Question #1: Can I Really Just Hike Into the Mountains and Make My Own Camp?

When you are planning a backpacking trip, you need to do just that! You Need to PLAN! While you certainly can just hike into the Mountains in some places, you shouldn't just make a snap decision and start hiking. Why? Simply put, without proper planning you will get yourself into trouble.

Why do we say that? If you have never backpacked before, there are a lot of things to consider. First, you need to know if its legal for you just to plop down a tent somewhere in the mountains. Why? Each area has its own regulations.

National Forests (picture above Monogahela National Forest) typically have the least restrictions; however, even they have restrictions as to what you can and can not do. For example, they will probably allow you to set up an overnight camp as long as you are away (out of view) from the trail; however, they may or may not allow you to have a campfire.

On the other hand, a National Park has much greater restrictions. Generally you are required to have a permit for overnight backcountry camping and generally that permit is only valid in a given spot for each night.

So then, you do some Research and decide where you would like to go, what is allowed, and what is not allowed!

After Researching your destination, then its time decide exactly where you want to go in that destination! For example, if you decide you want to hike the Grand Canyon where in the Grand Canyon do you want to Backpack? Do you want to hike the rim or deep into the canyon?

Now, the most important part! Absolutely Do Not Just Drive to the Park or Forest and Start Hiking without following the steps below! Each year there are many reports of people failing to plan ahead and getting, lost, injured, or even killed because they failed to prepare!

First off, make sure you know how to read a Map! Topograpical maps show the layout of the land, valley, streams, moutains, and more. Its very important to have a map of the area you will be in and know how to read it! Those little lines can get confusing if you don't understand what they really mean!

Now, you might think, "Well, I'm just gonna follow the trail. I don't need a map!"

I'm here to tell you, that is the WRONG PLAN! Why? Because, even though I've hiked in many places, I still loose the trail at times! I've even lost the trail when I hiked the exact same trail the year before! Its very easy to do. You start looking at a view or talk to your friend and before you know you've lost your way! A map will help you get to your destination safely when something like that happens!

Second, always make sure that your map has your trails or route marked on it before you leave! Mark your route, your planned campsites, your distances, where the nearest water sources is, etc. Its much easier to plan this out in your living room than trying to figure out where you need to go when its pouring down rain or snowing on you!

Third, Don't Over Do It! Most first time backpacker's have a tendency (me included, even now) to plan a much tougher trip than they really should. What do we mean by this? Hiking up the side of a mountain 2000 feet is tough! Going 5000 feet up a mountain can be miserable if you're not prepared. Hiking 1 mile with 40 lbs of weight on your back can be tough. Hiking 10 miles with 40 lbs of weight can be miserable if you aren't prepared. In other words, for your first trip make it EASY! Those mountains are much taller than they look on the map, the streams are much wider (and deeper) than they appear on paper. And those distances between campsites are much farther than they appear too! If you kill yourself (or your friends) on the first trip, you probably won't be planning another one later!

Remember, your goal is to enjoy the wild! Not to need rescued! Not to be miserable! And believe me, if you plan well, your trip will be amazing! There is no better experience than being out in the Wild! Give it a Shot and You'll Be Glad You Did! I know I am!

Questions? Email me at gearwild@gmail.com or check out our secure website at GearWild.com

First Time Backpacker?

If you are thinking of taking your first backpacking trip, chances are you've had some questions like these?

1.) Can You Really Just Hike Into the Mountains and Make Your Own Camp?

2.) What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

3.) What About the Bears?

4.) What Do I Eeat?

5.) How Do I Cook My Meal?

The Question List can go on and on! At GearWild.com we are here to help!

Over the Next Week, I will answer each of these Questions! By the time we're done, you will feel confident enough to enjoy the Wild on your own - or maybe with a group of friends :)

Meanwhile, if you need some advice on an upcoming trip, please feel free to email me at gearwild@gmail.com We love the Wild! And We Love to Talk About It!!

Stay Tuned . . .