The Golden Rules of Backpacking

Imagine: You’re on a backpacking trip. You stand on the summit of a high mountain. As you look out on the horizon, you can see precisely how far you’ve come. You take a sip of water from your bottle and, with that simple, cool refreshment, feel a welling sense of pride. Having reached your goal, in that precious moment you embody the effects not only of your physical exertion, but also the meticulous planning that brought you here. Your accomplishment is made possible by your thoughtfulness, your decisions to realize your vision of travel for the sake of pure adventure. The steps you took, no matter how graceful or clumsy, got you here. The view from wherever you stop is merely your reward. And don’t forget, you still must make it back down the hill and home again safely.

This is the art of backpacking.

It isn’t easy, and there is not just one way to do it. But if you know the sweet joy of standing on that summit—or want to—then tune in: We asked avid backpackers what golden rules they live by in their pursuit of this unique adventure. Read on.

1. Begin from where you are

You backpack with the body, skills, and knowledge you have. Set aside the burdens of judgement, expectation, and fear. You are enough. With the beginner’s mind, embrace the unknown with enthusiasm for the adventure ahead. Your journey begins with that first step toward your goal. “What got me through was staying positive and accepting everything the outdoors had to offer—the good and the not-so-good,” says Derick Lugo, author of The Unlikely Thru-Hiker. “An optimistic mind will always go further than a pessimistic one.”

2. Make a plan

Have a clear destination in mind. Plot a precise route, with alternate paths of travel just in case of an emergency. Have a scheme of escape. Know how long it should take to get there and back safely. Be aware of when it’s time to turn around and head for home. Account for the weather and dress accordingly. Plan your food, water, and shelter so that you can carry it comfortably. “Make sure someone knows your itinerary, your car’s license, its make and model, and where you’ll be parking it,” says nature photographer Michelle Ranee Johnson. “Let them know what day you’re leaving and what day and time you plan on returning. And if you don’t return by such and such day and time, which SAR (Search and Rescue) team they need to call.”

3. Set reasonable expectations

Pick a distance and destination that will challenge you without placing yourself at risk of catastrophic failure. Be reasonable. If you’re new to backpacking, don’t overdo it with an excessive number of hard miles. Pace yourself. You will gain strength and endurance with every outing, but it takes time. Remember, to grow we all must struggle, but none need suffer. J.R. Harris, author of Way Out There: Adventures of a Wilderness Trekker, says “In other words, don’t let your mind write a check that your ass can’t cover.”

4. Bring an old-school map

Never rely exclusively on electronic devices for navigation. On longer trips in particular, your power will likely run out and you cannot rely on cell phone or satellite reception. A paper map, preferably one that is water resistant (or packed securely in a plastic sleeve), can save your life. Before you leave, highlight natural features on the landscape to look out for: river crossings, bridges, mile markers, scenic overlooks, et cetera. Carry an analog compass. Just knowing which way north is will help to orient your location and make sure that you are on the right course.