What I Learned From My First Backpacking Journey

I have always enjoyed traveling and hiking. A few months ago I discovered backpacking while I was traveling in Canada, but it was not a real backpacking trip. I slept on top of a mountain without a tent and went down to the city to get some food. The hike was only about 10 miles.

But last weekend, I was able to really do my first backpacking journey, in France. I left with just my backpack for a 30-mile hike. Here is what I learned.

1. Planning

I thought I was well prepared, and had planned the two-day hike. However, I didn’t pay attention to one thing: the elevation gain. That is, I had seen on the map a green space not too far from a forest where I could drink and cook, but the forest was 250 meters above the river… So it was very difficult to go down to the river, and finally to go back up.

It was the same for the place where I had planned to sleep, which was then on a slope. I might as well say that I didn’t have a good night. I could have continued walking to find a flatter place, but it was already late and for the first time, I didn’t want to set up my camp in the dark.

In short, planning is very important, but you have to take into account all the details to make it work. In my case, I had forgotten to take into account the difference in altitude between the place where I was going to sleep and the river where I was going to cook, which was 250 meters and in the forest, so not negligible.

2. Calculate your caloric needs

I told myself that I wasn’t going to complicate my life and that I would simply take a package of rice, dried fruit, and packages of cookies without calculating the calories. That was a mistake.

I had enough food, even too much, but it was just luck. I realized how much energy backpacking requires and it is important to bring the necessary amount of food, with a little extra in case of unexpected events.

Moreover, it allows to optimize the space in the backpack and to eventually lighten it because we don’t take unnecessary food.

In addition to simply calculating your calories, you can optimize things a bit by calculating the proportion of macronutrients needed to take the right foods. It is recommended for backpacking to get 35–50% calories from carbs, 35–50% calories from fat, and 15–20% calories from protein.

3. Don’t forget warm clothes

Temperatures can drop significantly at night, even in the summer. You might feel warm during the day while hiking, but as soon as the sun sets, the temperature can plummet, and you’ll be left shivering in your tent. That’s why it’s crucial to pack warm clothes, even if you’re going on a summer trip.

When selecting your clothes, think about layering. It’s better to wear several thin layers than one thick layer, as you can easily remove or add layers depending on the temperature. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer that will keep sweat away from your skin, then add an insulating layer like a fleece or down jacket. Finally, top it off with a waterproof and windproof shell that will protect you from the elements.

Don’t forget to pack warm socks, gloves, and a hat as well. These small items can make a big difference in keeping you comfortable and warm at night. Remember, it’s better to pack more layers than you think you’ll need, just in case the weather turns unexpectedly cold or wet.

In my case, I didn’t bring clothes in case of rain, but I should have because even if it didn’t rain, I was in the middle of the forest in the morning and everything was soaked because of the dew.

4. Don’t neglect hiking poles

Hiking poles are often seen as an optional accessory, but they can actually be incredibly helpful on a backpacking trip. Not only do they provide stability on uneven terrain, but they can also reduce the strain on your knees and joints while carrying a heavy backpack.

When selecting hiking poles, consider the terrain you’ll be hiking through. If you’ll be on rocky or uneven ground, look for poles with sturdy tips that will provide good traction. If you’ll be crossing streams or snowfields, consider poles with adjustable length that can be shortened or lengthened as needed.

Additionally, hiking poles can be used in a variety of ways beyond simply providing support while walking. You can use them to pitch your tent, stir your cooking pot, or even as an improvised splint in an emergency.

It was my first time using hiking poles. In the beginning, I felt like they were useless, but as soon as there was a difference in altitude, they were very practical and prevented me from falling as well as relieving my joints, both up and down.

5. Know your limits

At first, I planned to complete a 40-mile trip instead of a 30-mile trip. But as it was just my first trip, to test my gear, I cut back to 30 miles because I figured it’s better to start small, and I didn’t really know my limits. I wouldn’t have enjoyed going another 10 miles after all.

It’s important to be honest with yourself about your physical fitness and hiking abilities. It can be tempting to push yourself to go further or faster than you’re comfortable with, but doing so can put you at risk of injury or exhaustion.

Before embarking on your trip, make sure you’re in good physical condition and have trained appropriately for the terrain you’ll be hiking through. Start with shorter hikes and gradually increase your distance and difficulty level over time. This will help you build your endurance and reduce your risk of injury.

During your backpacking trip, pay attention to your body and any signs of fatigue or discomfort. Take breaks when needed and don’t hesitate to adjust your pace or itinerary if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it’s better to take it slow and steady than to push yourself too hard and risk getting injured or burned out.

6. Take care of your feets

When it comes to backpacking, your feet are your most valuable asset. They’re what carry you through miles of rough terrain and support the weight of your backpack. That’s why it’s crucial to take care of your feet by choosing the right shoes and socks.

First, invest in a good pair of hiking shoes or boots that are comfortable, durable, and provide good traction. Look for shoes that fit well and provide good support for your ankles and arches. Make sure to break them in before your trip to avoid blisters or other foot injuries.

Second, choose high-quality socks that are moisture-wicking and provide good cushioning. Avoid cotton socks, which can retain moisture and lead to blisters. Instead, look for socks made from materials like merino wool or synthetic blends that will keep your feet dry and comfortable.

During your backpacking trip, take care of your feet by keeping them clean and dry, changing into dry socks when needed, and treating any hot spots or blisters promptly. If you do develop blisters or other foot injuries, make sure to rest and elevate your feet as needed and consider carrying a small first aid kit with blister pads and other foot care items.

7. Self-Reflection

One of the most rewarding aspects of backpacking is the opportunity for self-reflection and personal growth. When you’re out in nature, away from the distractions and stresses of daily life, you have the space and time to reflect on your thoughts and emotions.

During my journey, I thought about a lot of things, new projects to start, others to stop, etc… And I think that this is an important aspect of backpacking. You should not hesitate to take advantage of it to reflect on yourself. For my part, I left alone, so it was really the ideal time to realize this introspection.

This process of self-reflection can be uncomfortable or even painful at times, but it can also be incredibly rewarding. By facing your fears and challenges head-on, you can grow stronger and more resilient. And by gaining insight into yourself and your life, you can come away from your backpacking trip with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

So don’t be afraid to spend some time in quiet reflection during your backpacking trip. It may just be the most valuable part of your experience.

8. Recover after the trip

At the time I’m writing, I’m still recovering, and I know it will take some time. I think I can divide the recovery into some parts:

• Rest: Give yourself plenty of time to rest and recover after your backpacking trip. Your body needs time to repair any muscle damage and replenish your energy stores. Take a few days off from exercise and get plenty of sleep to help your body recover.
• Stretch: Make sure to stretch your muscles regularly after your trip. This will help to prevent stiffness and soreness and improve your flexibility.
• Hydrate: Drinking plenty of water is crucial for post-trip recovery. Your body needs water to repair tissues, remove waste, and regulate temperature. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Nourish: Eating a healthy and balanced diet is important for post-trip recovery. Focus on foods that are rich in protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates to help your body repair and rebuild.
• Reflect: Take some time to reflect on your backpacking trip and what you learned from the experience. What did you enjoy most? What challenges did you face? What insights did you gain about yourself or the world around you? This process of reflection can help you integrate your backpacking experience into your life and come away with a deeper understanding of yourself and your values. In short, you should do something like I’m doing right now.

Final Note

This trip was super interesting. As I said, the key is to start small. For the time being, the interest of this first trip was mainly to test the equipment I had just acquired. Now that I know how to use it, next time I’ll be able to do a bit more miles!

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