Intro to Backpackn
Backpacking (wilderness camping or backcountry camping) can seem fairly intimidating with the bugs, dirt, and cat holes (whatever those are). However the purpose of this blog is to help guide the average adventure enthusiast and navigate their curiosity about backpacking. Hopefully as this blog comes into fruition, you will gain outdoor confidence and general knowledge about some common unknowns.
Before we continue, I will describe my style of backpacking so you know what you’re getting into. There are several different “types” of backpackers out there, each with their own cult-like following:
Ultra lite backpackers: their mission is to pack as lightweight as possible (think cutting the tags off of tents/sleeping pads/etc. anything to cut down on weight).
Thru-hiking: their mission is to travel extreme distances with very brief overnight stays.
To get a better idea of my style, I am essentially the opposite of these two. I aim for a more luxurious style of backpacking with a minimum stay of 2 nights and an out and back (see definition below) hike of less than ~12 miles. I like to enjoy the scenery, relax, and also splurge on little trinkets that make the trip that much more enjoyable (think obnoxious floaties, cocktails, and skin care essentials). However, in order to enjoy these finer things in life, I typically have to sacrifice on weight and I usually end up carrying more than the recommended ~30lbs. But I found ways to cut weight and survive the uphill hiking routes, which I will discuss in a separate post.
Within this first post, we’ll cover the types of camping, basic terminology, necessary gear, laws of the land, and where to backpack across the US with a particular focus on California and Nevada.
Types of Camping:
Car Camping. This is the most common type of camping and what most people have already done. You make a reservation, you bring your gear in your car, and drive up to a campsite with a bathroom, electricity, and several other parties are in close proximity to you.
Dispersed Camping. Camping that's located outside of designated campgrounds and away from any kind of amenities. National Forests are the most common areas where dispersed camping is allowed. These sites are typically where sprinter vans stay- also car camping sites. Dispersed camping is often free and you don't need a permit (unless specifically stated).
Backcountry Camping (i.e., Backpacking). Camping where you stay at sites that are only reached by foot or boat, and you are not near any developed area or amenities (i.e., bathroom, electricity, cellular service, etc.). You have to carry everything you need to survive via a backpack.
Basic Terminology:
Base Weight: Total Pack Weight - Consumables (food, alcohol, water, etc.) = Base Weight.
Cat holes. Natures outdoor toilets- Refers to someone digging a hole and pooping it in. Cat holes must be 6 inches deep and 100-200 yards away from campsites and water sources.
Out and back. Often refers to the distance of a hiking trail roundtrip. For example, the hiking trail was 6 miles out and back (i.e., the trail roundtrip was 6 miles).
PCT. Pacific Crest Trail, which is a long ass trail that stems from the Canadian border to the Mexico border. People mention it a lot because it crosses Tahoe and is within Desolation Wilderness.
Trailhead. Where the trail begins, this is typically where you will leave your car overnight.
Necessary gear:
Gear can add up ($$) fairly quickly. There are ways to backpack on a budget such as borrowing, buying used gear, or using REI rentals (look up your nearest REI to check out pricing), but if you plan on backpacking ~2-3 times, it may be more cost effective to begin purchasing and acquiring your own gear. Here are some of the necessary items that one should have when backpacking:
65 liter backpack. This size is standard and I wouldn’t recommend anything smaller than 65 liters for a 1+ night trip.
Sleeping pad. Get a thick pad like mine (see Backpacking Gear post) if you want to actually enjoy your sleep and not be miserable the whole trip.
Sleeping bag. One of the best ways to see if a sleeping bag is a good fit for you and your destination is to look at the temperature rating. Aim to get a bag with a temperature rating of ~20 degrees. This means the sleeping bag will keep you warm for outside temperatures as cool as 20 degrees. You will be able to travel to most places with a ~20 degree temperature rating.
Bear canister (necessary for most parts of the US and Canada).
Water filter.
Water bottle/bag.
Tent.
Food.
Clothes.
Flash light.
Toilet paper.
Hiking boots.
Gas stove.
Propane/ipsopane canister.
Stainless steel fork/spork/spoon.
First aid kit.
Small pocket knife or scissors.
Semi necessary gear:
Bug stray (depending on temperature and location).
Sunscreen.
Battery bank.
Carabiners (these come in handy very often).
Instant coffee (this may be a necessary item depending on your caffeine addiction).
Lightweight Shovel (to create cat holes).
Totally unnecessary, but that's my style:
Floatie (if destination has fresh water).
Alcohol.
Collapsible chair.
Camera.
Battery bank.
Chargers.
Skin care routine lineup (post coming soon).
Makeup (I said what I said).
Battery operated air-pump.
Hygiene body wipes.
Sandals (to wear around camp).
Small black trash bag (for the used toilet paper).
Fairy lights (for inside your tent).
Camp lights.
Eye mask (to block out the morning sun so you don’t wake up at 5:00am).
Ear plugs (there should be at least one person NOT wearing ear plugs while sleeping for safety reasons).
Pillow.
Check out my Backpacking Gear post to see what gear I have and would recommend.
Places to backpack:
There are thousands of incredible places to backpack all over the US and often times closer than you may think! I typically only backpack at destinations near fresh bodies of water. I not only think large bodies of water are extremely pretty, but they also provide an unlimited water supply when you’re using your water filter and that means you carry less water while hiking, leaving more room for unnecessary items.
National Forests (Forest Service Lands). These lands are managed by the United States Forest Service, and you can backpack here without permits. You can find places to backpack using the iOverLander app and park overnight at any place that says "forest service road." Often times these are very close to highways and roadways. Not ideal for traditional backpacking (since you have your car), but you can always leave your car there and go backpack to a nearby location.
National Parks. These lands are managed by National Park Service and you typically need a permit to backpack at these locations. You can book reservations here.
State Parks. These lands are managed by individual states. You may need permits for these parks. You can book reservations here.
Wherever you decide to backpack, try to make sure the trail is relatively flat, a shorter distance, and when the weather isn't too hot or cold.
Laws of the Land:
Here are some brief rules that you should abide by while backpacking:
Leave No Trace. Everything that you bring camping you must carry out. This includes wrappers, trash, and toilet paper!
Where To Set Up Camp. You cannot set up camp within 100-200 feet of a water source. Do not set up camp extremely close to another backpacker- this is common courtesy. Also aim to set up camp in pre-established campsites. These campsites will usually be flat little plots of dirt (see picture of tent above).
Food Storage. Always use bear canisters to store your food, any scented items, and trash. You need to hide your bear canisters at least 100 feet away from campsites.
No Fires. Most backcountry sites do not allow fires given the huge potential for destruction if something bad happens. Check your destinations fire rules and regulations prior to going backpacking.
Disclaimer:
Please use these tips as a guide and not an end all be all. GoneBackPackn is not responsible for any injuries or hardships that may occur during any adventure. Take the listed advice at your own will and at your own risk.
