Backpacking: An Easy Guide for First Timers

This guide will go over the basics in hiking and camping overnight. It will tell you what you should bring, how to pack lightly, and provide some other really good ideas.

Before you begin reading you should know that part of the charm of camping is figuring out how to do most of these things on your own and finding which methods work best for you. But since you’re new at this, this guide will go over the basics.

Step 1 Planning your Hike

There are a couple of things you will need to do in preparation for your hike:

Plan where you will be hiking on a map

Choose camping spots where there is water nearby. This will be shown on your map as either a river or a spring, or some other source of running water.

Decide on tent partners

Decide in advance who will be sleeping in which tent. This is important so as no one is forced to sleep outside at night.

Plan out meals

Make a list of what your group will be eating for every meal.

 

Also, in preparation for your hike, check the weather forecast. Use the weather forecast to plan what sort of clothing to pack.

Comments

[TheHaak]

Oh yeah, that's definitely Philmont, I stayed at 2 of those 3 camps on that sign

[madhops0620]

Heh, that picture was taken at the top of Mt. Baldy at Philmont. Such an amazing place.

[black hole]

"Bug Spray + Lighter"

I think someone's a pyromaniac... =D

[vkolasa]

this is pikes peak isnt it?

[punkhead58]

A very definitive guide. However, I didn't see any mention of a knife: this is extremely important. No one should go into the great outdoors without a blade, whether it is a fixed blade, a folder, or even a multitool,

[airsoft master 25]

yeah you definitly would want hiking boots they saved me from rolling my ankle countless times

[mr.squeakers]

I am backpacking the A.T this summer through maine

[holahunter]

Was that pic taken at Philmont?

[anibioman]

also the penut butter and fluff were in tubes which made for easy quick use.

[anibioman]

hi i thought i should add that its better to make wraps in tortillas then sandwichs as bread is easily squished in a backpack i ate penut butter and fluff wraps for lunch when backpacking for a weak with my uncle.

[Honora]

When lighting a fire over old damp ashes, you'll need to protect your wood/kindling from vapourised steam from the damp ashes which would smother the fire. You can either use a layer of rocks or some bits of dry wood.

[co'connor]

Love the baldy pics! philmont rocks!

[lauralbaby]

Also, you really should have mentioned bear-bagging your food.

[lauralbaby]

Don't light a fire if you don't have to! A lot of places forbid it anyway.

[schkip1973]

good ideas. Sometimes it is worth the weight to take some fresh food (veggies/fruit). An orange makes a nice dessert, is easy to prepare and has in-built shock absorption!
For a dinner pre-cut slivers of pumpkin/broccoli are quite tasty in noodles.

[WalScrap]

Pretty good hints. I agree on many, but I would not recommend :
- cotton T-Shirt. This is hardly the worst thing when one sweats. It is very difficult to get it dry, and can get you cold. One can find
- filtration pump. I prefer pristine kits. These are two small bottles, you prepare your mix, it takes 5 mins, and then 15 mins to process 1 liter. The pump gives you water quickly, but is heavier.

Moreover, map and compass will be very usefull, and GPS is a more than a very nice add-on.
A headlight is much more usefull than a flashlight, as your hands are free (you will thank me when going out to toilets during the night). A LED flashlight that you recharge yourself will be a better choice than one on batteries.

To my experience, having a look at weather forecast should not prevent you from taking a raincover if you plan hiking for more than a day. Climate conditions can change quickly in the mountains...

[limpach]

Though as a former Ranger there are somethings that may be questionable here.

[limpach]

Are these your photos? Cause I recognize all these magnificent locals. My favorite being Deer Lake Mesa