There are times when we are backcountry in the summer and we come across hikers dripping in sweat and weighted down with stuff. Their backpacks are stuffed full with ‘just-in-case’ items or ‘maybe-I-could-use-this’ things. There is nothing worse than finishing a hike, unpacking at home and realizing that you didn’t use half the items in your pack. Depending on the length of the hike you’re doing, an extra pound can begin to feel like an extra five pounds over time and there is this extremely frustrating feeling as you take out your gear and think: I did not need all that weight.
So, how do we avoid that?
Of course, when it comes to going backcountry you need to be able to fit everything you’ll be using during the hike into one backpack. But that doesn’t mean that your pack has to be extremely heavy or that you have to exhaust yourself.
When you go backcountry you are just going to have to accept something: you are going to smell bad. It is how it is. You’re sweaty, you’re probably a little muddy or dirty, you’re climbing hills and hiking through valleys in the same clothes you’ve been wearing since sunrise. Leave the perfume and shampoo behind. Even the deodorant, if you want. You might be smelly but hey, remember, everyone else is, too. Plus, bugs are attracted to good-smelling things. You don’t want that to be you.
As you’re packing we know it can be tempting to think what if I need this. Chances are, if you’re questioning it, you probably won’t. Below is a list of five basic necessities to check your items against the next time you’re preparing for a hiking trip.
Food
You’re going to be hiking and burning a lot of calories so make sure that you have fuel for your body. However, you may not NEED the burner, the kettle, the pot, the pan, the soap, the drying towel. If your trip is short, you may be able to get away with eating dry food or food that you’ve pre-made. If you’re going for a longer time, try to bring items that you can use and reuse. Having dehydrated food can be a great source to rely on because you will only need to boil some water to eat your meals. Also, remember that your items can dry out on a hot summer day so you don’t need extra dishtowels.
It’s helpful to layout your food before you go to see what you’re packing. Set out your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the days ahead and then see if there is any extra food you’re packing that you don’t really need.
2. Shelter
Some people, like Lee, don’t bring tents (pretty ironic considering the name of our company). There are some extreme, nature-loving people who bring nothing and lay out on the grass on warm summer nights instead of packing a tent. A hammock is also an option, of course.
I, however, have gone backcountry in the middle of a hurricane. Shelter is important on rainy nights. Plus, I hate bug bites and would rather avoid them by being in a tent.
3. Water
This is probably the most important thing to remember. Your body can survive being a bit hungry but being thirsty at all is a sign of early dehydration. Water can get heavy so we would recommend getting a water filter if your hike will carry you by a water source. For filters we recommend using Grayl (you can find these filters at MEC). We also would encourage you to visit alltrails.com to make sure that, if you are depending on a filter, there will be a water source for you.
4. Clothes
We’ve already covered the fact that you will probably smell while you’re outside. Some may choose to embrace the stink and wear the same clothes every day. We would suggest bringing a change of clothes for yourself and for the sake of the people you’re hiking with.
5. First aid
Usually first aid kits don’t take up too much space and it is a good bet to bring them on every hike, whether short or long! You never know what you could come across while you’re outside and it is best to be safe.
Now, we know that that list is pretty short. But really, if you don’t reallllllly need it, leave it behind. Over-packers get tired faster. Trust me, I speak from experience.
These tips are extremely loose and, obviously, you’ll have to adjust based on your needs and the trip you’re taking. There are other things to factor in like a multitool, sunscreen, fire starters. It all just depends on where you’re going and what resources you’ll need. Above all, have a lot of fun, leave the extra luggage behind and go enjoy the great outdoors.
Written by: Annika Phillips