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Are You A Backpacker?
When we think of the term “backpacker,” we probably get a particular image in our heads: someone walking solo through Europe, going from town to town after graduating from college and hoping to discover something about themselves.
Okay, maybe our image of the backpacker isn’t that specific, but we do know one thing: being a backpacker isn’t limited to the profound. Backpacking is also about integrating hiking and camping into one enjoyable, relaxing activity that helps you get out of the world for a few days and cut loose. Spending the occasional weekend on a backpacking trip doesn’t mean you’ve mentally checked out; instead, it means you’re simply recharging your batteries.
With that in mind, ask yourself a few questions to determine whether or not you have the personality of a backpacker, and you’ll understand in a few minutes whether you have it within you.
-Do you function well alone, or at least feel the yearning to get away from things?
You might have a busy and active social life, but sometimes taking “time off” doesn’t only refer to work. Spending a day or two camping by yourself can be totally reinvigorating, especially if you’re used to the hustle and bustle of a highly active social life. If a break from “people” sounds as welcoming as a break from work, you might want to spend a weekend backpacking, if even just to try it out.
-Do you enjoy camping?
You don’t need to enjoy being alone to be a backpacker; often, you can spend a backpacking trip with a friend or loved on. If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, you come to another question: how much do you really like camping out under the stars. To some people, the novelty of sleeping directly under the clouds or under a tent is refreshing and welcoming. To others, they can only think about how many canisters of bug repellant they’ll have to bring. If camping out without breaking the bank sounds good to you, you might have the personality of a backpacker.
-Do you want to learn self-sufficiency?
Sometimes, you don’t need to be predestined as a backpacker; you can develop those skills by backpacking! Learning self-sufficiency is a great skill, especially to people entering college or the work force. For you youngsters who want a taste of what it will be like to depend on yourself for your livelihood, a simple “one-weekend trial” can be a big step forward.
Do any of these personality types sound like you? If so, consider giving backpacking a try. You’ll enjoy your own cooked food, clear summer nights, and sometimes a more developed relationship with a loved one.
Photo Credits: Mat Honan
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The Three Most Important Elements of Camping
When we hear the essential rules of survival, it usually doesn’t dawn on us to relate them to the experience of camping. After all, camping is simply a relaxing excursion into the woods, not a battle between man and nature. But when you’re planning a camping trip, it couldn’t hurt to look at the rules of survival: not only can they help you out should you ever run into trouble, but they can make life in the outdoors much more comfortable. Without further ado, here are the three most important elements of camping.
1: Shelter. The first rule of survival is to build a competent shelter as quickly as possible. When it comes to camping, this can often be easily handled – you simply bring your tent along with you. But if you understand what makes a comfortable shelter comfortable, you’ll enhance your camping experience. You’ll want to keep your tent dry, insulated from the cold, and bug-free. If you can build a good bed outdoors (using something like an air mattress), you’ll get a higher quality of sleep and won’t wake up with bumps and bruises on your back.
2: Clean water. Water is essential for hydration; without it, we would die in a few days. For most people who are camping, hydration isn’t always the issue, as you can pick up a few bottles of water from a local gas station. But even if you’re simply on vacation, having access to clean water will keep you feeling fresh and energized. Make sure you have access to water for washing your hands, showering, cleaning, and of course, drinking.
3: Food. With your shelter and water needs taken care of, you don’t want to camp on an empty stomach. In the wild, you could survive for a relatively long time without food, but without a supply of good, nutritious food, you won’t feel good by the end of the first day camping. That’s why you’ll want to pack a cooler full of good foods: vegetables, fruits, and nuts make great nutritious snacks, while meat will help fill your belly for the main course. Even if you’re living in the wild, that’s no reason to feel wild.One great camping tip related to food: have a giant breakfast. It will help fill you up with plenty of energy for fishing, swimming, and hiking, and you won’t feel as drained throughout the day.
Photo Credits: chanchan222
