How to Prepare for a Backpacking Trip

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Hi all! Now that is it May, I need to start preparing for my second trip backpacking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Last year we were able to reserve a few backcountry sites to backpack the lakeshore, but this time around we prepared ahead of time (see Top 5 Things to Know Before Hiking Pictured Rocks) to reserve backcountry permits to make sure we hike from Grand Sable Visitor Center to Minors Castle (almost the whole lakeshore)!  There are a few things I am doing to make sure I am ready for this trip and I had better start now rather than later. Here are my tips to prepare for your backpacking trip!

1. Get in shape

I was in a lot better shape last year and I was still tired after each day of hiking. This year…I need to start taking on more mileage before I hike 7.3 miles a day for fun. On top of just in general needing to get in shape, taking on so many miles consecutively and so soon can lead to injury if not properly prepared. Everyone is different, do your research and prepare your own body accordingly. I know that for myself, I need to do something to get in shape and prepare my body for my Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore trip.

If you are planning a longer hiking trip make sure your body can handle the work-load involved in your scenic hike!

2. Get your gear together

If you are just starting out on your first backpacking trip you have A LOT to prepare for. Even if you are a seasoned backpacker you know how much planning it takes to make sure you are ready for comfort in the backcountry. You should do plenty of research on what others take into the backcountry and even think about additional things that would make yourself comfortable and happy! Here are things I take backpacking with me:

• Big Three:
  • Backpack – REI Co-op Trailbreak 60 (women’s)
  • Sleep System – Mormont Tresles 15 Sleeping Bag
  • Shelter – Eno OneLink System
• Water System
  • Filter – Sawyer Mini
  • Blatter – Platypus 3 liter
  • Water bottle – Nalgene 32oz
• “Kitchen”
  • Stove – Etekcity Ultralight Backpacking Stove
  • Fuel Can
  • Cook Pot – Stanley Adventure Camp Cook Set (I leave the cups it comes with at home)
  • Fork/Spoon – humangear GoBites Duo Fork and Spoon Set
• Wardrobe (based on weather for Michigan summer)
  • Raincoat
  • Wearing
    • T shirt – Lululemon
    • Sports bra – Girlfriend Collactive
    • Leggings – Girlfriend Collective
    • Underwear – Lululemon
    • Wool socks – Smartwool Unisex Mini Walk Socks
  • Extra
    • Sleep Tshirt
    • Biking shorts (specifically for warmer weather but to prevent thigh chafing) – Girlfriend Collactive
    • Underwear – Lululemon
    • Wool socks – Smartwool Unisex Mini Walk Socks
• “Bathroom”
  • Trowel – TheTentLab Deuce(R)
  • Pee Cloth – Kula Brand
• Sunblock
• Portable battery pack – Anker Power Bank
• Phone charging cord
• FIRST AID KIT
• Luxury items (not necessary, but things I like to bring with me)
  • Journal and pen
  • Pillow (…maybe)

If you have your gear organized year round then this is not too much of a problem. Personally I use totes to put all my things in except my sleeping bag which I don’t want to squish. I keep my sleeping bag outside of storage because my dogs love cuddling it. People may use more, less, or liter gear but the above is what I take with me into the backcountry.

3. Upgrade gear as needed

While I am loving my gear, there are a few things that we are upgrading/ changing based on different desires or needs:

• Charlie is looking at getting a tent instead of bringing out his hammock setup again. He just decided that the hammock surrounded by the bug net and tarp was too constricting and did not provide enough privacy.
• I am looking at changing or nixing my pillow. With my hammock I just don’t need it and I just wake up cuddling it like a teddy bear anyway.

Changing up your gear list is up to you and your preferences, don’t let anyone tell you different!

4. Shakedown Hike

Now you have your gear together. You’re packed up and eager. Now it is time for a practice run. 

Hike with your bag. Overnight with your supplies. Is your bag too heavy for you? Did you pack some unnecessary items? Forget something you really need? Figure this out now and get rid of anything you don’t need. This is also a great way to practice wearing your backpack and make sure it is the right one for you! See Rachel’s How Not to Pack for A Pictured Rock Hiking Trip to really understand the importance of packing.

5. Prepare a main point of contact 

I have said this before and I will say it again; make sure someone knows where you are and your itinerary! When Charlie and I leave for any type of trip we need to get a dog sitter and that is normally a family member. When we leave for a trip we know we may have limited cell service we make sure that this family member is prepared with our itinerary with notes on when we will be able to contact them and what to do if we do not contact them. A satellite phone would also help in these situation and hopefully by the time we do this trip we will have a Garmin InReach or InReach Mini. STILL, these phones are not always 100 percent reliable and your point of contact should be told that!

These tips for preparing for your backpacking trip are only the things primarily on my mind right now. Make sure to always do your own research and to make sure you are comfortable with your plans and your gear before isolating yourself in the backcountry. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you have so much fun!

Once on trail I will make sure to share as many photos and tips as possible! I will let you know how the trip went right here on the blog and don’t forget to read my first experience hiking Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore; Part 1 and Part 2. And follow my adventures on Instagram!

Love,

Sara