Whether youâre an avid hiker or just someone whoâs curious about hitting the trails, backpacking is a great way to get fresh air and experience nature on foot. Thereâs nothing like carrying everything you need to be self-sufficient on your back while absorbing picturesque views and immersing yourself in a completely foreign place. While some skills are needed in order to keep yourself safe, you donât have to tackle the Appalachian Trail on your first outing. Thatâs the thing about backpacking, it can be as strenuous or as leisurely as you make it.
Backpacking is not only a healthy, full-body activity, but itâs a way to create memories youâll cherish for a lifetime. Here are our top reasons why everyone should give backpacking a shot.
1. Explore new areas.
Donât get us wrongâhitting the hiking trails in your backyard is great. But with an almost limitless portfolio of trails and natural areas in the United States, thereâs so much more to enjoy. Backpacking allows you to reach locations not many travelers have access to, and youâll get to experience the unique natural flora and fauna of the area. Thereâs nothing like experiencing a night under the stars or a morning sunrise without another person around for miles.
2. Find your limit.
As we mentioned previously, a backpacking trip can be as strenuous or mellow as youâd like. No matter if youâre in the best shape of your life or finding your way to fitness, a backpacking trip is a great way to test yourself. Set mileage goals each day, climb new hills and let yourself get dirty. Get comfortable being uncomfortableâyouâll be surprised what youâre capable of when you canât give up.
3. Save money.
Relatively speaking, a backpacking trip is an inexpensive vacation alternative. With no premiums for flights or hotel rooms, you can easily stay within budget and have the experience of a lifetime. Backcountry permits are cheap, you can rent backpacking gear from a local outfitter and traveling to your trailhead of choice will likely only cost a few tanks of gas. For the price of one resort-style vacation, you can squeeze in several backpacking trips (and have way more fun).
Related: Backpacking 101: What You Need to Know to Get Started
4. Get in shape.
Carrying a 40-pound backpack on your back for a few days is guaranteed to get you in shape. Youâll emerge from your wilderness experience with calves and quads (and a nice tan) your local gym rat will be jealous of. Not only will you be stronger, but backpacking tests your cardiovascular system as well. Even if youâre an avid hiker, trying to hike (and sleep) at elevation with added weight can be more difficult than youâd expect. If this sounds intimidating, plan fewer miles between campsites when hiking in thin air.
5. Have the adventure of a lifetime.
If you find yourself daydreaming about far-flung adventures, backpacking is your perfect activity of choice. Thereâs nothing more exciting than seeing a well-planned trip come to fruition. The combination of endless scenic views, experiencing foreign areas and pushing yourself to accomplish something extraordinary makes for memories that will leave an impression on your entire outlook on life.
6. Meet new people.
After hiking alone (or with a small party) for miles on end, itâs nice to run into fellow hikers from time to time. Not only do they already have similar interests as you, but theyâll likely know local trail conditions if theyâre heading the opposite way. Sit down, take a load off and share your sandwich or beef jerkyâyou might just make a backpacking buddy for life.
Related: 6 Ways to Cut Weight While Backpacking
7. Boost confidence.
Backpacking rewards those who are persistent and resourceful, not just those who are adventurous and in shape. Even if youâve never tackled a multiday trip through unfamiliar terrain doesnât mean you shouldnât try. Do your research, plan thoroughly and execute. Experiencing success in the backcountry can translate to more confidence in other aspects of your life.
8. Disconnect.
Not surprisingly, you will probably lose cell service the further you progress away from the trailhead. With bright screens and constant noise permeating all aspects of civilized life, itâs nice to shut off everything and truly experience nature without your smartphone or laptop. This may take some getting used to, but donât worry, your work emails and Instagram feed will be around when you emerge from your epic trip.
9. Become self-reliant.
This one is straightforward: If you donât have it in your backpack, you wonât have it on your trip. There isnât a grocery store or REI deep in the backcountry. Planning ahead is of the utmost importance before you head out, and if youâre missing a key item, thereâs nobody to blame but yourself. You should never find yourself in a life-or-death situation, but there will be uncomfortable moments if you arenât thorough when packing. Being completely self-reliant is something everyone should experience at least once, and you may find the benefits translate to everyday life.
10. Find yourself.
The totality of a backpacking experience is one that canât be overemphasized. With no distractions and plenty of space to think, you just may have a moment of clarity as youâre hiking alone or relaxing in your sleeping bag. Without the demands of everyday life, youâll have the time to internalize and process things that have been pushed to the back of your mind. From fixable weaknesses to unexpected strengths, you may be surprised what you learn about yourself!
Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Find Americaâs best campsites.