Backpacking Tips

Backpacking Advice, Tips and more Advice

So you’re getting excited about heading out on your backpacking trip? Everything is packed, the plane tickets and guide book in hand, what more is left to do? One thing that is always helpful, and that both first time backpackers and veterans alike will appreciate, is valuable information. Everyone always has some advice to give and backpackers are usually eager to devour any information they can find, before setting out on their oncoming journey. The amount of advice out there is practically limitless and one problem can actually be digesting it, or separating the good from the bad. Because there is no point in reproducing bad information, we will only offer the best, proven and tried pearls of wisdom. Some people will have heard the information before hand, or some of it might seem obvious, but even experts can should keep an open mind. Experience offers perhaps the best instructor, but the experience of others can also be used to make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable. Well then, enough of the introduction, as I’m sure everyone is anxious to hear what backpacking tips we have to offer.

Making a Checklist before you go: Health, Safety, and Packing Light

Friends and family will tell you what the best destination to visit is, or what you should do and go see, or what you should bring. This knowledge can be extremely valuable and time saving, but what if you wish to go somewhere where none of your acquaintances have been to yet? In such a case the internet proves itself once again as a valuable resource. The backpacking info site does an excellent job of summarising the essentials and even providing you with a check list to keep track of things. The essential check list will include what to pack, but also other important information like about medical issues or safety.

For instance, when travelling to tropical regions it is essential to first consult a doctor and obtain the necessary immunizations. Do not to wait to long before doing so either, as some immunizations, like for Japanese encephalitis, are given in three doses over a month. Another important thing to keep in mind, of course, is the monetary cost. Because vaccinations are an expensive necessity that sadly can’t be bypassed. Another disease for which there is no true vaccination is the ever present malaria. The best way to protect against this ailment, like any ailment, is prevention and in this case prevention against the disease’s main host: the mosquito. In tropical regions mosquitoes are more than just a pestering nuisance, they can be deadly as well. Some general precautions to follow include taking a mosquito net to place above your bed while sleeping, mosquito repellent like DEET, and wearing clothes that cover most of the body if possible. Of course, this bit of advice is a perfect example of information that is essential in one location, but completely unnecessary in another.

While general universal guidelines are more scarce, some do arguably exist. One such piece of advice would to travel light. A backpacker’s backpack is both their life source and, if backed to heavily, their bane. Some experienced people would even suggest ulralight backpacking. While being able to carry everything on your back offers certain advantages and convenience, it does not allow for the same carrying capacity of rolling suitcases for example. Some people have a gift at packing their suitcases full with everything imaginable, but really heavy luggage usually results. This might not pose a problem if the suitcase has wheels, or there are plenty of porters around to help you with your luggage. However, if traversing mountain ranges and hiking from town to town is your intention, then having an overburdening piece of equipment with you could be the kiss of death. Also remember to leave room for any souvenirs or trinkets you might want to purchase on the way, as no journey is complete without taking something back for remembrance.