knowledge that surprises me.
It is possible that the individual you seek advice from is someone you are acquainted with or anyone knowledgeable about the hike you are organizing. This person can be a backcountry ranger, a member of a hiking club, or an employee at a nearby outdoor-gear store or another establishment. By asking questions, you are likely to receive helpful answers.
