If you are a beginner backpacker or have experience hiking in the woods, there are several inquiries you should make when preparing for an overnight backpacking journey. Where should I choose as my destination? Is a permit required? What food should I bring? What items do I need to pack? I have been in your shoes. When I first began hiking and exploring the outdoors, I had no clue how to plan a backpacking trip. However, now that years have passed, planning a backpacking trip has become one of my favorite aspects of the entire process. It may seem a bit overwhelming for newcomers, but we have all the information you need.
The 5 steps of planning a backpacking trip
1) Pick dates for your backpacking trip
The initial phase of planning a backpacking trip involves determining the desired time for embarking on the overnight adventure. Your chosen dates will determine the suitable destinations based on weather conditions, unless you are interested in snow camping. For instance, if you prefer to go in January, your options will be limited to warmer regions such as Southern California, Arizona, or Florida. Conversely, during summer, it is advisable to explore mountainous areas where the temperatures are lower.
If you are inexperienced, it is recommended to go on a trip for 1-2 nights to gain some experience. This will allow you to learn about the gear that works for you and what doesn’t, as well as determine what essentials you need to bring and what can be left behind to reduce weight. It will also give you the opportunity to assess whether you brought the right amount of food and discover your preferred hiking pace. On the other hand, if you have more experience and available time, it is advisable to opt for a longer trip. The extended duration will give you more time to relax and enjoy the benefits of being in the wilderness.
2) Pick a trail for your backpacking trip
When you are planning a backpacking trip, it can be a bit difficult to choose a trail due to the abundance of amazing trails and destinations available. Take a moment to consider the following:
- How far do you want to hike? If you are new to backpacking, 5-7 miles a day is a good target. Remember, if you aren’t used to carrying a lot of weight, then backpacking will be more challenging than a regular day hike. The average confident backpacker can usually cover somewhere in the range of 8-12 miles or more depending on how much elevation gain there is.
- How difficult of a trail do you want?
- What major features are you looking for? Big mountain landscapes? A lake? Hiking along a river? Waterfalls?
3) Check permit requirements & get a permit if you need one
Before getting too excited and making plans for a trail that seems perfect for your desired hiking time, it is important to check if a permit is necessary. Wilderness permits are often required for many trails, particularly those in National Parks, and these permits need to be reserved several months beforehand. Backpacking trails that are more popular, such as those in the Grand Canyon or Yosemite, are assigned through a lottery system, and reservations can be made up to 4 or 5 months in advance. By conducting a Google search of the trail, you can typically find information about permit requirements on the website of the federal or state agency.
4) Invite your friends (or commit to going solo)
If you want to have company, try gathering a few friends who are willing to join you. Reach out to them via phone or post a message on Facebook. If this approach doesn’t yield results, and you can’t find anyone you know to accompany you, you have a few alternatives.
You can check if there are any Facebook groups in your area that cater to hikers or outdoor enthusiasts. In Utah specifically, there is a group called Utah Outdoor Women’s Alliance where you can find people who are interested in hiking together. MeetUp is another useful website for finding friends who share a love for outdoor adventures and trips. Additionally, if you are a member of a yoga studio or climbing gym, this can also be a great way to meet active individuals and possibly find someone who would be interested in joining you on your trip.
5) WHAT ARE YOU PACKING?
While not all of the items listed below are necessary, it is crucial to have everything essential for survival. These essential items, often referred to as the “10 Essentials,” encompass navigation, insulation, nutrition, hydration, shelter, means for starting a fire, illumination, first-aid supplies, a repair kit, and sun protection.
BACKPACK
When it comes to size, fit, and overall functions, packs are highly personal. Certain individuals prefer packs that are extremely lightweight and have limited pockets, zippers, and padding. In my case, I favor packs that are light and include a few of these features, especially hip padding, without being excessively heavy. Additionally, I usually opt for a slightly larger pack than necessary since my camera equipment requires considerable space.
TENT
Choosing a backpacking tent can be considered as one of the most difficult pieces of equipment due to its weight and expensive cost, especially the ultralight ones. However, its frequent usage justifies the financial investment required.
SLEEPING BAG
Selecting a sleeping bag involves making multiple decisions, similar to the process of choosing a tent. These decisions include considering factors such as the warmth rating and the type of fill material (down vs. synthetic).
CAMP PILLOW
Although using a down jacket as a makeshift pillow is common among hikers, I prefer to pack a camp pillow for added comfort. It may be seen as a luxury item, but it is definitely worth it, especially after a tiring day of hiking.
BEAR SPRAY
It is advisable to have Bear Spray with you while being in bear territory. Usually, trailheads and national parks will have ample information displayed when it is required. It is crucial to keep in mind that bear spray should be worn at the waist or shoulder strap, rather than in the backpack where it may not be easily accessible. When I am backpacking alone, I often carry pepper spray as a means of self-defense, particularly when I am not in bear country.
POST HIKE KIT
One possible rephrasing could be: It might be helpful to prepare a small bag to keep in your car for freshening up after your backpacking trip. My essential items for this post-hike kit are a set of comfortable, clean clothes, face and body wipes, hand sanitizer, deodorant, extra water, and snacks.
BACKPACKING AND LEAVE NO TRACE
Before going on a hike or backpacking trip, it is crucial to adhere to Leave No Trace principles in order to recreate responsibly and conserve the environment. Make sure to familiarize yourself with appropriate hiking and camping etiquette beforehand. Below are some of the guidelines for recreating responsibly.
- Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you’ll visit
- Travel and camp on established trails and durable surfaces
- Pack it in, pack it out. Do not leave any trash in the backcountry, this includes toilet paper – if you use it, take it with you.
- Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep. This should be at least 200 feet from water, camp and trails.
- Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
- If washing up is necessary, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.
- Examine, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts
- Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them
- Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires
- Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand
- Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, then scatter cool ashes
- Control pets at all times, or leave them at home
- Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience
- Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail
- Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
- Never feed animals
