

Consider going without Junior or Fido on your first trip: Though they can both be great fun, their presence will complicate things a little.Streams and springs can dry up, though, so double check with local land managers before relying on a small water source. Make sure there’s water near camp: If your source will be a lake or large river, you should be fine.Pick a well- traveled trail and well-established camp: It’s nice to have hikers and backcountry campers nearby who can give you a hand if you run into difficulties.So also choose a trail with less elevation gain than your typical day hike.

#Reddit backpacking checklist full
Aim for a few hundred feet of elevation gain: If you’ve hiked much, then you know that mileage alone doesn’t tell the full story.Just a few miles roundtrip is fine: Plan on shorter distances than your typical day hike because walking with a heavier pack is slower and more difficult.You also want to have ample daylight hours to reach camp before dark. Pick a place close to home. You want to spend more time hiking than driving.Hiking guidebooks are a valuable tool-you’ll find the best selection for a given area in local REI stores and other local outdoor retailers. Consult with experienced backpackers: Hiking club members and REI store staff love to make trip recommendations.If it’s too easy, then you simply have more time to explore the area around your camp.įollow these tips when you decide where to go backpacking for the first time:

If the hike is too hard, it can make for a miserable experience. The key advice here is to err on the side of easy.
