When packing for your next backpacking trip, your mind likely jumps to everything you need to bring. But this usually isn’t the end of the list since you’ll also need to pack a few items to keep you comfortable and safe. Backpacking solo? Make sure to pack a backpack that’s big enough to accommodate your gear, clothing, and personal items but not so big as to be cumbersome.
There are a dizzying number of backpacks to choose from when shopping for a hiking backpack, but simplicity is often best. Choose the right backpack, and you’ll have everything you need with you and nothing more. You’ll also experience less fatigue and improve your comfort on the trail.
Packing for a solo backpacking trip may seem daunting, but you won’t have to worry if you follow these tips. Solo backpacking is a great way to travel and check out new landscapes. It’s convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly.
Backpacking alone for the first time can be daunting, but it can be a rewarding and fun adventure with the right preparation. Prepare for your trip with this helpful checklist:
- Create a packing list– Your packing list should consist of things that might come in handy during your travel. However, deciding what to pack depends largely depends on the type of place you are visiting. For instance, if you are going to snow-clad mountains to try snowboarding or skiing, then you would need all things winter, from helmets for skiing (or snowboarding) to snow goggles to boots, and gloves. Not to forget, you would also need to bring quilted jackets and thermal inner wears. Likewise, if you are visiting a place that screams heat, then you would need to definitely buy tubes of sunscreen and a few sunglasses and caps. Don’t forget a trekking pole and lip balm as well
- Be certain of your travel plans– Make sure you have all of your flight and hotel information with you at all times. If you have planned certain activities in a place you are visiting, like hiring a Fishing Charter in Crystal River with a bunch of other travelers for example, then make sure you have all the details of that as well. When you are traveling by yourself, it is crucial to keep note of all the important dates including ones where your plans coincide with that of other people.
- Create an emergency contact list– Give a contact number to a friend or family member who lives near where you are staying.
- Hit the gym– Drop some weight and get in shape before you travel. It will help you feel more comfortable during your trip and keep you healthier. And, just as important, getting in shape helps you pack more efficiently.
- Pack your backpack– Make sure you have everything you will need on your adventure, including more clothes than you think you will need. You might also have to prepare according to the activities you are going to indulge in at the destination. For instance, if you are planning to enjoy club hopping, pack a few party apparels, or want to explore beaches, then bring swimwear, sunscreen, etc. Similarly, if you want to try adventure sports like mountain climbing, then look for what you can wear while doing such activities on supersherpas.com or similar blogs.
- Find a place to sleep– Be sure to find a place to camp or stay the night, just in case you get lost or end up somewhere unexpected. When you’re traveling alone, finding a place to stay can be tricky. While many hotels offer single rooms, many don’t, leaving you with no choice but to book something on your own. Thankfully, there are an increasing number of options for solo travellers to book solo accommodations, from couch surfing to camping to renting apartments. But there’s one option that still works for those times when you don’t want to deal with strangers.
- Embrace the culture– If you’ve ever travelled alone, you know how important it is to embrace and get to know the culture. Your experiences as a solo traveller are even more unique than if you had travelled as a couple or group, so it’s important to take the time to immerse yourself in the world. Backpacking tips for solo travellers are many: Have a good sense of safety when traveling alone, always take safety precautions when exploring new places, and communicate with people you meet.
- 8. Be Smart with your Smart Phone – Traveling solo can be one of the best experiences of your life, but being there alone can sometimes have a downer, especially when it comes to finding things to do or places to eat. When you’re traveling alone, it’s best to plan ahead and find places and activities that will keep you occupied, entertained, and, most importantly, safe.
- Have Back-Up Documents – Traveling is fun. Yet, sometimes the unforeseen happens. Accidents, illness, getting lost, or theft. Things that can ruin a trip. Be smart. Have backup documents. Have a copy of your passport, your itinerary, copies of your driver’s license, and a copy of your credit card and hotel key. Backup documents have a way of making life easier.
- 10. Drink Safe Water – Don’t ever leave a drink unattended. Always get your water from a safe source. It’s better to drink bottled water and carry it with you at all times when travelling.
Are you ready for your backpacking vacation? If you’re like most, you’ve probably heard all about the basics of backpacking: pack light, sleep on the ground, eat wisely, and have fun. Though, you don’t have to necessarily go on camping or hiking for a backpacking trip. You can also go on a road trip or visit a nearby town that has good tourist spots and fun activities to try. You can also explore adventure activities like flying in a warplane, for which you can book tickets on the Spitfire website. Additionally, consider checking out this great section on their site where they have explained in detail about flights, their specifications, and session bookings.
Self-sufficiency is the dream of many. Going on a solo backpacking trip allows you to not only explore the wilderness but also learn to cook, navigate, and live off the land. However, it can be a bit daunting to go it alone. However, embarking on a successful solo backpacking trip is possible with the proper planning, preparation, and gear.
The more prepared you are, the more fun you (and your gear) will have when it comes to solo backpacking. That’s why I put together this solo backpacking checklist-to make sure you come prepared.
