1. A GOOD MAP STUDY: Start your journey weeks or days before you hit the road. You don’t need to have an exact coordinate grid for where you’ll be camping, but knowing the general area will make your entire trip easier and more comfortable. Purchasing large overview maps and detailed topographic maps of the area will allow you to determine the large general area and then pinpoint the area where you will be hiking and camping. These maps will show you which trails you can use, bodies of water, terrain features, elevation lines, etc. Just looking at the map for 15-20 minutes will help you tremendously. Not knowing the cardinal directions and general terrain features can turn a casual casual hike into a survival situation. Although many people might consider it cheating, a GPS is also a great way to prepare for your trip. A GPS can download topographic maps and do most of the work for you, but don’t rely on them. Every form of technology will eventually fail, and it will likely happen when you need it most.
2. STUDY OF WEATHER CONDITIONS – I cannot stress enough how important this step is. Countless times I have seen the weather change dramatically from a sunny day, to drop 20-30 degrees with a storm, before you have time to prepare. At a minimum, look at the weather forecast for the days you’re on the road, but don’t rely on that forecast. Meteorologists are the only people in the world who can fail at their job every day and not get fired, so do your own secondary research. Determine where the weather reader station is located. Sometimes these weather reading stations can be 20 miles away from your campsite and at a totally different elevation. Elevation and terrain play a significant role in changing weather conditions. You may be fine camping in 40 degree weather at 10,000 feet located in the tree line with no wind. However, a camper 1/2 mile away on the other side of the mountain may have set up camp 11,000 feet outside the tree line and directly in the path of 30 mph winds. (Temperatures drop 3.3 degrees when cloudy and 5.4 degrees when clear for every thousand feet gained, and wind chill will always lower the temperature.) Also, try looking up old archives and weather averages for the area for the time of year you’re visiting. This will help you determine if you need to bring that extra layer of clothing or an extra liter of water. By studying your map, choosing a good campsite, and understanding the weather where you camp, you’ll be more prepared and comfortable.
3. MAKE A PACKING LIST: Everyone intends to pack light, but ends up with everything but the kitchen sink. The first step in taking as little as possible is to buy a smaller pack than you think you might need. If you read a guide that says you need a 60 liter pack, buy or bring a 50 liter pack. Second, make a list of all the modern, camping, and survival amenities you want to take on the trip. Third, go through the entire list two or three times and try to remove 2 items each time. Depending on the trip, chances are you can leave home without several items on your list. You may think that it is impossible to leave home without water, food or shelter, right? Well, if you plan accordingly, you can leave it all behind. Now, I’m not saying run out into the wild with just the clothes on your back and a knife in your teeth, but I’m trying to keep you from packing on unnecessary pounds. Items like water, food, and shelter may already be on the way if you use a little ingenuity. Collect fresh water from lakes or streams and catch fish for dinner every night!
4. DETERMINE PACKAGE DESIGN – Only you can determine the perfect package design. Once you’ve narrowed down the exact items for your trip, start mixing and matching where it works best and try on your pack each time. I have never packed my suitcase well on the first try. Try turning off the lights and test the difficulty of finding essential items in the dark. Can you find your extra batteries in the dark when your headlamp goes out? Plan for the worst, know your gear and your backpacking trip will be much more pleasant.
Of course, there is the tried and tested way to pack, but everyone has a different pack, fitness level, skill level, and body type. What works for the best hiker in the world may not work for you. Go out and test your loaded backpack before a long hike. I follow the basic routine of light items on the bottom (sleeping bag), heavy items in the middle (tent, water), and medium to light items on top (camp stove, ground pad).
5. EQUIPMENT TESTING AND MAINTENANCE – Several times on the trail I have come across someone or been the one with a broken backpack strap, an empty cooking fuel canister, or a broken tent pole. Sometimes these events cannot be avoided and add to the fun/challenge of the adventure. But more often than not, it’s due to poor planning and not testing your gear before you hit the track. All essentials like your CamelBak, stove, tent poles and backpack straps should be checked before any hike. Checking your CamelBak for leaks, making sure your stove works, checking tent poles for cracks or kinks, and checking backpack straps for wear can eliminate the risk of discovering these issues down the road. . Not only is it important to check and test your equipment, but maintenance is even more essential. After that long weekend in nature, I always want to drop my backpack and crash on the couch. But being lazy now and not taking 30 minutes to air out and clean your gear can spell disaster for your next ride. Items trap moisture and dirt that can mold and ruin your gear, costing you money, time, and comfort. Rinse items like your CamelBak and cooking gear, and dry your tent and sleeping bag. You’ll thank yourself at the start of your next trip.
Bonus Tip: BRING THE LITTLE COMFORTS OF HOME – Every time you step out into the unknown, it should be a memorable, life-changing, learning experience and delight. If you’re not having fun, then you need to change a few things. You don’t have to live off the land or not shower for weeks to feel like you’re one with nature. The little comforts of home can make all the difference. Items I always pack include small containers of a few different spices, a lemon to flavor fresh fish, and a small cup of pre-made buttered rice or vegetables. These items can make a big difference to your meal on the go. If you have a vice, don’t choose this hike to quit or you’ll never want to go back. If you are a smoker, a chocoholic or a bitter child like me, make sure you take them with you. Smokers just pack up your butts, no one behind you wants to see that in the wild and the risk of starting a fire is also a reason to be cautious. Get creative and mix your candy into your trail mix. Bring a few packets of tea or flavored Gatorade to mix with the clear, fresh mountain water. Whatever your heart desires, take it with you to make a nice walk in nature that much more enjoyable.