Once you decide that you want to go backpacking, what is the next step? If you have never been on a backpacking hike, it is usually best to try some day trips before you dive right into an overnight adventure. This will allow you to get used to your hiking boots, confident while pacing yourself on the trails and also give you the knowledge you need regarding the basics of hiking. An overnight backpacking trip will require the use of extra gear, steps with additional planning, and a wealth of extra skills and knowledge. Before upgrading from a day hike to an overnight, you should talk to other friends that backpack and try to schedule a one-night backpacking overnight with someone who has been out on one before. What Gear To Bring Packing up for an overnight trip will require more equipment than a regular day hike. When starting out, you might want to borrow or rent the gear before making such a significant investment on gears. However, keep in mind that items such as backpacks will have to fit you well for total comfort. The pack should have enough room to take everything you need. The modern backpack comes with sternum belt which is so essential for a long hike. Take a look at these top 10 selection and read reviews to understand which one is suitable for you. Try to purchase own gear as borrowed equipment or those that you rent might not be quite as comfortable as any gear that is fitted to you individually. More gear will mean more weight, as a pack that is loaded with gear, water and food will usually weigh somewhere between 30 to 40 pounds for just a 2 to 4-day trip. A longer trip will require a heavier pack load, but it will never mean that your pack will have to weigh you down. The key will be packing whatever is necessary without putting together a pack that is hefty. What Food Items To Bring Water - Water is obviously one of the major essentials for any backpacking trip. This is an adventure that can be hard work, so you need to be hydrated, especially on hotter days. A smart tip is to drink a liter while carrying a liter at all times. This way, you can be sure that you have extra water should there be an emergency. Food - Eating is also important when you are going to be burning about 5,000 calories per day, if not more. Think about the weight to calorie ratio. Look for foods that are lightweight, such as hummus mix, dehydrated refried beans, noodles or rice that will fill you up, offer energy, and never load you down.
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