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What To Do With Your Trash When Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date August 4, 2022

What To Do With Your Trash When Backpacking?

Backpacking is a fantastic way to spend time in nature, but after several days of hiking, you are bound to accumulate a bunch of trash like granola bar wrappers, used toilet paper, and canned foods. Aside from knowing what gear to bring backpacking a common question many new hikers have is, what to do with your trash when backpacking?

Answer: Pack it out. Whenever you are hiking or backpacking it is of great importance that you leave no trace and carry any trash out of the park with you. For the remainder of this article, I am going to give you a complete rundown on what to do with your trash when backpacking.

How Do You Pack Out Your Trash When Backpacking?

When I say “pack out” your trash, I mean that you must physically carry all of your trash out of the park with you. The best way to do this is by carrying a couple of gallon-sized ziplock bags, which you can use as trash bags. As your trip progresses, you will continuously dispose of your waste in these ziplock bags.

So there you have it, ziplock bags, not the fanciest gear but essential backpacking gear nonetheless.

Why Is It Important To Pack Out All Your Trash When Backpacking?

First, trash receptacles are nonexistent in the backcountry of national parks. So the only way to properly dispose of your garbage while backpacking is by packing it out. By carrying your trash out of the park and disposing of it responsibly, you help protect the nature, wildlife, and water sources of every region you visit.

What Needs To Be Packed Out When Backpacking?

All of your trash, this includes:

Wrappers
Food containers such as dehydrated meals
Used toilet paper
Any odorous item that you plan on disposing of

You should not be leaving anything you are bringing with you into a backpacking trip in the wilderness.

Can You Throw Your Trash Out In Pit Toilets When Backpacking?

No.

You cannot do this because trash in pit toilets can delay the composting process and will eventually require it to be manually removed by a park employee. The only things that should be going into pit toilets are your poop and your used toilet paper. Don’t put someone through the trauma of digging through human feces to clean up your garbage. Just pack out your trash.

Do You Need To Pack Out Your Toilet Paper When Backpacking?

Yes.

Technically this can vary by the park, but it is best to leave no trace practice to pack out your used toilet paper unless using a pit toilet. I know it’s gross, but it is the best thing for local plants, wildlife, and fellow hikers. No one wants to have their beautiful time in nature interrupted by some rogue toilet paper flying around a meadow that’s just nasty!

What To Do With Your Trash Bag When Backpacking?

Another common question is, what in tarnation are you supposed to do with your garbage bag while you are actively hiking? I recommend putting your main one in your bear canister or dry bag while hiking and carrying an additional bag for used toilet paper in a more accessible pouch. That way you are ready to go whenever nature calls. By the way, if you want to learn more about pooping while backpacking, check out our article “How To Poop While Backpacking.”

What To Do With Your Trash When You Arrive At Camp?

After you arrive at camp, you need to treat your trash bag as an odorous item which means it needs to be stored appropriately either with a bear canister or by hanging it, depending on the park’s food storage regulations.

You must properly store all of your odorous items before going to sleep. Be sure to check all of your pack’s compartments, including your belt pockets, to make sure you removed all of your snack wrappers from the day. Proper food storage is a crucial leave no trace principle. If you want to learn more about correct food storage practices, you should check out “how to store food while backpacking.”

How Many Trash Bags Do You Need For Backpacking?

This is something that would vary depending on how long you are backpacking. For a three to five-day backpacking trip, I will bring a minimum of two-gallon-sized ziplock bags. Remember that the bags barely add any weight to your pack, so getting a couple of extra wouldn’t hurt .

What If You Run Out Of Trash Bags While Backpacking?

If you find that you ran out of space in your trash bags while backpacking and are still accumulating trash, I recommend moving your remaining food to a single bag and using that as a trash bag. Another option is to take your toiletry items out of their plastic bag. Your toothbrush may be a bit dirtier, but at least you have another garbage bag. If you are desperate for another space to place your trash, your last option would be to put it in your bear canister or dry bag.

How To Dispose Of Your Trash Bags After Backpacking?

After you leave the park, you can get rid of your packed-out garbage just as you would in everyday life. Just dump it in the trash. The only item you need to take special care of is your fuel tanks these need to be appropriately disposed of according to local regulations.

Final Thoughts:

While packing out your trash isn’t one of the most glamorous parts of backpacking, it is a critical practice to help maintain nature’s beauty. Let me know how you pack out your trash when backpacking in the comments below!

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Should You Bring A Knife Or Multitool Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date August 2, 2022

Should You Bring A Knife Or Multitool Backpacking?

Having a knife or a multitool when you are out in the backcountry is considered one of the ten essentials when hiking. But a question many new backpackers ask is whether you should bring a knife or multitool backpacking.

While both options have their benefits, over the past five years of backpacking, I have concluded that a multitool is the better option for a backpacking trip. I came to this conclusion when backpacking the Wonderland Trail in Mt Rainier National Park. During this trek, I was suffering on account of my toenails being way too long, which was making me miserable with every step downhill (gross, I know). Fortunately, thanks to my Leatherman multitool, I could give these bad boys a quick cut on our next snack break, allowing me to enjoy the rest of my hike pain-free.

This experience highlights the multitool’s fantastic versatility and utility for backpacking trips. If I only had a knife, I would’ve been miserable the entire hiking trip and may have even wound up losing a toenail. To be clear, I am not saying that knives are useless during backpacking trips. Just that, between the two, multitools have far more functionality when backpacking, making them the better option when hiking through the backcountry.

Bringing A Knife On A Backpacking Trip

Knives have several different potential uses on a backpacking trip. Some of which include:

Excellent for cutting and preparing food
Opening packages
Breaking down wood branches for fires
Cleaning fish (if fishing on your backpacking trip)

The primary benefit of having a dedicated knife when backpacking is that they are typically sharper and sturdier than the blade that comes with a traditional multitool. This extra power can come in handy in some situations, but those situations are few and far between on your typical backpacking trip.

Different Types Of Backpacking Knives:

The two different kinds of knives used in backpacking are fixed and foldable blades.

What Are Fixed Backpacking Knives?

Gerber Fixed Backpacking Knife

Fixed knives are knives sold in a singular piece in a fixed position. Unlike your multi-tool and foldable knives, fixed knives always have the blade exposed, thus requiring a sheath to keep it safely tucked away when not in use. This can make them a bit more cumbersome to pack due to their awkward size and inability to fold down.

However, the benefit of using fixed knives is that they are typically more robust and have more cutting power than their foldable counterparts. This added strength can be helpful in situations requiring more cutting force, which could damage a less durable multi-tool and foldable knife.

Foldable Backpacking Knives

Spyderco Delica Folding Knife

Foldable knives are the other option you have for a backpacking knife. These pack down much better than their fixed counterpart and can be clipped to your belt or pants. The major drawback to foldable backpacking knives is that they have a bit less cutting power than fixed blades.

Multitool Uses When Backpacking:

The multitool is my preference for a backpacking trip because I find they have much more functionality when out on the trail with their variety of different tool bits. Not only that, but nearly all multitools contain a blade that can be used for many of the same things a dedicated knife can.

I have used a multitool for a ton of different things while away on a backpacking trip, such as:

Preparing food
Opening packages
Cleaning nails
Cutting nails
Opening a bear canister
Bottle opener
Repairing broken gear

The versatility of a quality multitool cannot be overstated. They are convenient to have when backpacking and can perform the functions of a knife and so much more.

Different Kinds Of Multi-Tools

Like all backpacking gear, many different options are available for purchase. Multitools can vary significantly on the different types of bits they provide, weight, price, and quality, so it’s important to know what functions you would need your multitool for before purchasing one. The two most popular brands of multitools on the market are Leatherman and Swiss Army Knives. If you are looking to buy a multitool, I would go with one of the following:

Can You Bring Both A Knife And Multi-Tool Backpacking?

So say you want the best of both worlds. The strength of a survival knife and the utility of a multitool can you bring both on a backpacking trip? You absolutely can as long as bringing both makes sense for the kind of trip you are going on.

Personally, my backpacking trips never necessitate bringing a dedicated knife as well as a multitool, so I leave my knife at home. But if you think having both would be useful for you or want to be extra prepared, bringing both is doable as long as you are okay with the excess weight.

Final Thoughts:

At the end of the day you need to be selecting the gear that is best suited for the particular backpacking trip you will be going on and the personal preferences of the hiker. I am a bit of a minimalist and since there has never been much of a need for having a survival knife on my trips I never bring them backpacking and a multitool serves me just fine.

But if you are a fisherman and want to clean and cook fish, you catch while backpacking or you want to be extra prepared maybe then bringing a heavier duty knife in addition to a multitool may be better for you.

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links, and if you go through them to make a purchase or a booking, I may earn a commission. Using these links DO NOT affect the cost of the product/booking. The price remains the same affiliate link or not. Thanks for supporting my small business!

Do You Bring A Knife Or Multitool On Your Backpacking Trips?

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Do I Need A Hatchet For Backpacking? (2022)

Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners backpacking tools Gear Articles

Do I Need A Hatchet For Backpacking? (2022)

Post author By Dylan
Post date July 15, 2022

Do I Need A Hatchet For Backpacking?

There are many kinds of backpacking gear out there, and with so many people telling you different things to buy, it can be challenging to know what is necessary and what is not. New backpackers ask a common question: “do I need a hatchet for backpacking?”. Let me save you all a lot of time and money:

No. You most certainly do not need a hatchet to go backpacking. I can say that over the past several years that not only have I never used one but I never ran into a situation where I was like “damn I could really have used a hatchet right about now”.

3 Reasons Why You Do Not Need A Hatchet For Backpacking

You do not need a hatchet for backpacking for the following reasons:

Little to no functionality
Adds unnecessary weight to your pack
Waste of money

Little To No Functionality

The first and perhaps the biggest reason why you don’t need a hatchet for backpacking is that THERE IS NO USE FOR IT. As I said over the past five years of backpacking, I have never required one, but to drive the point home, let’s go over any possible reason for bringing a hatchet backpacking and discuss why you do not need one.

Cutting Wood From Trees To Make A Fire?

Under no circumstances should you be cutting away branches from a tree to make a fire as it is a violation of leave no trace principles. Typically if you are allowed to make a fire in a park, you are only to use downed and dead wood for your fire.

Many outdoor companies advertise using a hatchet to help split firewood at camp. However, I would argue that if you are following, leave no trace, and are only collecting downed dead wood. You should be able to break the wood either by hand or by swinging it against a rock.

Can I Use A Hatchet For Hunting Game While Backpacking?

Listen, I am no hunter, but I am a backpacker, and when backpacking, you should be bringing all of your meals with you! Also, I am pretty sure that killing animals while in the backcountry does not adhere to the leave no trace principles.

Do I Need A Hatchet For Self-Defense Against Wild Animals While Backpacking?

No.

Let me start by saying that animal attacks in the backcountry are extremely rare, especially if you are storing your food correctly. But if an animal approached you aggressively, the best defense would be a form of bear spray, which can be launched from a distance, not hand-to-hand combat with a hatchet! You aren’t Leonardo Dicaprio in The Revenant. Leave the hatchet at home.

Do I Need A Hatchet To Help Set Up Camp When Backpacking?

No.

There is no utility in a hatchet to set up camp. Nowadays, all modern camping equipment can be set up using your hands. No hatchet is necessary for setting up a typical shelter.

Do I Need A Hatchet To Cook or Prepare Food When Backpacking?

Do you use a hatchet for cooking or preparing food at home? Of course not!!! There should be no reason why you need a hatchet to help cook or prepare any of your meals while backpacking.

Like I Said Not Much Utility In Bringing A Hatchet Backpacking

Okay, I know I had a little bit of fun with those questions, but I hope it got my point across that there is not much utility in having a hatchet on a backpacking trip. If this wasn’t enough, let me go over some other reasons why you should leave the hatchet at home.

A Hatchet Adds Unnecessary Weight To Your Pack

Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned ultralight backpacker, no one wants to carry more weight than necessary. As I explained in detail, there is not much functionality to bringing a hatchet on a backpacking trip, so save yourself the pack weight and leave the hatchet at home. Better yet, leave it on the shelf at REI.

Waste Of Money

It should go without saying that spending something on something you don’t need and won’t use is a waste of it. Save your cash, buy good backpacking gear you would need, and use in the backcountry in our backpacking gear guide.

Now, If You Still Really Want A Hatchet...

Okay, I know I tore apart hatchets pretty badly there, but it is truly not something you need to bring with you on a backpacking trip. That being said, if you think they are pretty cool and still want to get one check out some of these.

I Hope That Helps! What Do You Think About Bringing Hatchets Backpacking?

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Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners Clothing Gear Articles

How Many Clothes To Bring Backpacking? (2022)

Post author By Dylan
Post date July 14, 2022

How Many Clothes To Bring Backpacking? (2022)

Having the right backpacking gear is essential, and your clothing is some of the most crucial gear you are bringing with you as you want them to be well-insulated, comfortable, and lightweight. A common question many beginners have is how many clothes to bring backpacking?

As with most questions about backpacking gear selection, what you bring depends heavily on the weather and environment you will be hiking in and how lightweight you want to be. The range for how many clothes to bring backpacking can run anywhere from eight to eighteen different articles of clothing.

At the bare minimum, you will need one of each article of clothing plus your sleep clothes. It may sound gross, but it is the least amount you can get away with while still being comfortable. Keep in mind there is no rule or exact science. A lot of packing depends on your personal preferences and the type of backpacking trip you are going on. I had a 4-7 day backpacking trip in mind when writing this article.

What Clothes Are Essential For Backpacking?

So as I mentioned, at a minimum you need one of each article of clothing when backpacking. But you may be asking what the essential clothes are for backpacking? Well, here they are!

Base Layer / Hiking Shirt
Mid-Layer / Down Jacket / Fleece Jacket
Outer Layer / Rain Jacket
Hiking Pants / Shorts
Hiking Socks
Underwear
Sleep Clothes (for the skinny check out my article “What Clothes To Sleep In When Backpacking”)

Base Layer / Hiking Shirt

You can go with anything from an athletic T-Shirt/long sleeves or a traditional hiking shirt button-down. In terms of material, 100% polyester or merino wool would work. As always, avoid buying any hiking clothes made of cotton. I do not recommend backpacking shirtless unless you want some gnarly blisters from your pack.

Mid-layer / Down Jacket / Fleece Jacket:

Next up is your mid-layer. This layer is for warmth and insulation. The popular options when it comes to mid-layers are down and fleece jackets.

I typically use a down jacket as a mid-layer. Although they are usually more expensive, down jackets offer better insulation and packability, most of which can fold into their pocket. Your mid-layer is likely one of the most expensive parts of your backpacking wardrobe, but it is essential to keeping you warm and safe in the backcountry and is not something you want to go cheap on.

Outer Layer / Rain Jacket

Always pack a rain jacket—every time. Your rain layer is essential for keeping you dry and protecting yourself from the wind, rain (duh), or snow. Also, don’t forget to bring a rain cover for your pack. Having a rain layer won’t do you much good if you are stuck with a soaking wet pack after a day of hiking in the rain!

Hiking Pants / Shorts:

You can wear hiking pants or shorts for your lower body. I typically make this decision based on the weather and the area I will be hiking in. If I am backpacking in warmer desert-like regions, I will opt for shorts to keep me cool and comfortable while hiking. Alternatively, if in the woodlands, I will wear hiking pants to keep me warm and protect against tick bites.

Hiking Socks:

These are necessary. Pay the extra money and get a nice pair of wool hiking socks. A good pair of hiking socks will protect you from blisters and the cold and are moisture-wicking, all essential to have when in the backcountry.

Underwear:

It’s UNDIE TIME!!! Many may wonder how many pairs of underwear you should bring on a backpacking trip? Believe it or not, this is a matter of preference. Some people bring 2-3 changes of underwear. Other people will bring shorts with a liner and won’t wear any at all.

Sleep Clothes:

For your sleep clothes, I recommend having a separate clean set of garments to change into, such as the following:

Thermal pants +/- fresh shirt
Thermal shorts +/- fresh shorts
Additional pair of hiking socks
Hat (depending on weather)
Gloves (depending on weather)

As with many aspects of backpacking, what you bring for sleeping will depend on the environment and weather you encounter. To learn more about sleep clothes, you should check out my article “What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?”

Sample Packing Lists

Here are two sample packing lists that show how little and how many clothes you can bring for a backpacking trip.

Packing Light

Socks 2
Shirt 1
Hiking pants 1
Down jacket 1
Rain jacket 1
Sleep pants 1
Sleep shirt 1

Total: 8

Packing Heavier

Socks 3
Shirt 2
Shorts 1
Pants 1
Down jacket 1
Rain jacket 1
Sleep pants 1
Sleep shirt 1
Hat 2 (beanie for sleeping & cap for hiking)
Gloves 1
Underwear 3
Rainpants 1

Total 18

I Hope This Helps! What Do You Pack For A Backpacking Trip?

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Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack vs. Car Camp. (2022)

Post author By Dylan
Post date June 28, 2022

Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack Vs. Car Camp

If you are an avid day hiker but have yet to go on an overnight backpacking trip, the question you probably have is, “is backpacking worth it?” I mean, it’s a fair question. You are hiking many miles with fluctuating elevation changes while carrying a heavy pack for multiple days.

I don’t think anyone would characterize backpacking as a comfortable or relaxing vacation, and it is, without a doubt, a form of “type two fun”. So when is backpacking worth it? And when should you backpack vs car camp and do day hikes?

Soooo When Is Backpacking Worth It?

In short. Backpacking is worth it when going to a remote area that requires more miles of hiking than can be accomplished in a day hike.

As I said, backpacking is a lot of work, and for it to be worth it, the trip should cover the distance that cannot be done in a day hike while still having the spectacular views and solitude characteristic of all great backpacking trips.

Naturally, the distance that someone can cover in a day hike varies depending on the individual’s fitness, but the principle doesn’t change. If you want to cover more mileage into the backcountry than you are comfortable doing in a day hike, you should probably opt for a backpacking trip.

Soooo When Is Backpacking Not Worth It?

For me, backpacking is not worth it if the hikes you want to do are in the front country and are easily accessible by car. In these cases, it would be easier to car camp and drive to the trailheads for your day hikes.

You can make essentially anything a backpacking trip, but in my opinion, if you can hike the same trails with less weight and just car camp, why not do that?

Pro's Of Doing A Backpacking Trip:

Here’s the rundown of some of the pro’s of doing a backpacking trip.

#1 Enjoying Nature In Solitude

If planned right, a good backpacking trip will take you away from the crowds of people you will classically see on popular front-country hikes, such as Angels Landing in Zion National Park or Devils Bridge in Sedona. A backpacking trip should bring you deeper into the wilderness where the average tourist wouldn’t typically go.

During these trips you can truly experience nature without the hoards of humans, crying babies, and worst of all, the influencers trying to get that “perfect shot” for the gram.

Just you, a couple of buddies, enjoying your time in nature while catching sick views like these….

#2 Learn To Appreciate The Little Things

Whenever I return from a backpacking trip, I have much more gratitude and appreciation for the little things I have in my life. This is because backpacking reveals that your real needs are food, water, and shelter. When you realize that everything else is extra, appreciating what you have comes easily.

#3 Unplug

In a world where we are constantly connected through the internet and social media, it’s good to take a mental break now and then to reset. Let me tell you, backpacking through nature without any service will do the trick. It makes sense that spending time in nature does wonders for your mental health.

#4 Sense Of Accomplishment

Every time you finish a backpacking trip is an accomplishment. Conquering tall mountain passes, hiking many miles, and spending so much time in nature living just off the tools in your pack is no easy feat and it feels good to know that you earned your experience.

Cons Of Backpacking:

Here come the cons.

#1 Physically Challenging

Backpacking is tough. Carrying a heavy pack hiking a ton of miles, and climbing mountains is not easy work, but it’s the price you have to pay for seeing fabulous things.

#2 Logistically Challenging

Unlike most day hikes, backpacking trips require much more planning because you need to plan a route, acquire permits, and research the backcountry rules and regulations of the area you plan on visiting.

Whereas for most day hikes, you can drive up to a trailhead and get hiking.

#3 Requires Outdoor And Survival Skills

I do not recommend backpacking without knowing basic outdoor skills or going with someone who does. The wilderness can be harsh and dangerous, especially for those who don’t know what they are doing. If you are interested in backpacking and want a place to start, check out “How To Start Backpacking. A Beginners Guide By A City Boy.”

That's All!

Let me know when backpacking is worth it for you!

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How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking 4 Different Ways.

Post author By Dylan
Post date June 22, 2022

How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking? (4 Different Ways)

If you are a fitness nerd like myself and obsessed with collecting data points throughout workouts surely the question of how to track your mileage while backpacking has come across your mind at some point. Fortunately for you, there are a ton of different ways to do this! The major ways you can keep track of your mileage while backpacking includes:

Recording your hike through a fitness app or smartwatch

Knowing your mileage before going out on the trail

Keeping Track Of Your Mileage Backpacking Using A Smartwatch:

There are a ton of different smartwatches available on the market that can track your mileage backpacking. But for this article, I am going to focus on the two most common ones.

Garmin smartwatch
The Apple Watch

A Garmin Watch

Garmin is a major player in the smartwatch market, with many different models available for purchase. I will specify the details of the Garmin Fenix as it is the watch I use. Garmin watches are designed with fitness and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, so they have great functionality when it comes to hiking or backpacking.

Not only can you track your mileage while backpacking with the Garmin Fenix, but you can also see your:

Pace
Elevation profile
Hiking time
GPS Location
Calories burned
Average heart rate
Training effect
And more!

Pros:

Excellent battery life will last about 14 days while tracking, give or take, depending on the version and other watch features you use while hiking.
It gives a TON of data points.
It can sync with other fitness apps such as the apple health app and Strava.

Cons:

Expensive
Low screen resolution compared to the applewatch

The Apple Watch:

One of the most popular smartwatches on the market, the Apple Watch has several different features and downloadable apps that can be useful for any backpacker.

To record a hike, you don’t need to download anything extra you can just go to the workout app that comes pre-installed and select “hike.” While tracking with your Apple Watch, you will be recording several data points, including elevation gain, distance, and average heart rate. You can also upload your workouts to different fitness apps such as Strava.

I will say one of the significant drawbacks of the Apple Watch compared to a Garmin Watch has to be the battery life. If you are recording a hike using an Apple Watch on the trail for more than a day it will require additional charges using a power bank, whereas a Garmin watch can last multiple days of continuous tracking without needing a charge.

Pros:

High-resolution colorful screen
User friendly

Cons:

Poor battery life ~6hrs will require a charge when backpacking multiple days
Fewer data points compared to the Garmin
Expensive

Recording Your Mileage While Backpacking Using Strava:

The super-popular fitness tracking social media app Strava is an excellent way to track your backpacking mileage. All you need to do with this one is to have the app downloaded on your smartphone and start it when hiking.

You will get helpful data on your hike such as your time hiked, average speed, and of course your total mileage. After recording your hike you can then share it on the social media app to flex with your friends.

Pros:

Free to download
Easy to use
Can flex on your friends

Cons:

Can only last as long as your phone battery.
Few data points.

Tracking Your Mileage Backpacking With A Map:

Another way of measuring your backpacking mileage would be by simply mapping your route and elevation prior to your hike (which you should be doing anyway) while it may not be as accurate as using a smart device in tracking your exact mileage and data points t will give you a general overview of how much mileage you covered over the course of your backpacking trip.

Pros:

Free (other then map expense)

Cons:

Not as accurate as the above options especially if you are exploring side trails or venture off-trail during your trip
No other data points. You just get the elevation gain and mileage that you can read on a map.

That's All!

Although tracking your mileage isn’t a necessity for your backpacking trip, it is fun to see how far you hiked and to keep track of your progress as a hiker. Let me know how you track your hikes in the comments section below!

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What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date April 6, 2022

What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Getting a good night’s sleep is important whether you are on the trail or not. Backpacking, however, requires more preparation when it comes to deciding what clothes to wear to sleep. It is essential to have the proper clothing to remain warm and comfortable when sleeping under the stars. In general, I would recommend the following when planning what clothes you should wear to sleep when backpacking:

Have a separate set of sleep clothes that you will wear to bed every night, typically consisting of:
1. Wool hiking socks
2. Thermal pants & shorts
3. Thermal long sleeve & shirt
4. Camp shoes
5. Sleeping bag with proper temperature rating (not clothing, I know, but still important to mention)
Keep extra clothes with you in your tent/hammock if you need to bundle up a bit more, such as:
1. Down jacket
2. Hat/beanie
3. Waterproof gloves
4. Extra layers

Have A Separate Set Of Sleep Clothes When Backpacking:

Whenever going on a backpacking trip, you should have a separate set of clothes dedicated for sleeping. Pack this set of clothes in their own section of your dry bag to keep them as clean and dry as possible throughout your hike.

Like with all gear preparation, the sleep clothes you bring backpacking should cater to the conditions you plan to hike in. In other words, the colder the weather, the more bundling up you should do, the warmer the weather, maybe less so.

There are many different options you can go with when it comes choosing what sleep clothes to wear for a backpacking trip. The below are what I typically wear on a summer backpacking trip.

Wool Hiking Socks

Darn Tough Hiking Socks

Hiking socks are a must-have for every backpacking trip. Although they are more expensive, quality wool hiking socks are worth it because they offer increased comfort, insulation, and protection. These guys are a must when sleeping because they will help keep your little piggies warm all night long! If you want to learn more about hiking socks and their benefits, check out my article “Are Hiking Socks Necessary? 5 Reasons Why You Need Hiking Socks”

Thermal Pants and Shorts:

Under Armor Leggings

For your legs, I recommend going with thermal pants and a pair of shorts. You do not need to go crazy with the kind of shorts you bring, but you should get a quality pair of thermal pants to last you a while. I recommend both thermals and shorts because if it turns out that you are too warm at night, you can always take off the thermals and just wear your shorts to keep you comfortable.

Thermal Long Sleeve And Shirt

Under Armor Fitted Mock

For your upper body, I essentially recommend the same thing with the same reasoning if you get too warm then you can always shed layers to keep you sweating in your tent.

Camp Shoes

Chaco Z/Cloud

Having a pair of camp shoes to give you a break from your hiking boots into is essential for any backpacking trip. Camp shoes should be a light-weight and comfortable shoes/sandals you can change into after a long day of hiking.

The last thing you want is to wake up in the middle of the night to pee and have to put on your sweaty hiking boots or leave your tent barefoot to do your business. If you want to learn more about camp shoes, check out my article “What Are Camp Shoes? Are Camp Shoes Necessary?”

Pack A Sleeping Bag With The Proper Temperature Rating:

Okay, I know, this isn’t exactly sleeping clothes but it is still extremely important to mention. All sleeping bags have a temperature rating indicates the upper threshold that the sleeping bag will still keep you warm. Therefore you need to do the proper research on the weather and have an estimate for the coldest it can possibly get at night so you bring a sleeping bag that works below that temperature. If you want to learn more about the sleeping bag temperature rating system check out REI’s helpful article.

If you do not have a properly rated sleeping bag, you will likely be in for a miserable night no matter what sleep clothes you have!

Extra Sleeping Clothes To Keep Handy In Your Shelter For Colder Nights:

It is also a good idea to have a few other articles of clothing available to you should you encounter an especially chilly night when out on the trail. Whenever you are turning in for the night you should make sure these items are within arm’s reach to layer up easily.

Hat / Beanie

Northface Beanie

Cheap, lightweight, and warm beanies are great to have with you for those chilly nights!

Waterproof Gloves

A nice pair of waterproof gloves is a helpful item to have whenever backpacking, it is especially handy to have with you when sleeping should your hands get chilly.

Down Jacket

Northface Sierra Down Jacket

A down jacket is an vital piece of clothing that you should have with you on every backpacking trip. You do not need to buy a separate one for sleeping. That would be a bit of overkill, but you should always bring it with you in your tent or hammock to have another layer to throw on should the temperature start to drop.

Extra Layers If Needed:

This is something that you should be brought on an as needed basis. If you are preparing to to go on a backpacking trip where there is a possibility of encountering colder temperatures, bringing extra layers such as an extra long sleeve shirt may be beneficial to have if you encounter colder than expected weather. Worst case scenario, you have extra clothes to make a pillow!

Bonus Tip Clean Off Before Putting On Your Sleep Clothes

After a long day of hiking, you will be dirty, sweaty, and smelly, so it is a good idea to clean off using wet wipes or a nearby stream before getting into some cozy sleep clothes. The fact that we set aside a set of clean clothes won’t make a difference if we just put them when we are gross and sweaty!

I Hope This Was Helpful! What Do You Sleep In When Backpacking?

Best Backpacking Clothes!!!

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Can You Hike In Gym Shorts? (2022)

Can You Hike Without A Shirt? (2022)

Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners

Backpacking Nightmare. 8 Biggest Backpacking Mistakes From My First Trek

Post author By Dylan
Post date March 9, 2022

backpacking nightmare my 8 biggest backpacking mistakes

Backpacking Nightmare | 8 Biggest Backpacking Mistakes From My First Trek

Holy crap, what did I get myself into?

I just wanted to catch some cool mountain views. Now I’m cold, sore, and my lips are bleeding. These were some of the thoughts going through my head during my very first backpacking trip. It turns out dropping a city boy in the middle of the wilderness without proper gear or preparation doesn’t go smoothly. Who knew?

My first backpacking trip was about five years ago. Prior to this I grew up in Long Island suburbia and spent my young adulthood in New York City. I was not an outdoorsman by any means.

So when my friend Joe, an experienced backpacker, asked me and our friend tom to go on our first backpacking trip, I was a little intimidated. But I figured how hard could it be?

Since neither Tom nor I had any experience backpacking, Joe sent us a list of the backpacking gear we needed for the trip, told us to get in shape, and assured us that he would walk us through the skills when we were on the trail.

We planned a three-night, four-day backpacking trip on the Teton Crest Trail in Grand Teton National Park. Let me tell you. I made many mistakes throughout this trip which left me cold, uncomfortable, and sore. While I still had a great time, this trip would be a nightmare for some and there are a lot of things I would have done differently. So I figured let me share some of my beginner backpacking mistakes with you guys, so maybe you can avoid making the same ones as me!

Backpacking Mistake #1 Missing Raingear (no rainfly for my tent):

We spent the night before the start of our backpacking adventure on a front-country campsite, and as I finish setting up my tent, Joe goes, “dude, where is your rainfly?”

“Rainfly? What do you mean?” Says I, the dumb city boy.

Joe explains that we will encounter rain on and off throughout the trip , and I need a rainfly to cover the outside of my tent. Without one, if it rains, both my gear and I would get soaking wet. This meant that my tent was essentially useless.

Fortunately for me and unfortunately for Tom, Tom had a two-person tent which meant that the two of us were getting cozy for the next three nights!

Backpacking Mistake #2 No Sleeping Pad:

That’s right. You know that thing you need to sleep on so you are not sleeping on rocks? Well, I slept without that.

Slept might be a stretch, more like I stared up at the ceiling of my, oh wait, no Tommy’s tent for three nights straight. By the end of this trip, I was tired, and my back was killing me from lying on the hard ground.

GET A GOOD SLEEPING PAD! It is more than worth the investment. A good night’s sleep will allow you to recover and enjoy your next day of hiking, and a bad one will leave you tired, sore, and cranky!

Backpacking Mistake #3 Hiking Out Of Shape:

I was no-neck-ed at this phase of my life, spending a ton of time weightlifting and avoiding cardio like the plague, so when I had to do an aerobic activity like hiking 10+ miles a day, I was in pain.

After just one mile, I asked how much longer we had to go, and when I heard ten more miles. I was devastated my precious biceps were doing me no good here!

Next lesson, you need to be in the proper shape for the distances you plan on hiking. The proper shape means good aerobic fitness. Activities such as running, long walks, or cycling can help improve your endurance for a long hiking trip. Don’t be like me. Prepare for your hike, so your legs don’t hate you.

Backpacking Mistake #4 No Trekking Poles:

But this one was terrible because, before our trip, Joe explicitly asked me if I bought the hiking poles he recommended. I laughed at him and said, “what do I need to buy hiking poles for? I got two right here!” pointing to my legs.

Fast forward to just our second day of hiking, we are climbing a steep uphill section of the trail, and Joe sees me struggling with the ascent. Like any friend would do, he proceeded to let me know how dumb I am for not listening to him and then let me use one of his hiking poles.

Yep, I’m a knucklehead. But I have learned my lesson and now I wouldn’t dare go on a backpacking trip without my hiking poles. I recommend them for anyone going on a backpacking trip no matter their age or skill level. Hiking poles help you keep your balance, hike faster, and take a load off your knees.

Backpacking Mistake #5 No Camp Shoes:

The gear blunders continue. At the time, I didn’t even know what camp shoes were, so I sure as heck didn’t bring them on our trip. But boy, I wish I did!

After each day of hiking, all I wanted to do was get out of my boots and slip into some comfortable sandals. Alas, I didn’t bring camp shoes. So at the end of each day, I had to either walk around in the cold barefoot or keep my sore feet in the same boots I’ve been hiking in for the past 8 hours.

Get a pair of camp shoes. They are inexpensive and an essential.

I’m sure you can probably tell by now, but gear preparation is crucial for any backpacking trip. Check out some of my recommendations on my “Backpacking Gear Guide.”

Backpacking Mistake #6 No Chapstick:

I didn’t even imagine this could be an issue, and it may not be a big problem for most of you. But for me, it turns out once I start hitting higher elevation, my lips chap, BADLY.

I’m not talking about just some dry lips. Oh no, these puppies look like they were put through a meat grinder. My lips were so chapped that they were straight-up bleeding for three of the four days while we were hiking. It was very uncomfortable, and I do not recommend it.

After this trip, I never leave my house, let alone a backpacking trip without chapstick on me.

Backpacking Mistake #7 Overpacking:

If you read this far, you can see that I was pretty unprepared and forgot to bring a lot of necessary gear. Tommy’s biggest backpacking mistake was that he overpacked BIG-TIME.

Jeans, hairbrush, and hair gel are just a few of the absurd things Tom brought on this trip. He brought so many nice clothes hiking we thought he had a Tinder date in the woods. The worst part about this was that I had to carry his extra things that wouldn’t fit in his pack! I can’t complain too much though, seeing as I was squatting in his tent the entire trip.

But I digress, the point is when you are backpacking, you need to find the balance of bringing all of your essential gear but not overpacking to the point where your pack is too heavy, and your friend is stuck carrying your hair gel!

Backpacking Mistake #8 No GPS:

This was a mistake that all of us made. While we expected to encounter rain during our trek, we did not anticipate snow.

We encountered a blizzard on the top of a mountain pass during our trek, which completely covered the trail. After several attempts searching for the trail, we still could not find it. This situation quickly became dangerous as the footprints we made were getting covered by the snowfall as soon as we were making them.

Fortunately, we got lucky and finally stumbled onto the trail, but this is a situation where having a GPS device such as a Garmin watch would have been extremely helpful to help us navigate the snow-covered path.

Also, it is worth mentioning that If you find yourself in a situation where you are unable to pick up the trail confidently, it is a good idea to go back to your original path and head back. Safety should always be your number one priority whenever in the backcountry.

All In All Still A Fun Trip!

Believe it or not, despite all of these mishaps and uncomfortable moments, my first backpacking trip was still an incredible experience. While I did forget many important things on my first adventure, I did not forget a positive attitude!

It’s corny, but I always like comparing hiking as a metaphor for life. There will always be difficult moments, but if you take the time to appreciate the beauty around you, it becomes way more enjoyable.

If you are new to backpacking and want to learn some of the basics to avoid many of the pitfalls I ran into, you should check out my article “How To Start Backpacking A Beginners Guide By A City Boy.”

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

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5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Outdoors for Beginners backpacking for beginners

How To Start Backpacking | A Beginners Guide By A City Boy

Post author By Dylan
Post date March 6, 2022

How To Start Backpacking | A Beginners Guide By A City Boy:

Hello friends! Since you are here, you must be looking to take a dive into backpacking (hiking in the backcountry not city hopping in europe). You’re right to be interested. Backpacking is an incredible way to get out of a stuffy city / boring suburb, unplug from social media, and explore some of the most remote areas of the world while connecting with nature.

Starting backpacking can be a daunting endeavor, especially if you are like I was and have no prior experience. But do not let this intimidate you. With the proper practice and preparation, you can enjoy an awesome backpacking trip too. Trust me. If I, a New Yorker without any hiking or camping experience, can learn how to backpack, so can you!

While backpacking is no walk in the park, proper outdoor skills, gear, and preparation are essential. It is more than worth the time and money invested, as these trips give you experiences that you will carry for the rest of your life.

Where Do I Start?

I find that there are two different approaches to get started backpacking:

Jump right in and learn as you go.
Take your time to gain experience, skills, and gear prior to embarking on your first backpacking trip.

Jump Right In And Learn How To Backpack As You Go:

Let me start by saying I DO NOT mean show up on a trail without any gear, skills, guidance, or preparation and go for it. That is dumb and dangerous. You need to know some of the basics or at least be hiking with a friend who knows what they are doing, so your first backpacking experience is a safe one.

In my case, although I had little to no prior experience hiking or camping, I had a friend who had backpacked all his life with me on my first trip and showed me the ropes.

There was still a steep learning curve, and I made A LOT of mistakes, having some very uncomfortable moments. But experience is one of the best teachers, and with each mistake, whether it be gear selection, skill or preparation, I learned and took that lesson with me on my next backpacking trip.

This approach isn’t for everyone. There is a lot of trial and error, and like myself you may have some uncomfortable nights sleeping and days hiking. But if you can keep positive outlook jumping right in is a great way to immerse yourself and learn quickly.

Build Up For Your First Backpacking Trip:

For those of you who prefer taking things slowly and want to avoid some of the common pitfalls of beginner backpackers building up your skills, gear, and experience is a great way to start backpacking.

This approach allows you to get a bunch of experience before heading out on the trail and will likely make your first backpacking trip a bit more comfortable than if you jump right into the experience.

First Start Hiking!

The first step to get started with backpacking is to get out and hike! It doesn’t need to be anything crazy long or difficult. Just go to a local park or nature preserve, pick a trail, grab a map and compass, and start hiking. Getting day hikes under your belt before going on a backpacking trip helps with the following:

Gets you in hiking shape: Hiking consistently will build a solid aerobic base which is essential to get into good backpacking shape. Keep in mind when you are on a backpacking trip, you are hiking long distances day after day with a full pack on, so your fitness preparation shouldn’t be taken lightly. You can consider hiking with a full pack to help you prepare for the extra weight you will be carrying with you when backpacking.
Allows you to practice basic outdoor skills: Spending more time walking on trails also helps familiarize yourself with some of the basic backpacking skills such as trail finding, navigation, and leaving no trace. These skills along with others are foundational for backpacking and should be honed before entering the backcountry.

Buy The Right Gear:

Having the right gear is an absolute must for any backpacking trip. Here are my tips when it comes to backpacking gear:

Create a gear list
Purchase High-quality gear
Know how to use all of your gear

Create A Backpacking Gear List:

Every backpacker needs to have a gear checklist listing everything needed for your backpacking trip, including the ten essentials. Having a physical list to reference will help prevent you from forgetting things on your journey. Keep in mind that different backpacking trips may require different kinds of equipment depending on:

The type of environment you are hiking in:
- Desert regions may need more water storage.
- Rainy areas may require extra rain gear, such as rain pants.
- Snow may require snow gear such as crampons, ice axes, or snowshoes.
How long you are hiking: the shorter duration of the hike the smaller of a pack you can use as you will need less space for food, extra clothes etc.

Check out my backpacking gear checklist if you’re not sure what to bring.

Purchase High-Quality Gear:

Alright, this one is big. Get nice gear. DO NOT be like me and get the cheapest equipment you can find. Sometimes you can get away with it, but odds are it will be crap and cost you more money in the long run with buying replacements. I strongly recommend going with higher quality gear, check out our backpacking gear guide or go to your local outdoor store to get assistance with gear selection for your needs.

Know How To Use Your Backpacking Gear:

It is not enough to have the right gear, but you need to know how to use all of it too. A water filter is no good to you if you are clueless about how it works! Try to avoid using equipment for the very first time in the backcountry, test gear out at home or on a day hike to make sure that it functions properly and you know how to use it.

Learn Basic Backpacking Skills:

One of the most important steps is knowing proper backpacking skills so you can enjoy your time in the backcountry safely and responsibly. Below are some of the basic skills you MUST have before entering the backcountry:

Leave No Trace:

The golden rule of doing any activity outdoors is to leave no trace. Leave no trace is a set of principles to be followed to help preserve the integrity of whatever wilderness you are backpacking in. Whenever entering a national park or forest, your goal would be to leave the area exactly as you found it packing out any trash and adhering to the leave no trace principles. You can learn all about these principles with our article “What Are The Leave No Trace Principles?” or at lnt.org.

How To Use A Map And Compass:

While GPS devices are a great luxury to have, knowing how to use a topographic map and compass is a mandatory skill to have whenever backpacking. Sometimes technology fails and in those instances, you need to know how to navigate on your own.

How To Set Up Shelter:

No matter where you are hiking, you should have some shelter system packed to keep you protected from the elements. Especially after a long day of hiking, you should know how to set up your shelter quickly and easily so you can get some much-deserved rest. While tents and hammocks are intuitive to set up, I recommend taking the time before a trip to know the ins and outs of your shelter setup.

How To Store And Treat Water While Backpacking

We always need water. So when backpacking it is important to know how to carry and treat water to keep us hydrated. The problem we run into when backpacking is that it is not feasible to carry multiple days of water in your pack, as it would be way too heavy. Therefore you need to rely on natural water sources such as rivers and lakes to keep you hydrated when on the trail.

Since natural bodies of water run the risk of carrying harmful bacteria and microbes, you need to know how to treat your water in the backcountry properly to avoid illness from drinking contaminated drinking water. Check out our article “How To Carry And Treat Water When Backpacking / Hiking” to learn everything about carrying and treating your water on the trail!

How To Plan And Cook Your Meals:

You are burning a TON of calories whenever you go on a backpacking trip, so properly refueling is an absolute must. When backpacking, you need to plan out each days meals thoroughly and be sure to pack a bit of extra food in case of emergencies.

When planning your meals it is a good idea to bring food that is calorie dense, high in salt and is easy to carry. Typically I do oatmeal for breakfast, granola bars/trail mix/ dried fruit for lunch, and a freeze dried backpacking meal for dinner.

Also, you need to be comfortable with using a backpacking stove for cooking your meals. These stoves are typically small propane-powered devices that release fuel when attached to the tank and ignite with a clickable flint (or you can use a lighter). You should make sure you have enough fuel for your trip and practice using your stove before heading into the backcountry.

How To Store Food While Backpacking:

An essential part of leaving no trace is to know how to properly store your food while backpacking. Improper food storage can be harmful to your well-being and that of local wildlife. Let me explain…

It’s harmful to you because improper food storage can lead to your rations being eaten by wildlife. This will not only leave you without food in the remote wilderness, but it can also put you at risk for a dangerous wildlife encounter.
It’s harmful to local wildlife such as bears because once they taste human food, they are much more prone to seeking it out. This can lead to more dangerous wildlife encounters with your fellow hikers and necessitate the need for the animal to be put down by local officers.

To prevent this, you need to properly store food and odorous items using approved storage techniques for whatever park you are visiting. To get a full rundown, check out my article “How To Store Food While Backpacking.”

Basic First Aid:

Conditions on the trail can be rough at times and you will encounter minor scrapes, sprains, and injuries. Therefore it is important to have a basic first aid kit as well as working knowledge on how to manage common injuries and ailments that you may experience when backpacking.

How To Pack A Backpack For Backpacking:

A good amount of gear comes with backpacking, so it is essential to pack it efficiently to carry your pack as comfortably as possible.

To start, you should have a pack that fits you well. You want most of the weight to be on your hips and the backpack to be close to your body so it is not swinging around when hiking, which can throw you off balance.

Next, you should aim to have the heaviest items at the bottom of the pack. This will help keep the weight near your hips and prevent your backpack from being top-heavy.

One of my last tips is to avoid attaching things to the outside of your pack. Items on the outside of your backpack can become loose and fall off, leaving you without a piece of gear and littering the park! Having equipment on the outside of your pack can also dangle around when hiking, which can throw you off-center on the trail.

How To Poop While Backpacking:

Okay, now I know this one sounds crazy for my fellow city people, but yes, you will have to poop in the woods, and yes, there is a right way to do it. The above infographic gives you a brief overview, but take a look at our “how to poop while backpacking” article to learn everything you need about pooping outdoors.

Practice Your Backpacking Skills:

Okay, you got your gear and learned some of the basics. Now it’s time to put them to the test!

A great way of doing this is by going on a car camping trip. Car camping is a great way to simulate the experiences of a backpacking trip in a more controlled environment. While doing shorter day hikes and camping in the front country, you can practice essential backpacking skills, but you still have the security of being a short drive from civilization.

Another great way to practice backpacking skills is by joining an outdoor club or taking advantage of some of the REI backpacking classes!

Plan Your First Backpacking Trip:

Look at you go! You got your backpacking gear and skills down pat now all there is left to do is plan your first backpacking trip!

The steps to planning your first backpacking trip are as follows:

Pick your backpacking destination
Research your backpacking destination
Create a backpacking itinerary
Plan out travel logistics

Pick Your Backpacking Destination:

First things first, you need to get inspired and find a park/wilderness/forest that excites you and fills you with wonder (#wonderfarr)! The best way I found to do that is with pictures!

Look at those views! Don’t they make you want to go out there and explore these areas in real life?! Check out our hiking destinations for some backpacking inspo or just type in “beautiful mountains” on a google image search either way you’ll find some cool stuff!

Research Your Backpacking Destination:

Now that you picked your dream backpacking destination your next step is doing some in-depth research about where you are going.

If you are going to a national park I recommend checking out the specific national park service website or see if we made a national park guide for where you are visiting. The following are questions you should be able to answer through your research:

What is the best time of year to visit the park for backpacking?
What will the weather conditions be like for your trip?
Are there special gear considerations (extra rain gear, snow gear, extra water storage for desert conditions)?
What are the backcountry rules and regulations?
Are backcountry permits required (learn about backcountry permits here)?
Is parking easily accessible?

Plan Out Your Backpacking Itinerary:

After you have completed your general research about the area you plan on backpacking in, it is time to get down to the nitty-gritty of your backpacking itinerary.

A backpacking itinerary is a day to day schedule of your backpacking trip which includes where you are entering and exiting the wilderness, which trails you will be hiking each day, and what campsites/shelters you will be camping at after each day of hiking.

You need to have a well-planned backpacking itinerary for every backpacking trip. When planning out your backpacking itinerary, some questions you need to answer during your planning include:

How many days do you plan on hiking?
How many miles and elevation gain do you want to cover each day?
What trails do you want to hike/views do you want to see during your trip?
What type of route you want to do (point to point, out and back, or loop)?
Which campsites or shelters do you plan on staying at?
How to apply for permits for your desired itinerary?

Feel free to check out some of my pre-made backpacking itineraries within our national park guides!

Review Your Backpacking Itinerary With A Park Ranger:

After you complete a rough draft of your backpacking itinerary, I recommend going over your itinerary with the park rangers. No one knows the park better than the rangers who hike it on a daily basis, so get their input before applying for backcountry permits. Keep in mind that no one knows your physical limits and ability better than you so be sure to create an itinerary suitable for your skill level.

Plan Your Travel Logistics

Okay, now we are cooking with gas! All there is left to do is plan the final travel logistics. Feel free to use our free trip planners within our national park guides for guidance. Some of the basics you will need to consider include:

Flights
Hotel stays before and after your trip
Travel insurance
Rental car insurance
Apply and get backpacking permits

Have Fun And Stay Safe!

That’s all guys! I hope this was a helpful starting point for those of you interested in backpacking. Feel free to reach out to me for any beginner backpacking questions you may have!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Guide

Best Hiking Boots For Morton’s Neuroma:

7 Best Backpacking Tools:

5 Best Men’s Backpacking Clothes:

Uncategorized backpacking for beginners Outdoors for Beginners

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Backpacking?

Post author By Dylan
Post date February 12, 2022

Do You Need Travel Insurance For Backpacking?

Some of you who may be looking to save a buck may ask “do I need travel insurance for backpacking.” The answer is yes. Yes you do.

While I understand we all want to save money travel insurance (also known as backpackers travel insurance) isn’t where you should cut costs if you are going on a backpacking trip. The reason being is that no matter how much you prepare for your trip, you can still encounter inclement weather, broken gear, or injury on the trail. Good travel insurance helps keep you financially covered for any mishaps that may come your way.

We will go over the benefits of travel insurance, what’s not covered, and the best one for you!

What is Backpackers Travel Insurance?

Backpackers travel insurance is a type of travel insurance that caters to the needs of those participating in adventure activities when traveling. These policies also have extended coverage options such as gear, emergency medical evacuation, and emergency medical expenses. I will be using “backpackers travel insurance” and “travel insurance” interchangeably throughout this article as the names don’t matter as much as what their coverages include.

What Should Your Travel Insurance Cover If You Are Backpacking?

When researching the best backpacking insurance for your next trek, you want to ensure that the following is included in your policy.

Trip Cancellation
Emergency Medical Expenses
Emergency Medical Evacuation
24-hour Assistance
Broken / Lost gear
Covid 19 Related Cancellations

Trip Cancellation

No matter what the trip, you should have trip cancellation coverage. This coverage helps get your money back for nonrefundable trip expenses in situations of such as illness, accident, or bad weather. It is a nice safety net to have should you have to cancel your trip altogether.

Emergency Medical Expenses

While this is a benefit that I hope you never have to use, emergency medical expenses must be included in any travel insurance you consider purchasing for your next backpacking trip. As we said, regardless of how much you prepare for your trip, accidents and injuries can happen, making it essential to have emergency medical expenses included in your travel insurance.

Emergency Medical Evacuation

This is a biggie. Again I hope that none of you have to use this benefit. Still, in situations where you are injured in a remote region and can’t continue hiking, emergency medical evacuation may be needed. These evacuations are costly and can put you in financial trouble if you have to pay out of pocket, so make sure they are included in your plan.

24-Hour Assistance

It would be best if you had an insurer available 24/7. Accidents can happen anytime, so you need an insurer that is always available to help you through any situation that comes up.

Broken / Lost Gear

Say your baggage is lost or damaged during travel. Without this coverage, you may be stuck with footing the bill for new gear. With gear protection, you are covered up to a certain amount of money for any lost or damaged equipment, so you can continue on your adventure without missing a beat!

Covid-19 Coverage

Especially in this day and age, with the ever-evolving rules and regulations of travel restrictions regarding Covid 19. I recommend purchasing a policy covering Covid 19 related trip delays or cancellations.

What Does Backpackers Travel Insurance Not Cover?

Pre-existing conditions: Your backpacking/travel insurance provider will likely punt the claim back to your health insurance.
Travel In Areas Of Political Unrest: Probably best to avoid these destinations altogether. It’s a big planet pick a safe place to hike.
Travel Less Than 100 Miles From Your Residence: That’s what we have medical insurance for.

What You Should Know Before Buying A Travel Insurance Policy For A Backpacking Trip

Before you jump right in and buy your plan, you should make sure you do your due diligence and ask yourself the following questions:

What will I be doing on this trip?
How much coverage do I need?
Is the plan I am considering purchasing fulfill all of my needs?

After answering these questions, do a bit more digging into reading some of the policy’s fine print, especially regarding medical evacuation. Unfortunately, many of these companies use a lot of legal wording when describing their policies, making it difficult to understand. If you find this to be the case, give the company a call to make sure the plan you want to purchase will handle all of your needs.

Backpackers Travel Insurance Agencies

insuremytrip.com

Insure My Trip is the kayak of travel insurance. All you have to do is plug in some of your trip details, such as:

The type of coverage you are looking to have (recommend the comprehensive for backpacking)
The estimated cost of your trip
Who needs to be insured

Then, insuremytrip will hook you up with a tone of different insurers to help you compare prices and coverages to find the best policy for you.

World Normads

World Nomads is an excellent travel insurance company for us adventure folk! It has a TON of coverage options you can choose from and is an insurance designed for people participating in adventure activities. Depending on how extreme of a trip you’re going for, you can choose from “the standard plan” or “the explorer,” the explorer being more pricy but covering many more activities with a higher payout.

Travelex

Travelex is a travel insurance company that has been operating for over 55 years. They offer a number of different plans at affordable rates. Click the link below to see if any of their plans would be suitable for your travel insurance needs.

What Is Digital Nomad Insurance

Since the boom of WFH, Digital Nomad Insurance has become essential for those individuals traveling the world while working remotely. SafetyWing is a company that has sprouted up in this time of work from home and offers several different policies for digital nomads. The two major policies they offer include:

Nomad Insurance: covers medical and travel insurance expenses when traveling outside one’s home country.
Remote Health Insurance: This is health insurance that caters to remote workers abroad from or within their home country.

Click the logo below to read more into SafetyWing’s insurance options to see if any of them would work for you.

Do I need Travel Insurance If I Am Just Camping And Doing Day Hikes?

Even if you plan on doing day hikes, I think it is better to air on the side of caution and get travel insurance anyway. All it takes is one hospital visit to make many years of purchasing travel insurance well worth it.

Now, this does not mean you need the most comprehensive travel insurance policy. If you are doing shorter day hikes you can probably get one with a bit less coverage but I would still make sure it includes trip cancellation, emergency medical expenses and 24/7 customer support.

Get The Travel Insurance!

I hope this article has been helpful and answers your questions on backpackers’ travel insurance. As I said I think it is money well spent. Have fun and stay safe out there!

What To Do With Your Trash When Backpacking?

How Do You Pack Out Your Trash When Backpacking?

Why Is It Important To Pack Out All Your Trash When Backpacking?

What Needs To Be Packed Out When Backpacking?

Can You Throw Your Trash Out In Pit Toilets When Backpacking?

Do You Need To Pack Out Your Toilet Paper When Backpacking?

What To Do With Your Trash Bag When Backpacking?

What To Do With Your Trash When You Arrive At Camp?

How Many Trash Bags Do You Need For Backpacking?

What If You Run Out Of Trash Bags While Backpacking?

How To Dispose Of Your Trash Bags After Backpacking?

Final Thoughts:

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Should You Bring A Knife Or Multitool Backpacking?

Bringing A Knife On A Backpacking Trip

Different Types Of Backpacking Knives:

What Are Fixed Backpacking Knives?

Foldable Backpacking Knives

Multitool Uses When Backpacking:

Different Kinds Of Multi-Tools

Can You Bring Both A Knife And Multi-Tool Backpacking?

Final Thoughts:

Do You Bring A Knife Or Multitool On Your Backpacking Trips?

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Do I Need A Hatchet For Backpacking?

3 Reasons Why You Do Not Need A Hatchet For Backpacking

Little To No Functionality

Cutting Wood From Trees To Make A Fire?

Can I Use A Hatchet For Hunting Game While Backpacking?

Do I Need A Hatchet For Self-Defense Against Wild Animals While Backpacking?

Do I Need A Hatchet To Help Set Up Camp When Backpacking?

Do I Need A Hatchet To Cook or Prepare Food When Backpacking?

Like I Said Not Much Utility In Bringing A Hatchet Backpacking

A Hatchet Adds Unnecessary Weight To Your Pack

Waste Of Money

Now, If You Still Really Want A Hatchet...

I Hope That Helps! What Do You Think About Bringing Hatchets Backpacking?

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

How Many Clothes To Bring Backpacking? (2022)

What Clothes Are Essential For Backpacking?

Base Layer / Hiking Shirt

Mid-layer / Down Jacket / Fleece Jacket:

Outer Layer / Rain Jacket

Hiking Pants / Shorts:

Hiking Socks:

Underwear:

Sleep Clothes:

Sample Packing Lists

Packing Light

Packing Heavier

Other Frequently Asked Questions About Backpacking Clothes:

How To Clean Clothes When Backpacking?

Are Cotton Clothes Good For Backpacking?

Do I Need Rain Pants When Backpacking?

I Hope This Helps! What Do You Pack For A Backpacking Trip?

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

Is Backpacking Worth It? When To Backpack Vs. Car Camp

Soooo When Is Backpacking Worth It?

Soooo When Is Backpacking Not Worth It?

Pro's Of Doing A Backpacking Trip:

#1 Enjoying Nature In Solitude

#2 Learn To Appreciate The Little Things

#3 Unplug

#4 Sense Of Accomplishment

Cons Of Backpacking:

#1 Physically Challenging

#2 Logistically Challenging

#3 Requires Outdoor And Survival Skills

That's All!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

How To Track Your Mileage While Backpacking? (4 Different Ways)

Keeping Track Of Your Mileage Backpacking Using A Smartwatch:

A Garmin Watch

The Apple Watch:

Recording Your Mileage While Backpacking Using Strava:

Tracking Your Mileage Backpacking With A Map:

That's All!

Ultimate Backpacking Gear Blog

What Clothes Should You Wear To Sleep When Backpacking?

Have A Separate Set Of Sleep Clothes When Backpacking:

Bonus Tip Clean Off Before Putting On Your Sleep Clothes