After what seemed like an unbearably long winter and a pretty cool spring, it finally feels like summer. And that means it's time for me to dust off the ole backpack. I have no plans yet for where I might go but the possibility of it is enough to motivate me through these next few weeks of classes. Top contenders are currently Bear Mountain, the Adirondacks, and Fire Island. If I took a less realistic approach to my current life situation and finances, I would hop on a plane to the Oregon coast in a hot second.
Backpacking is not for everyone. As the name implies, it requires you to carry everything on your back and limits the non-necessities one can take (ahem alcohol). It also necessitates taking care of one's business in the great outdoors and not showering for extended periods of time… not exactly a selling point for most.
Even with those supposed drawbacks, I can't help but love it. Backpacking is a great reminder of how little we actually need. And after spending most of my days in a concrete jungle, it's a very welcome break from the daily grind of NYC. If you are like me and are considering a summer backpacking trip, here's what I think you need to survive:
1. Know your limits.
Before heading out, have a clear idea of how far you can hike in a day and how many days you wish to live out of your pack. Look, I love Cheryl Strayed too but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that the safer approach would be to work one's way up to a through-hike. There's nothing worse than hiking 20 miles out, feeling terribly sore from carrying a heavy pack, and knowing that you have to continue to hike in order to get back out to civilization. I guess the alternative to this would be to plan an escape route but that kind of defeats the purpose of backpacking a bit.
2. Travel with friends.
I am all for the solo backpacking trips, despite any prior negative experiences. However (and that is a big however) if you have never gone backpacking before, I would highly recommend that you bring a buddy. This will also help lighten up your load as you can divide and conquer heavier items such as your tent.
3. Bring lots of snacks.
Yes, these things are heavy but as a bonus you eat down the weight on your back so every time you stop to refuel your pack magically gets lighter. In line with this, make frequent stops for snacks and rehydration. When I was out in Joshua Tree, I came very close to passing out due to a lack of calories and water. A smidgen embarrassing when hiking with new friends. That being said, don't be like me - never feel bad about telling whoever you are with that you need a break. It will always feel much better than the alternative. Oh and folks, now is not the time to try to lose those love handles. For more specifics, REI has a nifty meal planning guide and I've posted some meal ideas here.
4. Be familiar with your gear.
Before starting on a trip, I make a list, lay everything out, and then I set it all up, tent included. I still manage to forget what some may consider necessities, e.g., flashlight, but at least I know for sure that the main items are functional and packed. Test out your stove and fuel canisters too if you are bringing them. Also, while it may seem that you need all the bells and whistles before heading out on a backpacking adventure, I think simple is the best approach. Who really wants to carry a 30+ lb pack on their back? Not me. Setting everything up ahead of time will help you figure out what should stay and what should go.
5. Don't take yourself too seriously.
You are presumably backpacking to have fun and enjoy all the awesomeness that mother nature has to offer. Embrace it. I don't know about you but I don't exactly look like a) I know what I am doing or b) that I am remotely attractive while backpacking. And it just doesn't matter. I mean you want to have some idea of what you are doing as to prevent injury to yourself, others, and the environment but there's no need to project an image of expertise. Live in the moment and just embrace your inner weirdo.
notes:
- at some point i will make a more official packing list but for now here's some of the gear i use and love: sleeping bag, sleeping pad, stove and windshield (absolute necessity with that stove), hiking boots, and winter hiking boots. for those of you paying attention, yes those are all rei links and no i don't own stock in the company. while i definitely shop around for the best price, when it comes to footwear i will only buy from rei. the kind folks there took back my disgustingly dirty vasque boots after 10+ miles in the dusty desert and two lost toe nails. my feet are forever grateful for the exchange.
- related to the above note, don't leave home without the ten essentials. youmight want to learn some basic first aid skills while you are at it.
- i consider myself a novice backpacker. there are lots of amazing women (and gents) out there with all sorts of excellent advice. for inspiration, check out April Sylva, Christy Rosander, and the lovely ladies of @dirtbarbieadventures.