First-time Backpacker? Here Are 12 Tips for Mindful Traveling

So, you’re finally hoping on an adventurous trip all by yourself and your backpack! As thrilling as it sounds, nothing can beat the fun and excitement of traveling to different destinations on low-cost and limited items. And if you’re a corporate backpacker, things can be more exciting for you!

Regardless of which type of backpacker you’re, here are twelve tips that you must know for mindful traveling. Taking care of safety while exploring doesn’t harm anyone. Read on, backpackers!

1. First Time? TRAIN Yourself

If it’s your first time backpacking or even if you’ve gone on a trip before, it is always beneficial to train yourself. And the best way to train for a sport is to do the sport.

It is advised that you wear your backpack that you wish to take for the trip, put on some weight, and go on day hikes. This will give you an idea of how much weight you can easily bear. Besides, you’ll find out how you want your straps to be adjusted and rested on your shoulders since you might be going on a long week hiking trip.

Make sure to train your upper body since you will be carrying the backpack the whole time on your shoulders. For this, strengthening your back and shoulder muscles will prepare you for the journey.

2. Pack Light

Backpacking literally means going around places with a backpack loaded with your basic essentials. So, it is always better to pack two or three pairs of clothes, basic toiletries, and necessary gadgets that you might need along the way.

Backpacking allows mysteries to unfold during your trip. You never know what you might need during the adventure, so it’s always better to pack light and reserve space for things that you might buy on your way back home.

3. Choose Your Backpack Smartly

The best feature of a good backpack is that it feels good when it has weight in it. And to be assured, you can test out different packs, wear them with weight, and see how you feel.

If the weight feels bearable and powering, go with that option. Backpackers majorly should look for the backpack capacity, features, and fit.

When shopping for a backpack, it is advised to visit the store and try in person. Or, you can also consider ordering a few options and keep the one that best suits your needs and fits well.

4. Take Care of Your Gadgets

If you happen to be a corporate backpacker who needs to carry their high-end gadgets, you need to be careful. Since you will be on the go, chances are you might misplace your valuables or spill something over them.

One of the possible scenarios could be you spilled water on your MacBook. Now that could be a nightmare for professionals who carry important data on their devices. If you happen to get into such a mess, you can read this online blog https://setapp.com/how-to/spill-water-on-a-macbook-what-to-do and get instant options to fix the issue at the earliest.

Besides, cross-check your gadgets every time you change your location, or you open your bag in public.

5. Play Smart With Money

The true meaning of a backpacker is someone who travels on a low budget. Although most backpackers save an ample amount of money after taking care of their accommodation, food, and other amenities, you never know what might come your way.

Hence, whenever you get a chance to get fatter discounts, take them bluntly and spend that money on other important things. And as you step ahead in your journey, you will be able to get better deals.

6. Choose a Hike As Per Your Abilities

If you’re not sure about the hike you’re going to start with, try not to choose one at a high elevation, at least. For instance, go on a four-day trip or maybe an overnight backpacking adventure before you plan a week-long hike.

There are many backpacking routes that can be taken with different entry and exit points. So, try to take the easy routes in the beginning since, at that time, your pack is the heaviest, and you get used to the rhythm of backpacking.

In short, do not throw yourself up for the big challenges, especially if you’re a beginner.

7. Pack High-calorie Meals

In most cases, the heaviest parts of your pack is going to be food since that’s what you need at least three times every day. And don’t get surprised if you feel the urge to eat five times a day; after all, you’re walking all day long.

For most people, it is advised to pack food that can be rehydrated on a trail since you can easily refill water often. But if you’re off to a desert, this might not be helpful.

Oatmeals are a great option for breakfast, and protein bars are perfect for keeping you pumped throughout the day. Fruits, nuts, bread, and instant mashed potatoes are a few of the quick food options that you can bring along.

8. Avoid Going Alone

While solo trips sound fantastic for having solitude and discovering yourself, backpacking solo can be pretty risky at times. If, by any chance, you get stuck in an emergency, there could be no one to help you, and that could be dangerous, especially if you’re going to be off-trail.

Thus, if it’s your first time, consider going with a group of friends that you trust and who have prior experience in hiking. This will not only allow you to learn the right way to backpack but will also help just in case you forget any essential item.

And just in case you’re wondering about going on a solo trip and expecting strangers to give you company, this doesn’t work every time and can make things even more frustrating.

9. Follow ‘Leave No Trace’ Principle

Generally, backpackers follow the ‘Leave no trace’ principle to preserve nature. Here are some important tips you should follow:

  • Pack out your toilet paper.
  • Don’t wash your laundry or dishes in a river. What you can do is take some water and walk at least 100 m away and do the washing.
  • Do not wash your face, body, or hair in a river, and do not use soap in water sources. A natural sponge and just water would be enough.
  • Use the bathroom at least 100 m – 200 m away from any natural water source.
  • Avoid throwing rocks in the water just to have fun. If you are eating something, either finish it all or do not leave any trace behind, not even the foil.

Simply put, pack out everything that you bring with yourself. This will teach you to value the importance of nature and how you can preserve it.

10. Stay Cautious of Clingy Travelers

If you’ve gone on a solo trip before, you know there are always a few clingy travelers who wish to accompany you throughout your trip.

Beware of such clingers. No doubt, it is amazing to meet new people and develop new friendships. However, there’s a fine line between a clingy person and a genuine company. Make sure you can draw that line and take care of yourself.

11. Have a Medical Kit for Emergencies

It’s a no-brainer that one must carry a medical kit during trips. Whether you’re traveling with your friends or are on a solo adventure, chances are you might fall sick and need basic medical care.

Instead of asking for help from strangers, it is better to carry your first-aid kit, which includes all the basic first-aid supplies. Here’s what your medical kit should include:

  • Antibacterial ointment
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Medical tape
  • Assorted bandages
  • Painkiller
  • Safety pins
  • Tweezers
  • Moleskin
  • Multitool

12. Fall in Love With Nature

First-time backpackers often find it surprising that people just carry two pairs of clothes during hiking, one to hike in and one to sleep in. Now that may sound weird to some people, but the truth is you can’t shower on the trail. Thus, there’s no point in bringing more clothes.

People enjoy this time just to be with themselves and enjoy nature. So, instead of worrying about your clothes and other essentials, try to fall in love with nature while you discover its wonders.

You might find it hard to adjust in the first few days, but living purely in nature with limited resources will teach you a lot. So, don’t forget to take advantage.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a first-time backpacker, the experience will always be filled with thrill, excitement, and adventure. It is one of the most freeing and amazing activities ever discovered. While it is certain that you will have the best time of your life, staying mindful during the trip will allow you to have a safe and secure experience.

So, next time you go on a backpacking trip, do not forget to consider these tips and ensure that you have the best experience possible.

We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If there’s anything you would like to share, you can put that in the comment section below.