You have read all the blogposts on the
internet, taken expert advice from all the hiking pros in your social circle
and made all the necessary preparations for your next backpacking trip. A
couple of days before the trip, while everything else is set, you start with
the real job- packing your bag. And here comes the big question: what to pack
and how to pack? A lot of us tend to get into unnecessary details and end up
missing a few of the essentials. We totally understand. Which is why we have
given you a checklist of the top essentials you need to carry in your backpack
for your next hike:
1.
Pack food in good quantity which will last you through the trip and in
case you are travelling with a group, pack a little extra. Make sure to pack
nutritious food which is light on the stomach. Focus
on foods such as fresh fruits, cereal, granola, or trail mix. Packets of tuna
or peanut butter are also a great lunch option and packed with protein to
replenish muscles. If you want to make sandwiches, pack hard meats and cheeses,
as they last better on the journey.
2.
Pack enough water to keep you hydrated and energetic throughout the
trek. Do your research in advance regarding what drinking water sources are available
in the course of the trek. If you plan on using
fresh water from a stream, make sure you boil it for the appropriate amount of
time first to kill off any dangerous microorganisms.
3.
Pack your sleeping bag in a waterproof plastic bag. The weather might
suddenly change, and an unexpected downpour may soak your sleeping bag
completely. Keeping a fresh trash bag is a great option to prevent this from
happening. Although many backpacks claim
to be waterproof, it never hurts to ensure an extra layer of protection for a
good night’s sleep.
4.
Get back to the basics with a map and a compass. In this era of
Google navigation, not many of us know how to use a map and compass to get
around. In the countryside where cellphone reception and internet
is nothing more than a myth, knowing how to navigate with the help of
elementary tools is a must for survival. Never
put yourself in a position to experience what it feels like to be truly
lost in the wilderness. The consequences can be risky to say the least.
5.
Our final word of
caution: do not overpack. It may be
tempting specially for newbies to toss in extra supplies in case of unforeseen
emergencies. But the heavier your backpack gets, the tougher it is for you to
carry it around and the quicker you will tire out. Remember, the bag may seem
light right now but the more you trek, the more exhausted you will get and the
heavier your bag will seem. Go light on packing clothes and do not carry heavy
cookware.
This was our go-to checklist to turn to for backpacking trips. We hope
you have gone through this and already started preparing for your next one.
Happy hiking!
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