Backcountry Camping: Tips, Tricks and Guides

For those who truly want to escape the crowds to the undiscovered wilderness, backcountry camping is the way to go. For the true backcountry experience, the only way to get there is by foot or hoof and occasionally by bicycle. The backcountry is not a place for motorized vehicles, packs of people, or noise. To experience all the outdoors has to offer, you need to take the trail least traveled.

What Is Backcountry Camping?

When you think backcountry camping and backpacking, you will not start by backpacking around the world. Rather, you need to get beginner knowledge first. To start at the basics, backcountry camping is all about connecting with the great outdoors by camping in desolate areas. There are no cars, electricity, or modern conveniences.

Backcountry Camping Basics

Therefore, you can't just grab your backpack and go. You need to understand the backpacking essentials and gear that you'll need to survive in the great outdoors. To get started, it can be helpful to take short trips to close areas and slowly learn the skills. You could also take a backpacking course or watch a few hiking tutorials. To get you started on the road to backcountry camping success, try out a few camping and hiking tips.

Backcountry Camping Essentials

The key to backcountry camping success is having the right equipment. Before you even venture out into the wilderness, you'll want to look into getting buying:

• Tent

• Backpack

• Sleeping bag

• Food

• Water

• Stove

• Camping clothing

These are simply the essentials. Master campers also recommend things such as matches, a trowel, lamp, knife, and toiletries. If you are exploring a new place or extensive trail such as the Appalachian Trail, having trail maps is essential.

Backcountry Safety Tips

Unfortunately, you can't just wake up one day and decide to head out on a cross-country trip. Exploring the backcountry takes skill, training, good health, and the right equipment. If you are a first-timer, be sure to develop your strength and knowledge to ensure your safety in the wild. Many of the essential backcountry survival strategies include building a shelter, making a fire, and having food and water. However, you also want to think of about winter camping safety tips too. Knowing how to build a snow shelter or deter a bear can keep you alive.

Build Your Skills Slowly

When it comes to backcountry camping, it's all about learning how to build your skills. Therefore, you want to stick close to home for your first couple trips and just expand your skills. You'll also want to leave your location and agenda with a friend or family member, so they know where to find you in case you have any problems or an emergency. As you build your skills, you can start to take longer trips.

Where to Go Backcountry Camping

Once you have a clear understanding of backcountry camping, the world is your hiking trail. You can find trails and hiking all over the United States and abroad that feature majestic views and serene quiet. As a beginner, you might start with something like the easy paths of Southwest Oregon or try your hand at primitive camping in Maine. As you get more experienced and familiar with camping in the wilderness, you can take trips to parks such as Yellowstone or even do an Alaskan adventure. There are few limits to where you can lay down your tent and check out the stars.

Pristine Beauty

For those who know the beauty of backcountry camping, there really is nothing comparable. The splendor of the intense quiet combined with the unique sounds of nature is sure to bring peace to your mind and soul. For some, the experience is completely spiritual. While many of us have our favorite backpacking haunts, it is always fun to explore new terrain.