Sport-Blog.com

By Rae A. Costa.

So you want to be a backpacker? Backpacking can be a wonderful, life enhancing experience. But for those that are ill equipped, unknowledgeable, and with unrealistic goals, however, it can be a horrible experience, if not a deadly one. Bad first experiences can shape bad opinions about backpacking. Unfortunately many of those people never attempt it again.

With a little knowledge, some physical fitness, and proper planning backpacking can become a fantastic way to take in a different view of the world. Now that you've decided to go backpacking, where do you start? Preparation starts long before your feet ever touch the trail.

Fitness

Backpacking requires more than just walking. It requires good cardiovascular, agility, and muscle fitness. Muscle fitness is important, especially in the legs, otherwise you'll wake up after the first day stiff and achy and not really looking forward to hiking anymore. The likelihood of injury is much greater if your muscles are weak and out of shape.

Know your physical condition then set realistic fitness goals. Don't start an intense workout program a week before the hike. If you don't have a current program, return to it gradually. Take it slow and let your body get used to the movements again.

Try to walk a few miles everyday. A good way to prepare is to take some practice hikes in your local mountains. Get used to walking on uneven terrain, up and down hills, and in altitude. As you become comfortable and your body is able to do more, start carrying your pack. The best way t0 practice carrying a heavy backpack is to carry a heavy backpack, but work up in weight. Don't try to carry a 40 lb. pack all at once.

Physical fitness is only part of it however. Mental fitness is just as important. Going from a metropolitan area, for example, and into the wilderness can be overwhelming if you aren't used to that type of environment.

Be prepared for different sights, sounds, and smells. Researching the area will help you to know what type of wildlife, flowers, and fauna you can expect to see. If you're not used to spending the night outdoors, take a short camping trip to one of your local parks just to get the feel of nature.

Above all, expect extreme solitude. Depending on where you plan to hike, you might not see another human being for several days, if at all. That can be quite unnerving if you're not prepared.

Planning & Knowledge

Detailed planning and organization is a must for beginning backpackers. Guidebooks, maps, outdoor magazines and the Internet can help in planning your trip. Once you've selected your destination start gathering information regarding wilderness permits, camp sites, hiking trails, type of terrain, water sources, weather patterns, trail closures, park rules, etc. Thoroughly research your destination.

Make sure your planned hike is conducive to your experience and fitness level. Get a topography map and learn the terrain in which you'll be hiking. Map out an exact route. Set realistic goals on daily hiking distances. Terrain will inevitably play a part in how far you hike each day. If the trail is a switchback expect to hike a shorter distance than if the trail is flat and smooth.

Mark possible camp sites or other sheltered areas along the way, locate water sources, points of interest, trail detours, and if there are places to stop for supplies if needed. The extra effort you put into researching and planning your adventure will definitely payoff once you reach the trailhead.

Don't forget to make a checklist. Checklists are great to help ensure you have packed all the necessary equipment, clothing, and food you'll need on your hike. It would be really bad if at the end of the first day's hike your discover you forgot to pack your stove or tent! Take notes during your hike to remember items that would be nice to have on your next trip.

Planning a backpacking trip takes time and energy. Don't get frustrated, because once you reach your destination all the organization and planning fades away and then it's just you and Mother Nature.

The Language:
Trailhead - The starting point of a hiking trail.

Topographic Map (Topo map) - A map showing the features of the earth's surface, usually by means of contour lines to show changes in elevation.

Global Positioning System (GPS) - A system of satellites, receivers, and computers that is able to determine the latitude and longitude of a receiver on Earth by calculating the time difference for signals from different satellites to reach the receiver. Basically, it's a good way to determine your location so you don't get lost.

Switchback - To proceed in sharp turns in alternating directions on a steep incline.