SUBSCRIBE | NEWSLETTERS | MAPS | VIDEOS | BLOGS | MARKETPLACE | CONTESTS
Full Name:
City:
Address 1:
State:
Zip Code:
Address 2:
Email: (required)

If I like it and decide to continue, I'll pay just $12.00, and receive a full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.


Offer valid in US only.
Canadian Subscriptions | International Subscriptions

CLOSE WINDOW

Also on Backpacker.com


Enter Zip Code
Editors Choice

EDITORS' CHOICE AWARDS 2011: THE BEST NEW GEAR




Flash Map

OVER 3,000 GPS-ENABLED TRIPS!



Daily Dirt

DAILY DIRT BLOG: THE LATEST OUTDOOR NEWS



Ask Kristin

GEAR PRO: YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED



Ask Buck

MEDICINE MAN: ESSENTIAL SKILLS REVEALED



Backpacking 101

BACKPACKING 101: GET STARTED NOW!



Videos

VIDEOS: FEND OFF A BEAR, PACK RIGHT, AND MORE.



Photos

PHOTOS: FEAST YOUR EYES WITH THESE SHOTS



Share your tales of travel & adventure with our step-by-step guide. Upload trail descriptions, photos, video, and more. Get Started

Backpacker Magazine – Online Exclusive

Backpacking Basics

Take these 21 trail tips to heart, and you're virtually guaranteed a good hike.

by: The Backpacker Editors

PAGE 1 2

1. Planning
Be stunned by the beautiful vista, not an uncrossable river. An hour of guidebook research and a phone call to the rangers can make all your surprises happy ones.
  • Choose a destination within driving distance, so you can reschedule if bad weather threatens.
  • Stick to well-marked routes with easy terrain, established campsites, and plentiful water.
  • Plan on hiking no more than 5 to 7 miles a day.
  • Learn when the bugs are biting, if you need permits, what weather to expect, and where you can find a post-trip beer.
  • Let someone at home know your plans, and stick to your route so you'll be easy to find if necessary.
[Resource] The Basic Essentials of Backpacking, by Harry Roberts ($8)

2. Gear
Thanks to today's lightweight equipment, a backpack loaded with all your weekend supplies should weigh less than 35 pounds.
  • Rent a tent. Many outfitters rent shelter, packs, and other gear. It cuts initial costs and lets you experiment before buying.
  • Pamper your feet. Prevent blisters and other foot woes by getting lightweight boots that are slightly larger than your street shoes and matching them with wool hiking socks.
  • Pare your threads. Pack clothes for a 24-hour period, on trail and in camp, and wear the same stuff all weekend. Throw in extra socks to keep your feet happy.
  • Cook like a pro. Get a lightweight canister stove and one or two standard fuel canisters for a long weekend.
  • Sleep like a baby. Bed down on a sleeping pad that's 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches thick, and with dimensions that don't leave your limbs dangling off the sides. Likewise your bag should match your frame--try it in the store--and should be rated at least 10°F warmer than the temperatures you expect.
  • Go a little luxe. It's not a monastery out there. Sneak a luxury item into your pack: a deck of cards, a Lexan bottle of vino, a good book, or camera gear.

PAGE 1 2

Subscribe to Backpacker magazine
Sign up for our free weekly e-newsletter
Reader Rating: Star Star Star Star Star

READERS COMMENTS


<p>
In four out of five adjudications where the complaints for Groupon
were upheld the <em><a title="uggs outlet

online"href="http://www.uggs-outlet-onlines.org/">uggs outlet
online</a></em>discovered that the advertisements had been <em><a
title="ugg boots clearance " href="http://www.uggboots-
clearanceonline.org">ugg boots clearance </a></em>
misleading.
<P>http://www.discount-uggboots-sale.org/
<P>http://www.uggboots-clearanceonline.org/
<P>http://www.uggs-outlet-onlines.org/
Posted: Nov 16, 2011 ugg boots sale


<p>Groupon denied these<em><a title="discount ugg boots"

href="http://www.discount-uggboots-sale.org/">discount ugg

boots</a></em>and said it always checked that the companies its

coupons featured were totally legitimate and the advertisements <em><a

title="uugg boots sale" href="http://www.discount-

uggbootssale.org/">ugg boots sale</a></em>t misleading, The Times have

said.

Posted: Nov 16, 2011 discount ugg boots

Thank you for this article. I am about to take my first hike with my 10 year-old autistic son in a couple of weeks, and this was very helpful. I recall camping with my Dad when I was younger and have always held fond memories of those trips. I have always wanted to reciprocate this with my son, but until recently have just mustered the courage to give it a go. Thank you for the tips, as well as the other tips from others who have written they will come in handy.
Posted: Sep 24, 2011 cyberperk

To AKNative: WOW! So nice to hear 101ers aren't really welcome to learn. So when you die off or can't get around in your wheel chair, who will care about the wilderness? Seriously, for those learning any new skill, you know as well as I do that pure book learning isn't enough. And starting out accepting you are a beginner is way more productive use of your time than starting out with K2 or Annapurna on your first hike. Chill man. Accept that there are newbies who need to learn step-by-step. Personally I like this article. I think it is a good start. But it is general, not specific to each of us. Thank you Backpacker.
Posted: Aug 20, 2011 Mike Da Bum

For starting out this article is very well published and should be taken to heart. I like it alot. And as to the quote "Grown men don't need leaders" this is true. Grown men are supposed to be the leaders setting an example. So let people start out this beloved hobby and sport safely. Be a good examply to everyone. Even if they are not new. All in all a very good article.
Posted: May 03, 2011 Outdoor Advents

I am a beginner, a 101'er so to say. I think this is good advise , I see some responses that mock this article, to those people go read Hiking 102, let the novices start safe
Posted: Feb 28, 2011 clAdvent

I am a beginner, a 101'er so to say. I think this is good advise , I see some responses that mock this article, to those people go read Hiking 102, let the novices start safe
Posted: Feb 28, 2011 clAdvent

My comfortable books could not keep out water no matter how much stuff I applied, dew in the morning would give me wet toes. simple creek crossings, impossible. The nylon panels didn't help ( duh).
Get a pair of gortex boots, hotter yes, but with good rain pants, jacket, and pack fly, you're bullet proof. Cold and wet is not only miserable, it's dangerous.
Posted: Dec 18, 2010 RT

"Stick to well-marked routes with easy terrain, established campsites"
Where is the fun in that? For a good time stick to the back-country and avoid the highways that some call well marked routes...
I kick over every rock cairn I see. If you cant find your own way then stay home. Get a compass and a map and learn how to use them.
I think Ed Abby said "Grown men do not need leaders"...
Have fun and be safe!

Posted: Nov 11, 2010 AKnative

dont drink beer, ever
Posted: Nov 06, 2010 Anonymous

Take a flashlight. Never know when you might need to find your way in the dark, especially in an emergency.
Posted: Nov 05, 2010 Cathy

I would need that cute little plastic 6pak of vino!!! lol
Posted: Oct 13, 2010 HIKNOUT

The Backpacker's Field Guide is a good resource for backpackers. Instead of a tent, try a tarp. Very light weight and easy to set up.
Posted: Sep 11, 2010 Derk


Posted: Sep 11, 2010 Der

There was a part mentioned early on about going hiking with-in driving distance in case “bad weather threatens” Some hikers like a challenge. It’s not for everyone but if you are in a well known area and you want the challenge take on the rainy weekend. You’ll be stronger for it.
Posted: Sep 01, 2010 The Mountaineer Fraternity

If you wear glasses, definitely bring an extra pair with you on your trip, as one of the readers mentioned. My glasses broke on my backpacking trip in the Sierras this past weekend...fortunately, I had a back-up pair of glasses with me and was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and find my way on the trails. :-) Having an extra pair of glasses was a small item to carry that literally saved my trip!
Posted: Aug 17, 2010 BCH

The Backpacker's Handbook by Chris Townsend is a good book for beginners. It is very in-depth on boots, packs, and gear.
Posted: Jul 12, 2010 Daniel

Greener yet, get your books from the library, They probably have the out of print ones, or can get them for you.
Posted: Jul 09, 2010 wnpigzfly

Beyond Backpacking and the Ray-Way Tarp Book by Ray Jardine are among excellent books on the subject.
Posted: Jun 20, 2010 Snowbird

Extra pair of eye glasses, if your anything like me (sir Trips alot) pack a spare pair of glasses!
Posted: May 25, 2010 Anonymous

View all comments

ADD A COMMENT

Your Name:

Comment:

My Profile Join Now

Most recent threads

The Political Arena
What is Wrong with Arizona?
Posted On: Feb 09, 2012
Submitted By: Montanalonewolf
Trailhead Register
When is Pickle Gulch next year?
Posted On: Feb 09, 2012
Submitted By: Reminiscence
Go
View all Gear
Find a retailer

Special sections - Expert handbooks for key trails, techniques and gear

International Travel
From Nepal to New Zealand, we have stories and tips to help you plan the perfect 'life list' trek abroad.

Navigation Center
Learn how to orient a map, navigate any terrain, and the ins-and-outs of GPS devices.

BACKPACKER's Free Smartphone GPS App
Record and share you adventures with our new, free navigation app. Plus, discover thousands of GPS-enabled hikes in national parks and major cities.

Green Guide
A backpacker's guide to environmental issues and "green" gear.

Follow BackpackerMag on Twitter Follow Backpacker on Facebook
Name:
Address 1:
Address 2:
City:
State:
Zip:
(required) Email:

If I like BACKPACKER, I'll pay just $12.00 and receive a
full one-year subscription (9 issues in all), a 73% savings
off the newsstand price! If for any reason I decide not to continue, I'll write "cancel" on the invoice and owe nothing.

SUBMIT MY ORDER Offer valid in US only.
Canadian subscriptions | International subscriptions

Pay Now