Skip to content

Instantly share code, notes, and snippets.

@agilejon

agilejon/backpacking.md

Last active August 29, 2015 14:08
Show Gist options
  • Save agilejon/ca705d2a22416b388104 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Save agilejon/ca705d2a22416b388104 to your computer and use it in GitHub Desktop.
Download ZIP
Raw
backpacking.md

Backpacking 101

affordable, light weight, comfortable - pick two.

Backpacking CAN be super expensive but it doesn't have to be. If it's your first time ever then consider renting or borrow from your friends or family.

Equipment

  • Backpack
  • Sleeping bag
  • Ground pad
  • Shelter (tent) - share if possible
  • Stove + fuel - one stove per 2-3 people
  • Maps - should have at least 2 per group. Nat Geo Trails Illustrated are great and convenient. Mytopo.com lets you customize a more zoomed-in map.
  • Flashlight or headlamp
  • Bowl, cup, fork or spoon
  • Knife
  • First aid - at least 1 kit per group
  • Trowel + toilet paper + hand sanitizer (+ plastic bag to put them into) - 1 set per group is fine
  • Food. Shared dinners can be efficient. Make sure everybody knows what is shared and what is not ahead of time.
  • A SPOT device or satelite phone can give you peace of mind in case things go badly.
  • GPS or smartphone can be nice. If using a smartphone, conserve battery. Most places will not have service and your battery will drain rapidly unless in airplane mode.
  • Plastic bags. I bring 1 big garbage bag in case it rains at night for my backpack or as a backup poncho. Also 1 or 2 large freezer bags for trash.
  • Cloth bag + 40-50 ft of cord for a bear bag. In some parks you'll need a bear canister.

Clothes

  • Layers of non-cotton
  • Underwear, insulation, more insulation or weather protection
  • Underwear, usually form-fitting. Polypro or wool.
  • Insulation - thick, looser fitting
  • Outer layer - for cold weather bring 2+ insulation layers. Rain jacket or poncho. Umbrella.
  • Socks - For most trips, bring 2-3 pairs. Switch when you get into camp. Take off the wet pair and think about drying them off.
  • Adjust layers at any time. If you are hot while hiking - mention you want to adjust and stop within the next 5-10 minutes to adjust.
  • If it starts to cool down, layer up quickly. Hiking generates a lot of heat, the moment you stop hiking you begin to lose that heat rapidly. If it's chilly then your first move when you get into camp is to layer up.

Packing

  • Plan your meals ahead of time. You can go nuts and plan out exact calorie intake.
  • At the very least, make sure you have breakfast, lunch, dinner and a few snacks for every single day. Double-check it just before leaving.
  • I brought too much food on 90% of my trips, but that's better than not enough.
  • Just try not to bring 10 pounds more than you need. The best way is to plan ahead and not just hit up the grocery store the day before you leave.

The Trip

  • Base camp trips can be easy and lots of fun
  • Distance trips can be a fun challenge, gain skills quickly, and see more of the area

Morning

  • Breakfast, coffee/tea
  • Re-fill water. Water is heavy but also critical. If you are crossing lots of streams then go light and fill up during the day. If you aren't sure, bring plenty. 2 liters is plenty for a long day of hiking for me.
  • Change clothes.
  • Camp tear-down and pack up. If things are wet and you aren't in a hurry, lay them in the sun or hang them to dry.

Hiking

  • Shoot for a pace that lets you go at least 45-60 minutes between breaks. If you need more often, then you're going too fast.
  • 5 min breaks are a good chance to take a drink, adjust clothing, and get back at it.
  • If it's chilly in the morning, I often start off with warm clothes on and then stop after 15-20 minutes to start removing layers.
  • Longer breaks 15 min are a good chance to eat a snack, catch the group up, relax for just a bit
  • Check the map regularly. Having an idea of where you are, how much farther is good for peace of mind.
  • Keep an eye on the clock and your progress. Be ready to adjust.
  • Less experienced groups - stick together. Don't let anyone get out of eye-sight for more than a few minutes.

Arriving at Camp

  • Pick a campsite. It can help to drop your backpack to wander around for the best site.
  • Once there, begin chores. Getting to camp is not when you relax - first get your situation right and then kick back.
  • Locate tent site, get it setup.
  • Gather firewood
  • If necessary, re-fill water. You'll need water for dinner, washing up, drinking that night, the next morning. Just fill everything up.
  • If you arrive early, get chores done and then go explore, take pictures, fish, swim, etc.

Pro Tips

  • Your sleeping bag is multi-use.
    • Dry out socks by sleeping with them in the bag.
    • Keep your feet warm by heating up some water, throwing it in a bottle and putting it at the feet of your sleeping bag.
Sign up for free to join this conversation on GitHub. Already have an account? Sign in to comment