With the great outdoors beckoning, you’re eager to venture into the uncharted wilderness. Whether you yearn for a brief overnight adventure or for an unforgettable time on the best treks in Nepal, this article will guide you on how to plan a backpacking trip!
If this marks your inaugural outdoor endeavor, I recommend checking out our backpacking for beginners blog, which covers all the essential fundamentals.
But if you know what you are doing, then in the following sections, we will dive into the intricacies of planning a backpacking trip, looking into the following categories:
- Narrow down your trip options: Familiarizing yourself with the different factors and elements of your expedition. This will allow you to prepare better for your hike or trek.
- Utilize Backpacking Resources: Explore different backpacking resources that can assist you in identifying the perfect location for your adventure.
- Know the Route details: Determining the distance to cover before resting, identifying water sources, and other vital details are crucial to address prior to embarking on the hike.
- Figure out the gear and equipment you will need: Are permits required? What are the trail conditions? Will bothersome creatures or insects be present? How much food is necessary? These planning inquiries will influence your packing strategy.
- Final arrangements for your backpacking trip: Before you set off, there are a few last-minute tasks to attend to, ensuring everything is in order before you step out the door.
5 steps to know How to Plan a Backpacking Trip:
Let’s dive into each of the five steps so we can plan the best backpacking trip possible. No matter if you are hiking, trekking or backpacking, these five steps will help you plan the perfect trip!
1. Narrow down your trip options:
To begin, it’s important to establish your trip parameters, as this will assist you in narrowing down your choices and ultimately selecting the ideal destination.
Time versus distance: When it comes to selecting your backpacking destination, these two key factors play a significant role:
- Time availability: If you have limited time, it is crucial to determine your desired daily mileage and ensure that your chosen route aligns with your time constraints. Typically, individuals plan to hike between 3-10 miles per day, taking into account their physical condition and the elevation gain along the way.
- Distance preference: If you opt for a destination with a fixed length, you still need to decide on your daily mileage, which will ultimately determine the number of days you will spend on the trail.
Location and scenery: When you have a limited weekend getaway, it’s advisable to choose a destination near your home, allowing you to maximize your time on the trail rather than spending excessive hours on the road. However, if you have a specific environment or location in mind, it may be worth the travel time. Consider whether you prefer a desert or forest setting, rugged peaks or enchanting waterfalls, as these factors will influence the logistics of your trip.
Size of Group: If you are embarking on a solo backpacking adventure, you have more flexibility in terms of hiking pace and selecting overnight stops. However, when traveling with others, it’s important to accommodate the slowest member of the group. On the upside, group backpacking allows for weight-sharing opportunities, such as sharing a tent, stove, and food. Additionally, bear in mind that certain trails may have restrictions on tent space for larger groups.
Time for preparation: The timeline of your trip can influence your destination choice. If you are departing next week, you may need to opt for a different destination compared to a trip planned three months in advance. Assess your physical fitness level and determine if you are prepared for a challenging route with significant elevation gain.
Base camping: Another option to consider is hiking to a specific location and setting up a base camp from which you can embark on day hikes or summit ascents. In a group setting, distributing the weight of a larger and more comfortable tent among multiple members can be beneficial. For example, one person can carry the tent fly, another can handle the tent body, and someone else can take care of the poles. Additionally, bring a lightweight ascent pack if your main backpack does not compress enough to serve as a daypack. Some packs have portions that convert into daypacks, check out our best trekking and hiking backpacks to find one for your next hiking trip! If you are not sure what size of bag you will need for your adventure, have a look at our guide for knowing what size of backpack for hiking you will need.
Season and weather: Keep in mind that early spring may render some trails inaccessible due to snow cover. Consider the time of year and the anticipated weather conditions when selecting your destination.
Transportation arrangements: If you plan to hike a point-to-point trail, you will need to make transportation decisions. Options include shuttling between two cars, securing a bicycle at the endpoint to ride back to your starting point (only feasible for certain trails), hitchhiking, or utilizing public transportation if available. Alternatively, you can bribe one of your friends to act as your personal shuttle!
2. Utilizing Backpacking Resources:
After establishing what you are looking for in a hike, there are multiple methods to discover routes that align with your objectives and are suitable for your skill level:
- Guidebooks and online resources: These are invaluable references as they provide comprehensive information such as trail difficulty, distance, elevation gain, directions, water sources, and trail features. Websites and blogs can also offer trip itineraries or trail reports, which may give you real-time insights into the current conditions of the trail you plan to hike.
- Recommendations from others: If you have friends or acquaintances who are experienced backpackers or have explored similar areas, their suggestions can be valuable in finding great locations. Ensure that they are aware of the parameters you have already established before seeking their advice. You can also check facebook groups to get insights from like minded people.
- Local knowledge: Reach out to local hiking organizations or ranger districts in your desired travel area. Local rangers possess the most up-to-date information on trail conditions and can provide valuable insights. It is always recommended to contact them before your trip, regardless.
3. Know the Route details:
Now that you have selected your trail, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with it and formulate your day-to-day plan. Prior to your trip, look over a detailed map of the route and thoroughly examine it. Pay close attention to the following aspects to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the trail:
- Campsite locations: Begin by identifying the locations of established campsites along your route. If the distance between campsites is too vast, consider alternative options for potential overnight stays. Gather information from trip reports and other backpacking resources mentioned earlier, for different camping spots.
- Water sources: Carrying a reliable water filter or purifier is essential, but it is equally important to know the availability of water sources along your route. Determine if there are dependable streams or lakes nearby, or if you need to make a detour to access water. Make sure to bring a way to purify the water.
- Terrain: While it is advisable to have a general understanding of the trail’s nature beforehand, your map or GPS device will provide detailed information about elevation gains, rest break spots with scenic views, and other essential aspects. Trip reports can alert you to road closures, trail sections that are washed out or rerouted, and noteworthy conditions such as the presence of snow, excessive mud, or potentially hazardous plants.
4. Figure out the gear and equipment you will need:
Having familiarized yourself with the specifics of your destination, it is now time to ensure you are fully prepared with all the necessary items for your trip. Here are important considerations to keep in mind:
- Permits and passes: Different federal lands or trekking routes around the world have varying permit requirements for entering into conservation areas, or to camp. Ensure you are aware of the specific permit regulations for your destination before you go. Remember, some places like Nepal, will require trekking and hiking insurance to go backpacking in the Himalayas
- Wildlife: Be prepared to encounter scavengers like raccoons, mice, and rodents during your backpacking trip. Additionally, research how to handle encounters with cougars or venomous snakes if they are present in the area. If you will be backpacking in bear habitat, familiarize yourself with protocols for encounters with grizzly or black bears and any food storage requirements, such as bear canisters.
- Insects: Determine if biting insects are prevalent in the area you will be visiting. Consider packing insect-repellent clothing, a sleeping net for a hammock, or a mosquito net for meal times to enhance your comfort. Some backpackers also wear rain gear as protection against mosquito bites.
- Food: Plan to carry approximately 1.5 to 2.5 pounds of dry food (equivalent to 2,500 to 4,500 calories) per person per day. Factors such as elevation gain, speed, and distance traveled will impact your eating frequency and quantity. If you are new to backpacking, experts suggest overpacking food initially and conducting an overnight test run to determine your personal food requirements. Always carry extra food as a precautionary measure for emergencies.
- Fuel: The type of food you intend to consume will determine the amount of stove fuel you need to bring. Consider whether you will be brewing coffee each morning or opting for breakfast bars on the go. Will you require fuel to melt snow or prepare hot water bottles for your sleeping bag? Determine the quantity of fuel you will need for activities such as cooking freeze-dried meals or regular food by practicing beforehand. Remember that fuel cannot be brought on an airplane, so if you are flying to your destination, plan on purchasing fuel upon arrival.
- Gear inspection: Ensure all your equipment, including backpacking tent, hiking backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove, headlamp, hiking boots or shoes, rainwear, etc., is in good condition without any holes or malfunctions. Verify that your shoes fit well and are comfortable.
- Shared gear: If you are backpacking with others, coordinate with your companions to determine who will bring specific shared gear. This will help avoid duplication and ensure all necessary equipment is accounted for and weight properly distributed.
- Checklist: We recommend printing out a comprehensive backpacking checklist and keeping it with your gear. Lay out all the items you plan to bring on the floor at home, as this facilitates a visual check for missing items and allows you to eliminate unnecessary items to reduce weight. Ensure you mark off items on the checklist as you gather them. Additionally, assess if there are any specific items required for this particular trip that you do not currently possess.
5. Final arrangements for your backpacking trip:
Ready for your backpacking trip? Before you leave for your trip, make sure to do the following:
- Organize your backpack: As you load everything into your backpack and lift it for the first time, you may realize that certain items, like an extra can of chili, are unnecessary. Also you want to ensure you will be able to walk long distances with the weight of your pack.
- Monitor the weather: Take the weather forecast into consideration and adjust your plans accordingly. If necessary, contemplate rescheduling or canceling your trip.
- Share your itinerary: Always share your detailed itinerary with a trusted individual. Include information on who to contact and when, in case you do not return as scheduled. Additionally, leave a note with contact details beneath the front seat of your car.
The Perfect Plan for a Backpacking Trip: Hike, Trek, and Backpack like a Pro!
With the right plan in place, you can embark on a backpacking trip with confidence and enjoy the wonders of the great outdoors. By narrowing down your trip parameters, choosing a suitable destination, thoroughly researching the route details, and adequately preparing with the right gear and supplies, you set yourself up for a successful adventure.
Utilizing resources such as guidebooks, websites, word of mouth, local knowledge, and maps allows you to make informed decisions and avoid unpleasant surprises along the trekking trail. Additionally, considering factors like permits, wildlife, insects, food and fuel requirements, gear condition, and gear sharing responsibilities with fellow backpackers ensures a smoother and more enjoyable experience.
With careful planning and preparation, you can hike, trek, and backpack like a pro, creating lasting memories with friends and families in the great outdoors!
