Your adventure is fast approaching and you’re buzzing to get out there to conquer immense peaks and discover as many remote mountaintops, monuments and markets (which are normally seen only by local eyes!) as you can. You’ll only be able to make it there on your own two feet, with everything you need strapped to your back. Therefore the planning is crucial. Here are a few tops tips to bear in mind.
The Backpack is your Turtle Shell
This huge bulky beast will become your home and wardrobe on your journey, and so you need to make sure you get one that meets your purposes. Pop into any decent mountain or outdoors shop and there are always friendly and enthusiastic staff on-hand to help you pick out the best bag for you.
Before you Begin Packing
Before you even think about trying to master Tetris by jamming everything in, make sure you have all the essential gear. Make sure to grab a good backpacking checklist off the internet and then lay everything out in the following categories…
1) Most frequently used
2) Least frequently used
3) Heaviest gear
4) Lightest gear
Once you’ve got it all laid out it will be easier to start slotting things away in an order that makes sense. We find this method the most useful:
1) Frequently used stuff on the top (easy to reach)
2) Less frequently used stuff on the bottom (not in the way during the day)
3) Heavier gear closer to your back (you won’t feel it so much here)
4) Lighter gear away from your back (it doesn’t require as much support)
Compartments are your Friend
The Bottom is the perfect spot for bulkier items you won’t need until you camp. Think sleeping bag, sleeping mat, cold weather layers and your dry boots or shoes.
The Core Part is where you’ll want to keep heavier gear that you won’t need during your hike. This will include your tent and cooking kits, water and food.
Top Part of the pack is where you should stow things you’re going to need a lot during the day, including a fleece, your water filter, a first aid kit and loo supplies.
Accessory Pockets are where you keep the bits and pieces you need at a moment’s notice. This is the home for your sun cream, SPF lip balm, sunglasses, water bottle, bug spray, compass, the all-important snacks, ID and cash.
Loops and Lash-ons are key for those items which are easier strapped on than stuffed into your bag such as tent poles, hiking poles, rope and camping stools.
Just a Guideline!
Your exact needs will vary on the region you’re exploring and the time of year you’ll be there. Make sure to read up on what you’ll need and be prepared. Remember that for any backpacker, travel insurance should be the first item you organise. There are many types of backpacker travel insurance, and our team at Let’s Go Insure can help you find the one to suit your needs.
Ethan Bailey is an experienced adventure traveller and insurance expert with the team at Let's Go Insure. Ethan’s passion is to inspire his clients to go just that little bit further, deeper and higher on their travels and his expertise in providing the ideal insurance cover allows them to do just that. If you're looking for the best backpacker travel insurance Let's Go works with the most experienced underwriters, intermediaries and insurers to offer a range of competitive insurance without compromising on cover.