Are you ready for your backpacking hike?

 

What is backpacking?

You started hiking with easy day hikes and maybe even progressed to longer hikes which required you to extend yourself a bit more. Maybe it’s time to immerse yourself fully in nature where you get to challenge yourself more physically and disconnect completely from your way of doing things. A time to be awed by beautiful sunrises and sunsets, to experience views and places that take your breath literally and figuratively; places reached only on foot. The biggest difference between backpacking and day hikes is that you carry your bedroom, kitchen, and sometimes, your house (tent) on your back.

I started backpacking several years ago, covering some serious mileage in the process, and being enchanted by views that confirm God’s greatness. I think I’ve now earned my retirement! It has been such an enjoyable journey with some of my best memories having been created around the campfire. Damn, the feeling of nostalgia as I write this! Not to say I’m done with multiday hikes. I’m just done carrying all the heavy stuff on my back! I’m being gentle with all my joints, so they continue carrying me for more years. I’ll still write about slackpacking, my now preferred way of doing multiday hikes.

On your first backpacking trip

The basics are similar to your first hike, such as choosing a trail carefully, checking the weather, making sure you have the right gear, food and cooking utensils and safety. I hope to assist you so your first backpacking trip is not overwhelming as you will be organised and confident. And I would advise you to go for an overnight trail that is not too hectic, especially if there are no huts, meaning you must carry your house on your back. This will help you to get used to setting up a tent (a small one please!) before and after a hike and undoing it in the morning before a hike. This while you must cook your own meals. I’d also advise you to start with a weekend hike where you will be hiking for two days only and please, do this with a more experienced hiker. Trying backpacking with another inexperienced hiker may be disastrous. And on your own is a total NO NO! Some trails have guides – at a cost.  As mentioned before here, you’ll fare much better if you can practice setting up your tent at home. And remember the rule on hiking shoes. My advice would be also to take your backpack on a day trail, packed as if you were going on a weekend hike. This will help you check how comfortable you are carrying a big backpack.

Where to go backpacking?

As indicated above, it is always best to start with a weekend trail, and preferably one that’s a bit easy, to ease yourself into the backpacking life and to get used to carrying stuff on your back before attempting rough trails. Starting with a difficult trail may put you off backpacking while an easy trail will give you a chance to enjoy more time at the campsite or enjoying pools, if there are any on the trail. This does not mean there are no rough day trails as some day trails will have you climbing rocks and boulders and crossing rivers.

Where you don’t have an option of nearby trails, do thorough research of the trail you’ve chosen. I cannot overemphasise the importance of research. And this because I’ve been bitten once too many times for not doing my research. I once went straight from my couch to Drakensberg, and to say the trail was not easy would be an understatement. Everything in me was completely shocked, just because I had hiked another part of the berg and thought I knew what to expect!

While all trails can be hiked regardless of the season, some trails are better suited to some seasons, at least according to me. Check this out  for hiking in different seasons in South Africa. Hopefully this will help with choosing your weekend trail.

Transport

It is given that you will need transport to drive to the trail. My advice here is, as you find out about the trail, check out how the road is. Most trails are accessible via gravel road, so be mindful of the car you’ll be using although most of the time, you won’t have to travel a long distance on gravel. Also, most multiday trails in South Africa are circular, meaning you end where you started. I believe this will be the case with your first backpacking trail, meaning you won’t have to worry about your car as it will be waiting for you at the start/end. Where the trail is not circular, meaning you start somewhere and end elsewhere, find out what the transportation options are. Some establishments may offer free transportation while others may require you to book your transportation in advance, and for a fee.

What gear do you need?

I have already covered gear and maybe I should emphasise the importance of packing light. I still struggle with that (read struggled, as I’m done backpacking😄) but the best thing you can do for yourself is to take only what you need. The biggest mistake most of us did when we started backpacking was packing 35 items for a weekend hike, just in case. I was to learn later that I can complete a three-day hike with one set of clothes, this after a guide made us unpack everything we had so we take only what we needed. While packing light, just make sure you have all the essentials lest you’re put off backpacking because you left your sleeping bag, mattress or food. There are hiking checklists to guide you but they are just that, a guide.  Whatever you do, make sure you have these:

v  Tent

v  Self-inflating mattress/sleep pad

v  Sleeping bag

v  Inflatable pillow

v  Stove, pots, plates and cutlery, plus food

v  Head torch and spotlight (optional)

Don’t stress about buying everything as there’s always an option of renting what you don’t have. Yes, friends can lend you some items, but having had one too many bad experiences with that, I’d rather you rent what you don’t have and spare your friendships. The internet is your friend here regarding what is available for rent and the prices. You can also checkout online markets for preloved goods as you may find something there.

Food

When I started backpacking, noodles, tuna, smash and many other not so tasty foodstuffs were the norm. Today the choice is wider, with many shops offering food that either need warming or just adding boiling water to have a delicious meal in minutes. And with the many electronic devices at our disposal, dehydrating your favourite meal shouldn’t be difficult. All you need to do is play around with different food stuffs. Just make sure whatever you do will be clean and safe for consumption. The last thing you need is food poisoning during a hike. If DIY is not your thing, checkout readymade hiking meals or outdoor food online and you’ll me amazed at the options. You will also need some snacks for during the day. And this does not refer to a whole bag of cookies or a big tub of nuts. Get small ziploc plastic bags and pack your snacks in rations (something salty and something sweet). The most important thing here again is water. You must always stay hydrated. Check whether there is drinkable water on the trail and if not, arrange for your own water supply and purifiers.

For your first night, you can enjoy a braai, and leftovers can either be your breakfast or lunch.

Packing your backpack

There’s an art to this and during my backpacking days, some mornings were better than others. However, you need not worry too much as yours will be a weekend hike, so only two days of worrying about your backpack. The trick is to try to fit everything inside the bag, spreading them evenly to balance it. Remember that it’s got to be a perfect size for your structure, specifically your torso, with straps adjusted appropriately. Your tent should be able to fit on the side, held by some straps. You generally start with bulkier items and those not needed until you reach camp, heavy items in the middle and the lightest at the top while those you are likely to need during the day can be stashed in outer pockets. While you can hang other things outside, avoid that as much as possible to maintain the balance.

Straps should be fastened properly as they can easily hook onto trees, and so on, leading to a fall.

Let your first backpacking experience be the first of many adventures. One step at a time!

Td

 

Checklist for hikers (courtesy of Anvie Ventures)

I asked Anvie Ventures, a reservations provider for hiking and camping destinations, for some advice on what to pack for multiday trails.

General

Receipt/permit and route map 

Sleeping bag, waterproof cover & pillow

 Torch & new batteries

 Firelighter & matches

Water bottles (discard safely)

Pocket knives

Plate, mug & utensils (including pot/s)

Gas stove, firelighters

Tin opener (only if you have tinned food). 

 Dishcloth

 Plastic for rubbish 

Nylon string/wire

Pen & paper

Dishwashing liquid (bio–degradable)

Cell phone (but don't rely on getting a signal)

 

Food/Drinks

Salt, sugar, powdered milk, coffee, tea bags, coffee creamer

Breakfast cereal (Oats o easy is ideal), rusks

Cheese wedges, salami

Instant soup (Winter)

Dehydrated vegetables, instant potatoes (smash), toppers

Tinned fish, meat, sausages, dehydrated meat stew

Biltong, dried sausage, dried fruits

Nuts and raisins, glucose sweets, chocolates, energy bars

Powdered cool drinks

 Fresh fruit

Water purifying tablets (if necessary) 

  Bread and meat can be taken for the first day (toasted bread lasts longer)

Optional: sunglasses, camera, compass, whistle, binoculars, national tree list

 

Clothing

  Walking/hiking boots (extra laces)

  Thick wool and cotton socks

  Long and short trousers

  Tracksuit (optional)

  Underwear, sunhat

  Jersey or windbreaker

  Bathing suit (depending on weather and trail)

  Rain gear, gloves, tissues (a rainproof jacket & trousers or a poncho with a hood)

 

Toiletries & Medicines

  Soap, toothbrush

  Shampoo & shaving equipment

Toilet paper (1 toilet spade per group)

Small towel, face cloth

 Sunscreen, crepe bandages

 Basic first aid kit (include eye drops and pain tablets)

  Preparation for sore muscles (e.g., Fastum gel, Voltaren gel)

  Salt tablets (fruit salts)

  Antiseptic cream for blisters

  Methylated spirit or surgical spirit for blisters

  Needle, thread, safety-pins

  Insect repellent

 

Hints

 Keep all clothing and food in plastic bags to protect them from rain.

The weight of the backpack should not exceed 1/3 of the weight of the hiker.

 The best backpacks will have padded shoulder straps and a belt to distribute the weight evenly on your hips

  Vacuum packed meat lasts about 2 days

Take enough water bottles, especially in summer. Fill them before leaving a water point

Never forget humour and an open mind

Anyone for camping?

 

 

Photo: Courtesy of Mpho Molete

I know those who know me will not believe that I wrote that headline. And yes, I did. Not because I’m crazy about camping, but because I know that while I’m not much of a camping fan, I am not going to deny others a chance to explore and maybe even fall in love with something that can even be an inexpensive way of travelling. Yes, camping can be an affordable way of seeing your country, and even the world! But I’ll only be addressing camping as it relates to hiking here.

I hope what I’m going to share here will make your first camping experience much better than mine. A bad experience can easily put you off anything that you’re doing for the first time. Being a hiker means I’ve had several camping trips simply because there are trails that require camping. And that’s where it ends for me; I’m not a leisure camper. Glamping maybe!

Why camp?

There are hikes that will require you to camp. These may be backpacking hikes or basecamp hikes. Backpacking means you hike from one point to another, carrying all your essentials (including tent where there are not huts) in a backpack. There are people who tour the world this way. Basecamp hiking means you set up camp at a particular place and explore day hikes from there, carrying only what you need for the day.

First things first

My advice for anyone going camping for the first time, would be to look for a place nearby. The advantage here is that you can drive back home should you feel uncomfortable. By the way, I’m not writing for quitters! Just saying… I cannot overemphasise the importance of doing some research on the campsite to check if there’s amenities such as ablution blocks, showers, drinkable water, braai areas, etc., so you know what to bring for your comfort. You will also need to check safety issues and other requirements based on the establishment you will be visiting. And I trust that you will not attempt your first camping on your own.

Choosing your tent

I guess my relationship with all things camping was complicated from the beginning. And it all started with buying a pop-up tent hoping it was going to make my first camping experience easy. It was a mass hike with set times and all. I did not want to learn how to pitch a tent at a campsite full of walkers. And I never managed to fold that thing back the proper way. I went on to buy what I thought was  a ‘proper tent’ which I was smart enough to lend to a fellow hiker at some point. And on its return, I took it straight to the highest peak in South Africa. And I’m referring to a 3-sleeper dome tent. Yes, I took that to Drakensberg! I had not done my research and the guide had also not provided proper tips. The berg is known for inclement weather, and that dome tent could not survive the wind and rain! Luckily there were other hikers and my tentmates and I had to squat in other tents. Am I responsible for my dicey relationship with tents? Maybe! Please don’t repeat my mistakes. Ask for advice and take care of your tent.

Make sure you have a groundsheet and a small hammer to secure the pegs.

Utensils

You must bring everything you will need. That may include wood, matches/lighter, fire starters, food, drinks, pots and plates, cutlery and depending on your campsite facilities, maybe even a stove. However, if you’re on a backpacking trip, please be aware that there are stoves, pots and other utensils that are specifically for backpacking. You do not want to have a one-plate stove hanging on your backpack. That is unnecessary weight and not practical at all. Because of their convenience, those stoves, pots and pans are not very cheap, but like most of the hiking gear, once you have them, they are for keeps, unless you lose them. So, they need your tender loving care!

 

Most of your utensils in your hiking kitchen are multipurpose. (Photo courtesy of Mpho Molete)

From pan to plate. (Photo courtesy of Tony Sibanda)

Mattress and sleeping bag

There are air mattresses which are convenient when you’re just camping for fun or doing basecamp hiking where you have your car at the campsite. However, I also have a story of waking up literally on the floor as the thing lost air. Imagine feeling a rock underneath. But it all came down to my inexperience and ignorance to an extent. For backpackers, self-inflating mattresses provide cushioning and extra insulation. They are easy to carry, and you just unfold them and voila, your bed is ready. For backpacking, you need different sleeping bags for different terrains. Yes, I said terrains! Okay, not terrains, but environments. What you will need at a local campsite will differ greatly to what you will need for the berg. Talk to salespeople and let them know where you will be camping. And talk to experienced hikers and campers.

I once went on a camping trip with friends where we had a family-size tent. It was freezing, and we had brought blankets and no sleeping bags at all. Biggest mistake! Inside a tent you need a sleeping bag for warmth and comfort. You may add a blanket if it’s very cold, but you must be in a sleeping bag!  And please, no blankets for backpacking because you will not be able to carry them in your backpack!

Light

There are no lights at most campsites and in nature, it gets very dark at night. You will need to have a light and headtorch. Ideally you should always have a headtorch with you. It becomes handy in the event you arrive late and have to set up camp in the dark. You can find rechargeable or battery lanterns that won’t cost an arm and a leg. Shop around and find what works for you. And while talking about rechargeable, you may want to have some power banks with you. Some campsites may have electricity points, but many do not have.

Respect other campers and nature

Camping is communal in nature and chances are, unless you’re backpacking as a small group, you will be camping with many other people. This therefore calls for you to be considerate. I’m one of those people who hike to disconnect from my usual life.  I generally don’t like noisy places and going to the bush is me running away from the noise or at least expecting a different kind of noise. It is important to be mindful of other people and to keep the noise to minimum.

The respect should extend to litter. Avoid littering at all costs. Make sure you discard all your trash sensibly. And since you will not be in your territory, you must understand that you may have uninvited visitors. Make sure you secure all your belongings and with food, a sealable container is ideal.

 

Beautiful memories are made by the fireside. (Photos by Tony Sibanda and Td)

I hope you enjoy your camping journey. Like everything else, it may not be for everyone, but who knows, you may just fall in love. Did I mention toiletries? Unless you’re like me – I believe baths and showers are overrated, especially in the bush – please pack your toiletries! Bring your sunscreen and insect repellent. Trusting that you won’t forget clothes. Not that you won’t survive with one set of clothes!

Final tips:

·       If you’re on a base camp hike with your car, bring your camp chair.

·      In all my hiking trips, I’ve never had a chance for board games, but you may bring some, and cards.

·       Practice setting up your tent at home.

·       Make a checklist of all you will need.

·       At the campsite, be open-minded and absorb nature.

·       Make sure you leave the campsite clean!

Finally: What happens at the campsite, stays at the campsite!

Is there anything you’d like to read about as a new hiker? Please share this in the comment section.

Show some love by following (open in browser if you’re using a cell phone) and sharing this post!

 

Td

Choosing your backpack

 

 

A multiday backpack should take all you need.

I hope you are continuing to enjoy your hiking journey and that all the tips I have shared here are adding to your hiking pleasure. If you are new here, there is information for new hikers,  and you can find out  what is expected of you on the trail so you start on the right footing. And if you're still not sure whether hiking is for you, I have you covered. 

Can you hike without a backpack though? Well, I must admit I have seen people doing that but that comes at a cost for other things. For a hiker, a backpack is not an accessory or a nice to have. It contributes to your hiking experience. Whether you’re taking it easy with your family, or you’re on a serious hike, you always need a backpack! And here I am going to try and breakdown what to look for and what to consider when choosing a backpack to help you choose the perfect one.

Capacity

Well, the size of your backpack depends solely on the type and the length of your hiking trip as that determines how much you need to carry. What you will need for a short day hike will differ from what you need for a long day hike, a weekend hike and a multiday hike. The area (mountain, desert, coast) you will be exploring as well as the time of year should also be considered. And these will determine the features you will need from your backpack.

Day backpack

If you’re going for a short hike of 5 km or less, a small hydration pack should work. A hydration pack is a small pack made to carry your water with a hydration bladder, which makes drinking easy and convenient. Water is an essential part of every hiking trip, regardless of the distance. Using  a hydration pack means there is no need to stop or slow down to drink water as you just need to access the drinking tube/hose connected to the bladder. Hydration packs take between 1 and 3 litres of water and most have space for small things like snacks, tissues and keys. That said, you can still use what you have to carry your water and essentials on a day hike. Just make sure it's something that you can carry on your back so your hands are free. If possible, avoid drawstring bags as those strings  are not kind to the shoulders.

For a longer hike, you may consider anything between 10 and 25 litres. Except for carrying water, it should be able to carry your lunch and some essentials such as sunscreen and light jacket to allow you to be ready for any weather condition.

Weather in coastal areas can change anytime, so it's important to have a bag that can accommodate a rain jacket.

Overnight backpack 

While some beginner hikers, like my friend who has been hiking for almost five years now, are only comfortable with day hikes, there are some who will quickly advance to overnight and even multiday hikes. So, if you’re one of those ready to take the relationship further, you must look at between 35 and 55 litres for weekend, and between 65 litres and 75 litres for multiday hikes. You need more space to carry your gear, food and utensils for a multiday hike than you do for a weekend hike. It is, however, economic to buy either a 65 or 75 litres bag, depending on your structure, to use for both weekend and multiday hikes. Your structure is key here. As I indicated before, I’ve come a long way. This includes buying a 75L backpack; this, with the advice of a salesperson. I was with my friend who is much taller than I am, and has a longer torso; the salesperson let us both buy 75L. And that is how I learnt that there is no one size fits all. Fortunately, most salespeople today understand their products and are able to give appropriate advice.

  A proper backpack should have a built in rain cover. 

What to look for?

1.  A sleeve for your hydration bladder (I’m suggesting that you get a bladder) and an opening for the tube/hose
2.  Enough space for what you need to carry (whether it’s for a day or days)
3. Multiple compartments (multiday) and small pockets for small items (day backpack)
4. Attachments for your hiking poles
5. Water bottle holders 
6. Built in rain cover
7.   Compartments/pockets for small items

 

For your comfort

1. Opt for a lightweight backpack with padded shoulder strap
2. Waist strap for load stability (hipbelt)
3. Adjustable chest strap

In conclusion

Please do your research and find out as much as you can about which backpack will be relevant for you based on where and how you intend hiking. And once you’ve purchased that, make sure you take care of it. You can still enjoy your day hikes with the backpack that you have at home. Just make sure you adjust the straps for a good fit and also pack in a way that allows for an even weight distribution. 

Keep doing!

Td