This past summer was one that I will never forget. I went backpacking with my boyfriend and his sister, and brother-in-law. Now, I am not in shape, I'm not anywhere close to in shape, and I wasn't when we went either; I had however worked out, and been running and doing overnight backpacking trips to have a head start on what I was about to go through. To be honest, I was overly confident; I was unprepared for what happened next.
We went backpacking at Enchantments in Northwest Washington, near Leavenworth. It was the most beautiful place I have ever been too, and I can't complain because we were lucky enough to secure a pass in the Core Enchantment section, and it did not rain a single time. All that being said, I would like to provide a list of things that would help someone prepare for a backpacking adventure, things I never thought about.
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This is the guide to prepare for the worst, this is for those girls who are always unprepared, this is for me (if I ever go backpacking for 5 days and 4 nights again).
1. Tampons
Sometimes things happen, and you forget Mother Nature doesn't halt for anyone or anything.
2. Wipes
I've never felt so dirty than when I was backpacking and couldn't shower for 5 whole days. Wipes are a must! Please be kind to the environment, and buy biodegradable wipes, or pack out what you pack in.
3. Toilet paper
When you gotta go, you gotta go, and running out of toilet paper is the absolute worst possible outcome when you're in the middle of no where, with no real bathrooms, and no showers or way to clean yourself.
4. Bug repellent
There are multiple different types of bug repellent: devices, sprays, lotions, natural or chemical. However, the one above is one that I have looked into, and believe will be in the top options out there.
5. Something to clean your clothing
Accidents happen, clothes get gross, and when you're trying to be a minimalist and pack light, but you're going on a long trek, having a way to wash what you have with you, is key. Most things you find will also double as a dish cleaner, and body wash as well!
6. Food
Instead of being a first time backpacker who has no idea what they're doing and packs a ton of Backpacker's Pantry packages, do some research and find dehydrated food at a local food store, or bulk store. Pack your own food, and bring that, it's lighter, and way healthier.
7. Water Filtration System
I did not drink enough water. At all. I ended up being really dehydrated most of the trip, and regret not having my own filtration system, instead of waiting for the one system that my boyfriend had, to get water for all four of us.
8. Sun Protection for your Lips!
While protecting all of your body from the sun is extremely important, having protection for your lips is essential. Fever blisters, or even just a sunburn on your lips is killer painful, and probably one of the worst experiences I have been through. There are many different options out there, but make sure there whatever lip balm, chap stick, or cream you use, that it has some sort of SPF in it that is healthy and will work.
9. First aid kit
Luckily, my mom knew that I would need a first aid kit, I'm kind of clumsy, and she had purchased one before I left on my adventure. A first aid kit will come in hand, I promise. I face planted, hurt my wrist, got bug bites and scrapes galore, and the kit was my happy place for the entire trip because I had exactly what I needed to survive the many tortures of Mother Nature and her earth.
10. Fun!
No matter what happens on your adventure, please have fun. Trips can be easily ruined, especially when things go wrong, if you have a bad attitude. Make sure to stay happy, and enjoy the fact that you are outside in God's beautiful creation. Enjoy being in the fresh air, away from the city, away from pollution, and away from school and work.
