| Anytime you plan to go backpacking it is | | | | matter what time of the year be sure to take |
| important that you plan your trip not only from a | | | | good rain gear because nothing will ruin a trip quite |
| where are we going aspect to knowing what gear | | | | like getting soaking wet. |
| to bring. This is particularly true if you plan on | | | | 4. What kind of shelter do you need? Are you |
| spending an extended period of time in the | | | | camping in the open which will require a tent or |
| wilderness. By creating a gear plan you can double | | | | are you doing a hut or wilderness cabin trip. This |
| check to make sure that you have everything | | | | can make a difference because carrying a tent |
| you need before you strap on your boots. | | | | takes up space in someone’s backpack, often |
| There are five main things you need to think | | | | at the expense of other items. |
| about when planning your backpacking trip | | | | 5. Food and water are of course two of the |
| 1. Where are you going and the environment you | | | | most important items on any trip. Planning your |
| will be camping in. This is important because you | | | | meals and snacks for each day will ensure that |
| need to let others know where you will be, when | | | | you bring enough to last the journey. Dehydrated |
| you are going and when you plan to return. It will | | | | meals that can be found at any outdoor store are |
| also shape how you answer the next three points. | | | | a good choice because they are lightweight but |
| 2. The length of time you will be out in the woods | | | | highly nutritious. You will also need to have a plan |
| will determine what you take and how much you | | | | in place for drinking water because dehydration is |
| take. The longer the trip the more food and | | | | not something you want to experience during any |
| clothing you’ll need to take. If going with a | | | | backpacking trip. A water filter is definitely on the |
| group how will you divide up the hauling | | | | list of things you must take. How much you carry |
| responsibilities. If going alone how much can you | | | | will depend on where you are going and the |
| comfortably carry while still meeting your daily | | | | available sources along your route. |
| needs. | | | | Planning ahead will ensure that your backpacking |
| 3. What time of the year are you going? For | | | | trip comes off successfully because the last thing |
| summer backpacking trips you’ll generally only | | | | you want to have happen are those unforeseen |
| need lightweight clothing while the cooler months | | | | surprises that ruin what should otherwise be a fun |
| and winter camping will require heavier clothing. No | | | | and rewarding experience. |