1. A GOOD MAP STUDY – Start your trip weeks or days prior to hitting the trail. You don’t have to have an exact grid coordinates for where you will camp, but knowing the general area will make the entire trip easier and more comfortable. Buying large general maps and detailed topographic maps of the area will allow you to determine the large general area and then pinpoint the area in which you will hike and camp. These maps will show you which trails you can use, bodies of water, terrain features, elevation lines, etc. Just looking over the map for 15 -20 minutes will help you tremendously. Not knowing your cardinal directions and general land features can turn a causal relaxing hike into a survival situation. Although many people might consider it cheating, a GPS is also a great way to prepare for your trip. A GPS can download topographic maps and do most of the work for you, but don’t rely on them. Every form of technology will eventually fail, and it will probably happen when you need it most.
2. STUDY WEATHER CONDITIONS – I can’t emphasize enough how important this step is. Countless times I have watched the weather change dramatically from a sunny day, to dropping 20-30 degrees with a storm rolling in, before you have time to prepare. At a minimum, look at the weather forecast for the days in which you are on trail, but don’t rely on that forecast. Weathermen are the only people in the world who can fail at their job everyday and not get fired, so do your own secondary research. Determine where the weather reader station is located. Sometimes these weather reading stations may be 20 miles away from your campsite and at a totally different elevation. Elevation and terrain play a major role in changing weather conditions. You may be fine camping in 40 degree weather at 10,000 feet nestled in the tree line with zero wind. However, a camper a 1/2 mile away on the other side of the mountain, may have set up camp at 11,000 feet out of the tree line and directly in the path of 30 mph winds. (Temperatures decrease 3.3 degrees when it’s overcast and 5.4 degrees when its clear for every thousand feet gained and the windchill will always drop the temperature.) Also, try looking up old archives and averages of weather in the area for the time of year you will be visiting. This will help you determine if you need to bring that extra layer of clothing or an extra liter of water. By studying your map, choosing a good campsite, and understanding the weather where you are camping, you will be more prepared and comfortable.
3. MAKE A LIST OF ITEMS TO BRING – Everyone has the intention of packing light, but ends up with everything but the kitchen sink. The fist step in taking as little as possible is to buy a smaller pack than you think you may need. If you read a guide book that says you need a 60 liter pack, buy or bring a 50 liter pack. Second, make a list of all the camping, survival, and modern amenities you want to bring on the trip. Third, go down that entire list two or three times and try to remove 2 items each time. Depending on the trip, you can more than likely leave home without several items on your list. You may think it is impossible to leave home without water, food or shelter, right? Well if you plan accordingly you can leave it all behind. Now I’m not saying to run out into the wild with only the clothes on your back and a knife in your teeth, but I am trying to save you from carrying unnecessary pounds. Items like water, food, and shelter may already be on the trail if you use a little ingenuity. Collect fresh water from lakes or creeks and catch fish for dinner ever night!
4. DETERMINE PACK LAYOUT – The perfect pack layout can only be determined by you, and you alone. Once you have narrowed down the exact items for your trip, start mixing and matching where they fit best and try on your pack each time. I have never packed my bag right on the first try. Try turning the lights off and test the difficulty of finding essential items in the dark. Can you find your extra batteries in the dark when your headlamp goes out? Plan for the worst, know your gear, and your backpacking trip will be that much more enjoyable.
Of course there is the tried and tested way to pack, but each person has a different pack, different physical fitness level, skill level and body type. What works for the best hiker in the world may not work for you. Get out and test your pack loaded up before a long hike. I follow the basic routine of lightweight items at the bottom (sleeping bag), heavy items in the middle (tent, water) and medium to lightweight items at the top (camp stove, ground pad).
5. TEST AND MAINTAIN EQUIPMENT – Multiple times on trail I’ve come across someone or been the one with a broken backpack strap, an empty canister of cooking fuel, or a broken tent pole. Sometimes these events can’t be avoided and it adds to the fun/challenge of the adventure. But most of the time, they are due to poor planning, and not testing your equipment prior to getting out on trail. Every essential item such as your CamelBak, cooking stove, tent poles and backpack straps must be checked prior to any hike. Checking your CamelBak for leaks, making sure your stove works, checking tent poles for cracks/bends, and checking backpack straps for wear and tear can eliminate the risk to discovering these issues on trail. Not only is checking and testing your gear important, but maintaining is even more essential. Every time after that long weekend in the wild, I just want to throw my pack down and crash on the couch. But being lazy now, and not taking 30 minutes to air out and clean your gear can spell disaster for your next trip. Items hold in moisture and dirt which can turn into mildew and ruin your gear, costing you money, time and comfort. Rinse out items like your CamelBak and cooking equipment, and dry out your tent and sleeping bag. You will be thankful at the start of your next trip.
Extra Tip: BRING SMALL COMFORTS OF HOME – Each time you step out into the unknown it should be a life changing, learning, and memorable experience you enjoy. If you aren’t having fun then you need to change some things up. You don’t have to live off the land or not shower for weeks to feel like you are one with nature. Small amenities from home can mean all the difference. Items I always pack include a small containers with a few different spices, a lemon for flavoring on fresh caught fish, and a small cup of pre-made buttered rice or vegetables. These items can make a huge difference in your on trail meal. If you have a vice, don’t choose this hike to quit or you will never want to go back. If you are a smoker, addicted to chocolate, or sour patch kids like myself, make sure you bring them along. Smokers just pack out your butts, no one behind you wants to see that in nature and the risk of starting a fire is also a reason to be cautious. Get creative and mix your sweets into your trail mix. Bring some flavored Gatorade or tea packets to mix with the clear fresh mountain water. Whatever your heart desires, bring it with you to make an enjoyable hike into the wild that much more enjoyable.
For more tips on camping, hiking, backpacking, inspiration for your next adventure, or gear reviews, follow my blog at http://www.adventureupstream.com or on Instagram @adventure_upstream
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