10 Things To Do Before A Backpacking Trip
Do thorough research of the trail and area you’re going to be hiking.
I love to use several resources when planning and preparing for a backpacking trip including reading blog posts, reading reviews on AllTrails, and searching Facebook groups. I also study paper maps beforehand and make detailed notes of my route, including junctions, river crossings, and more. I also take time to read up on what wildlife I may encounter and how to safely interact. This article by the Leave No Trace association does a great job detailing how to plan ahead and prepare.
Check in with a rangers station or call the local visitors center.
For most backpacking trips, you’ll need to check in with a ranger station to pick up your wilderness permit. Chatting with a ranger before your backpacking trip can be extremely helpful. I highly encourage you to ask questions about your trip via email or phone call when you request your permit.
Tell someone your plan and leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend and in your car.
Whenever you head out into the wilderness, whether it be for a day hike or a multi-night trip, you should always tell someone you trust where you’ll be headed and when to expect you to return. I created a Printable PDF that covers all the information you should leave for someone before you head out on a trip.
Go through a gear checklist.
Eliminate the nagging feeling that you’re forgetting something. Check out the gear I recommend here.
Check the weather.
Weather can change drastically throughout the day or as you gain/lose elevation. Make sure you have proper gear and clothing to protect yourself from rain, cold, and sun. One of my favorite websites for checking the weather is Mountain Forecast.
Charge all your electronic devices and make sure you have the correct cables to recharge them.
You definitely want to start your trip with all your devices charged! I highly recommend bringing a portable battery block during your trip so you can recharge everything as you go.
Check the batteries in your headlamp.
And it’s probably a good idea to pack a few extra. Another option is to get a rechargeable headlamp. I love my NiteCore rechargeable headlamp.
Download a GPSx file on your phone.
In addition to a paper map, it’s always helpful to have a GPSx file on your phone. I recommend checking out AllTrails, Gaia, and Guthook Guides for great resources for downloading GPSx files. While not completely neccesary, I also recommend packing a GPS device like this Garmin Mini 2.
Go through your first aid kit to refill things you used last time.
Check out the first aid kit I recommend here. Make sure you have enough of everything you’ll need and you’ve replaced any items you might have used on past trips!
Download your Spotify playlists.
Or podcasts. Or whatever you like listening to.
