Tips for the 'newbie backpackers'

A few preliminary steps as you begin your backpacking adventures.

·         Knowledge through Reading-Read at least one reputable book on backpacking basics

·         Knowledge & Experience Through Courses & Clubs- Ex: hiking club, these groups provide a fast way to learn proven techniques & make friends who have similar interests.

·         Get in Shape and Stay in Shape- Know your physical condition

Backpacking for Beginners

1. Pick a Partner

Team up with an experienced friend or join a group.

2. Pick a Destination

·         Get a guidebook.

·         Websites, magazines.

·          Ask well-traveled friends.

3. How Long? How Far?

Time and distance. A 1-night trip makes sense for beginners. Keep the roundtrip distance to 10 miles or less. It is reassuring to know that civilization is not too far out of reach.

Base camp trips. Got 2 nights? Consider this: Set up camp on Night 1, use Day 2 to relax or take a day hike to somewhere nice, then return to your base camp that night.

4. Be Ready Physically

You need to be in reasonably good condition to attempt a backpacking trip

5. Choose Your Gear

It’s a time-tested assortment of wilderness travel gear that ensures you have the basics for safety and comfort and equips you to handle emergencies.

Consult a checklist. Backpacking Checklist includes more items than you’ll ever carry on a single trip, but made it that way so you don't forget anything important.

Think light. It's easy to over-pack. Yes, bring a camera, toilet paper, headlamp and sunscreen. But maybe skip the lantern, the paperback and that third water bottle (bring a water filter instead and resupply as you go.) Aim for a pack weight that’s manageable.

6. What to Wear

Wears comfortably in warm weather on the trail, and it retains few odors.

7. What to Eat

Dinner. For simplicity, choose dehydrated meals that require just a few cups of boiling water and 10 minutes of wait time. Gourmands or those with access to a food dehydrator can make more creative trail meals.

Rest of the day. Some backpackers take time to cook breakfast and others save time with ready-to-eat items.

8. Before You Go

·         Practice at home or a campground.

·         Share your plans with a friend.

9. Wilderness Ethics

Understand the backcountry is wild and unpredictable, not a theme park. In the wilderness, you’ll find no handrails, no courtesy phones, no attendants, no flush toilets, no water fountains, no snack bars. It’s a potentially dangerous place. That’s part of its appeal wild lands are a different world. Self-reliance is a vital skill for appreciating them. Be confident that you can adapt to the unexpected.

Ultimately, relax and enjoy. Stay committed to being nice to fellow backpackers, the animals and the land. Breathe deeply, soak in the views and immerse yourself in a whole new world.

Another tips to share with all backpackers...

hope this can help you when you’re are travelling....

Your bag pack

•   Don’t bring to many stuff, just bring what you’ll need. For example few t –shirt, a pair of jeans something like that. If you insist to bring so many stuff like ten t-shirt, ten swim suit or ten slippers with different colour it will hurt your back and you will miss some of the best opportunities when your are travelling. So, think wisely before you pack…

Don’t bring valuables thing along

• Yup.. just leave your valuables at home or other safe place. When you travelling you really wants to enjoy your new journey without worried about something right? So it is really don’t need to bring your valuable ring for example. This is to prevent any accident that you will not be able to expected.

Inform your family to let them know

•   Family is important right,..so don’t go travel without telling them. Let them inform, if something happen they definitely will help you. Don’t make your parent worry or sad, try to be good children for them. Inform them where are your going, with whom, for how long and how to getting touch with you. Just keep this in your mind.

Bring along your own snack

•   Sometimes when we travel we will feel hungry or wants something to be chew in our mouth. So, you can bring your own snacks such as biscuits, chocolate bar and it can save your money too.

If possible travel bring along your family or friends.

• This is because the bigger the number of traveler you bring the better. This is for safety if anything happen the traveler can help each other. Plus, it is more fun if you can share the best moments with your closest friends or family.

Keep your important things with you

•   Travelling wallet or important document should always be with you. Put it in your pocket, don’t stuff them in your backpack and always do few copies when you are travel.