For the past few years, backpacks have been part of the most people’s daily lives. One can carry up to a third of their body weight. The amount of stuff you may carry comfortably depends on your physical condition and fitness.
As you ask yourself, “Where can I go Backpacking?“, you must first know the basics of backpacking.
Backpacking needs muscular and cardiovascular strength.
You may improve your cardiovascular fitness through different exercises. These include aerobics, running and jogging. On the other hand, muscular fitness may be obtained through training on weights.
Most people improve their over-all fitness by constantly walking. You may opt to walk around in your neighborhood or treadmill. It also helps to put on weight on your back with the use of backpacks. This can help you with your trip’s backpacker preparation.
Why go backpacking?
There are a number of advantages should you participate in backpacking. You can travel on far-off places, away from the busy city. With this, you can relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. In this article, we shall be discussing everything you need to know about backpacking preparation.
Training for Preparation
You may start training for cardiovascular fitness by participating on a wide variety of exercises. These include but not limited to walking, swimming, biking, running and aerobic exercise.
By doing cardiovascular workout, you shall strengthen your heart and lungs. This shall result to increase in oxygen circulation. It is important to have a good cardiovascular base as it helps you last even on rigorous hikes.
On the other hand, you can utilize weight training to groom your body in carrying heavy loads on your back. You may focus on exercises which strengthen your back and legs such as deadlifts, pull-ups, squats and bent rows. We recommend you exercise each of your body parts at least two times per week.
Backpacking also requires strength on your legs. These are considered as your motor. It supports your movement and aids you in carrying the weight. With this, leg strengthening work-outs are suggested. You can try performing calf raises, lunges, step-ups and squats. You can go the extra mile by incorporating additional exercises on your lower body.
Every session, you must make it a point to stretch your muscles. A cool-down is required to allow it to go back to its original state. You can stretch in your campsite after a day of intensive hiking. You can start by stretching your chest, back, calves up to your thighs and hamstrings.
By participating on these exercises, you can train your body in preparation for the trip. The strenuous and challenging training is similar to what is backpacking like.
Planning Your Trip
When planning for a backpacking trip as a beginner, you can first opt a destination that is within a driving distance. Make sure that you reschedule the trip should there be a bad weather.
We recommend you stick with well-market areas and easy terrain. Moreover, it is preferable to go to established campsites with plenty of water source. Locations with these resources are recommended as first-time backpacking destinations.
You can go on hiking for at most seven (7) miles per day. Exceeding this limit may tire you easily especially if you are bringing along load in your backpack.
Lastly, you should notify your close kins and family with your trip. They must know the plans you set out and route you are going to. With this, you can easily be found should an emergency occur. Immediate and reliable assistance is what backpackers need in case of an accident or injury.
Gathering Backpacking Gear
A standard backpack should only include light equipment and everyday essentials. We suggest you only put up to 35 pounds of load in it.
Here are some things you can do while gathering your backpacking gear:
- Use comfortable shoes – A backpacking trip requires you to walk for a certain amount of distance. With this, we recommend you use comfortable shoes. This will prevent blisters as well as foot injuries.
You can prefer lightweight boots and match them with hiking wool socks. As a rule of thumb, you should select boots that are slightly bigger that your normal street shoes. Most socks may take up the extra space to provide you better comfort. - Rent tents – There are a number of camp sites which allow you to rent tents and other gears. It is recommended to take this opportunity as it lessens the amount of things that you need to bring. Moreover, it provides a lighter load on your backpack.
- Bring a reliable sleeping bag – You may find a sleeping bag that can provide a comfortable sleep. Some sleeping pads run at 1.5 to 2.5 inches thick. We recommend you find one that do not leave your hands and legs dangling on the sides.
On the other hand, you should look for a sleeping bag that has a good rating. It must have around 10 degrees Fahrenheit warmer compared with your expected temperatures.
In general, it is essential to pack for items that are not too heavy for your backpack.
You are going to bring and carry it along the trip.
You would not want a very heavy backpack, right?
Improving Backpacking Skills
Backpacking requires mental and physical preparedness.
With this, you must train in order to improve your stamina and critical thinking.
We suggest to improve your skills as you determine what to do while backpacking.
Provided below are some backwoods camping tips how you can improve your backpacking skills:
Practice good manners
Camping is like staying on another person’s house. You must not mess up the area after you use it. Wherever you will stay, make sure that you will not disturb the animals and plants living in it.
Be knowledgeable outdoor activities
In the wilderness, you have you be knowledgeable about several activities. These include setting up your tent, filtering water and cooking meals. We recommend you practice in your backyard before partaking on a long journey.
Eliminate bathroom anxiety
There are a number of people who are not comfortable with staying outdoors.
This is for the reason that most campsites are not equipped with good bathroom and toilet features. Nevertheless, you must train yourself to be adaptable to certain situations.
Connect with nature
You can start your journey by finding yourself.
You must learn how to forget the stress and busy life in the city. This is a great part in training your mind to be at ease even when outdoors.
Navigate well
We recommend you review the terrain and directions to your campsite. Bringing a map and GPS may help you in doing so. Furthermore, you should stay attuned on the nearby surroundings.
These are some of the things you can practice should you want to pursue a life outdoors. By learning to be adaptable with nature, you can find yourself enjoying your backpacking journey.
