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Load your pack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Packing a backpack is a practice in strategy. The goal is to position weight in the center, closer to your back. Bulkier items will fit in the bottom of the pack, and other items get tucked in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Backpack sections:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bottom- Bulkier items <\/strong>The things you will need to make camp like bedding, tent.<\/p>\n\n\n\nCore- Heavier objects <\/strong>Food, cooking gear, water bladders…<\/p>\n\n\n\nTop <\/strong>The top is a great area to put items like a rain jacket, sweater, or other bulkier items you may want while hiking.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPouches and pockets <\/strong>Best for items you will want on the trail or need easy access to.<\/p>\n\n\n\nLoops and straps <\/strong>For items that won’t fit into the interior of your bag or that are too long (like hiking poles).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Print a map<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Have a paper map tucked in a clear plastic zip bag for reference. It will be helpful for orientation of where you are if you come across any unexpected or unmarked trails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Pack the map in an easy to access pocket, so you don’t have to take your pack off to get to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Going on the trip<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Let someone know<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Before hitting the trail, let someone that cares about you know where you’ll be hiking and when you plan to be back. This is a great safety precaution if something happens on the trail. Someone is expecting you to call and say you’re back safe, and if they don’t hear from you, they can send in help.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be strategic though; it would be embarrassing to have search and rescue come out because you’re a few hours slower than you estimated you’d be.<\/p>\n\n\n\nBe safe and let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Hit the trail<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Arrive at your destination, and load up your pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hit the trail, and you’re off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sometimes analyzing how to make a trip work and gathering all the gear is the hardest part. Once you’re on the trail, all you have to do is hike, and enjoy the scenery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Building connections and making memories<\/b><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n There is the planning side of a backpacking trip, the process of backpacking and there is also a relational aspect to backpacking. <\/p>\n\n\n\nBackpacking with others adds a relational growth element to an adventure.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Fatigue and energy levels<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Being on the trail, sleeping in a tent, cooking food over a little propane stove, being cold, or too hot, tired, hurting feet, sore shoulders, heavy pack…<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nBackpacking purposely puts us in an uncomfortable situation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAnd sometimes that results in short tempers, frustration, fatigue, or negativity. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs a kid, I remember being tired and how that overwhelmed all other feelings. For an eleven-year-old, that makes sense. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nNow I have the experience to know fatigue and discomfort are part of the deal. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s good to remember that as we get tired, everyone in our party will be a little less functional. Being mentally prepared for this seems to make it easier to overcome.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nFatigue can be solved by a quick snack, water break or by taking a sit down break for a short period of time.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Communication<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n It takes a lot of patience and communication to work together. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nAs a family, we’ve had many years of practice. When making trips like this with friends, it can be a learn-as-you-go kind of situation.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nHow long does everyone last before you’re hiking along in silence?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is everyone’s recharge style? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nDo they need alone time or group activity time?<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Taking breaks<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Do you need to take lots of short breaks to keep everyone energized and positive, or are longer stretches better? <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nSome people will need breaks more than others. This was two interpretations of the term “break.”<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Taking photos<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n Taking photos along the trail is such a great activity to do as a group.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\nCapture scenery, but also take selfies and group shots, or ask other hikers to snap a shot for you. Having these memories to look back on, like any other vacation, can give you a good laugh or remind you of a special moment.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n