Backpacking Tips

Think about everything

• Is it really necessary? Do you need a fork? Everything can be eaten with a spoon.
• Can it have 2 uses? Some ponchos can also be tied up as a shelter.

Packing:

Use zip-lock bags for everything - keeps things organized and dry. Pack can also be lined with large garbage bags. Cover pack with garbage bag at night. Take several spare garbage bags for waterproofing other things.

Make sure all bottles are leakproof. Sunscreen bottles can leak - keep in ziplock bag or rebottle.

Double wrap sleeping bag in garbage bags (to keep dry).

When hiking in the rain, cover pack to keep dry (a water soaked pack is heavier) - use special pack cover, poncho over pack, garbage bag over pack.

Save almost empty rolls of toilet paper and tubes of toothpaste for taking on trips (keep weight down). Take just enough sunscreen, dishsoap etc.

Take enough warm clothes and raingear.

Plan to purify all water

Use one (or more) of the following methods:

• Either boil for 1 minute plus 1 minute for each 1000 feet

• Use 'Traveler's Friend', Nutribiotic drops or Iodine tablets

• Use a filter designed to remove organisms such as Giardia

Remember to clean containers used to carry untreated water before filling with treated water. For more information see our backcountry water information page.

Pre-Trip

• Prepare feet. Tape sensitive areas with moleskin. Prevention is the best defense against blisters. Trim toe nails.
• Sharpen knife.
• Check sunrise, sunset, moonrise times or the full moon dates.
• Check tides. (selected BC locations for next two days, or selected BC locations with longer time period; Canadian cities; Washington State).
• Check weather forecast.
• Check sources of water.

On the Trail

It's impolite to expect others in the group to pack out your garbage. Don't assume that someone's garbage bag is for communal use.

Avoid animal problems (from bears to squirrels). Hang everything edible - this includes food (remember lunch and snacks), toothpaste, sunscreen etc. Even your first aid kit if it contains medications. In grizzly territory hang the clothes you cook dinner in and any clothes that you spill food on. As an alternative consider using a bear canister.

References

• The Complete Walker - Colin Fletcher