A trip into the wilderness with a backpack and hiking stuff can be fun and dangerous at the same time. But with the right planning and equipment, this can be a lifetime experience.
Travel is said to be a source of gaining life experience, enhancing one’s perspective of life, and satisfying the soul more than the body. But a solo trip in the wild areas can bring out the best in you in terms of patience, perseverance, planning, decision making, courage, and surviving with the least possibilities. Thus, hiking or a backpacking trip can make you grow as a person and become open to adversities and challenges with courage.
But there are a few things that one needs to keep in mind before setting out on the hiking, camping, and backpacking journey into the wild;
Recount all the necessary equipment
When beginning your hiking, camping, and backpacking journey, make sure you have kept all the stuff together. You should have a hiking backpack, weather-friendly clothing, hiking boots, ropes, clips, knives, gear-repair kit, first-aid kit, prescription medication, navigation essentials, altimeter watch, camera, binoculars, food, water, flashlights, matches, whistles, insect repellents, etc.
It is better to make a checklist beforehand and tick all the items that you have already gathered. Make sure nothing essential is left behind to ensure safety while embarking on an adventurous journey.
Food and cooking
While being out on the forest trails or a mountain, you will need the energy to climb or walk. Make sure you have enough food supplies for survival which will be of course measured and estimated beforehand. Dry high-calorie food packs are good for intermittent munching but you might also need proper cooking gear in case you plan to camp for the night. For this, the first to do is to light a fire. Use your match sticks and organic trash to light the fire and with the minimum cooking gear, you can have a meal.
Learning to make a one-pot meal will come in handy in such a situation.
Shelter, camp, tents
In case you are in a cold-weather a tent will be ideal. Tents are although heavy to carry but they are warmer than summer camps and can be reliable too. They also keep the insects out and can also sustain harsh weather like snowfall or spontaneous storms.
Tents are also ideal when it is raining as they don’t let the inner layer get wet or leaked. Just make sure it is made of synthetic material rather than natural cotton which can get wet and might leak too.
Navigation and communication
If you plan to go on a backcountry trip then you might still have GPS working. In some areas, the internet might also be working. But if GPS fails you can also rely on the old method: the compass. It is better to learn orienteering beforehand.
However, on mountainous plains and deep forests, radio and maps can be useful.
Knowing the weather, environment, and potential risks
Wherever you go make sure to learn about the weather of that place along with the environmental conditions and natural habitat. This is to make you aware of the potential risks that you might encounter. If the place is known for wild animals or fatal insects, plan accordingly.
In most jungles and wild areas, there is a fear of wild foxes or bears. You should know the basics of dealing with such dangers before heading towards that place, especially if you are planning a solo trip.
One tip to keep bears away from you is to cook a bit farther than your shelter as the aroma of the food might attract them towards you. Sharp knives or a small pistol can also be helpful.
Learn basic first-aid
Wilderness can be bitter sometimes and unexpected weather conditions may trap you. Even if you catch a simple cold, it can still slow down your pace and energy levels. Make sure you know how to first-aid yourself.
Mostly, in fragile sub-alpine forests with streams and rivers, mosquitoes and other viruses are prevalent. One needs to be aware of all these things and have the necessary medication for all of such common dangers.
Of course, don’t forget to take scenic pictures!
A professional camera and a scenic place make the most Instagram-worthy pictures. Make sure you capture the memories and the places through your camera lens.
