Although you would need to drive about 30 miles west of Cadillac, numerous backpackers and keen hikers undoubtedly reckon it to be the best backpacking route in Michigan.The Manistee River Trail is … These gifts are perfect for the van owner in your life, or even for yourself. Pick one luxury item to bring with you. My intense curiosity and questioning to my new California friend, didn’t go unnoticed, and he quickly invited me to join along (as they had an extra permit to spare). Knowing how to construct a few different kinds of emergency shelters is a good … These gifts are perfect for the outdoor woman in your life, or even for yourself. Not to mention, if open wounds go unattended, it can lead to nasty infection. This will help prevent rubbing and blisters in your shoes. And it can really dampen your whole backpacking experience. Backpacking solo … These gifts are perfect for the avid climber in your life, or even for yourself. Boxed meals can be removed and placed in … Others consider that exclusive to backpacking. You only truly need a change of clothes after three or four days (but be sure to pack a multiple pairs socks - to prevent blisters and to keep your feet feeling fresh at camp). Even though I had taken all the right safety precautions and made sure I was bear conscious, hearing the endless amounts of ruffling and knowing there was no one in proximity to me was scary! From wool socks to down jackets, these are all great products that we can personally vouch for. Pick a popular and medium to high traffic trail with designated campsites on a weekend so you’re not hanging out alone at night like I was! It’s not only important to write a trip plan, but it’s equally important to leave it at home with someone you trust. Always be sure to pack the Ten Essentials, just as you would on a day hike. When I was a tot, my family … Double and triple check the supplies you are bringing before taking off. Safety is critical to your success on a solo mission. In these cases, you’ll have to plan special weekend trips to get out hiking … Practice reading the map and comparing it to the actual environment before you head out on a backpacking trip. Those moments when you realized that your bag weighs too much and you have more miles than daylight really stick out as growing pains in your backpacking career. You won't go wrong with any of these hiking gift ideas. My plan was to either have full conversations with myself out loud or playing Taylor Swift’s new album off my phone and sing very loudly & terribly while hiking. It’s easy to grab a bunch of bars and candy to take with you on your backpacking trip, but trust me you will get sick of all the sweetness real fast. Bring this, ditch that, roll your clothes, pack bottom heavy. Weigh your pack BEFORE you hit the trails my friend. I created an awesome Outdoor Adventure Starter Kit for you (for FREE). I almost die a little thinking about that question now because Half Dome is probably one of the best hikes in Yosemite, and maybe one of the most iconic hikes in the United States. This isn’t an all inclusive list of ways you can reduce your pack load, but I hope it gets your gears turning to think of what you actually need to bring versus what might be extra. Later that same trip I hiked into a tropical storm. If you have an experienced backpacking friend, ask to tag along so they can be your initial guide. Lastly, give yourself just a touch of indulgence. A description of your vehicle (with license plate number), yourself, your tent and anyone who may be traveling with you. Ideally though, you will have an idea of this before you hit the trails. Be sure to run through our Packing List to make sure that you can check off everything in your pack! Download our free backpacking packing checklist below! Don’t be lazy! When it comes to great destinations for new solo travelers, Thailand would be my choice. Zilch. The 9 Pieces of Gear Any Beginner Backpacker Needs Tried-and-true stuff that will let you go farther and stay out longer. A sure fire way to get frustrated and feel helpless is by trying to learn everything you need to know about backpacking by yourself. Not sure where to look to find new hiking and backpacking companions? The ground sucks up valuable body heat. 31 Best Gifts for RV Owners | Whether they’re living life on the road full-time or just taking lots of road trips, nomadic RV owners can seem hard to shop for. Feel prepared for your first multi-day backcountry adventure with advice from our trail experts written specifically with the new backpacker in mind. Then the next few months involved a lot of planning and preparing. When I’m backpacking I actually usually prefer saltier foods. If you usually backpack in a group or with a buddy (hi Kat! When using odor-proof bags, they should be hung in a tree, off of the ground at least 200 feet from camp to avoid any unwanted animal encounters. Chill, chill it was just an imagination.! Choosing a beginner's solo backpacking trip - US / Can. Often times as a beginner backpacker you don’t have all the latest ultra-lightweight backpacking gear. From water filters to GPS App subscriptions, these are all great products that I can personally vouch for. Invest in down. A simple sleeping pad not only keeps you insulated, but it helps alleviate pesky pressure points. Alternatively, get a smaller, lightweight portable charger. It might be easy when you’re tired after a long day to say “maybe I don’t need to go hang my bear bag THAT far” – no, do it anyway! Get to know your gear. Whatever it is for you, bring it and indulge! Don’t be shy, you’ll burn through it quickly, especially if you’re backpacking at elevation. Please, please let people know where you are going. 99.9% of hikers are firmly in the day-hike only camp, and usually it’s just a matter of not knowing how to start and where to go to gain some backpacking … Dry feet are happy feet my friend. You won’t have your hiking partner whispering in your ear to make sure you follow through on all those safety precautions so it’s on you to make it happen! Not only are you adjusting to carrying more, but you’re carrying heavier versions of a stove, sleeping bag, and tent. So my priorities were a little off. Learning through your mistakes is certainly a part of the process. Before you go to sleep at nights, make sure you put anything that smells into your bear can or odor-proof bag. ), and I was so slow on the trail because I didn’t prep or train at all for the trip. Nada. In fact, one of the best ways to insure that you have a long and fruitful backpacking future is to make sure to find a crew of like minded friends and companions to hit the trails with. you hold the stove, I got the propane kinda thing). During my solo trek, I was reminded of Katherine and I’s very first backpacking trip to Charlies Bunion. These gifts are perfect for the avid hiker in your life, or even for yourself. We'll teach you the beginner skills you need to plan your … Take this opportunity to test the waters with the added weight. I had no idea what I was doing. Next, you’ll need to ensure that there are flat places to set up your home for the night. This includes pesky water which weighs a whopping 2.2 pounds per liter! For some, it’s a light-weight camping chair for others it’s an inflatable backcountry pillow. From outdoor clothing to outdoor gadgets to outdoor gear that’ll keep him safe in the backcountry, you’re bound to find the perfect gift idea for any outdoorsy guy in this blog post. If it wasn’t for each of these Lessons Learned then I don’t think I would have had the confidence to pursue a solo trip. Nothing worse than realizing you forgot the propane to cook with! But I’m so glad I still went, mistakes and all. You should always carry a digital map and a backup made of good, old-fashioned paper. Enter custom title (optional) This topic is locked. Click below to be the first to know when my one-of-a-kind backpacking program re-opens again for enrollment! I love a good ‘rah-rah’ moment and backpacking solo is full of them. Not to mention, some of my closest friendships have developed with people I’ve gone on backpacking trips with. Have you tried using that new backpacking stove yet? A detailed description of where you are going. If you notice a hot spot or blister, address the problem right away with moleskin or liquid blister prevention. You’ll want to continue to learn more like which gear to invest in, how to train properly for big objectives, planning for bad weather, and much more as you continue on your backpacking journey. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this, ultra-lightweight gear costs a pretty penny, but you’ll want to be well aware of how much you’re carrying. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 33 Best Gifts for Outdoor Women | The holidays are fast approaching and so we put together a gift guide based on products that we love for outdoorsy women. A bigger pack (especially if you are new to backpacking) likely means you’ll move a little slower and take more breaks. [image: Jeff Gunn / Flickr] … Zero. Let’s do this Half Dome thing. Solo hiking-A beginner's guide to solo hiking. Just doing solo trips increases your confidence. Include helpful medical info such as allergies or pre-existing conditions. Typically, backpacking routes don’t tell you where to camp, you have to find spots on your own. I like to think being brave is different for everyone, depending on who we are and how our previous experience has defined us. So here we go, I had just recently moved out to California, and one of my new friends at work was telling me all about how he had just won the lottery for Half Dome permits. I packed all the wrong foods, I was freezing at night (shocking as it was super warm during the day! Finding cheap flights isn’t difficult. Another big no-no when backpacking, is to hit the trail before you’ve tested out your newly purchased gear. To avoid such things in real life go through the below beginners guide for the first solo backpacking … Don’t go for the toughest backpacking route when you first set out. It was an interesting indoctrination into the world of solo backpacking… The Ultimate 3-5 Day Backpacking Packing List for 2019 (PLUS Backpacking Checklist PDF), 7 Tips for Thru Hiking the Appalachian Trail, 7 Tips to Hiking and Summiting Your First Fourteener Mountain, Hiking 101 - The Essential Hiking Gear List. Never skimp on your footwear and your sleep system. Learning how to take propper care of your feet while backpacking is probably one of the most crucial backpacking tips for beginners I can share with you. That’s just the way it is my friend. For me, I’ve found that timing is rather consistent across backpacking, hiking, and mountaineering, but keep in mind, the mix is different for everyone. Check out the photo above for a full preview of my get-up! Cooking dinner in your tent might seem like a cozy idea, especially if it’s wet … Hiking, backpacking, and rock climbing with confidence and being inspired by the outdoors. If this is the case, make sure you either borrow that equipment from your buddies or start investing in your own gear. This is a moderate backpacking trip, but can easily be done solo—park at the Leigh Lake Trailhead and take the tram to start at the Granite Canyon trailhead. Okay, I know that seems obvious, but hear me out. Get out there! Still other hikers will face the challenge of living in areas which are urban. Bear canisters can be stored on the ground, well away from camp. Ready to try backpacking by yourself? First, what did he mean he won the lottery, and second, what was Half Dome. Bring protection you are comfortable with. Thorn Tree forum Interest forums Trekking & Mountaineering. Welcome friends, I’m super stoked to finally share this with you. I just hope I’ve helped you avoid a few critical ones before you attempt your first backpacking trip. | shedreamsofalpine.com, 15 Best Things to do in Bend Oregon | Bend, Oregon is one of our favorite mountain towns in the US, and in this post we are going to list out some of our absolute favorite things to do in Bend, OR. Solitude is the biggest driver for solo hikers. Dealing with blisters is a pain, seriously. I highly recommend going back through our Getting Started backpacking series and making sure you have experience in each of these areas before taking to the trail solo! Split tent weight, water filters, stove weight, and other shareable items with a friend! Some wilderness areas require special canisters for bear territory. Raw feet certainly ruin a backpacking trip. Especially when you … Being loud when hiking is your number one prevention against bears. Be sure to decrease your weight wherever possible while maintaining all the essentials (things like remove packaging from food, only bringing one layer of clothes, etc.). The bears probably scattered for miles. Both of these maps will likely be USGS topographical maps. To avoid this beginner backpacking mistake be sure to keep all of your food, toiletries, and waste in odor-proof bags or bear cans. Common-Sense Glossary: (from the Oxford Modern English Dictionary): 1. If you haven’t already, go re-read our Safety First article. Being a woman alone on the trail is a scary idea - not only … This might seem like the obvious consideration, but for me, I had to invest in a camp stove and some other basic essentials that Kat usually provides on trips. The Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 is one of the lightest free … I owe a lot of what I know to those who taught me all about backpacking and am immensely grateful for those mentors who took me under their wings to teach me essential backpacking skills. Outdoorsy women are badass. Backpacking solo is a challenge, but a fulfilling one! Except… I didn’t know which gear was most important to invest in, and I had absolutely no clue what the best brands or products were. Backpacking is a wonderful outdoor activity and everyone was new to backpacking at some point. For your first few backpacking trips, don’t go for a mileage record. Oh, and pro-tip, make sure all your smelly stuff and food fit inside of your bear can BEFORE you hit the trails so that you don’t find yourself without room to spare in your bear can at nights for the sunscreen. Always be sure to uphold LNT principles, even if it isn’t the easy thing to do. Food: Bring dehydrated, lightweight foods like granola, dried fruit, instant noodles, and oatmeal. When it comes to sleep, you’ll want to be off the ground. Heck Yes. When alone on the trail, you have uninterrupted time for relaxation and self … Phone smarts. Take courses and training to learn the skills you need to be a confident and self-sufficient backpacker on the trails. Well I didn't get completely lost on my first solo backpacking trip but I did get turned around quite a bit. One of the most essential skills of backpacking is learning proper navigation in the outdoors. Here’s a high-level look at what to include in your plan. Invest in a simple backpacking cook set and leave the kitchen sink at home (or better yet, share a backpacking stove with a friend and split the weight!). If you know you’re all in on the backpacking life, start looking for deals and invest in a good down sleeping bag and jacket! Take some time to test your gear out and make sure you know how to use it properly. Similar principle as before, if you usually backpack with someone there are techniques to split the weight (i.e. Use an e-reader app on your phone instead of bringing a book. If you aren’t familiar with how to read these maps, it’s important to get educated. It’s important to be strategic with your emergency items, and plan for redundancy in your most critical pieces of gear. The hardest thing I had to tackle on my solo backpacking trip was being brave, truly brave. From cozy gifts to practical gifts, you’ll be sure to get them something they’d love to have with this van life gift guide! SAFETY SAFETY SAFETY!! I don’t typically eat this much in a day though, even when I’m backpacking. You have to be ready to make judgment calls by yourself on navigation, have your first aid kit on hand if you take a tumble, and know your nighttime food storage plan, etc.! Check out our Getting Started page for everything you need to know to hit the trail. The Backpacking Beginners is a resource for anyone wanting to try backcountry backpacking for the first time or for their 100th time. Tent. Getting started hiking can be a little bit confusing. They can help to take the pressure off your knees and make the hike much more pleasant. This is one of the first bigger investments I recommend my students to make in my backpacking course. Southern California has a veritable plethora of hiking trails.And a plethora and a half of hikers exploring them. That first backpacking trip was an intense introduction to the world of backpacking. Wear properly broken in footwear that fits correctly to keep your tootsies happy. It’s where I first encountered… But the number one thing I wish I’d known before taking my first solo trip is this: When solo backpacking, you won’t be alone! Seek out mentors who are more experienced than you and who can teach you a thing or two about the outdoors and overcoming your fears on big adventures. Another thing to keep in mind when you plan your backpacking trip, is to know that elevation gain makes backpacking even harder with a weighted pack. Usually I have 2 lighter thickness pairs for hiking in during the day, that I will switch out frequently and let the other pair dry on the back of my backpack. Always be aware of your surroundings (easy to do in the wilderness). For me, bear safety was a big concern. So at the end of each day, bring some water to camp and wash the dirt and debris off your feet. Well, here's what it means when I use it: 1. It helps to include helpful info such as where you plan to camp. State and … In order to make the most of your food-to-weight ratio, you’ll want foods that are high in carbohydrates and fat (say buh-bye to that diet food). 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