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Itineraries Grand Tetons

2-Day, 1-Night Backpacking Itinerary to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes:

Backpacking To Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
Amphitheater Lake

2-Day, 1-Night Backpacking Itinerary to Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes:

Backpacking To Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes

Looking for a shorter trip with huge view payoffs well look no further!  This out and back two-days one-night backpacking trip is great if you are strapped for time but want to see some beautiful alpine lakes!

Trek Specs:

Type Of Route:   Out and Back

Total Mileage:  ~14 miles

Total Elevation Gain:  ~2,600ft

Are Permits Required:  Yes

 

Day 1: Taggart Lake Trailhead to Surprise Lake.

  • Distance:  ~7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~3,399ft
  • Via Taggart Lake Trail>Bradley Lake Trail>Valley Trail>Garnet Canyon Trail>Surprise/Amphitheater Lakes Trail

Day 2: Surprise/Amphitheater Lakes to Taggart Lake Trailhead.

  • Distance: ~7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~240ft
  • Via Surprise/Amphitheater Lakes Trail>Garnet Canyon Trail>Valley Trail>Bradley Lake Trail>Taggart Lake Trail

Check Out Some Other Grand Teton Backpacking Itineraries

Backpack The Teton Crest Trail

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack Cascade And Paintbrush Canyons

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack To Marion Lake

Check Out This Itinerary!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Grand Tetons Itineraries

Backpacking Through Cascade and Paintbrush Canyons

Backpacking Itineraries Through Cascade and Paintbrush Canyon:

Backpacking to Cascade Canyon

Backpacking through Cascade and Paintbrush Canyon offers incredible views of the Grand Tetons, as well as a number of spectacular viewpoints along the way.  You will get to hike to the beautiful alpine lake, Lake Solitude as well as climbing to the top of the Paintbrush Divide on each of these itineraries!

3-Day 2-Night Loop Trail Starting at Jenny Lake Trailhead:

Our first Itinerary will consist of a 3-day 2-night loop route starting and ending at Jenny Lake Trailhead.   This hike will give you close-up views of the Tetons from Cascade Canyon, beautiful glacial lake scenery, as well as an incredible aerial view of Paintbrush Canyon after a strenuous climb up the  Paintbrush Divide.  

Trek Specs:

Type Of Route:  Loop

Total Mileage:  ~24.1 miles

Total Elevation Gain:  ~5,000ft

Are Permits Required:  Yes

Day 1: Jenny lake Trailhead to Southfork Cascade.

  • Distance: ~7.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 1,782ft

Day 2: Southfork Cascade to Upper Paintbrush.

  • Distance: ~7.2 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 2,828ft

Day 3: Upper Paintbrush to Jenny Lake Trailhead.

  • Distance: ~9 miles
  • Elevation Gain ~417ft
  •  

5-Day 4-Night Backpacking Itinerary Through Cascade and Paintbrush Canyons

Top of Paintbrush Divide

This 5-day, 4-night backpacking trip starts at Granite Canyon Trailhead and ends at Jenny Lake Visitor Center and is a more extended version of our first itinerary. This trip will include breathtaking views of giant granite slabs through the aptly named Granite Canyon, pristine glacial lakes of Marion Lake, and  Lake Solitude, with several challenging climbs to the top of Mt Meek Pass, Hurricane Pass, and the Paintbrush Divide. 

Trek Specs:

Type Of Route:  In and Out

Total Mileage:  ~40.4 miles

Total Elevation Gain:  ~8,800ft

Permits Required:  Yes

  • Day 1:  Granite Canyon Trailhead to Upper Granite Campground
    • Distance: ~7.8miles
    • Elevation Gain: ~2,333
  • Day 2:  Upper Granite to Death Canyon Shelf
    • Distance: ~6.6miles
    • Elevation Gain: ~1,719ft
  • Day 3:  Death Canyon Shelf to South fork Cascade
    • Distance: ~9.8miles
    • Elevation Gain 1,555ft
  • Day 4:  South Fork Cascade to Upper Paintbrush
    • Distane ~7.2miles
    • Elevation Gain ~2,828ft
  • Day 5:  Upper Paintbrush to Jenny Lake Trailhead
    • Distance: ~9miles
    • Elevation Gain ~417ft

Check Out Our Other Grand Teton Backpacking Trips?

Backpacking To Marion Lake

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpacking The Teton Crest Trail

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpacking To Surprise & Amphitheater Lakes

Check Out This Itinerary!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Itineraries Great Smokey Mountain

4-Day 3-Night Breathtaking Clingmans Dome Backpacking Itinerary

clingmans domes

4-Day 3-Night Clingmans Dome Backpacking Itinerary:

Clingmans Dome Backpacking Itinerary

Being the highest point in the park, Clingmans Dome offers a great vantage point from the watchtower giving panoramic view of several mountains on the Appalachian Trail.  While there is a quick day hike on a paved road that can get you there, here is an itinerary that includes it as a stop on a backpacking adventure.  Be warned Clingmans Dome does run the risk of being overrun by tourists, but if you get up there either early or late to appreciate a sunset/sunrise you can be treated to some spectacular views.  

This low difficulty itinerary is made in a loop starting and ending at Husky Gap Trailhead off of Newfound Gap Road.  After your first day of hiking, you will experience minimal elevation gain.  On this hike, you will get views of Sugarland Mountain, Mount Collins, Mount Love, Clingmans Dome, and as always, fantastic treeline views from the Appalachian Trail.

Trek Specs:

Type Of Route:  Loop

Total Mileage:  ~30 miles

Total Elevation Gain: 6,687ft

Are Permits Required:  Yes

Day 1: Husky Gap Trail to Mount Collins Shelter.

  • Via Husky Gap Trail>Sugarland Mountain Trail
  • Distance: ~10.4
  • Elevation Gain: ~4,400ft
  • You will catch views of Husky Gap as well as Sugarland Mountain.

Day 2: Mount Collins Shelter to Double Spring Gap Shelter. 

  • Via Sugarland Mountain Trail>Appalachian Trail
  • Distance: ~6.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~1,388ft
  • You will catch views from Mount Collins, Clingmans Dome, Mount Love, and Mount Buckley on this day. 

Day 3: Double Spring Gap Shelter to 21 Mile 53 Backcountry Campground.

  • Via Appalachian Trail>Goshen Prong Trail>Little River Trail>Husky Gap Trail
  • Distance:  ~9.1 miles
  • Elevation Gain: 246ft
  • Notable views include rainforest-like terrain seen throughout the hike, as well as views of Little River.

Day 4: 21 Mile 53 Backcountry Campground to Husky Gap Trailhead.

  • Via Husky Gap Trail
  • Distance: ~4 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~653ft
***Reminder to always check the park’s website to get up-to-date information on trail closures and the latest backcountry rules and regulations.
Clingmans Dome tower
Clingmans Dome

Check Out These Other Great Smokey Mountains Itineraries:

Mt Le Conte

Check Out This Backpacking Itinerary

Charlies Bunion

Check Out This Backpacking Itinerary

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Itineraries Great Smokey Mountain

5 Day 4 Night Incredible Charlies Bunion Backpacking Itinerary

Charlies Bunion Backpacking Itinerary
Charlies Bunion

5-Day 4-Night Charlies Bunion Backpacking Itinerary:

Charlies Bunion Backpacking Itinerary

Charlies Bunion is an incredible Mountain that gives spectacular views from its summit.  Known usually known for rocky protrusion (or bunion) just below the top, Charlies Bunion is one of the most famous viewpoints in the park.  

This trip is great for someone trying to take a more extended trip and catch some fantastic views from the Appalachian Trail and Charlies Bunion.  The route is a loop trail starting and ending in the Oconaluftee Visited Center, located on the park’s southeast corner.

Trek Specs:

Type of route:  Loop

Total Mileage: ~50 miles

Total Elevation Gain: ~12,089ft

Permits Required: Yes

Day 1: Oconuluftee Visitor Center to Backcountry Camp 57.

  • Via Mingus Creek Trail>Newton Bald Trail>Thomas Divide Trail>Sunkota Ridge Trail>Martins Gap Trail
  • Distance: ~12.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  ~3,461ft

Day 2:  Backcountry Campground 57 to Mount Collins Shelter.

  • Via Deep Creek Trail/Fork Ridge Trail
  • Distance:  ~9.8 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  ~3,648ft

Day 3: Mount Collins Shelter to Icewater Spring Shelter.

  • Via the Appalachian Trail
  • Distance: ~7.6 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  ~1,624ft

Day 4:  Icewater Spring Shelter to Backcountry Campsite 52.

  • Via Appalachian Trail>Dry Sluice Gap Trail>Grassy Branch Trail>Kephart Prong Trail>Kanati Ridge Trail>Thomas Divide Trail
  • Distance:  ~13.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  ~3,245ft

Day 5:  Backcountry Campsite 52 to Oconaluftee Visitor Center.

  • Via Mingus Creek Trail
  • Distance:  ~6.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain:  ~111ft
***Reminder to always check the park’s website to get up-to-date information on trail closures and the latest backcountry rules and regulations.

Take A Look At Other Great Smoky Mountain Backpacking Itineraries

Mt Le Conte

Check Out This Backpacking Itinerary

Clingmans Dome

Check Out This Backpacking Itinerary

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Grand Tetons

My Trip to the Grand Tetons

So This was actually one of my first backpacking trips and boy was it an amazing one.  I went with two other buddies one of which is my friend and veteran backpacker, Joe.  I was certainly not as prepared as I should have been for this trip nor was I in the best shape but nonetheless, it was a breathtaking journey. 

 So let us get down to it, for this backpacking trip we elected to do a 4 day 3 night in and out route.  We wound up parking at the beginning of our trek and hitchhiked ourselves out of there!

My Grand Teton Backpacking Itinerary:

Our Itinerary was as follows: 

Day 1: Car to Death Canyon Shelf.

  • Distance: ~14 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~4,173ft
  • Via Ski Lake Trail>Phillips Pass Trail>Teton Crest Trail>Teton Crest South Trail>Death Canyon Shelf Trail

Day 2: Death Canyon Shelf to Cascade South Fork Cascade.

  • Distance: ~10.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~1,860ft
  • Via Teton Crest South Trail>Hurricane Pass Trail>South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail 

Day 3: South Fork Cascade to Paintbrush Upper.

  • Distance: ~9.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~2,828ft
  • Via South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail>North Fork Cascade Canyon Trail>Paintbrush Canyon  Trail

Day 4: Upper Paintbrush to Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

  • Distance: ~4.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~109ft
  • Via Paintbrush Canyon Trail>String Lake Trail>Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Day 1: Ski Lake Trail to Death Canyon Shelf

So right off the bat I made a fatal flaw in hiking, I was hiking out of shape.  Prior to this hike I never did a day of cardio I was strictly lifting weights and boy did it show.  I want to say after the first mile I asked Joe how much further we have and he said “a lot”.    

We saw some amazing views on day one though hiking through beautiful meadows seeing with wildflowers blooming was amazing.  Not to mention the weather was perfect.  

When we finally made it to Death Canyon Shelf I realized I made second, third, and fourth rookie hiking mistakes.  They were no sleeping pad, no camp shoes, and no rain fly for my tent.   Fortunately for me (unfortunately for my buddy), Tom had room in his tent with a rainfly so we just cozied up there.  But in terms of my sleeping pad and camp shoes, I was SOL.  For the remainder of my trip I would be uncomfortable at camp, have a sore back and get very little sleep.  Do not be like me when you go hiking be prepare!  You can check out my backpacking checklist to make sure you don’t make the same mistakes I have.

Day 2 Death Shelf to Cascade South Fork:

So I will not lie this was a tough day only due to the weather.  The day started and ended in the rain with a bunch of snowfall in the middle!  Thank goodness one of the things I did not forget was my down and rain jackets. we were still able to catch some gorgeous views despite the conditions but we did have one scare.  as we were gaining altitude on a mountain the snow began to fall harder and harder. As we were making our way the trail slowly disappeared underneath the snow. We were stuck on top of this mountain for 45 minutes in the middle of a snow storm trying to find the trail.  It almost came to the point where we were going to set up camp in the snow.  Thankfully with our map and compass we eventually found our way and let me tell you, it had to be one of the most relieving moments of my life!

Me, Tom and Joe just before the trail disappearance! (no one was smiling then)

Day 3 Cascade South Fork to Upper Paintbrush:

This section of the hike was pure beauty.  Not only was the weather perfect but the views were remarkable!  We hiked through the wooded forest and once we got out of it this beautiful valley emerges and when you turn around you see the mammoth of a snow-capped mountain that we nearly got lost on just the night before. The crazy thing about it was I had no idea until my buddies yelled and had me look around.

 

Tom: Dylan turn around. Me: was that there the whole time!

we had a nice break on lake solitude where we enjoyed some granola bars and trail mix.  After this we made our climb up to the Paintbrush Divide.  This was quite an ascent, especially for my out-of-shape butt!  But the views from the top were very much worth every drop of sweat.  We ended on Upper Paint Brush where we slept under the stars on a large rock which thanks to my sleeping pad situation left me awake to enjoy the night sky. 

Lake Solitude
Paintbrush Divide

Day 4 Upper Paintbrush to Jenny Lake Visitor Center

At the end of this great adventure, I was left with two things.  First a deep love and admiration for being out in the wilderness.  Second some sore legs and a great reason to not skip doing cardio!  I hope my mishaps did not scare you off from going on your first backpacking trip but rather helped you not make the same mistakes I have.  Trust me you can do it just make sure you are prepared and in decent shape before you get out there.  Happy Hiking!

 

If you have one of your own adventures that you absolutely love and want to share submit it to us for a chance to win a $100 Amazon gift card!!!
Categories
Grand Tetons

4 Must-See Day Hikes in Grand Teton National Park

4 Stunning Day Hikes In Grand Teton National Park:

day hikes grand teton national park

So no question about it the Grand Tetons is a magnificent park, that you can spend months if not years exploring.  But let us say you are strapped for time and want to catch some of the hiking highlights in the park, well have no fear because you came to the right place.  I would say when visiting this park you should try to see some of their beautiful lakes as well as catch some views of the Teton Crest.  Here are some must-see day hikes for your limited time in the area.  

#1. Jenny Lake Loop Trail:

Jenny Lake

This moderate difficulty hike has minimal elevation gain and will allow you to encircle Jenny Lake with beautiful views of the Tetons towering over it in the distance.  This Hike offers great views and is one that the whole family can do!

Distance: ~7.36miles

Elevation Gain: 568ft

#2. Hike to Suprise/Ampitheater Lakes:

Surprise Lake
Surprise Lake
Backpacking To Surprise and Amphitheater Lakes
Amphitheater Lake

The hike to Suprise and Amphitheater Lake will be a bit more challenging.  In order to reach these lakes, you will have to gain some elevation to reach the 9,550ft where the lake sits.  There are several different routes you can take to get to these gorgeous glacial lake views.  The Trail I will recommend here will Start at Lupine Meadows, after the difficult elevation gain you will be rewarded with some amazing views!

Distance: ~10.5miles

Elevation Gain: 3,232ft

#3. String Lake Loop:

String Lake

This quick low demand loop hike is an excellent option if you want a nice leisurely stroll in the park.  During this hike, you will get nice views of String and Leigh Lake without breaking too much of a sweat!

Distance: ~3.6

Elevation Gain: 262ft

#4. Hike to Bearpaw/Trapper Lakes:

Starting at Leigh Lake trailhead, this Moderate difficulty front and back hike will have you hiking along the shore of Leigh Lake.  This lake is surrounded by several magnificent peaks including Mt Moran, Mt St. John, and Mt Woodring.  

Distance: ~ 8.8Miles

Elevation Gain: ~226ft 

Day Hike Gear Guide

Grand Teton Trip Planner

Categories
Itineraries Grand Tetons

4-Day 3-Night Teton Crest Trail Backpacking Itinerary:

The Teton Crest Trail BAckpacking Itinerary
Teton Crest Trail

4-Day 3-Night Teton Crest Trail Backpacking Itinerary:

The Teton Crest Trail BAckpacking Itinerary

The Teton Crest Trail is a forty-mile range going through Grand Teton National Park.  With its deep valleys and jagged peaks, The Teton Crest Trail is one of the greats.

This is a 4-day 3-night point-to-point route starting at Ski Lake Trail and ending at Jenny Lake Trailhead.   The best way for approaching this trail from a logistical perspective would be to either have 2 cars if hiking with a group or arranging a shuttle to get you to your starting location.  This hike starts outside of the park and you will make your way in there as you go.  Some of the highlights include hiking the Teton Crest(obviously), Marion Lake, Lake Solitude, The Paintbrush Divide, and everything along the way! 

Trail Specs:

Type Of Route:  In And Out

Total Mileage:  ~40 miles

Total Elevation Gain:  ~9,000ft

Are Permits Required:  Yes

Day 1: Car to Death Canyon Shelf.

  • Distance: ~14 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~4,173ft
  • Via Ski Lake Trail>Phillips Pass Trail>Teton Crest Trail>Teton Crest South Trail>Death Canyon Shelf Trail

Day 2: Death Canyon Shelf to Cascade South Fork Cascade.

  • Distance: ~10.7 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~1,860ft
  • Via Teton Crest South Trail>Hurricane Pass Trail>South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail 

Day 3: South Fork Cascade to Paintbrush Upper.

  • Distance: ~9.3 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~2,828ft
  • Via South Fork Cascade Canyon Trail>North Fork Cascade Canyon Trail>Paintbrush Canyon  Trail

Day 4: Upper Paintbrush to Jenny Lake Visitor Center.

  • Distance: ~4.9 miles
  • Elevation Gain: ~109ft
  • Via Paintbrush Canyon Trail>String Lake Trail>Jenny Lake Loop Trail

Check Out These Other Grand Teton Backpacking Itineraries!

Backpacking To Marion Lake

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack Through Cascade And Paintbrush Canyon

Check Out This Itinerary!

Backpack To Surprise & Amphitheater Lake

Check Out This Itinerary

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Grand Tetons

Best Way To Fly To Grand Teton National Park.

Best Way to Fly to Grand Teton National Park.

When planning your trip to Grand Teton National Park there is really only one option in terms of flying there and that is flying into Jackson Hole Airport. While this is good because it is only a 6 minute drive to the park entrance, keep in mind that the airport is very small and there is a good chance you will require a connecting flight to get there.

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Outdoors for Beginners

Car Camping vs Backpacking

Car Camping Vs Backpacking The Ultimate Guide

car camping vs backpacking

Camping is a great way to spend time outdoors and is an activity that all can enjoy.  But what many may not know is that there are two different types; car camping and backpacking.  Both have their benefits and drawbacks, but it is important to know the difference between them and which one is best for you when planning your trip.  We will go over what each of these is and the pros and cons of each to help decide which one is best for you!

Car Camping:

car camping

Car camping is camping a short distance from your car and can even be in your car.  For many parks, it is as easy as parking at a designated campsite and setting up camp. 

Since you are driving into the campsite, you have the luxury of bringing a lot of gear and supplies on these trips because camp is just a short walk from your car.  What is nice about having one base camp is that after setting up camp you do not have to worry about lugging your gear around daily.  After camp is set up, you can drive to different trailheads and enjoy the hikes available in the park. 

Car Camping Pros:

Let’s talk about some of the benefits of car camping.  First off, like I mentioned you can bring anything that you can fit in your car, which can make camp life a bit more comfortable.  Want to camp with a big tent, air mattress, grill, and fully stocked cooler then go for it, just make sure it fits in the car! 

Another major benefit is that because you are not in a remote location within the park, you will often have access to drinking water, bathrooms, and showers.  For those new to camping these comforts can make the experience more enjoyable.

Car camping is also a great way for families to get outside and hike because they do not require many miles of strenuous hiking.  While you can go and do a day hike you can also spend time lounging around camp.  These trips also do not require a significant amount of technical outdoorsman skills to do, making it great for people of all skill levels to enjoy.  

Finally, one of the best parts of car camping is that you have the flexibility to do many different hikes throughout the park on a single trip.  This is because you have access to either drive or take shuttles to the different trailheads within the park.  In contrast, on backpacking trips you must hike everywhere you want to go, making it difficult to go to multiple areas of the park on a single trip.   

Rundown of the Pros:

  • More luxuries
  • Amenities
  • Flexibility with trail options
  • Less strenuous
  • Great for families
  • Little technical outdoors skills needed

 

Cons of Car Camping:

Now time for the negatives. There is one major one, in particular, I have to mention and that is the crowds.  Although you can hit many different hikes in the park, because they do not require hiking deep in the wilderness or permits to do, you are much more prone to encountering large crowds.  For me, this can tend almost cheapen the experience, only because part of the beauty of hiking in nature is truly being in nature not in nature with a hoard of people!

Rundown of the Cons:

  • Can get crowded
  • Requires an automobile

Who Should Go Car Camping?

Car camping is a great way to get your feet wet with camping and hiking so I would especially recommend it to beginner hikers and campers. Car camping offers some basic luxuries without just throwing you out into nature and it also provides the opportunity to hone your wilderness and camping skills before taking on a more challenging backpacking trip.  Also if there are several different day hikes interest you but are each located in remote areas of the park, car camping would be the best way to go.  

Car camping is also an excellent way for families to come together and enjoy the great outdoors.  Especially if there are younger children, this milder outdoor experience allows you to still be together and enjoy nature without many of the struggles that come along with doing a backpacking trip i.e. carrying a heavy pack, hiking long distances, pooping outside, etc. 

 

Backpacking:

Backpacking

Backpacking is hiking through and camping in the park, as the name suggests you will be carrying everything in, you guessed it your backpack! 

When on a backpacking trip you must be entirely self-sufficient, you are filtering your water, cooking meals, and setting up/breaking down camp on your own every day.  During this hike, you are camping in remote locations within the park at designated backcountry campsites, which can sometimes consist of a lean-to shelter or will be just a region of wilderness where the park allows you to set up camp. 

Planning for a backpacking trip involves a great deal of research and preparation, much of which can be found in our national park guides.  Some things that come with planning a backpacking trip are making a hiking itinerary, apply and obtain permits, and ensure you have the appropriate gear (check out our backpacking gear blog for help).  It is of utmost importance that you are thoroughly prepared anytime you are doing a backpacking trip.  The reason for this is that once out in the backcountry you do not have all of the comforts of your daily life and must rely on your outdoor skills and gear in your pack to get you through your trip. 

Backpacking Pros:

Backpacking through the wilderness will offer you not only breathtaking views but also can heal the soul. 

Let’s start with the views.  When you are backpacking through the wilderness you will come across mindboggling landscapes and vistas seeing nature in its most untouched form.  Unlike a popular day hike in the front country, backpacking is much more physically demanding requiring you to carry a 20-40lb pack over many miles, with episodes of intense elevation gain and descent which deters many people from going to these locations withing a park.  Both the seclusion and miles of difficult hiking that precedes these views make them feel earned and add to the accomplishment. 

I would also venture to say that backpacking is chicken noodle soup for the soul.  When you are on the trail you are away from many of the superficial distractions of everyday life, no cellphone, Instagram, or incessant emails.   Your focus is to get from point A to B while appreciating the nature and beautiful views that surround you.  Each time after coming back from one of these trips I feel revitalized and feel as though I am better able to live in the moment appreciating the luxuries I do have when returning home. 

Rundown of the Pros:

  • Incredible views
  • Great for reconnecting with yourself and nature
  • Good exercise

Backpacking Cons

Like I mentioned backpacking can be much more physically demanding than car camping and doing day hikes.  Not to say that day hikes are easy, but the fact that you have to carry everything on your back does tend to make backpacking more difficult. 

Aside from the physical aspect of backpacking, there are a set of skills that everyone needs to have before going on their first backpacking trip. Some of these basic skills include reading a map, setting up a tent, efficiently packing, and water filtration.  Also, it is important to keep in mind that different hikes can demand different skill sets which you should be prepared for before getting out in the backcountry.  

Backpacking can also come with a higher upfront cost, especially if it is your first time.  The reason being is that there is a lot of equipment needed to be self-sufficient during your backpacking trip, and you tend to pay a premium for lightweight equipment which is a must-have when backpacking.  For a complete list of must-have gear check out our backpacking gear blog!

The last negative I can say for backpacking is that backpacking through the wilderness for multiple days without any showers, toilets or running water will get you a little dirty.  You will stink after your backpacking trip but I can guarantee the experience will be worth the stank!

Rundown of the Cons:

  • Physically strenous
  • Higher up front cost
  • Extensive planning needed
  • Zero modern comforts
  • Technical outdoor skills required, check out outdoors for beginners for some tips!

Who Should Go Backpacking?

I think that everyone should go on at least one backpacking trip in their lives.  But I would say that if you are completely new to hiking you should not go on your first backpacking trip alone.  Go with a friend who has a few trips under their belt and can show you the ropes. 

Also, it would be extremely beneficial to you if you were in decent physical shape before embarking on one of these multi-day backpacking trips.  Know yourself and your limits if you are a couch potato whose never done a day hike before maybe don’t go on a backpacking trip right off the bat.  Once you are in good shape and have the basic wilderness skills down I would strongly recommend you give a backpacking trip a shot.  These trips will not only reward you with beautiful views but will also help you appreciate the little things when you return to your regular life. 

Get Out and Hike!

 

Both car camping and backpacking are great ways to spend time in nature. I hope this article helped shed some light on the differences between the two and helped you decide the best one for you on your next trip.  If you have any questions or a topic you want me to write on feel free to shoot me an email contact@wonderfarr.com or you can DM me on instagram @wonderfarr. 

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Categories
Outdoors for Beginners Hiking Basics

What Are The 7 Leave No Trace Principles And Why Are They Important?

Leave No Trace

What Are The Leave No Trace Principles and Why Are They Important?

Leave no trace principles are essentially the basic rules that are to be followed when hiking or camping in nature to limit the environmental impact on nature.  These rules are commonly referred to as the “7 Leave No Trace Principles”.  Given the fragility of nature and ecosystems, it is important to follow these rules as closely as possible so we can not only minimize our impact on the environment but also keep the wilderness wild and allow others to enjoy nature in its most untouched form as well. So without further ado here are the 7 Leave No Trace Principles.

#1. Plan and Prepare:

trip planner

This is relatively self-explanatory, look into the rules and regulations of the park if permits are required make sure you try to get them ahead of time. Only camp in areas designated by the park. Try to avoid the busier season if you can as the more people present there is an inevitable greater impact on the environment.  Make sure you look into the park ahead of time follow its rules, and be prepared for your trip this means bringing the correct equipment to be sure you are adhering to the leave no trace principles while on the trail.

#2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces:

car camping vs backpacking
Make sure to camp on hard durable surfaces like this to avoid damaging plants or fauna!

Whether you are hiking or camping makes sure you are doing it on durable surfaces such as sand, gravel, rock, or snow. You want to avoid damaging vegetation during your trip even if a picture of you in a meadow is great for Instagram it isn’t so great for the wildflowers you are standing on! When you are searching for a campsite in a heavily used area use an existing campsite. Contrarily when you are in a pristine area you want to avoid camping in areas that appear to be turning into an established campsite to give the fauna a chance to recover. Another rule to keep in mind is you want to keep a 200ft distance from any body of water.

#3. Dispose of Waste Properly

Okay, this one I can easily make into its post and I probably will at some point but for now here is what you need to know. The first rule is whatever you pack in your pack out. Granola bar wrappers, used toilet paper, whatever it is you bring in you are responsible for packing it and bringing it out of the park to dispose of it properly. When you are going to the bathroom make sure that you are 200 feet away from all water sources and trails and be sure to dig your ditches for pooping at least 6 to 8 inches deep and cover it up (do not forget to pack out your used toilet paper!).

#4. Leave What You Find

This is a super simple one do not touch or move anything.  So no picking flowers or messing with any of the rocks, plants or wildlife.  Do not alter the environment or build any structures such as chairs or trenches in the park.  You may look but no touch!

Leave No Trace

#5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

If making a fire remember to use preestablished fire rings!

Campfires can be damaging to the areas on which they are started disrupting the soil and natural mineral content.  Try to avoid using a campfire if you can and use a portable stove instead.  In regions where fires are permitted be sure to use established fire rings and only dead/downed wood for the fire.  When you are finished with the fire make sure everything has been burnt down to ash and that the fire is completely extinguished.  Once extinguished disperse the remaining ashes. 

#6. Respect The Wildlife

Again a pretty obvious one but cannot leave anything to chance.  Leave the wildlife alone, keep your distance (sorry no selfies), and DO NOT feed the wildlife.  Also be sure to secure your food properly using either bear boxes, bear canisters or a bear hang depending on the rules of the park you are in.  

Wildlife in the great smoky mountains

#7. Be Considerate of Others

Another easy one just be nice to other and respectful of their time in the park.  Avoid yelling or playing music through a speaker and allow others to enjoy nature without having to listen to you or your music.  When taking breaks or camping give ample space to others all of these parks are pretty big no need to be on top of eachother!

Want to Learn More About Leave No Trace???

Here are some great resources for more information regarding leave no trace principles!

National Park Website

Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

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