Backpacking can be an intimidating thing. People get nervous about the thought of spending time away from a comfy bed and a clean bathroom. Having to carry everything on their back makes backpacking even scarier.

However, many people wish they could go backpacking and experience the sense of freedom and adventure the trail offers. They just don’t know exactly how to get started.

Having guided for several years and spent hundreds of nights in the backcountry, I wanted to share my Top 3 rules to think about before heading out on your next (or first) backpacking adventure.

RULE #1 

COMFORT IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY

This is the overarching rule that contains all other rules.

If you are uncomfortable, you’re probably miserable and chances of wanting to do this again are low. I know many people who’ve sworn off backpacking because of an unpleasant experience.

Sadly, most people just don’t have the right information to help them enjoy themselves. There’s no reason to spend a cold, sleepless night, after eating terrible food and nursing your aching back and blistered feet if you follow these recommendations:

GET THE RIGHT GEAR

You don’t have to buy every expensive piece of gear. But you should invest in a backpack that fits, footwear that doesn’t give you blisters, a quality sleeping mattress and bag, and a few layers of clothing to help regulate your body temperature. 

 Check out this video for more details on gear.

EAT WELL

You shouldn’t be dreading eating another trail bar, and your stomach should definitely not sound like a volcano about to erupt. Choose a variety of high fat, high protein foods that will fuel your body to go the extra mile.

Examples are nuts, chocolate, peanut butter, cheese, jerky. Not everything needs to be dehydrated backpacker meals.

 Check out this video all about meal planning and food while backpacking.

SLEEP WELL

Feeling cold, miserable, and praying for sunrise is no way to spend the night. Yes, sleeping bags and mats can be expensive. But if you invest in the right sleep system you will be handsomely rewarded with getting to be that person  that actually had a great night’s sleep.

You’re sleep system might be the single most important part of your gear setup. If you’re sleeping well outside, you’re having more energy and more fun.

RULE #2

DON’T BE OVER-AGGRESSIVE IN YOUR MISSION

For many people, their first backpacking trip coincides with a trip they’ve always wanted to do: Rim to Rim of the Grand Canyon, hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, hike the Appalachian Trail. But those are big missions and can be really daunting tasks for new backpackers.

By choosing something moderate for your early backpacking adventures, you’ll be more likely to have fun and get some mistakes out of the way when the consequences are low.

I recommend keeping trail distances to roughly 6 miles per day (for general fitness capabilities). Anything more than that for new backpackers tends to start to feel like an endless military march, and that’s no fun. 

If the mileage is low, it allows you to truly enjoy your day–you can go slow, take lots of breaks, and (BONUS!) you won’t collapse into camp so exhausted that you can’t even enjoy where you are. 

The main goal is to have a fun, memorable experience that leaves you feeling proud and inspired to do it again. As you learn what works and what doesn’t work for you, you’ll be able to get more ambitious with your mileage goals.

RULE #3

PACK LIGHT!

Pack for comfort, but pack light! Personally, I’d aim to carry around 30 lbs. including water and food (there are plenty of factors to consider, but this is a good rough estimate of pack weight for a 1-2 night adventure).

This is a balancing act–you don’t need to carry a camp chair, your pillow from home, and your cast iron skillet–but please, don’t leave behind your sleeping mattress, your down jacket, or enough food to keep you moving because you don’t want to carry it. Some items are vital to a quality overnighter but at the same time, there are loads of gimmicks at the camping store that can remain on those shelves thank-you-very-much.

Knowing how to pack can be just as important as what to pack. Check out this video for how to pack your bag.

 Backpacking is an accumulative experience. What feels fine on your back in your living room might not be fine at the trailhead (or mile 2, 8, 14, 22…).

If your pack is too heavy your shoulders, back, hips, knees, quads, and feet will start screaming at you shortly into your hike.

Your goal should be to have fun while getting to spend the night somewhere beautiful and inspiring, not to have a documentary being made about your harrowing survival experience.  

Now go get out there!

Got a tip or a helpful idea? Leave a comment below so we can all learn!