Packing Lightly and Efficiently for a Backpacking Trip

Preparation and organization are just as important in the wilderness as they are in your daily life. They are needed in order to have a safe and smooth trip. Overpacking can bring you down, literally. Any extra weight can strain a hiker's shoulders and cause pain and possibly injury. And not being organized can make the trip a lot more stressful then it should be. Chris Berrey of Anaheim will take his first backpacking trip in the summer of 2008 and is unsure how to pack his backpack.

"I've never done this before so I have no clue what I should bring and what I shouldn't," Berrey said. "I don't even know what I need at all."

Here are steps to make sure every hiker is prepared.

1. DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

Adequately preparing for a backpacking trip is essential. Reading books, taking classes and searching online are a few ways to get prepared.

"The more preparation the better," said Liv Swanson, a sales associate in the camping department of REI outdoor gear store in Santa Ana. "Knowing as much information (as possible) before you go on your trip can make it a lot easier and a lot safer."

Talk to other trekkers.

Weather websites and television stations can only tell so much about the destination. Check the internet for blogs or books with personal experience stories from other hikers who have been through that area, recommended Renee Hall, an experienced backpacker and hiker. Mosquitoes might be bad in one area or during a certain month. The heat might be really bad and the trees or other sources of shade along the trail are scarce. These are tips that can only come from someone who has experienced it, so pack accordingly.

2. PACK WISELY.

Making the most of the space and items easily accessible is very helpful in the wild, one less hassle to deal with. Weight distribution is important when packing as well, said Swanson. Pack heavy items in the middle with the lighter stuff on top and bottom.

Dress accordingly.

Pack enough shorts and pants (keep them light and airy) for the trip, Hall recommended one pair of either per three days. No jeans, they are heavy, uncomfortable and not practical. Hall also recommended one shirt per two days, they should also be light and loose to help air circulate. All of these can be washed and hung dry if staying a day or two at one camp site with a water source. Roll your clothes tightly said Hall, to make the most of your space. Wear one very comfortable pair of hiking shoes. They need to be worn in, Swanson said, for ideal comfort. Have slippers or water shoes (if needed) packed away so those tired feet can rest after a long day of hiking, Hall recommended.

Dish it up.

A camper's plate set is very handy, said Hall, who has been backpacking since she was 16 years old. It comes with light-weight utensils and a pan that can also be used as a plate and bowl. It packs up nice and neat. Hall also recommends a backpacker's light-weight stove and liquid fuel.

Let's Eat.

The world of freeze-dried food has come a long way, said Hall. "And a lot of them taste really good!"

Don't overdo it on the food though, think reasonably when deciding how much to take. You don't want to go hungry, but you don't want to take up a lot of room with extra packages. Any snack food should be taken out of the box and put into Ziploc baggies, Hall recommended.

3. CUT IT OUT!

Go back through and eliminate anything you don't need. Really think about every item.

To pack or not to pack?

If you are unsure, leave it. Unless of course it is a safety or medical item, safety always comes first, Hall said.

"Cut out the extra (flash) lights," Hall said. "I've done that, I took way too many lights one time."

4. HAVE FUN!

After preparation and proper organization the trip should go smoothly and make the experience one to remember, Swanson said.

"If you pack correctly, it makes for a better, more comfortable trip," Hall said.

BUY THE RIGHT PACK

An older, uncomfortable heavy pack can cause a lot of unneeded stress on a trip. Having the right pack for the hiker is important to a happy hike.

Light and sturdy.

Buy a pack that is light-weight and comfortable. Padded shoulder and hip straps will help the load feel lighter than it really is, said Renee Hall, an experienced hiker and backpacker.

Pockets and pouches.

Make use of all the pouches and pockets the backpack has to offer. The top outside should be for chap stick, sun block, the map and other small items that are used throughout the day, so they are easily accessible, Hall said.

The 10 Essentials to Bring on a Backpacking Trip

According to SierraPackTrip.com, every hiker and backpacker should carry these 10 essentials in their backpack. These are especially important the further out you go or if you are backpacking in wild country.

1. Map
   2. Compass
   3. Water and a way to purify it
   4. Extra food (enough for one extra day)
   5. Rain Gear/extra clothing
   6. Fire starter/matches
   7. First aid supplies
   8. Pocket knife
   9. Flashlight/headlamp (be sure to have an extra set of batteries that fit your flashlight/headlamp)
   10. Sun screen and sun glasses