Things You'll Need:
- Food
- Water
- Dry socks
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Step 1
Check your gear. Double-check all of your backpacking equipment to ensure that it is functioning properly. Carefully examine your tent and foul weather garments for rips, tears or areas which are considerably worn. It is important that these items are in good repair so that you can depend on them to keep you warm and dry. If your tent or foul-weather gear is significantly worn, you may want to consider replacing these items before heading out on a lengthy trip.
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Step 2
Familiarize yourself with your course. Identify alternative routes in areas that may be seasonally flood prone or hazardous, as well as safe, sheltered camping areas for both routes that are suitable for overnight stays.
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Step 3
Chart and verify the locations of park centers, ranger outposts and backpacking lodges. This should include determining their exact locations relative to your course, calling to verify that each is currently operational and then plotting their locations on your course map. These centers are important precautions because they can help in the event of an unexpected emergency.
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Step 4
Each individual backpacker should have their own copy of the map, intended and charted courses, center locations and contact information. This way, if you accidentally become separated or decide to take different routes, everyone has access to the same information. Despite your plans to stick together as a group, extra copies should be made prior to embarking on your backpacking trip. It is impractical and tedious to attempt to duplicate these documents in the wilderness.
