Planning A Mountain Backpacking Trip? Steps You Should Take

If you are planning to go backpacking out in the mountains, no matter which mountain range you are thinking about visiting, there are many steps that should go into that planning process. A backpacking trip of any kind is a major endeavor, as you will be out in the wilderness with little or no direct connection with the rest of society. This can be one of the most exciting and appealing parts of going on a backpacking adventure in the mountains. But it also means that you will need to be careful in your packing and planning process. Get to know some of the steps you should take as you are planning your mountain backpacking trip. Then, you can be sure you have done everything you can to make your trip as successful and enjoyable as possible. 

Get a Sleeping Bag Rated for the Right Temperature

Whether you are going backpacking in the spring, summer, or fall, the temperatures in the mountains will be quite a bit cooler than the areas you usually spend time in, especially at night. Temperatures can drop dramatically once it gets dark in the mountains and if you do not have the right type of sleeping bag, you can have a very rough time sleeping. In fact, the wrong sleeping bag can pose a health risk because the cold can cause major problems, not the least of which is frostbite. 

Research what the average temperature is at night for the season and area in which you are going backpacking. Then, choose a sleeping bag that is rated for around 20-30 degrees colder than that average temperature. This will help to ensure that even if temperatures get unseasonably low while you are in the mountains, you should be able to sleep safely and comfortably while you are there. 

Make Sure You Have a High-Quality Emergency First Aid Survival Kit

While you hope that nothing goes wrong while you are out backpacking, you always need to be prepared for the worst. One of the ways that you can prepare for a problem is to carry an emergency first aid survival kit with you on your trip. 

You will, of course, want the basics in the kit including bandages (both the kinds that involve gauze pads and wrap and the stick-on type), antiseptic wipes, and antibiotic ointment. Another good thing to have when backpacking is moleskin, which can help heal blisters that you might get on long hikes. You should also throw in some over-the-counter medications for pain, diarrhea, and allergies in case those issues flare up while you are up in the mountains. Carrying an epinephrine auto-injector for encounters with something you are severely allergic to can also be a major help. 

If you are trained in any kind of emergency first aid or medical care, it is also a good idea to carry medical tweezers, trauma shears, and wound care supplies like a suture kit, a tourniquet, gloves, and more. However, if you are not trained in wound care, you will want to get training before you attempt to use anything like a suture kit.

Now that you know a few of the steps to take when planning a mountain backpacking trip, you can get started as soon as possible.