Introduction to Backpacking

To start off, what is backpacking? It is easiest to describe it as a combination of hiking and camping. It is not camping in the sense of pulling up in your RV and after hiking a few miles in the woods relaxing in the air conditioning while watching TV and waiting for the pizza delivery to arrive. It is a combination in that you are strapping all the supplies you need for the trip on your back and heading off into the wilderness for at the minimum an overnight stay.

I hear you asking 'why would I do that'? Well I've fallen in love with this sport for a number of reasons. First and foremost is the quality time I get to spend with my family. Imagine parents, being a few miles into the woods, no cell phones, no Xbox or Playstation, no TV and no chauffeuring to the next activity. It is just you and the kids enjoying conversation, nature's beauty, a meal cooked over an open fire (where allowed), the stillness of the night, discovering new creatures and conquering the challenges Mother Nature throws at you. There is no better feeling than having your 6 year old being proud of hiking 6 miles with all her gear on her back or hearing your family expressing disappointed that the trip has ended to soon because they fully enjoyed the time and experience.

Another reason I love this sport is the shear beauty of God's Earth. Whether it's the view for miles at the mountain's summit, the hidden waterfall in the valley, the wild flowers filling a field, or the billions of stars visible in the darkest night sky. You will see places and things that most people in today's culture will never see, hear, touch or smell. There is nothing like following a trail through a freshly ripened blueberry patch on your way to your campsite along a cool mountain stream, which by the way will probability be the source of your drinking water.

To top it all off, it is good exercise that beats walking on a treadmill any day.

If all of this sounds appealing to you then explore this site to learn about the gear you will need, how to find your way, where to go, what to eat and many other topics. Sign up for my newsletter, The Footprint, to get site updates, trip reports, gear reviews and more. Do not worry, I will not sell or give away your e-mail address. It would not be in my best interest to run into an angry spammed reader on the trail 15 miles away from civilization.