110 sats \ 10 replies \ @TNStacker 22 Apr \ on: How would you plan an extended backpacking trip? earth
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Start reading backpacker magazine,
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get a copy of this book, https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-backpackers-field-manual-revised-and-updated-a-comprehensive-guide-to-mastering-backcountry-skills_rick-curtis/287535/item/3986925/
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start walking with loads around your neighborhood.
start walking with loads around your neighborhood.
Honestly this and "do a weekend trip" are the best things you can do. I would almost recommend to do this before reading any books....otherwise most of the lessons will be lost on you.
In my youth I did fair amount of hiking / backpacking (longest was 11 day trip). The number 1 mistake I think newbies make is underestimating pack weight.
They load up a 39lb pack, put it on their shoulders and say "yeah I can carry this no problem". They underestimate how difficult this becomes to carry after 10 hours...much less 10 hours a day for 10 days....
A heavy pack forces you to walk in a weird way that then causes other problems as the hours drag on (blisters, knee / ankle pain, etc).
So load up a pack and practice for 5 or 6 hours to get a feel of what it will be like on a trip.
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You should really do a number of weekend trips before attempting to go out for a whole week. Two weeks is much harder still.
You will learn many things about your gear, what you need, how heavy it is, and change a lot. You also need to learn about dealing with food, stoves, hygiene (cleaning your dishes and stuff, washing, etc.), first aid for yourself and dealing with hiking issues with your feet (moleskin, bandages, how to handle ankle sprains (bandana), how to handle rashes, cuts, burns, etc.).
And you also need to learn how to handle RAIN. Having the gear, keeping dry, how to pack to keep stuff dry, how to set up camp for rain, and how to cook in the rain.
Most of these things you can learn with only a bit of research, but you need to experience them to really learn. I wouldn’t set off for 1-2 weeks until you have these things down pat.
Oh, also compass and map use.
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Also, it would be great if you could go together and learn from someone experienced. Some things are hard to learn except from another person.
For example, you don’t want to keep your pack in your tent. Many beginners think they should, but it’s much better not to. You should leave it outside with a rain cover. Don’t keep food in your tent. Etc.
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In bear country keep your food nowhere near, and downwind, from your tent.
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I have had small critters chew their way into my pack when I left food in it, and seen others have the same happen to their tents when they kept food in them. It’s always best to separate food and smelly items and put them in a bag hung over a branch away from critters.
great advice
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