8 Must-Know Tips for First Time Backpackers

Backpacking around the world is an excellent way to see new destinations. While you can travel halfway around the world to backpack, you can also choose to backpack in the areas that are nearby your home. There is really no right or wrong place to venture out on a backpacking adventure, but there are a few things you really must do if you want to be successful.

8 Must-Know Tips for First Time Backpackers

1) Choose the Proper Backpack for You

Not all backpacks for backpacking are created equal, so you must try a few different ones before you find the one that will work best for your needs. Some backpacks will be longer than what you need, while others will feel too heavy once they are loaded up with your belongings. Take your time with finding the best backpack, so you do not have issues at any time during your backpacking journey.

2) Always Pack Light

When you are backpacking, you are not going to want to lug a heavy pack around on your back all the time. Therefore, it is necessary to pack as light as possible for your backpacking adventures. As you are attempting to pack light though, you must make sure you have all those must-need items too. Those must-have items include a first aid kit, food and water, sunscreen, a navigation tool, a light, and clothing for all types of weather.

3) Simple Meals are a Must

You are not going to be capable of carrying around all types of different cooking equipment, let alone ingredients to make complicated meals when you are backpacking. Well, you can but it will add a ton of weight and discomfort to your trip. All the meals you eat while on a backpacking trip should be simple and easy to make. Dehydrated meals, protein bars, and freeze-dried foods are all excellent options.

4) Choose Your Destination Carefully

As a first-time backpacker, you must choose your very first backpacking destination carefully. A one to three-day trip is best, because it will give you a taste of what to expect out on longer backpacking trips. However, it will also allow you to return home and figure out what changes you must make before you go out on another backpacking adventure.

5) Pack Any and All Medications You May Need to Take

There are so many people that will take their prescription medications with them when they go backpacking but forget every other type of medication. If you have ever had a headache or an allergic reaction, you know how important those medications are to have with you when you need them. Therefore, you should pack that ibuprofen, allergy medication, and any other medication you have taken for ailments in the past. If you end up not needing them, great! But you will be thrilled you have them if you do need them!

6) Utilize Offline Maps or Guidebooks

You are not always going to have access to cell signals or Wi-Fi when you are out backpacking. This may not be an issue most of the time, but it can be a problem if you are lost and have no idea where you are going. This is where offline maps and guidebooks can be very helpful. You can download these things in advance, but you can also take advantage of free Wi-Fi to download even more during your trip.

7) Go Backpacking with Friends

While it is completely possible, and sometimes amazing, to go backpacking alone, it is best to go backpacking with at least one friend. This is especially true for your first time out, when you have no idea exactly what to expect. When you backpack with friends, someone is always available to go for help if needed. This tip will also come in handy if you forget to take something with you and one of your backpacking buddies has it with them!

8) Always Take Toilet Paper with You

Toilet paper is something we all use, yet first time backpackers always seem to forget to take it with them when they head out into the wilderness. Toilet paper can be so useful, but it is truly helpful when you need to go to the bathroom in a place where toilet paper is non-existent. Of course, you can always use the toilet paper to blow your nose, wipe your face after a meal, and to coax a fire to start. However, if you are using it for all those things, you may want to throw an additional roll into your pack!

These are the 8 must-know tips that every first-time backpacker needs to be aware of before they head out on their first adventure. All these tips are helpful in the planning portion of your backpacking trip, so you won’t need to remember any of them once you hit the trails. That is good news, because it will allow you to simply enjoy the natural settings around you.