How to Plan Your First Backpacking Trip

Hello! Chances are if you are reading this you are wanting to embark on a backpacking trip!
Backpacking is a wonderful way to combine the joys of hiking and camping all into one!
Backpacking can seem like a daunting adventure, but with a little planning, it can be a
guaranteed positive outdoor experience. Before embarking on a backpacking trip, one must think
about what they are hoping to accomplish on the trip. Effective planning and packing are key to
having a memorable first backpacking experience!

Spending time with loved

Effective Planning: ones and sightseeing are
common goals of hiking trips

1) Think about your goals for the backpacking trip.

2) Decide how many days/nights you hope to be backpacking.
3) Plan your destination and backpacking route according to your decided timetable.
4) Plan the stops you intend to take on your backpacking route to set up camp for the night.
5) Plan the meals you will need to properly sustain your energy for the duration of the trip.

Once all the planning is done for the most part, you must then gather the necessary items for
your backpacking trip!

Packing:
First, you will want to have:
• Backpack
• Tent/Shelter
• Sleeping Bag/Sleep System
Following those three crucial items, you will want to gather other items that are dependent upon
the plans that you made earlier:
Cook System (including your food)
o For the food, you want to pack food that you enjoy that is very calorically dense so
that it has the energy required for your trip.
 o Freezer dried meals offer a quick and filling replacement to other options. Just add
hot water and you’ve got a tasty meal ready to be devoured!
First Aid Kit/Toiletries
o Ensuring that you stay comfortable and sanitary is a big part of the enjoyment factor
of backpacking. Being able to brush your teeth and brush your hair (if you would like
to) can really make backpacking a lot more enjoyable than just roughing it!
o Being able to tend to minor injuries and having the knowledge of how to improvise if
there is a major injury is vital in backpacking to ensure a safe trip is had.
Appropriate Footwear
o Choosing shoes that you find comfortable is key, after all you will be walking a good
bit of miles in them! Shoes with ankle support, shoes that are light and breathable, or
shoes with any other personally preferred characteristics are going to be the best
choice for you.
Enough clothes for the decided upon duration of the trip
o Having clothes for the climate of the area is an important part of the planning and
packing stages. Ensuring that you won’t be too hot/cold and uncomfortable will aid in
this being an unforgettable trip.
Flashlight
o Flashlights/headlamps are helpful so that you can help yourself at night with any
tasks around camp

There are always other items that can be packed, but the beauty of backpacking is that you
only have the essentials, and no fluff. Try and prepare well in advance leading up to your trip
so that you have sufficient time for any last-minute additions.

All that is left after you have planned and packed is to embark on your backpacking trip! Soak in
every second of the adventure and practice Leave No Trace Principles so that you can leave
nature as pristine as the way you found it.