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Safety Considerations for Backpacking with Your Kids

There are few better gifts to give your child than the gift of the great outdoors. Teaching your children to love and respect nature is a lesson that will enrich them for the rest of their lives.

Backpacking, in particular, can be an ideal way to introduce children to outdoor life while making some extraordinary family memories. However, before you pack up the kids and bring them along on your next great backpacking adventure, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

The Benefits of Starting Early

If you’re an experienced backpacker, then you know it’s nothing to be taken lightly. Backcountry hiking requires planning, skill, and conscientiousness.

However, even the shortest and simplest of excursions, such as the kind you’ll likely undertake with your little one, demands care. What you and your child will get in return for your efforts, though, is an unparalleled bonding experience, as well as the opportunity to show your child a side of life that is unimaginable in our tech-saturated world.

With time, even small children can experience the rewards of primitive camping. By being removed from the modern world of digital screens and creature comforts, children learn the art of self-reliance.

They are called upon to develop their powers of imagination and creative thinking. They learn to entertain themselves rather than being entertained by a gadget. In learning to pitch a tent, start a fire, or keep warm outdoors, they are cultivating essential problem-solving and logical reasoning skills. Best of all, immersion in nature provides them with the opportunity to learn about plants, animals, and the environment in a manner against which the classroom simply can’t compare.

In addition, the skills children develop while backpacking often also pave the way to other highly beneficial activities. Learning to handle and shoot guns safely is a terrific way to help children develop confidence, focus, and responsibility.

Start Small When Backpacking with Your Kids

Because the rewards of backpacking are so great, you are probably eager to jump feet-first. And while you certainly want your little one’s first experience to be an unforgettable one, it’s imperative to start small.

Plan for shorter distances and less demanding trails. If you’re planning to stay overnight with your little one, then you might consider opting for an established campground with easy access to the road.

As your child grows more accustomed to backpacking, you can plan for more ambitious hikes, longer distances, and more challenging terrain. As your child becomes more comfortable and confident in the woods, you can feel more secure in choosing more remote campsites, as it will be less likely that you’ll need to bring your little one out quickly.

Packing the Appropriate Gear while Backpacking with Children

Every backpacker knows that bringing the appropriate gear isn’t just a matter of convenience, it can also be a life or death difference. No hiking trip, regardless of how brief, should be undertaken without a fully-stocked first aid kit, one designed specifically for backpacking in the wilderness.

In addition, your child will need their own pack, but the weight of the child’s pack and its contents will depend largely on the age and size of the child. Toddlers under the age of four generally shouldn’t attempt to carry a pack. Indeed, you may end up spending most of the hike with the baby on your back!

Children who are between the ages of four and seven can usually manage a backpack weighing between two and four pounds. At this stage, kids should learn to make carrying water a habit, even for the shortest hikes. Other than water, some lightweight materials, such as a light blanket or a few snacks, can be included in your young child’s pack. For the most part, however, the greater part of your child’s gear should be included in your pack.

By the age of eight, kids are usually ready to start carrying most, if not all, of their own gear. However, the amount of gear a child can carry safely will depend on a range of factors, including the distance and speed at which you’re traveling, the difficulty of the hike, and the child’s body weight. A good rule of thumb is to limit the backpack to 15-20% of the child’s body weight.

Remember that Backpacking Risks Are Higher with Kids

Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when you are planning to take our child backpacking is that all the safety risks associated with the sport are amplified for children. Children have less muscle strength, gross motor skills, and hand-eye coordination than adults, making them more susceptible to stumbles and falls. They can also become dehydrated far more quickly than adults.

This makes accident prevention, pacing, and frequent rest periods to eat and drink essential when backpacking with children.

Backpacking with Kids: The Takeaway

Backpacking with your child can engender a love of the outdoors that lasts a lifetime. However, before you embark on your first wilderness adventure with your little one, there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind.

August 18, 2022

The Best Books to Read While Backpacking

Travel Advice

This selection of the top 8 backpacking books will make you want to travel the world, whether you’re just planning your next backpacking trip or an ambitious round-the-world adventure. These are the finest novels to read when traveling if you want to be inspired to go on amazing adventures and explore more. This collection is the best reading list of books for backpackers, with everything from romance to wanderlust novels.

The One Woman By Laura May

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The One Woman, one of Laura May’s books, is a great book to read while backpacking, because it tells the story across multiple countries like Israel, Spain, Ukraine, and the USA. Julie, a graphic artist, is the main heroine of Laura May’s first LGBTQ romance book. Regrettably, we know little about Julie’s life or her partnership with Mark. That is, until she meets Ann. Web developer Ann is a kind and outgoing person. It is obvious that Julie has affections for Ann. The spark is genuine as their history and present converge in Barcelona. Julie will have to choose between her love for Ann and her allegiance to Mark when catastrophe strikes. Will true love last the distance? Read this book by writer Laura May to find out.

Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

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A book about pushing one’s boundaries, cutting ties with society, and looking to nature and solitude for enlightenment. These are all the ingredients necessary to make a great book to read while backpacking.

The inquiry into the true tale of Chris McCandless, missing Alaskan wilderness hiker, whose SOS letter and skeletal remains were discovered months later, served as the inspiration for the book’s plot. One of the top books to read while backpacking.

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

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An unsuccessful novelist approaching his 50th birthday is Arthur Less. A nine-year ex-boyfriend who is engaged to another person sends him a wedding invitation in the mail. Both saying yes and saying no are out of the question for Arthur because doing so would be embarrassing and defeatist. So he starts to accept the invites to shoddy literary events that arrive on his desk from all over the world.

Arthur almost falls in love, almost dies, and travels from France to India, Germany to Japan, all the while putting distance between himself and the situation he doesn’t want to face. The book Less is about misunderstandings, accidents, and the depths of the human heart.

Meet Me in Paradise by Libby Hubscher

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Since her mother, a journalist, passed away while on the job, Marin has stayed within Tennessee, playing it safe. Sadie, her rambunctious younger sister, has traveled the world as a photographer while subsisting on art and adrenaline.

Marin reluctantly agrees to a sisters’ spa weekend on the tropical island of Saba after Sadie returns from a challenging job abroad and appears a little worse for wear. But when Sadie misses the flight, Marin’s luggage gets mixed up with another passenger’s, and a turbulence episode sends her crashing into the lap of Lucas Tsai, the attractive stranger who took her sister’s seat. As she and Lucas explore the island, Marin is forced to leave her comfort zone for the first time in a long time and discover what she’s been missing. Marin discovers more about herself, the man she’s falling for, and the agonizing reason she’s there with each breath-taking new encounter.

The Cloud Garden by Paul Winder and Tom Hart Dyke

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The Darien Gap is a legendary location. It’s the lone rest stop along the Pan-American Highway, which connects Alaska with the southernmost point of South America. The gap is frequently portrayed as a nearly impenetrable area of marsh, rainforest, and cloud forest home to FARC guerillas. It is a well known no-go zone for world backpackers everywhere.

This interesting book relates the tale of two unusual travelers who band together and attempt an on-foot crossing from Panama to Colombia. They had endured a difficult journey and are just hours away from victory when they are taken hostage by FARC insurgents and held captive for nine months in the bush.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

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Alex and Poppy don’t have much in common. He’s dressed in khakis, she’s a free spirit. He loves to stay home with a book, whereas she has an insatiable need to travel. They have been the best of friends ever since a tragic car share from college many years ago. While she lives in New York City and he in the little town for the majority of the year, they have spent one wonderful week of vacation every summer for the past ten years.

Up until they wrecked everything two years ago. Since then, they haven’t spoken.

Poppy is in a rut despite having everything she should want. She is certain that the heartbreaking, last trip she took with Alex was the last time she felt completely content. In order to make everything right, she resolves to persuade her best buddy that they should go on one more vacation together. Amazingly, he consents.

One River By Wade Davis

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This is the epic tale of two generations of South African scientists who have traveled the world. Wade Davis, the protégé of Professor Richard Evan Schultes, and he set out on a trip to study natural history. Schultes left Harvard and spent twelve years living among the locals in the Amazon while charting unexplored rivers. You’ll definitely be on the edge of your seat as you read this tale of devastation, treachery, discovery, and adventure. One of the best non-fiction adventure novels available, you must read this book before backpacking anyplace in the Amazon (Peru, Colombia, or Brazil).

Wild By Cheryl Strayed

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A novel that became well-known as a result of the movie. But the book—trust me—is better. For those who are unaware of the storyline, Cheryl believed she had lost everything when she turned 22. Her family was dispersed, her mother had passed away, and her marriage had failed. She made the rash decision to trek alone on a quest over a thousand miles long because she thought she had nothing left to lose. While maintaining its style and suspense, this backpacking-themed book glistens with love and humor. Everything revolves around a journey that strengthened and healed a broken woman.

What books would you recommend reading while backpacking?

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July 22, 2022

10 Amazing Queensland Islands to Visit for a Weekend

Travel Advice

When people are looking for a summer holiday in Australia, it is more common to look along the East Coast and the Islands available. Can you believe there are over 900 Queensland Islands situated just off this 2000 kilometres stretch of land? Obviously, not all these Queensland islands are habited and not that easy to visit.

Some Queensland Islands are available to visit on a day trip, whereas others have accommodation and camping facilities for a weekend stay. Conveniently, most are located along the World Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and are a brilliant way to explore underwater life. Today, we are bringing 10 amazing Queensland Islands to visit for a weekend, which are easy to get to and the most popular.

Note that is you have a small budget in mind, there are a couple of Queensland Islands that are better to visit for a weekend than others. However, as a whole with transfers and facilities available, the costs are higher than staying on mainland. Consequently, day trips and tours can be a more cost-effective way to get a taste of the Islands experiences, while keeping within a strict budget.

The winter season in Australia runs from June to August, and the southern Queensland Islands are a touch cooler in the waters. Alternatively, the summer seasons are brilliant swimming weather, although there is more rain in the region. Therefore, it’s recommended to visit the Queensland Islands around your shoulder seasons in autumn and spring for a planned trip.

Lady Musgrave Island

Coral Reef Fish at Lady Musgrave Island

You can day trip to Lady Musgrave Island from 1770/Agnes Water or Bundaberg, or extend your stay for a weekend. This visit to the southern end of the Great Barrier Reef and a great option for those not able to visit the northern region of Queensland. Boat trips take about 2 hours to get there, and the organised tours allow you to snorkel, view through a glass-bottom boat, and a small land tour.

If you’re travelling from Bundaberg, then there are options for diving the Coral Reefs and sleeping overnight on a purpose-built pontoon. The pontoon offers more room for day-trippers and a top deck for people soaking up the sun. Alternatively, the luxury glamping huts are a big hit for those after a romantic experience.

Snorkelling the reef is beyond amazing, with thousands of different fish and a brilliant spot for finding turtles all year round. The hard and soft corals provide protection for the smaller fish. You’ll also find larger fish hanging out under the large coral bommies.

North Stradbroke Island

Point Lookout North Stradbroke Island in Queensland

The island of North Stradbroke lies 45 mins off the coast of the Queensland capital, Brisbane. This Queensland Island can be easy enough to visit on a day trip, but with so many different things to see and do, it’s better for a weekend. The Ferries can take any vehicles across to the Island, along with just the visitors using public transport. It’s the second-largest sand island in the world and has a permanent population of 2000 people.

While some of North Stradbroke Island will require a four-wheel drive to access the beaches, there are plenty of sealed roads and buses to help you get around. Conveniently, accommodation styles range from Backpacker hostels, caravan sites, beach camping, motel rooms, or Luxury homes.

Plenty of different beaches or places for swimming are on offer, with variety in the amount of surf and freshwater lakes. You can wander the small district and shop for local clothes, art or crafts, or pop into the bakery or café for meals and drinks.

Hamilton Island – The Most Popular of the Queensland Islands

Hamilton island, The Whitsunday Islands, Queensland

Hamilton Island is located in the Whitsunday network, has easy access from Airlie Beach, and even has its own airport. It’s the perfect Queensland Island to visit for a weekend. There are no cars allowed on this Queensland Island, but visitors get around in golf buggies. There are a few different resorts to choose from, or you’ll find secluded holidays home available to rent. Great for a romantic holiday, or even get married there with a purpose-built Chapel.

There are several different activities to do with paddle boarding, snorkelling, and swimming around Catseye beach. Alternatively, you can laze the days away by relaxing on the beach in a lounge chair. Other than that, you can take advantage of the Whitsunday network, which provides ferries to other areas, including the famous Whitehaven Beach or Hill Inlet.

Lady Elliot Island

Lady Elliot Island from the air, Queensland

Lady Elliot Island can only be accessed by plane from either Gold Coast, Brisbane, Hervey Bay, or the closest to Bundaberg. Many will visit this stunning Queensland Island on a day trip of snorkelling fun, or stay in the Eco-friendly resort, for a longer weekend stay. Furthermore, they have a sustainability program set up to ensure the coral cay and the southern Great Barrier Reef area is preserved for many years to come.

It’s all about the water activities with snorkelling, diving, or walking through the reef at low tide. You’ll find many turtles swimming around with you, along with reef sharks and Manta Rays (in Season). On land, you can explore the local bird habitat and the long history behind Lady Elliot Island itself.

Bribie Island – The Most Accessible of the Queensland Islands

Bribie Island National Park in Queensland, Australia

Bribie Island happens to be one of the easiest Queensland islands to visit for a weekend, with the fact you can actually drive there. It’s located off the coast of North Brisbane and separated by the mainland by the Bribie Island Bridge. This means there is a large in-built community and a population of over 16 thousand people.

Most people will visit Bribie for the quiet laidback atmosphere, while also being the best beach so close to Brisbane City. You have the west coast facing the mainland with quiet low-key waters. On the other hand, the east coast faces the Pacific Ocean and often has the surf.

The kids will love experiencing the butterfly house, especially on a bright sunny day. There is also a large golf course, four-wheel driving areas through the National Park, or a place to hire water equipment like paddle boards. The Museum will help you learn about Bribie Island’s history, or you can just sit by the beach, watching the sunrise.

Daydream Island

Lagoon Pool At DayDream Island, Queensland

Daydream Island can be accessed by ferry from Airlie Beach and is also part of the Whitsunday Network of Islands. It’s one of the smaller Queensland islands to visit for a weekend but doesn’t disappoint with its facilities. Everywhere on this Queensland Island can be walked within 30 minutes, whether it’s along the beach or through the bushland. Their rooms offer a tranquil setting with views of gardens or oceans.

A coral lagoon has been set up and makes it easier to experience the underwater creatures, especially for young children. It’s home to over 100 species of fish, starfish, sea cucumbers, and crabs. Not only that, but there is a landscaped pool that meanders through the gardens allowing the visitors to swim in the tropical settings.

Heron Island – Turtle Nesting in the Queensland Islands

Turtle Hatchlings at Heron Island, Queensland

Heron Island is located in central Queensland and can be accessed by helicopter or catamaran from Gladstone. It’s a great option if you’re looking for a Queensland Island to visit for a weekend trip. The more popular boat option leaves 5 days a week and takes about 2 hours to arrive in this island paradise. Currently, the resort will cater to several different room types, from budget to the more luxurious. They can also cater discounts for large groups, weddings, and even business conferences.

Apart from the obvious water activities, Heron Island is known for its turtle nesting population. This means you can see Turtles all year round in the nearby coral reef waters. However, you can witness their Turtle nesting season from November to March each year.

Apart from that, Heron Island has a long history from being a turtle cannery in the 1920s and finally listed as a National Park in 1943. There is a large bird habitat on the island and many different tours help you learn about the Great Barrier Reef and its surrounding.

K’Gari/Fraser Island

Fraser Island views from Indian Head, Queensland

The beautiful K’Gari or otherwise known as Fraser Island, is the largest sand island in the world. It can be accessed by a barge from either Hervey Bay or Inskip Point near Rainbow Beach. It’s hugely popular for the locals as a four-wheel drive and camping location but also loved by the tourists for its unique sites.

Conveniently, Fraser Island is easy enough to visit for the weekend, with one or two-day tours and staying in the resort accommodation. Others will stay for an extended weekend or longer in the many camping locations or holiday homes. Either way, you going to witness many different sites that you can’t see anywhere else in the world.

These include a rainforest growing in the sand at the highest altitude and freshwater streams flowing through the forest for swimming. Not only that but the Pinnacles Rock formation, champagne rock pools, and the SS Maheno Shipwreck that’s slowly eroding away.

Moreton Island

Tangalooma Wreck, Moreton Island Queensland

Moreton Island Lies 1.5 hours off the coast of Brisbane and is the third-largest sand island in the world. Most people will visit the Tangalooma Island Resort for the weekend and enjoy the activities it provides. However, the biggest draw card would be the nightly dolphin visit, where you can get up close to these wild creatures.

The Resort provides many different styles of accommodation, from budget to luxury, as well as a restaurant, bar, and activities & tour booking centre. You can visit this Queensland Island for a day, but we recommend at least an overnight stay to experience most of the sites over a weekend.

Obviously being a sand island, there are four-wheel-drive tours that take you tobogganing, or snorkelling/ diving tours to explore the 14 different shipwrecks. Jet skis can be hired, kayaks, paddleboards, or even Quad bikes or Helicopter tours. Consequently, at the end of the day and with the resort facing west, it’s a magnificent spot to watch a sunset.

Magnetic Island

Arthur Bay, Magnetic Island near Townsville

It takes 30 minutes to access Magnetic Island off the coast of Townsville in North Queensland. Conveniently, you can choose to take your own vehicle to the Island or hire one when you get there. Not only that, but with a population of more than 2000 people, there is an in-built community with plenty of sealed roads.

There are luxury-style hotels with marina and beach views, a hostel with its own private beach, and lots of Airbnb options. With the multiple ferry times, you can access the Island for at least 9 hours of fun and exploration.

The beaches and water activities are always on offer with any Queensland Island you visit. However, Magnetic Island does contain a few different hiking trails and uniquely one that explores WWII remnants and sees the local koala Wildlife, making it a perfect Queensland Island for a weekend trip. Additionally, every evening the allied rock wallabies start jumping around at Geoffrey’s Bay, which makes for an exciting display to see in the wild.

I hope this helps you plan which Queensland Islands to visit for a weekend when traveling Australia. I’m sure there is one suited just for you, and you won’t regret your visit.

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June 21, 2022

48 Hours in Abu Dhabi: A Useful Guide for Last-Minute Trips

Travel Advice

Besides being the capital of the UAE, Abu Dhabi also carries a reputation for being home to world-class cultural opportunities.

Unlike its glitzier neighbour Dubai, this so-called “Manhattan of the Middle East” also offers more family-friendly attractions, including nature parks, marinas, theme parks, and beaches.

If you were to head to the city for a last-minute weekend break or stopover, you’d need to have a good idea of what you can do and which places to visit in Abu Dhabi. Even with the little time you have to plan for it, your visit can still be as memorable as any painstakingly organised trip to the UAE capital with this helpful guide for 48 hours in Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi 101: Fast Facts for Travellers

To make smart choices when booking anything for your trip, it pays to know some important facts about Abu Dhabi that travellers find most helpful, such as:

When is the best time to visit Abu Dhabi?

Wherever you go on a trip, one thing you need to know is the best time to go where you’re headed. Abu Dhabi is no exception.

Although you cannot control this for last-minute trips, you can use the information to determine which places you can enjoy most and, thus, prioritise during your trip (i.e., indoor destinations during warm months, outdoor adventures for cooler months):

December to March: This period is the ideal time to visit the city. It is considered winter time in the UAE. However, this is also the peak period for hotels and airplane flights, which translates to higher travel rates.
April to November: Abu Dhabi weather during this period is on the warmer side, which is why it is also the time when the city is less crowded, and airfare and hotel room rates are most affordable.

How far is the airport from the top Abu Dhabi spots?

If you’re travelling from another country, it also helps to know the airport’s proximity to the best destinations in the UAE capital.

If your plane is set to land at the Abu Dhabi International Airport, below is a list of places you can visit and how long it’ll take to get there:

To Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque – 16 minutes by car
To Yas Island – 14 to 20 minutes by car
To Saadiyat Beach – 29 to 33 minutes by car
To the Corniche Beach – 29 to 30 minutes by car

Take note that some of the shorter roads may have toll gates you’ll have to go through. You can also ride the public transport for most destinations, with trips going every 30 minutes.

What is Abu Dhabi known for?

Discover why Abu Dhabi is hailed as the Manhattan of the Middle East

Popular attractions in Abu Dhabi make the news quite often. In fact, some are even recognised worldwide as record-holders, including Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi (largest indoor theme park) and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster and the one with the tallest loop) in Yas Island.

Are there any hotels accommodating last-minute bookings in Abu Dhabi?

The short answer: “Yes.”

Since you’re staying for 48 hours, you’ll need to find somewhere to stay for two nights. Check last-minute hotels via travel websites and platforms to see which hotels have available rooms on the day of your trip.

Take note of the location and amenities and get as much from your hotel booking as possible. Some even offer theme park entrances built into their travel packages.

Top 4 Places to Visit in 48 Hours in Abu Dhabi

Now that you have some knowledge of Abu Dhabi, the next thing you need to decide is where you should spend your limited time there. Though there are lots of choices, you can start with the following famous spots:

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Ride the fastest roller coaster in the world at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi

Did you know you can squeeze in a couple of bucket-list-worthy activities on your weekend trip to Abu Dhabi?

Head over to Yas Island and satisfy your need for speed. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is a destination designed to pump up your heart rate with 20 exhilarating rides.

Here, you can ride Formula Rossa — the world’s fastest rollercoaster — and Flying Aces, the attraction with the highest roller coaster loop globally. You also have the chance to get an authentic Ferrari experience, complete with acrobatic shows and genuine Italian cuisines.

Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is usually open every day, though this is subject to change. Check their official website before you go to get up-to-date information.

2. The Corniche

Relax on the beach and take in the Abu Dhabi skyline while visiting The Corniche

One of the most popular layover destinations if you only have 48 hours in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche is the perfect place to spend a relaxing weekend.

Tourists flock to this part of the city to witness the gorgeous Abu Dhabi skyline and relax on the beach. This spot is also ideal for families traveling with kids and is best enjoyed in the afternoon, just before sunset.

Food-wise, Corniche Street has a couple of top-rated restaurants to choose from, including Quest and Li Beirut that offer Asian and Lebanese cuisine, respectively.

3. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque

Visit the largest mosque in the United Arab Emirates while spending 48 hours in Abu Dhabi

Your trip to Abu Dhabi won’t be complete without a visit to the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.

Hailed as the largest mosque in the UAE, the mosque offers state-of-the-art architecture made with marble and accentuated with gold and other precious gems. The place reflects the country’s Islamic culture and the wealth of minerals the nation is known for.

Visit times are set between 9 a.m. and 10 p.m. from Saturday to Thursday. You’ll have to head there a bit later on Fridays (4:30 to 11 p.m.), as mornings are set aside for worshippers.

But before you go, make sure you choose your attire according to the mosque’s dress code. If you’re not sure what to wear, you can check the Mosque Manners on the Grand Mosque’s official website.

4. Qasr Al Hosn

The free historical exhibition at Qasr Al Hosn explains how Abu Dhabi came to be

Seen as the symbolic birthplace of the city, the Qasr Al Hosn is the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi.

It is the first permanent structure ever built in the UAE capital and holds the story of how Abu Dhabi and its people came to be. The free historical exhibition will show you the most significant monuments of the city and some intriguing testimonies about Abu Dhabi’s traditions, culture, and history.

Though the exhibit is permanent, you might want to consider timing your visit during the Qasr Al Hosn Festival. If your trip happens to be in February, expect to be part of the annual festival and partake in a range of fun cultural activities and enchanting performances you will never forget.

48 Hours in Abu Dhabi – Full of Wonder at the Last Minute

A last-minute trip to Abu Dhabi can be as enchanting as visits planned ahead of time. Even with just 48 hours in Abu Dhabi, this guide can help you optimise the experience so you can have a wonderful time in the UAE capital.

June 17, 2022

How to Optimize Your Nutrition while Backpacking

Travel Advice

Wilderness backpacking is a new adventure every time you step out. Whether you’re making a long trek or only hiking for a few hours, proper nutrition is key for a safe, healthy, and enjoyable backpacking experience.

As fun as backpacking can be, it’s also often challenging, especially if you prefer to go off the beaten path. Fueling your body the right way will make it easier to keep moving forward and take on any terrain that comes your way.

However, if you’re sick of pre-packaged energy bars and gel shots, there are plenty of ways to get creative with your backpacking nutrition while exploring the backcountry. Let’s cover how to pack proactively for your next journey, which foods you should prioritize, and how making nutrition a priority on the trail will boost your performance and help to ensure you stay healthy.

Pack Smart

As an avid backpacker, you know that too much carrying too much weight is a problem. The last thing you want is to get dehydrated or for your stamina to run out quickly because your bag is too heavy. However, the last thing you should compromise is the food you bring with you! When planning your backpacking nutrition, try to get creative about what you pack and how it will impact the weight of your bag. Your goal should be to bring calorie-dense foods that give you energy without taking up too much space or adding too much bulk.

So, how much food should you pack for optimal backpacking nutrition?

The easiest way to figure that out is by doing a bit of math. Try using Petzoldt’s Energy Mile Theory to determine how many calories you’ll need. By the end of your trek, your goal should be the following:

Calories of Food Packed – Calories of Food Eaten = 0

If you’re not sure what to pack to meet your calorie goals, a good rule of thumb is to maximize lightweight foods that are high in caloric density, including

Seeds
Cereal grains
Nuts
Freeze-dried berries

These things will weigh less than energy bars and heavy bags of trail mix, but are high in calories and sugars, and will give you plenty of energy to stay on track.

Stay Hydrated

It’s recommended that you drink at least a quart of water per hour while hiking. If not, you could end up getting dehydrated quickly and experience symptoms like

Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fatigue
Dry mouth
Confusion

Those aren’t exactly things you want to experience when you’re on the trail. Water is essential for any avid hiker, no matter how much space it takes up. You can also choose to pack foods that have a high water content, like melon, celery, and pineapple.

If you’re hiking for a long time or you’re backpacking in extremely hot weather, water might not always be enough to replenish what your body is sweating out. In those cases, ingesting electrolytes is an important component of backpacking nutrition. You can get electrolytes through sports drinks, but consider using electrolyte powders or protein powders for an energy boost if you don’t want to pack separate drinks besides water. Especially if you’re over the age of 50 and backpacking, you need to be sure you’re keeping your energy levels high. Staying physically active will help, but you must feed your body properly as well.

Buying whole foods locally is always a good idea, but if you can’t find something you feel is essential to your trip, you’re bound to find it in an online shop.

Consider Using Supplements to Boost Backpacking Nutrition

Whole nutrition is essential for your health, especially when you’re an active backpacker. If you’ve been doing this for any length of time, you likely have a basic understanding of what your body needs to stay alert and healthy on the trail. That might include eating a hearty breakfast to boost your energy or stopping to rest and have a snack every hour or two.

However, depending on your personal nutritional needs as well as your activity level, what you eat might not always be enough to give your body what it needs. Backpackers can’t often obtain things like fresh meat or foods rich in omega-3s. If you know you’ll be on the trail for a while and want to ensure you’re focusing on whole-body nutrition while backpacking, supplements can help. Many are designed to boost your heart health, while others can ensure your mind and body are functioning the way they should.

Backpackers need to take nutrition very seriously. There’s a fine line between knowing what/how to pack and making sure you’ll have enough to sustain yourself on the trail. If you’re just starting out as a backpacker, err on the side of caution and “overpack” without weighing yourself down. You’ll quickly learn what you need to stay healthy and hydrated on your treks through some trial and error. Whatever you do, though, keep backpacking nutrition at the top of your priority list, and listen to your body when you’re on your backpacking adventures.

June 14, 2022