Whether the word “ultralight” isn't even on your radar, or you’ve completely Marie Kondo’ed your 60L, there’s always room to make your backpacking adventures even better. We asked our GALs, who have thousands upon thousands of adventure miles under their boots, to share their favorite pro tips that help make backpacking more fun and more manageable! Here’s what they said (#4 was unanimously at the top of everyone’s list)!
Alyssa (known as Rainbow Brite on the trails) saying "Yep, we're going up and over THAT!"
PRO TIP #1
TRAIN HARD(ER)
The best way to prepare your body and your legs is by going up and, more importantly, down actual stairs instead of the stair climber at the gym. Alyssa‘s motto is to train harder than the trek you'll actually be doing. So, if you're expecting to carry 30lbs, it's helpful to train with 35lbs. This way the weight in your pack won’t be the hardest part when you actually get to doing the hike!
Mary (aka Party Suit) and Momo understand the importance of getting their zzz's
PRO TIP #2
DON'T SNOOZE ON GOOD SLEEP
A good night's rest is so important when you’re on your feet exerting yourself all day. Make sure your sleeping pad is comfortable for the position you normally sleep in, and bring a packable blow-up pillow. As Isabel says (in all caps) “IT’S WORTH IT!”
Camp set up ✓ Boots off ✓ Sunset ✓ Isabel found the optimal conditions to journal!
PRO TIP #3
DOCUMENT AND DOODLE
Carry a small journal to keep track of all the details from your trip and draw little doodles. Not only is it a fun memento to revisit later, but it will help you remember what you want to do again, or differently next time. Mary uses hers to note which snacks she wishes she had packed and which foods she overpacked, with the dream of someday reaching food-packing nirvana! On that note…
Why not hike the Appalachian Trail with watercolors? Julie (aka Kickapoo) gets it!
PRO TIP #4
HAPPINESS IS WORTH EVERY OUNCE
When considering the weight of your backpack, make space for a few creature comforts. After all, big hikes are as much mental as they are physical! Chelsey brings a "pick-me-up pouch," full of things like really good chocolate bars, special teas, small slivers of fancy cheese, or nice face wipes. Whenever she feels low, she dips in for a pick-me-up! Julie once met two thru hikers who packed watercolor paints and had zero regrets about the extra ounces. (See face painting photo above). She calls that packing "ultra right" instead of ultra light.
With her handy dandy bandana in tow, "Legs" was the first woman to yo-yo the Mountain to Sea Trail!
PRO TIP #5
GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR GEAR
Bringing just what you need is the name of the game when backpacking, which is why creativity is key! Did you know you can make a lantern with your water bottle and headlamp? When packing your gear, think multifunctional as much as possible. Think things that weigh nothing and can do a lot, like a bandana (the ultimate sweat rag) and safety pins (perfect for hanging socks on your pack to dry)! A fun, wacky tip from Erica: if you’re going to bring wine, bring the bag from a box of wine. Then drink it, blow up the bag and use it as a pillow!
Do you think Erica has a bag of wine in that pack?
PRO TIP #6
ACCEPT THAT YOU MIGHT NOT GET IT RIGHT THE FIRST TIME
It's okay to not get the whole packing thing right on the first run—in fact, count on that! On each trip you’ll learn more about what to bring and what not to, and how to factor in infinite possibilities of conditions. If you’re doing a longer trip, do a shorter trip or two in advance to hone your sleep and snack situations, and to see how well you handle carrying heavy loads. Most importantly, don’t be too hard on yourself! It’s a journey, it’s not about perfection.
Chelsey and friends (who sometimes call her garbage disposal because she eats everyone's left overs! - better in your belly than on your back, she says!)
PRO TIP #7
IT’S BEST WHEN SHARED
There’s definitely a learning curve with backpacking, but that’s part of the fun! Never forget that there’s strength in numbers, and going with an experienced guide (like one of our amazing GALs above) and a supportive group (like WHOA) will make all the difference in starting out on the right foot, and growing your backcountry skills and confidence. Not only is backpacking fun, it’s incredibly empowering!
So, are you ready to try your hand at backpacking?! Join one of our upcoming Grand Canyon or Lost Coast Adventures which are perfect for honing your skills with a group of fun-loving, supportive women!
If you’re a sucker for nostalgia like us, buckle up. We’re throwing it all the way back to our first official WHOA Adventure: Kilimanjaro International Women’s Day 2014. Now, as we're deep into our thirteenth year of trekking to 19,341 feet, we're reflecting on just how massive the impact of our initial idea turned out to be. And while a lot has changed with WHOA and in the world since that first hike, the heart of it all hasn't. So let’s throw it back and take a look at then vs. now: what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and the impact of our long-term commitment.