Prepare for Backpacking Trips

Ever since I learned to prepare for backpacking trips the right way, traveling has become so much more comfortable and fun.

No more looking right and left for someone to help me with my bags. I now pack only what I need and that too in a very efficient way. It is important to make sure to pack only what I can carry on my back with comfort while walking up and down a city or a hill.

Having a set destination in mind before you start to prepare for backpacking trips will make your life much easier. This helps eliminate a lot of ifs, buts and just in case. So you only end up packing what is of absolute necessity and with reason.

Long term backpacking is about way more than just being able to pick the right things to carry. It can test your physical, mental and emotional endurance as well.

Which is probably why Mark Twain said, “I’ve found out that there ain’t no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

Take a look at what local adventurer has to say about backpacking trips.

So the two most important things that you need to keep in mind while you prepare for backpacking trips are,

#1 Convince your mind or silence it

Honestly, it’s not that difficult.

For the longest time, I have procrastinated on my dreams and everything that I wanted to learn and explore because I could not convince my mind.

But guess what, you don’t always have to convince your mind before you start doing something. What usually happens is that once you start doing it, you stop being afraid of doing it. Because you now know what actually lies beyond the horizon.

The reason why we are usually afraid is because of not knowing what will happen or how things are going to unfold. We try to picture it step by step in our mind. Sadly, the failure to do so gives us a chance to come up with the worst possible scenarios for everything. Which eventually leads us to back out of the situation without even giving it a try.

But how exactly are you supposed to picture doing something without actually doing it? Doesn’t even make sense.

Weren’t you scared of riding your bike for the first time? How about that speech that you had to give in front of an audience? What happened after?

Chances are that after a few initial hiccups you learned to do what you set out to do. The same goes for backpacking.

All you need to do is to keep telling yourself, I can do it. The view is so amazing from the top, I just have to see it. Don’t give yourself any other options or loopholes to let your mind talk you out of that backpacking trip you have been planning for the longest time.

Just get on it and your mind will see how well you can handle everything.

#2 Getting your body prepared for what’s to come

If it’s a backpacking trip, it will involve a lot of walking with your backpack on. It’s a part of the deal.

It might sound tiring but trust me, it’s way simpler. So in order to prepare for backpacking trips, be sure to start going for long walks today itself. Keep going so you can build up stamina and maintain it while you are on the trip. And, don’t forget to tell all your doubts that they have been relieved of their duty.

“Mindset is everything”

I have seen the magic of mindset first hand, multiple times and that is why I insist on it so much.

Once you are comfortable with walking a considerable number of miles, start taking your backpack with you. Fill it up with some weight and start walking. If possible try and find a place where the walk area is not uniform. It would be better if it has some highs and lows to help you work your thighs.  You’ll notice the benefits of doing so once you are on the trip.

Pro Tip: The distance that you walk after being tired and certain that you can’t walk any further, is what actually helps you build your stamina and strength. Everything before that you already had in you.

Do take a look at backpacker’s and backcountry’s suggestions on how to get in shape for backpacking trips.

Once you have this sorted, it’s time to prepare your backpack

When it comes to packing, I write down the categories first and then list things down in those categories.

Like this :

• Toilet – Toilet-paper, Handwash
• Brush – Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss, Mouthwash, Face towel
• Bath – Toiletries bag, Towel, Soap/ Bodywash, Shampoo, Conditioner, Hair Serum, Body Lotion, Hair Clutcher/ Shower Cap, Talcum powder, Washing Detergent, Travel containers for toiletries
• Clothes – 2 sets Nightwear, 3 sets Day-wear (all clothing is interchangeable and multi-purpose), 1 Beachwear, 3 sets of Innerwear, 1 Scarf, 3 pairs of Socks, Sweater/ Jacket, Hat/ Cap/ Woolen cap, Rainwear, Warm Gloves, Neck Warmer, Belt
• Footwear – 1 pair of Shoes, 1 pair of Floaters (I don’t find slippers/ flip flops to be very comfortable), Waterproof Shoe Pouches, Clothes Organizer
• Makeup – Lip balm, Kajal, Lipstick, Perfume/ Deoderant, Jewelry, Sunblock
• Bedding – Sleeping bag, Sleeping bag liner, Tent
• Medicine – Usual Prescriptions + Something for Fever, Acidity, Muscle Pain, Headache, Cuts and Bruises, Cough Syrup, Honey, Clove, Cardamom, Fennel Seeds, Black Pepper, Glucose/ Electral, First Aid Kit
• Legal Documents – Passport, Identification Card, Driver’s License, Local Permits, Passport size Photographs
• Equipment – Headlamps, Torches, Swiss Knife, Map, Trekking Pole
• Food and Water – 1 or 2 Litre Water Bottle, Snacks, Biscuits, Dry Fruits, Salt, Chocolate Bars, Plate, Cup, Spoon, Fork
• Electronics – Camera, Tripod, Laptop, Chargers, Batteries, Earphones/ Headphones/ Earpods  
• Miscellaneous – Scissors, Thread and Needle, Wallet with Money, Menstrual cup, Sanitary Napkins, Pocket Tissues, Sunglasses, Mosquito Repellent, Zip Lock Bags for Waste, Old Newspapers, Spectacles,

All this goes in my 50L Quechua backpack.

There might be other things that you use or replacements of what I’ve mentioned which you can always edit. This is a basic list of things that I pack while I prepare for backpacking trips according to the location that I am headed to and it’s expected weather conditions.

Rei has also very interestingly laid out the do’s and don’ts and things to carry for beginners that might add to your preparation.

Also..

Depending on whether you are going to a beach, somewhere cold or tropical rain forest, pay attention to the kind of fabrics that you are taking along. Something to keep you warm or something that is quick drying. It just adds to our mental peace while providing with physical comfort.

Truth be told, no matter how much you prepare there are chances that you will always regret not carrying something.

So try and keep your needs at the minimum. Everything that you carry after that will be a gift. For me, if I have my wallet (with cards and cash) and a toothbrush I am all set to go anywhere.

Also, Whatever extra or unnecessary that you pack will keep adding to the weight. So prepare for your backpacking trip wisely.  

All the very best!

And, In case I missed anything, please do add it in the comments below. Thank you 🙂

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