Hey everyone, Mike Fink here! If you’re considering taking your first dive into the world of backpacking this summer, you're in for a good time. I've guided numerous first-timers on multi-day treks across the Appalachian Trail, and I want to share my top 5 backpacking essentials for your first adventure that might just help you have a safer, more enjoyable trip!
1. Ensure Your Campsite is Legal
Before you head out, make sure where you’re planning to camp is legal! Just because you're in the wilderness doesn’t mean you can set up shop anywhere. Some parks have designated campsites, while others offer dispersed camping. Dispersed camping allows you to camp anywhere, but there are policies you need to follow that may differ from park to park. If it’s your first time, I recommend doing a day hike to your intended campsite first. Familiarize yourself with the area; it’s much better to know the landscape before you set out on a multi-day trip.
2. Embrace the Call of Nature
Let’s talk about something everyone does but no one likes to discuss: pooping in the woods. It’s going to happen, and there’s no need to be embarrassed. If you’re in a big group, just take the poo kit, find a secluded spot far from water sources and trails, and do your business. Bury it at least six inches deep and mark the spot with a stick. It’s a rite of passage for new backpackers, and once you’ve done it, you’ll feel a strange sense of accomplishment.
3. Leave No Trace
This is a big one. Leave No Trace principles are crucial to preserving the beauty of our trails and ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. Visit LNT.org to familiarize yourself with the seven principles. They’re pretty straightforward: don’t litter, respect wildlife, and leave what you find. A less obvious tip is to find already impacted areas for your tent to minimize environmental damage. And please, for the love of nature, keep your music to yourself. There’s nothing worse than trying to find peace in the wilderness only to be followed by someone’s portable speaker blasting music.
4. Use a Checklist
Packing for a backpacking trip involves a lot of gear, and it’s easy to forget something essential. A checklist can be a lifesaver. Write down everything you need, from the obvious items like your tent and sleeping bag to smaller necessities like a headlamp and extra batteries. You don’t want to be the person who forgets their tent poles and has to sleep swaddled in a tent in the middle of a rainstorm. Yes, I've done exactly this.
5. Don’t Stress Over Gear
You don’t need the latest and greatest gear to enjoy backpacking. There’s a lot of information out there, and it's easy to get sucked into the mindset of having to compare this gear vs. that gear in a never ending process of gear optimization. You don't have to have all of the latest and greatest equipment to be safe and have a good time. You can get by with beginner gear, borrow from friends, or find deals on sites like eBay. Just make sure to familiarize yourself with the equipment you plan on using!
Backpacking is a fantastic way to connect with nature and challenge yourself. Here are a few more tips, respect the environment, and enjoy the journey. Get out there, be safe, and have an amazing time on the trail. Until next time, happy hiking!
