I typically start thinking about my summer solo-backpacking trip in early spring. I usually begin by looking on the All-Trails app. When I find a trail, then I make my own map for a multi-day trip. My backpacking trips are usually four days and three nights (I haven’t had the guts to do a longer solo trip just yet). I tend to stay at a lake or some sort of water source each night, so I know I will have enough water that I can filter for that night and through the next day. I also create a map on my Garmin In-Reach device and print off the All-Trails map to keep a copy on me just in case both devices run out of battery. Got to love those paper maps!!
In preparation for these trips, I make sure I don’t have to buy parking passes or any kind of permits. Idaho usually doesn’t require any kind of special permits, but Washington is a little bit more particular so just be aware and make sure to look that information before you go to avoid any unwanted parking tickets (not that I’ve had any of those😉). I also check to see requirements for food safety and firearms. I usually open carry a 9mm Walther pistol on the trails, so making sure my firearm is not going to be an issue is very important. Idaho and Montana are states that are more welcoming to firearms on trails. Washington is a bit stricter when it comes to firearms on some of the trails. Some trails will require you to use pre-made food boxes at the lakes to store your food. Other trails will allow you to hang your bear-bag and other trials will require a bear canister so be aware of what the trail requires for your food to be stored. Food safety is important but physical safety is vitally just as important.
For safety purposes, (and to give my mom a little peace of mind) I make an itinerary of where I am going to be headed each day and give a copy to my parents. The itineraries usually have a plan A and a plan B because of unknown trail conditions. I check in at the end of each day or when I make it to my destination through my Garmin In-Reach device. This device sends my preset messages (I create before my trip) along with my latitude/longitude coordinates so they can track where I am based on my itinerary. I don’t usually have cell service on many of the trails, so if I need help, this device can get me the help I need. My Garmin In-Reach device has been a lifesaver not only for the navigation portion but the communication portion as well. I pay for a plan that has unlimited preset messages and unlimited tracking and my plan also comes with 10 separate messages each month. This device is a must-have if you are thinking of solo-backpacking. It is great because it works everywhere on land and even works overseas. This device has an SOS button on it as well. The SOS capabilities, however, should only be used as a last resort if you have exhausted all your other options and need help.
Car preparation is essential for my long trips especially where there will be no cell service. I print out paper copies of the road maps just in case I’m out of cell service or my car Garmin malfunctions. I know this is old school, but I like to be prepared for the worst. I check my oil, windshield wiper fluid, etc. before heading out. When I am driving to my destination, I make sure to fill up my gas tank at least once before I get to the trailhead that way, I know I will have enough to make it back to a gas station (I have been known to get lost on the backcountry roads). My car preparation also includes packing two bags that I leave in my car. One bag contains an extra change of clothes, deodorant, sometimes an extra pair of shoes and an extra hydro flask filled with water for emergencies. The other cooler-bag is filled with snacks/drinks for the ride to and back from the trailhead. Not only is car preparation essential but gear preparation as well.
The week before my trip, I prepare my gear and meals. I go through all my equipment to make sure nothing is broken and needs to be replaced before I leave. I pretreat my tent, backpack, hiking boots and clothes with Sawyer Insect Repellent spray (for clothing and gear) to prevent getting mosquito bites. I also pretreat my gear and hiking boots with water-proofing spray as well to keep the rain from completely soaking them. Meal preparation includes planning what I’m going to eat for each of the four days. Usually, I gravitate to planning easy meals. For hydration (other than water of course), I pack Nuun tablets or Liquid IV, hot chocolate, and instant coffee for my breakfast treat. For breakfast, I buy oatmeal packets and eat two packages each morning. For lunch, I buy two different kinds of fiber or granola bars and pair that with some sort of fruit like apples, oranges, or kiwis. I also have trail mix and dried mangos for a lunchtime treat. For dinner, I buy freeze-dried Mountain Houses or make Couscous with canned chicken. For desert or a fun treat (especially after summitting a mountain pass), I buy some sort of candies usually peach rings or watermelon candies. Seriously, bring candy; this is one of the best decisions I have made to help with endurance on long backpacking trips!!!
A couple days before my trip, I pack all my equipment into my backpack which is sometimes challenging. It’s challenging to try and get the weight down to a minimum while still packing all the essential items needed. The weight in your pack should be equally distributed and it’s also ideal to have the heaviest items at the bottom of your pack and then have the lighter items at the top of your pack. When I pack, the very bottom of my bag holds my down-sleeping bag. Inside my backpack at the very bottom is where my tent sits. Next my clothes bag (Sea to Summit dry sack) and bear-bag (Ursack) are put in next. In the front pocket, to the left, holds my tent footprint and sleeping pad (inflatable). In the front pocket, to the right, holds my first aid kit and water filter (Mini-Sawyer filter). The top two pockets hold the lighter items that will be used more frequently. Attached to the bottom of my bag is my foldable sleeping pad. My extra shoes are hung on the outer strap to balance out the weight and two water bottles accompany the outer pockets on either side. My bear spray and poop shovel are attached to the front pockets for accessibility.
Speaking of the poop shovel… just a side note for all the ladies out there… make sure to remember to bring tampons/pads (just in case). Yes, I have had my period on multiple backpacking trips and now I always assume I’ll be on it, so I pack said needed items. Also, be prepared to pack out all those said items as well. I bring a separate Ziplock bag to pack those out with me. Yes, it is very gross and sometimes smelly but let’s be honest it’s going to happen no matter if we want it to or not. And let me tell you, it’s hard enough when you must squat to poop on the trail let alone try to get a tampon in as well. My best advice for all the gals out there, is to find a big rock or tree to brace yourself against. I could go on and on about having my period on backpacking trips, but I’ll save all the gentlemen out there who would rather not hear or think about it.
On that note, if you have any questions or want any tips for planning your next big trip just let me know!! Best regards to your summer adventures!! GO have good and safe fun!! And like I was always taught at summer camp; “a hydrated camper is a happy camper!!!”
