Then expand both your distance and seasonal options as you gain more experience. As I said above, I often choose to hike in full-length clothes to avoid wearing bug spray and I sometimes wash my clothes in mosquito deterring solution/spray for longer trips. It’s also a good time to take note of any permits that may be required (usually required for national parks). The Red Cross offers an online course for $35 that takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. ✨ No matter where, Missing our family and friends in the Southern Hem. Trust your instincts and listen to your gut. Experience America, Under Canvas SHOWER TRAILERS. Already a seasoned camper? That way you won’t be completely alone should you need help. Sign up for our newsletter and we'll keep you up to date with the latest arrivals, blogs, and offers. I will typically refer to a park’s website or call the local ranger office to ask where camping is allowed in a particular area. ), podcasts help me fall asleep easier instead of letting my night time paranoia creep in. I typically bring a sun hat and/or a ultralight sun-brella on hiking trips to protect my face from the sun. Thinking about going solo? If shit hits the fan, it can mean the difference between being rescued quickly or not at all. Next, call the local office of the agency who manages the land you’re planning to backpack on. Visit the National Park Service websites for trails and hiking, and wilderness and backcountry camping. If you’re new to backpacking altogether, take at least a few trips with others before striking out on your own. Don’t bring a power bank and a headlamp. Another great ultralight tent is the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, and a more affordable (but heavier) option is the Marmot Fortress 2 Person Tent. 38 comments. I jokingly tell my wife it’s because I don’t want the coyotes gnawing on my carcass. When hiking in Washington I usually opt for a waterproof boot with ankle support, but something that isn’t too heavy, like the Danner Adrika Hiker Boot or the Salomon X Ultra Mid 3 GTX Hiking Boots. Everyone has to start somewhere! I cannot stress this enough… please don’t go hiking or backcountry camping without knowing how to respect nature. I personally haven’t had a great experience using hydration bladders so I stick with my trusted Hydroflask and Nalgene water bottles. Here are a few hot tips: Lastly, given the situation we’re in now, pack some kind of face covering a small bottle of hand sanitizer to keep others and yourself safe on the trail. Emergency support services, family and corporate events and construction services. I would also recommend learning some basic first aid skills. This allows for eating out of pots and dehydrated meal bags without getting too messy. Put simply, backcountry camping, also referred to as “dispersed camping”, “primitive camping”, or “boondocking”, is camping outside of established campsites. Love this post! I now call the U.S. home but you can usually find me wandering the globe with a camera in hand. These lightweight items are usually more pricey and you may decide to start with heavier/more affordable gear to begin with. Renee!! But given the fact that we’re still very much in a pandemic, it’s critical to approach any solo trip right now with safety as the first priority, not the third. 657. Sunscreen, lip balm and sunglasses are also a packing must. Consider keeping the nice-to-haves to a minimum to keep your pack weight manageable. Some of my favorites are the Alfredo Pasta, Chillimac, and Bare Burrito (with some tortillas and cheese from home). Wow this is a great guide to outdoor camping. If something doesn’t feel right about where you’re camped or who you’re camped near don’t be afraid to pack up and move to another spot or pull the plug altogether if you need to. I would also recommend learning some basic first aid skills. . 657. Taking on the backcountry during COVID is itself another whole topic, but being mindful of small mountain communities and moderating your risk tolerance to avoid taxing our health care systems are both elements to keep in mind. RELATED: My Holy Grail Hiking and Camping Gear, For 15% off your first Backcountry.com order, use code RENEE15 *some exclusions apply*. best. Thanks for sharing all the details. Your dinnerware and utensils will depend on how and what you choose to cook in the backcountry. Hydroflask’s will keep your water cool (or warm) for an entire day, and Nalgene’s are super lightweight and can also function as hot water bottles when winter camping (read about my winter camping tips here). Lastly, please note that the items listed below also lean more towards summer/3-season use and are recommended from a female perspective. Great article which covers a lot of ground and contains great tips for some one thinking about solo outdoors adventutes! for $35 that takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. Cooking over a wood fire is appropriate if there is not a high danger of forest fire (which usually result in burn bans), or if you aren’t in a high-use area, where wood is scarce. But, once the sunset my anxiety would kick in full force. It’s important for all trips, but especially for those when you’ll be on your own. Camping along Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur at Ventana Campground with plenty of other people around, and nice bathrooms!. My favorite 3-season sleeping bag is the lightweight unisex Western Mountaineering Apache MF 15 Degree (Fahrenheit) Down Bag (more of a deep red color in person, not pink). This guide made me feel like packing up my backpack and leave for camping tomorrow. Anyo, Commonly asked question how do you find p, So thankful for moments like this... breathing in, entire blog post on winter hiking and camping, printable checklist in my free resource library, Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Windrider 55L Backpack, Western Mountaineering Apache MF 15 Degree (Fahrenheit) Down Bag, Backcountry x NEMO Chigu Women’s Sleeping Bag, Sea To Summit Ultra-Sil Compression Dry Sack, Black Diamond Alpine Carbon Trekking Poles. But a beacon gives her peace of mind as to exactly where I am and if I’m in camp or not. In addition to this, it’s a good idea to save some offline maps to your phone. I won’t lie, there are quite a few gear items you need for backcountry camping. I personally prefer a light pack that has a few of those features (especially the hip padding) but doesn’t go overboard with the weight. That is the difference between frontcountry camping, backcountry and designated campsites, and dispersed camping. - list out the colors/brands of your backpack, clothing, tent and vehicle info. Every camping trip I try my best to not only leave no trace, but to reduce the waste I bring back with me too. Hi, this article really helpful for me. This is SO SO SO helpful! You need to be able to find your way in the dark and safely maneuver around camp. Do not follow or approach them. Four-Wheel-Drivers and mountain bikers should plan to travel less … Keep up the great work! You will find everything listed below in a printable checklist in my free resource library. You certainly don’t need to own all three of these but I would always recommend having some sort of insulation/protection layer that is suited to your destination’s climate. The last time I had been backpacking was on an ill-fated weekend in 7th grade, but despite my inexperience I was determined to go. I have an entire blog post featuring my favorite hiking clothing – check it out here! I know there can be a lot of things to worry about for your first backpacking trip. Editor's note: Help support this site by making your next gear purchase through one of the affiliate links above. Definitely going to be directing my friends to this post on their backpacking trips. The offer of 15% off does not apply on top of any other offer or discount, and it’s one use per customer. - when you plan to arrive at and set out from the trailhead, make camp for the night, be back at the trailhead and when they should expect to hear from you after you’re back in cell service. Don’t pack all the water you’ll need for the whole trip, bring a small water filter, I like. Disclaimer: Thank you to Backcountry for collaborating on this camping blog post. My solo gear ALWAYS includes my SPOT emergency beacon. On a one-person, one-horse backcountry camping trip, the object must be adventure, not comfort. Solo trips are absolutely okay (and preferred by many) but be sure to know what you’re doing before setting off. We chose that one because it is lightweight, functional, and as a bonus it looks great in photos. That said, hopefully you picked up a few new tricks for your next solo trip. I personally prefer sleeping in a tent compared to a hammock or under a tarp, but do what suits you. I am a fan of the way how you write such in-depth and interesting guides. When I set out on a solo trip I’ll share the details with two people, my girlfriend and Dad. Below I have listed the items I personally would recommend for backcountry camping, though you may find that some things aren’t necessary for your own kit. It’s definitely a key factor for me. Hopefully if you’re contemplating a solo adventure you have those on lock, but it never hurts to study up. ... One hiker on an overnight excursion can probably get by on prepared food alone, provided it's calorie-dense and high in protein. Some things that can easily be shared include a tent, stove/cook system, bear canister, first aid kit, bug spray, sunscreen, an emergency device, etc. Some extra “just in case” items you may consider bringing along are a mini field/gear repair kit, waterproof matches / means to start a fire in the case of an emergency, a knife or multi-tool, and a whistle. I highly recommend you check out my blog post “How To Get Over Your Fears of First Time Backcountry Camping” where I chat about other backpacking topics you may want guidance on. Hi! Be confident in yourself. Give solo car camping a try. BACKCOUNTRY CAMPING. Some other lightweight options are the Sea To Summit Aeros Ultralight Pillow and the Sea To Summit Aeros Ultralight Deluxe Pillow. I love your blog and read it religiously. Over the years I have found that Darn Tough, Smartwool, and Icebreaker are the most durable, least smelly (due to the merino wool) and most comfortable hiking socks. In the winter of 2016–17, four of the 12 people who died in avalanches in the United States were those traveling alone. I find sandals with straps like the Teva Originals are easiest to get around in. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been in this position, and didn’t go, because someone else had a little too much to drink the night before. It’s important that you do your research and plan accordingly before heading out into the great outdoors. Granola bars, trail mix, beef jerky, nuts, fruit, and a chocolate bar or two are good things to bring for a short trip. I always throw in a couple of extra blister-pads too, just in case! Give yourself options. A night alone in the backcountry can change your life. I have a Garmin Inreach Mini and love it. You may be taking local trips where you have phone service, but if not it might be worth investing in a device that has an SOS feature and tracker, like the Garmin InReach Explorer+ or SPOT Gen3 Satellite GPS Messenger. Customized camping services, for novice or experienced explorers. I use Gaia GPS to plan and map all of my trips. My go-to camp and sleeping clothes are basic thermals, fleeces and insulated jackets. If you’re going to be out in nature, it’s important that you strive to protect it and follow Leave No Trace principles. I used to use the Unisex Osprey Exos 58L, which I liked, but I find that a women’s specific pack works better for my frame. If for one reason or another none of your options are a go or you’re feeling a night out alone is too much, don’t totally write off your trip. These items are commonly known as the “10 Essentials” and they include navigation, insulation, nutrition, hydration, shelter, means to start a fire, illumination, first-aid supplies, repair kit, and sun protection. Incorporate these tips, gleaned from all the times I couldn’t or wouldn’t pull together a crew, into your planning to stay safe and get the most of your trip. Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products. I also take along some toilet paper, tooth brush, hand sanitizer, face/body wipes, and a mini quick-drying towel. Pro tip - Gaia has public tracks from other hikers and backpackers you can use to help guide your route planning. Hiking shoes are very person specific. All will be memorable, even days of slogging through rain. My boyfriend, Chase, and I are thinking about doing this eventually and it seemed really overwhelming on where to begin as far as gear goes.. definitely will be referencing this post in the future. share. Some people love wearing trail runners and others prefer boots. They often get updated info before it gets published online. During those trips, I have learned what clothing does and doesn’t work and…. If you are using a stove like the PocketRocket then you will need to bring an additional cooking pot – the Snow Peak Trek 1400 Titanium Cookset is a good option. It’s also a great idea to bring along a compass and have some basic skills to use it. In my opinion it’s just not worth the risk of getting giardia or something else nasty. TENTING SERVICES. Everyone sleeps differently in the backcountry and your required sleeping bag temperature rating will depend on where you are. And with the current situation, it’s even more critical. Backcountry camping Alone in the baker tent! I want you to go out there and have fun! Listen to enough stories of outdoor trips gone wrong and a common theme emerges - the lost person/group did not leave their itinerary with friends or family. - screenshots or print outs, include any alternate trail options you might take. Also a huge fan of Osprey packs, but have only used them for plane/train travel. Truly, this is for your own safety. Your horse should be as unflappable as you can make him, and he should be in shape. Online trail descriptions are a great place to start, but actually pouring over a topographic map of the area you intend to go gives you the kind of deeper understanding you need to backpack solo responsibly. Finally, when solo backpacking DON’T TAKE ANY UNNECESSARY CHANCES! Packs are very personal in terms of size, fit and overall functions. The easiest is probably using purification tablets like the Katadyn Micropur Tablets, though they can sometimes leave a taste to the water. Going into the backcountry alone means you are your only lifeline. I always take a lightweight first aid kit on backcountry camping trips. Nobody can give a last minute excuse of, “I don’t feel well, wahhhhh”. Are you aware of Leave No Trace (LNT) principles? Primitive or backcountry camping involves camping in a tent or lean-to deep in the woods away from civilization. That way you won’t be completely alone should you need help. The meditative and socially distanced experience seems to check all the right boxes. When it comes to a rain jacket, my go-to is the Marmot PreCip Eco Jacket and I also like the Patagonia Torrentshell. Research a few different areas that are currently open for dispersed camping, that you’re familiar with and that have trails within your limits. The meditative experience of being on your own with just your thoughts for company is part of the reason why many backpack alone. With some preparation, you can discover a world beyond where the pavement ends. My all-time favorite lightweight down jacket is the Arc’teryx Cerium LT (an investment but SO worth it for such a feather-light warm jacket in my opinion), I pretty much take it everywhere I go. The information on this website will guide you and … Some more affordable option are the LEKI Voyager Trekking Poles and the Black Diamond Trail Sport 2 Trekking Poles. Wearing long sleeve tops and pants is another way to reduce your sun exposure and need to wear sunscreen/bug spray (also keeping your sleeping bag cleaner!). Camping alone is a rewarding and fulfilling experience. Such awesome tips in regard to camping, I love camping in different places, I remember there were awesome days when I’d first time camping for the fun of it and it was fantastic, I glad to have a blog to accompany me in my quest. Also note that I typically carry a slightly larger pack than necessary as my camera gear takes up a lot of room! Well, the reason is that often the wind chill makes hiking less enjoyable, but it’s just too sweaty hiking in a rain or down jacket! You are best to travel with someone more experienced if it’s your first time going backcountry camping. My preferred method is via a squeeze or gravity flow system, like the Katadyn BeFree 3L Filtration System. I love a solid waterproof GreenTrails or NatGeo map. I’ve listed the main points  below and you can find more information via the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics or in my in-depth blog post on the subject. CORPORATE EVENTS. You … No one else is there to hold you back or conversely, make you feel slow. In saying that, going on trips with friends can help reduce the items you need to bring along or purchase yourself. may still be an option for you. This is really where you see difference in culture. The day’s were great. I am a little intense when it comes to sun protection. This eliminates the ankle support, meaning you are less likely to suffer with blisters and will enjoy a much more comfortable hike. CalTopo is another good option. Next, call the local office of the agency who manages the land you’re planning to backpack on. Car camping is such an amazing way to experience nature without having to work too hard for it. Alternatively, flip-flop slip-on styles are also lightweight and easy to pack. 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