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If you are venturing into the backcountry that you had never been before then the first thing you might want to do is talk to someone we had already gone to the range.Despite knowing who owns the route could result in failing your backpacking trip so you must know who was that route and anyone who is planning for.Anyone who is venturing into the backcountry should have an extensive form of hiking certificates, getting a hiking certificates are licensed insurance that the costs covered.
Summer is coming ahead and if you like to enjoy the warm weather and taking hikes in the backcountry then here are few backcountry tips and facts to make sure your outdoor adventure to make it even better.Let’s discuss the list of items that you need to carry including this first aid supplies, food, gear, essential items and will talk about taking safety precautions.
Back Country Backpacking Tips
Let’s discuss the list of items that you need to carry including this first aid supplies, food, gear, essential items and will talk about taking safety precautions.
1. Carry Lightweight Backpack
There are a lot of packs out there, 30, 40, 50 or even 80-pound load and taking anything more than 80 pounds is never comfortable. So, you have to have the lightest weight on your backpack which makes backpacking easier. So, having the right pack makes all the difference so always look for a comfortable lightweight or even ultralight backpack.
Don’t burn yourself packing too much stuff into the backpack and figured out exactly what you need for different days.When it comes to the weight anywhere between 30 pounds and 45 pounds would be ideal so pack your bag depends on your comfort level and how long you want to pursue.
2. Ultralight Clothing
I hate wearing cotton as it becomes cloggy when it is wet, and most importantly it doesn’t insulate well when it is wet.You don’t need to ponder about what to wear when backpacking, just make sure to carry Base layers, insulation layers, and outer shell layers. When it’s hot just go with the base layers and some water proof or water resistant layers.If you are venturing into colder climate areas then it’s better to carry more layers to give an additional comfort because you’ve to stand prepared for a cloudy weather to change.
3. Ditch New Boots Or Shoes
Never wear new shoes or boots because you might end up having blisters or sore knee after walking all day along. Especially if your feet aren’t warm and happy, you may not be happy. So always go with shoes that you already wore for a couple of trails to get rid of swelling and get away from blisters and sore foot during the hike.
4. Pack Compact Stove With Fuel
I love eating cooking and eating in the backcountry, all that you need is just carry a compact stove with fuel. Carrying a cook set could be an extra weight or takes preparation time but you” enjoy the experience. And always remember never take any food in your tent. Either hang your food in a tree or even better carry bear-proof or animal proof containers.
5. Sleeping and Shelter
Take single person three seasons tent (spring, summer, fall) or 4 season tent (spring, summer, fall, and winter). An ultralight sleeping pad that comes with inflatable pads will make sleeping much better and more comfortable. Along with tent and sleeping pad, I would recommend you to carry a zero degree down sleeping bag with a watertight shell. Make sure you test out the sleeping bag, sleeping tent and sleeping pad in your garage at least few days before taking out.
6. Bring Printed Topographical Maps of the Area
You never know when your phone stops working, Phone or Handheld GPS device may stop working if the battery drains or it may stop working in remote locations. So, ditch GPS, Smartphone and bring a compass and a printed map of the area that you are visiting and practice how to use topographical maps.
7. Hydration Needs
Anything worth carrying small water purification tablets, water purifiers or drops that purify water. If there is a limited water on the trail, then it is better to bring a collapsible water bottle that will keep you hydrated. Even empty water bottles are easier and much lighter to carry so whichever works for you go for it because water purification system is mandatory.
8. Set Off On Early Start
Rule of thumb is always to start early hike as far as you can and find some shelter out in the backcountry while there is light.Even though you set off on a cloudless day expect to see a weather change because of weather changes quickly, and you don’t want to get caught in a thunderstorm.
So make sure to start early to avoid the typical afternoon thunderstorms and based on situations you can decide upon whether to keep going on take shelter when the weather is too bad to move on.
9. Lights And Fire Starter's
Carrying fluorescent lights sticks supports you if you end up hiking after the dark and they are very easy to attach to your backpack. Headlamps or bringing a Small LED light and the extra pair of batteries would help.And Carry waterproof lighter and weatherproof matches to start the fire, and it’s not the stone age to fiddle with rocks and sticks to start a fire.
10. First Aid Supplies
Always carry a basic first aid equipment for hiking and make sure you know what’s in there and how to use each of the items in the kit. Because most of the first aid kits come with the pads and powders to quickly helps stop bleeding, so just see if they are all available. I usually pack an additional sport wrap along with my kit.
11. Backcountry Safety Tips
Here are some must to know tips and safety tips for a safe backpacking experience because you may never know what will you encounter in the wild. Mastering these backcountry skills will help you survive in the backcountry.
Some Must To Know Tips And Safety Tips
1. Carry a Whistle
This thing is one of my favorite because of its light weight and keeps you out of trouble if you end up in trouble, just blow it away, and whistle can be heard much far away than a crazy shout.
2. Encountering Moose
You may call it as Elk or Moose, but Moose walk roughly and may cause serious life threatening injuries.If you face a Moose, keep at least 50 yards away and stay behind a big tree or any solid object. In case, If you suddenly knocked down, get up and keep running away from it.
3. Always Pack a Can of Bear Spray
You must know how to efficiently deploy a bear spray repellent otherwise if the wind is blowing hard, you’ll just end up being the meatball.If you’ve to spray then wait until it reaches about 15 – 30 feet away and spray right into the direction.Don’t get excited and shoot too soon when a bear charges you. So, make sure a can of bear spray is always accessible to you while hiking, and even when sleeping or whatever activities you are doing to safe when it comes to bears in the backcountry.
4. Here's The Complete Gear Checklist.
- Transceiver
- First aid kits
- Emergency contact device
- Topo Maps, Compass or GPS
- Repair kit
- LED Headlamp
- Down Jacket
- Sunglasses
- Extra pair of gloves
- Skincare
- Trekking Poles
- Backpacking Food/Snacks
- Water Bottles / Pouches
- Water Filters
- Perfect backpacking food
- Fire Starters
- Backpacking Stove.
- Bear Spray
- Lightweight/Ultralight Day Packs
- Lightweight/Ultralight Backpacks
- Lightweight/Ultralight Tent
- Lightweight/Ultralight Sleeping Pad
- Lightweight/Ultralight Sleeping Bag
- Whistle
In Summary
Exploring backcountry is one of the most rewarding and enjoyable activity, so with an advanced planning and abundant gear everyone can experience and outstanding experience.
If you found this article helpful, share with your friends and family. I’d love to receive your feedback so your comments and suggestions are welcome.
