When you’re planning an adventurous backpacking trip, it can be easy to put yourself at risk. After all, these expeditions are supposed to be daring and challenging! But that doesn’t mean you should disregard all safety precautions.
In fact, by following a few simple rules, your backpacking trip can be even more exciting. Climbing mountains, camping in wild places, and spending long days on the trail are all things that make backpacking so thrilling.
- Learn how to navigate
Learning how to navigate is essential for adventurous backpack tours. Even if your destination is just a few miles away, you should leave a detailed plan with someone in case of an emergency.
One easy way to navigate is to use a map and compass. While most smartphones now have a compass app, these are not always accurate. Regular compasses are more reliable and can help guide you in the right direction.
- Check the weather
Before you head out on your backpacking trip, learn as much as possible about the weather forecast in the area. The last thing you want is to be caught out in a storm or blizzard with no shelter nearby. By checking the forecast, you can avoid getting caught in bad weather.
You can also plan your trip around times of the year when you’re less likely to run into extreme conditions. If you are planning a trip near the water, then don’t forget to bring life jackets.
- Pack the right gear
The right gear can make or break your adventurous backpack tours. It can also mean the difference between an enjoyable trip and a dangerous one. So before you head out on your journey, make sure you have all the right equipment for the trip such as lighters.
This means packing both outdoor clothing and gear. Gear can range from things like hiking boots to a tent and sleeping bag. Another important piece of equipment is your backpack. A backpack that is too heavy or has the wrong fit can cause back pain and injury. Hence, you should also bring a hiking stick.
- Make a safety kit
Although you should always be careful, there are certain things you can do to stay safe while hiking and camping. One of the simplest ways to stay safe on an adventure is to make an emergency kit. To create your kit, start by putting together a list of necessary items such as headlamps.
Once you have the list, pick a few things from the list and create a kit to deal with each of them. You can store your kit in a large Ziploc bag or a tackle box. This way, everything is easy to find and you can keep it organized.
Don’t go alone
While some people love to go on solo adventures, you should never go alone if you are new to backpacking. You want to be both in an environment that’s relatively safe and with people who can help you out in case of an emergency.
If you know someone who has done this type of trip before, you should consider joining them. This will allow you to learn from an experienced backpacker. If you don’t know anyone, there are lots of places to find other people to travel with. Also, carry surgical knifes on the trip.
