George K.
Are you longing for an unforgettable adventure far away from home? Or would you like to camp in a secluded place where there are no boundaries between you and the stars? If you’re an experienced backpacker, then you know how challenging, yet fun, trips are. In case you’re a beginner, or if this is your first backpacking trip, we assure you that you will have a blast. However, you need to be fully prepared before you hit the road. Going on such thrilling adventures requires a lot more than packing clothes and booking hotels. This adventure is not for the faint-hearted and it needs self-discipline and determination. Therefore, we gathered some handy tips that you need to know before you go on a backpacking trip.
Try Hiking With a Backpack On
You should have an idea of what backpacking trips are like before you go on one. The best thing to do is to practice hikes carrying a backpack during the day. Do it alone or with your friends just to have an understanding of how challenging your trip will be. It is not easy to carry such a heavy bag on your shoulders while hiking, so this practice will benefit you a great deal to prepare for the real thing. Consider it a test as well to see if this is something you can tolerate. Many people might experience hard falls as they lost their balance due to the heavyweight on their backs. If there is no place for hiking where you live, carry your backpack and hop on a treadmill; this is not the ideal way, yet it is a precise option.
Prepare Your Gear
Backpacks, tents, and sleeping bags are mandatory items you should have on your trip. If this is the first time you go on a backpacking trip, try to rent your gear instead of purchasing it. You don’t know whether you will like these kinds of trips, so it is not necessary to spend a fortune on things you may not use again. Check your backpacker friends and see if they’re willing to lend you their stuff or ask your local retailer if you can rent the gear. However, if you want to purchase your gear, the reviewers from Gear Disciple stress how important it is to skim through reviews before buying anything. You need to know the best prices, the necessary tools, and local stores. Get all the gear that keeps you safe and sound in outdoor expeditions.
Consider Vaccinations
According to where you’re heading and where you are from, you need to keep vaccinations in mind before you travel. Ask your doctor or local health care about the available vaccinations that you should take. There isn’t a definite answer when it comes to this topic, so it is best to do your own search as long as it is from trusted sources. Some countries have prevailing viruses and diseases like Malaria. That’s why you need to take the essential vaccinations one or two weeks ahead of the trip as some vaccines take longer to kick in. If, for example, you’re traveling to Asia, you need to take the required vaccines to protect yourself from diseases like Typhoid and Rabies. Check these vaccinations a month before traveling as you may need to take more than one shot.
Choose Your Destination
Doing thorough research about your trip’s destination is a must. You will find that some backpacking trips are more challenging than others, so you should choose a place that you will be able to handle its difficulties. Figure out which traveler you are; are you the hippie, who is willing to sleep in a sack? Or are you the wanderer who likes to walk for long miles discovering new things? Some trips focus on hiking and mountaineering, while others concentrate on meditation and camping. Find what interests you the most and decide accordingly to have the best of your trip.
Backpacking allows you to see the whole world while staying on a budget and it makes you more open-minded and free-spirited. Going on a backpacking trip is a thrilling experience that requires loads of preparation. In addition to all the listed options, you will obviously need to take an emergency fund of cash, finish your bookings, and get your visa and passport ready. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, as these arrangements are fundamental in both scenarios. The most important thing is to adjust your trip according to your liking and to be fully stacked before traveling to have fun and enjoy your time.
