Every summer I plan at least a few backpacking trips in the wilderness. But I take the preparation for granted as I’ve done it so many times. It’s not until I get queries on my blog from readers that I remember how hard the first few backpacking trips are to organize. Then it all comes back – all the questions that go through your mind, all the self-doubts and second guessing so I came up with these seven helpful backpacking tips and tricks based on my experience.
I hope you find the tips for backpacking very useful, especially if you’re new to it.
Backpacking tips and tricks
Find the right backpack
Let’s start with your backpack. The trick is to buy (or rent) one that matches your size. It should be fit by someone who knows what they’re doing.
Hip straps should stay on the hips. Shoulder straps should be adjustable. The length should be comfortable and you should be able to pick it up when it’s full.
The size of the backpack should match your needs. You don’t need an expedition pack on a two night trip. As a general rule of thumb choose a 35 – 50 L pack for a weekend trip (if you can pack lightly), a 50 – 80 L pack for a 3-5 night trip and a 70+ L pack for a longer trip.
Watch the weight of your backpack – one of the most important backpacking tips
The weight of your backpack will have a direct influence on how you enjoy the backpacking experience. If the pack is too heavy every step will be miserable.
About 80% of the weight of the pack should be supported on your hips. And the total weigh of the pack should be no more than a third of your body weight – and that might even be on the high side. Every pound you can lose on your back will make the hiking easier.
Choose every item you take with care. On longer trips, stick to dehydrated food, and share gear where it makes sense.
What features in a backpack are important?
Look for tough material. A friend took a new pack on the Coastal Trail in Pukaskwa National Park and after five days it was falling apart from dragging it over the rocks. My five year old pack was completely unaffected.
I love a built-in rain cover (Deuter packs usually have this feature) though it’s not a deal breaker. Do look for small pockets to stash away the stuff you’re going to use throughout the day – sunscreen, snacks, bug dope…
One of the backpacking tips that I think is helpful when it comes to buying a backpack is to look for a pack with oversized, elasticized pocket for two water bottles – one on either side. Check this feature out with a full size Nalgene bottle as sometimes the pocket isn’t deep enough. There is nothing more annoying than bending over and having your water bottle roll down a hill.
The rest will come down to what your preferences are. I like to be able to tie things on the outside of my pack. I also like the fact that inside my pack are two main compartments – and the lower one is accessible with a different zipper.
Watch out for too many pockets unless you have a mind like a steel trap. You’ll be opening every one of them to find something. Colour will probably factor into a purchase decision. I like a pack that blends in with the environment and doesn’t show the dirt.
Backpacking tips – What you wear on your feet makes a difference!
Proper footwear is essential. With a heavy pack you want the support of a leather hiking boot or something equally durable.
And any hiking boots you wear should be broken in before you begin your backpacking trip. Otherwise you’re asking for trouble. I like leather because the boots can handle some water. But I also like lightweight so if it’s a short trip and I know the terrain isn’t too demanding I will consider hiking in a good quality, lightweight shoe.
I always bring sandals for around camp. Featherweight crocs are good and can be used for fording streams should the occasion arise as well.
Always carry the 10 hiking essentials
There are certain items you must carry called the 10 hiking essentials. Even if you’re trying to travel lightly you need shelter, a first aid kit and bug protection, a repair kit and tools (the right Swiss Army knife can cover most of the bases here) and a flashlight with extra batteries (unless you’re in the far north in the summer).
Don’t forget sun protection including sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm, extra clothes, extra food, water and a means of purifying it, fire starting materials and a map and compass or GPS device that you know how to use.
One of the tips for backpacking is to make sure you know how everything works before you start out. That means you should try putting up a tent beforehand if it’s new. Know how to start your stove and change batteries in your headlamp.
Food and water are heavy
Food and water will add about half the weight of what you’re carrying. If I know there is going to be lots of water on my route I only fill one water bottle at a time – one of the easiest backpacking of the backpacking tips to put to use. Otherwise I’ll carry two bottles.
Don’t forget that water is one of the heaviest items you’ll carry. One litre weighs about a kilogram or 2.2 pounds. Drink a lot before you leave so you start hydrated.
I like to eat well and am not a fan of pre-packaged dehydrated food though I think I’m in the minority. Try some food out at home beforehand and see if you like it.
If you really get into backpacking, a dehydrator will be invaluable as you’ll be able to add variety to your meals at a low cost. Bring calorie dense foods like Gorp and chocolate.
A 160 pound person burns about 511 calories per hour – though much will depend on your load and the terrain. In a day it’s easy to burn between 3,000 and 5,000 calories. Pack as lightly as you can, but ensure you have enough high energy food.
Backpacking tips: Get in shape before the trip
If you haven’t been getting a lot of physical exercise, try to change that well before your backpacking trip. Join a club, walk wherever you can, do stairs when they present themselves.
You could even practice carrying your filled backpack around the neighbourhood. On you first outing, make it a positive experience and keep the distances reasonable. Shoot for the moon after you’ve been backpacking for a while.
Further reading on stellar backpacking trips
- What You Need to Know to do the Torres del Paine Trek
- 10 of the Most Scenic Backpacking Trips in Canada
- A 3 Day Backpacking Trip that Includes Egypt Lake (in Banff National Park)
- 10 Beginner Backpacking Trips in the Canadian Rockies
- Kungsleden Trail Guide in Sweden: Abisko to Nikkaluokta
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