Guide to Planning a Successful Backpacking Trip

An avid traveller can understand the random spike for trekking, camping, and hiking. However, people with wanderlust who are just getting started with their first trip must know the dos and don’ts of their journey.

That is why I have compiled a comprehensive guide for beginners on how to plan a backpacking trip for the first time by adding a list of essentials and a few tips to plan it well. So, let’s get started.

Planning your backpacking trip for the first time can bring a lot of questions and confusion, such as where to go, what to pack, what to carry, what to eat, and many more.

When I started my travel adventure, I went through the same, but as of now, after a few years, I must say I have enough experience to help many people plan their backpacking trips easily.

Here, for a better understanding, I am making two sections.

• How to plan a backpacking trip?
• What to carry on your trip? Essentials and tips for backpacking trips.

How to plan a backpacking trip?

When planning your beginner backpacking trips, you must consider a few things before you get started. Here is a guide for your backpacking tours.

Choose the dates and select the place for the backpacking trip accordingly

Since I am comprehending how to plan a trip for beginners for backpacking, the first thing to do is cross-check your calendar.

Not only to go through your schedule but also to analyse the weather where you are planning your trip. This will help you to determine whether the place is good or not. For instance, if your backpacking trip is in summer, then you should probably plan for the mountains. They are not a good option during winter.

For beginners, a backpacking trip of 1 to 2 nights initially is good for understanding how hiking is your first experience. Secondly, you will be able to get an idea of what gears will be your constant and which of them you have missed.

Select the trail for your backpacking trip

When the question of how to plan a backpacking trip pops up, you should probably look for the options for the trails you can go to, as they all look adventurous.

As a beginner who is planning a backpacking trip, clear your mind by asking yourself a few questions. This must include

• How long can you easily hike? I recommend 5 to 7 miles for beginners as it is a good start to test their capacity.
• How difficult is the terrain that you can do easily? Backpacking trips are challenging. Hence, you need to be prepared for it and select the one you can easily walk on.
• Which place would you like to hike? Do you want natural landscapes or mountains? It is up to you.
• And finally, if you want to go alone or with a group. However, I would say that as a first-time backpacker, you should join a group instead of going on a 独自旅行.

Look for the permit requirements if necessary

There are chances that the trail you have selected looks perfect, but there are chances that it might require a permit.

Many popular trails require a permit before anyone goes hiking. Hence, when searching for the different spots, be sure to Google it so that you can get the requirements for the permit.

Make a transportation plan

When it is all sorted, the next and final step for me is to look for the route and plan your transportation. If the trail is a loop, at a certain area, you have to leave your car and take local transport. Don’t forget to check for the parking permit.

For a one-way hike, you can hire a shuttle when going in a group and for solo, you can hitch-hike if possible or arrange your transport as per their local rules.

Section 2 – What to carry on the trip? Essential gears for backpacking trip

Now, as you have probably learnt and become aware of how to plan a backpacking trip, the second part that I am explaining is the essential gear for backpacking.

Most of the time, no matter how accurately you pack, there is always one or two things that are left behind. However, since I am here to provide the information for your backpacking trip. The list includes,

For backpacking shelters and hiking gear, you need

• Travel Backpacks: Make sure to get a backpack that is lightweight and has a capacity of a minimum of 40 litres.
• Dry Bags/ Rain covers
• Best tent for camping: Do check its material. I prefer the weather-resistant one.
• Sleeping bag: Again, it must be lightweight, easy to fold, and weather-resistant
• Ground tarp for camping
• Camping pillow (optional): It is not necessary, but you can take it along with you if you have the habit of it.
• Hiking poles (optional)

For food for a backpacking trip

To cook and eat, you will need

• Hydration bladders / Reusable water bottles
• Water filtration system: just for the safe side in case you run out of fresh water. This will help to turn stream water into drinkable and safe water.
• Backpacking trip stove + Fuel (probably the gas cylinder)
• Cookware for travelling: You need to bring a few pots to cook during your trip.
• Spork
• Travelling mug
• Bear canister
• Food supplies

For security and emergency

• The first aid kit and the prescribed medicines
• Headlamp for camping
• Batteries for camping
• Power bank 或一个 solar charger
• Backup water treatment
• Fire starting kit
• 地图
• Compass
• GPS watch
• Pocket knife for travelling
• Gear repair kit
• Safety whistle

Backpacking trip clothing

This is the most crucial part of deciding what to take and what not to. Well, for tracking, the best approach is to carry these listed items

• Moisture-wicking undergarments
• For women, a sports bra
• Hiking socks
• Breathable t-shirts
• Best hiking shoes
• Long-sleeves sun
• A sun hat
• Hiking boots
• A lightweight fleece jacket
• 太阳镜
• Hiking pants
• Base layers

Essential Toiletries for hiking and camping

• Waste bag, toilet paper, trowel
• Hand sanitiser
• Travelling toothbrush and toothpaste
• Wet wipes
• 防晒霜 and a lip balm with SPF
• Tampons or sanitary pads

Some additional items

With all these essential gears, here are a few things that you need for your backpacking trip.

• Your cellphone
• A travelling camera
• Binoculars
• Journals (if you love writing)
• Daypack
• Backpacking chair
• Hammock
• Dry towels

These essential gear for backpacking trips may seem like a lot, but trust me, all of them are necessary to carry when you are on your journey.

Note: For the first aid kit and medicine, you need to carry tablets for stomach, cold, cough, and bandages. You can also carry antiseptic to prevent any cuts.

经常问的问题

lets explore some questions 

Wrapping Up How to plan a backpacking trip?

So now you are very well aware of your backpacking trip with a guide and essential gear; now, the final step is to get to your destination. In case you experience any accidents, don’t worry; for beginners, it is inevitable for your first trip.

When I went on my first trip, I forgot to pick up hiking shoes, which resulted in blisters on my feet and shoes. Plus, I did not take enough water and food supplies, but it all turned out to be good as I learnt what to carry now.

I learned a trick. I have made a list of essential gear that I need when I am on a backpacking trip and pasted it on the wall of my room. Whenever I plan to go, I just gather all the things according to the list and then pack.

Here, one thing I would say: ‘Don’t forget to make amazing memories, as the first time lasts forever’. I hope you find it fun and informative. Enjoy and happy hiking. 😊