The Golden Rules of Backpacking
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Imagine: You're on a backpacking trip. You stand on the summit of a high mountain. As you look out on the horizon, you can see precisely how far you've come. You take a sip of water from your bottle and, with that simple, cool refreshment, feel a welling sense of pride. Having reached your goal, in that precious moment you embody the effects not only of your physical exertion, but also the meticulous planning that brought you here. Your accomplishment is made possible by your thoughtfulness, your decisions to realize your vision of travel for the sake of pure adventure. The steps you took, no matter how graceful or clumsy, got you here. The view from wherever you stop is merely your reward. And don’t forget, you still must make it back down the hill and home again safely.
James Edward Mills.jpg
Meet your guide
James Edward Mills is a writer and National Geographic Explorer who has been an avid backpacker for nearly 50 years.
This is the art of backpacking.
It isn't easy, and there is not just one way to do it. But if you know the sweet joy of standing on that summit—or want to—then tune in: We asked avid backpackers what golden rules they live by in their pursuit of this unique adventure. Read on.
1. Begin from where you are
You backpack with the body, skills, and knowledge you have. Set aside the burdens of judgement, expectation, and fear. You are enough. With the beginner’s mind, embrace the unknown with enthusiasm for the adventure ahead. Your journey begins with that first step toward your goal. “What got me through was staying positive and accepting everything the outdoors had to offer—the good and the not-so-good,” says Derick Lugo, author of The Unlikely Thru-Hiker. “An optimistic mind will always go further than a pessimistic one.”
2. Make a plan
Have a clear destination in mind. Plot a precise route, with alternate paths of travel just in case of an emergency. Have a scheme of escape. Know how long it should take to get there and back safely. Be aware of when it’s time to turn around and head for home. Account for the weather and dress accordingly. Plan your food, water, and shelter so that you can carry it comfortably. “Make sure someone knows your itinerary, your car’s license, its make and model, and where you’ll be parking it,” says nature photographer Michelle Ranee Johnson. “Let them know what day you’re leaving and what day and time you plan on returning. And if you don’t return by such and such day and time, which SAR (Search and Rescue) team they need to call.”
3. Set reasonable expectations
Pick a distance and destination that will challenge you without placing yourself at risk of catastrophic failure. Be reasonable. If you’re new to backpacking, don’t overdo it with an excessive number of hard miles. Pace yourself. You will gain strength and endurance with every outing, but it takes time. Remember, to grow we all must struggle, but none need suffer. J.R. Harris, author of Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker, says “In other words, don’t let your mind write a check that your ass can’t cover.”
4. Bring an old-school map
Never rely exclusively on electronic devices for navigation. On longer trips in particular, your power will likely run out and you cannot rely on cell phone or satellite reception. A paper map, preferably one that is water resistant (or packed securely in a plastic sleeve), can save your life. Before you leave, highlight natural features on the landscape to look out for: river crossings, bridges, mile markers, scenic overlooks, et cetera. Carry an analog compass. Just knowing which way north is will help to orient your location and make sure that you are on the right course.
Group of active hikers walks uphill in mountains
5. Pack only the bare necessities
“Hiking can be one of those opportunities to embrace the minimalist lifestyle and travel with only the essentials,” says Camino De Santiago thru-hiker Emily Reynolds. “It is also kind of freeing to have so little and realize you don't need much to get along.” Bring only the items you will need to assure your safety. Your gear must be appropriate for the conditions of weather and terrain. But don’t carry too much. Protect yourself from extreme temperatures with a selection of clothing items that are lightweight, breathable, moisture transferring, quick drying, and easy to pack. Choose footwear that is supportive and well-fitted. Bring a first-aid kit along with supplies for primary hygiene, soap, toothpaste, and sanitary wipes (especially feminine products) as well as any prescription medications you take regularly. Your backpack should be large enough to carry all your equipment with a suspension system that keeps the weight off your shoulders and squarely on your hips.
6. Stay hydrated
It’s just about impossible to drink too much water. Carry as much as you can and know exactly where you can get more. Be prepared to filter or purify water you find in free-flowing rivers or streams (I recommend anything from Sawyer, or the Katadyn Steripen, to help do so). Frequent stops for fluids will reduce your rate of fatigue and help better regulate your bodily functions. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. By then, you’re already past the point where your body needs water. Monitor your hydration levels by checking the color of your urine: It should be clear and flowing smoothly.
7. Leave no trace
There should be no sign of your passing except for your footprints. Bring back only photographs and memories. Don’t pick flowers or rocks, and where allowed at all, use firewood sparingly. It is preferable to use a lightweight camp stove like the MSR PocketRocket for cooking, but if you build a fire outside of a designated fire ring, be sure to douse the coals thoroughly with water when you’re done and clean up your ashes. Pack out all your trash. In many areas, that includes your poop! Check for local requirements and regulations.
8. Comfort is key
Your clothing must always maximize your freedom of movement. Water repellent fabrics will keep you dry to prevent chilling and chaffing. A dry pair of socks after a long day of walking can be a great relief. Clean clothes for sleeping in, like fresh shorts and a t-shirt, can assure a good night’s rest. Your sleeping bag should be rated to suit the lows of nighttime temperatures. To stay extra warm when it’s especially chilly, put on a hat. “Some things that were helpful for me to learn about: figuring out what to do with my hair,” says Grand Rapids-based environmental educator Alice Jasper. “Whether that’s protective hairstyles or bringing some biodegradable products to easily manage it in backcountry.”
9. Food is fuel
Prepare meals that are dense in calories but low in sugar. The food you consume on the trail will provide the energy you need to keep moving forward. Emphasize protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Dehydrated meals (available everywhere from Mountain House to Momofuku) are great for saving weight and pack space. Most can be easily cooked with hot water. Select brands that minimize excess salt and preservatives with as little disposable packaging as possible. Pack out your trash. Whenever you can, mix up the variety of your choices. Pack along snacks like dried fruit and nuts. A little bit of chocolate never hurts.
10. Finish strong
When you make it back to the trailhead and conclude your journey, let your friends and family know that you have arrived safely. Know where you can leave your pack trash. Have a treat waiting for you. A good cooler can keep an icy beverage chilled for days in your car. You made it. Celebrate!
11. It’s just walking
The art of backpacking is a manner of moving through the world with intention and purpose. It is a practice of consciously putting one foot in front of the other with a clear goal in mind. Walking will get you where you want to go, but the best way to get anywhere in life is to first realize that you have already arrived. The destination is irrelevant. It’s the journey that matters most. Through backpacking, we can practice our skills of strategic planning, decision making, problem solving, and emotional resilience. Wherever the trail might lead, you will find that the experience will not change who you are. Instead, it will reveal to you the person you most want to be.
Originally Appeared on Condé Nast Traveler
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