Summer Plans? Backpacking for Beginners
Image Credit: Jamie King
There’s nothing like waking up in the mountains - the sun cresting on the horizon, a crisp morning breeze, and the open trail ahead. This is what backpacking offers. As one of the most fulfilling and exciting ways to travel, it blends camping and hiking to create unparalleled experiences in the outdoors. Thankfully for students, it’s also cheap.
However, as I found out while planning my five-month hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, it can be difficult to know where to begin. When researching, it can be easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of gear, countless number of trails and endless online discussions over the best hiking foods, but backpacking is a startlingly simple activity.
If you do decide to spend your summer on the trail, which I would highly recommend, you might choose to start by picking out a route you’d like to hike. If you’re fairly inexperienced, it may be best to begin with a shorter, local hike only lasting a few days. This can give you the chance to test your gear, develop navigation skills, and decide if you actually enjoy overnight hiking trips. If you do find your time in the great outdoors enjoyable, you might choose to take on a more challenging footpath. While our hiking culture isn’t as prolific as that of the USA, the UK still offers some incredible summer hikes. The Pennine Way, Offa’s Dyke Path, and Hadrian’s Wall Path are all fantastic options, as is the West Highland Way - the trail I’ll be hiking this summer. The National Trails website is a great resource for finding the perfect UK hike, but if you’re seeking international options, I cannot commend America’s trails more highly. If you’re ambitious enough, you might even consider one of the ‘Triple Crown’ trails.
When it comes to kit, make sure to opt for gear designed for backpacking rather than car camping. The key items to consider are your backpack (of course), tent, sleeping bag, and footwear. When choosing a backpack, anything from an outdoors store like Cotswold Outdoor or Mountain Warehouse should do for more casual trips. One thing to keep in mind is the weight limit of the bag, as exceeding this can lead to an uncomfortable carry (basically, make sure it’s not a day pack!). If you’re looking for something slightly more specialised, perhaps consider browsing UL Outdoor Gear, which imports ultralight gear from the US. My personal choice of pack is the Gossamer Gear Mariposa - mine is still going strong after 1,500 miles of use.
Even when hiking solo, I choose to carry a two-person tent for the extra space. As with backpacks, most outdoors stores carry perfectly suitable shelters for the average backpacker, though enthusiasts might look to brands like Big Agnes or Durston Gear for more specialist gear (my tent is from the latter). Sleeping bags too will be stocked in these outdoors stores, though you might choose a quilt instead, which I find to be more comfortable. When making your choice, it is a good idea to check the temperature rating of the bag against the climate you’ll be hiking in. This goes for your sleeping mat too. Finally, when it comes to footwear, I personally prefer trail runners to typical hiking boots, as they reduce blistering and tend to offer more comfort. Regarding food, make sure to pack shelf-stable, lightweight options, and always take more snacks than you think you’ll need.
Backpacking is a truly wonderful way to spend your summer, if you’re seeking more information there are copious blogs, forums, and publications with everything you need to know.
Happy trails!