If you’ve ever been on a long hike, or even just a walk on a trail, you may have passed people with massive packs and secretly wondered about that adventure—read on, this is for you! Backpacking can seem difficult, challenging and daunting. The reality is that it is exhilarating, not that difficult, and Practically easy if you follow these five steps to go backpacking it can be fun for everyone.
1. Find a natural area where you can hike and camp. Many places that fit this easy criteria are within a reasonable drive from CHS. Ann Arbor is a place with many beautiful parks, and Washtenaw County offers many hiking and camping options. If you are willing to drive two to three hours, you could plan a Lake Michigan adventure. When considering the location, you’ll want to decide how far you want to hike each day. Once you have some ideas, check to see if the place you chose requires a reservation. You may need to book it in advance when you look up the site it will normally specify and it varies place to place. The best sites I have found locally are in the Pinckney Lake or Waterloo campground. Some considerations for location:as you think about where to go for backpacking, you might want solitude, so the best experience is to pick a campsite that cars can’t access,this eliminates car campers. Open water access is nice if you like to swim you also need water to drink too. If the site does not have access to water, you can pump; be sure to plan ahead. If it does not, you need to know how to sanitize water with a pump or with tablets so it is safe to drink.Never drink unpurified water because if you do you run the risk of getting virus or bacteria that can make you really sick. Most guides will also tell you if the site has access to a toilet. If a spot has no access to a toilet you have to plan to just go to the bathroom in the woods and if you are not comfortable with that pick a site with a toilet.
2. Pick a date. You’ll want to consider the time of year, the expected temperatures and the option to see nature such as birds, changing leaves, weather. When deciding on a date, you’ll need to consider who is going with you. Going with friends is always more fun, and people you enjoy spending time with will help make sure it is a good experience. (Remember to check the date and book the campsite if it requires a reservation.)
3. Pack a bag that you can carry far. Packing is the most intimidating step because you’re traveling to the unknown ,but don’t worry or stress – start early with simple preparation. You would be surprised that you might have a lot of items that can work. For example, while you might not have a head lamp you probably have a flashlight. If you find items on the list you DO NOT have, even then, “Gear to go outfitters” and “Lower Gear Outdoors” will rent you camping gear – there is no need to go and buy stuff for just one night. It is important to note, eventually, the weight of your pack will matter but for one night it’s not a huge worry. You’ll need to consider – how heavy is your pack, how heavy is your sleeping bag, did you bring a glass mug?- no dont do it! Overall lighter is better, since you will be carrying it both there and back.
The items you need to focus on packing can be grouped – let’s start with the basics: clothes. When packing clothes, consider the weather and think about the high and low temperature and any expected rain and then pack accordingly. For colder weather, pack long sleeves and pants., and for warmer weather, pack t-shirts, shorts , sleeves and shorts. Also, even if the forecast says no rain, most backpackers prepare for rain because it can sneak up on you out of nowhere and when you’re wet you get pretty uncomfortable. Similarly most people bring at least 2 pairs of socks – wet feet are very uncomfortable. If the temperature might drop at night, I like to have a fleece hat too – if your head is cold, it makes everything else harder. For one night you might just bring a single layer of clothes – shirt, shorts, pants, fleece and rain coat. Now that you have clothes packed, I move on to my gear when packing. The essentials are a bag, your backpack, to carry everything, usually with shoulder and waist straps to make it easier when heavy. The tent is a big item, so I like to start with it then followed by a sleeping bag and a sleeping pad – the weight and heat scale of these items is a personal choice. You’ll want to pack food that is simple, easy and nutritious – plan each meal, and add 10%. Instant oats work for breakfast. BP and J squeezable or tuna in a packet wrapped in tortilla is easy for lunch. Squeezable beans and cheese in a tortilla for dinner. Consider if you will make hot cocoa, and if you’ll want trail mix. If there are bears or raccoons in the area you’ll need to hang all the food with a bag and rope at night. After you decide on food, move to tools for eating and drinking. I bring a simple mess kit – basically a plastic plate/bowl and a spork plus a mug for hot cocoa. As above, you need to get clean water: plan for a pump or tablets and something plastic or metal to carry water, with a lid. I pack a stove (or maybe if you are going one night you plan your food so you do not need one). Now, finally, the things that will give you some comfort: for me that is a book and a headlamp. For others it might be a sketch pad or a deck of cards.
4. Finally, the day before, you are almost ready to go. Now is a good time to pack the car. Some people find it helpful to double check gear and weather. Before you check your gear, check the weather – and add items if needed. You may need sunscreen, bug spray or a sunhat, or even another layer. Ok, now, while packing the car, make sure you have all of your gear: use a checklist and as you add things to the pack, check them off the list. If it is going to rain, you might add a tarp with ropes to hang for a shelter and double check the rain jacket. After that, I like to download a map of where I am going before I head out, so I always know my way. Right before I leave my house, I grab a snack and something to drink! I always remind myself to have fun and just enjoy the way time slows down in the woods because that is the magical part of backpacking.
If even one person tries, this will be a success! Then you can share what you learn with neighbors and friends too.
