As Max Gorin will tell you, hiking and backpacking is one of the best ways to enjoy nature, get exercise and have a great time. There are trails for all levels of hiking in and around the Los Angeles area as well as major treks such as the John Muir Trail from Yosemite Valley to Mount Whitney. If you’re planning a backpacking vacation, here are some tips that will help you along the way.

Getting Started

The first steps on your trip are made at home. It’s not a good idea to take off into the wilderness alone. Find a partner, preferable an experienced backpacker, or join a group. Once you have a companion, pick a destination you both like. Your destination may be nearby and you just need to drive to the beginning of the trail. Otherwise, you may need to spend a day or two driving to the beginning of the trail. When you select a destination keep in mind the weather, altitude, length of the trail and other hikers. Some people prefer to meet other hikers on the trail, and some prefer to find a true wilderness where other hikers will be few.

Get Physically Fit

You may be in good health, but if you plan to take a long trek, it’s worth taking a few practice hikes first. It’s recommended to load up your backpack with anything to get the right weight and carry it on your practice hikes. This is your chance to test new hiking boots and other clothing, so you can discard anything that doesn’t work.

What to Pack?

You can find backpacking checklists online, but there are a few things that are essential for everyone. The purpose of this list is to make sure you can respond to an emergency and spend a night in the wild if necessary.

• Map and compass as back-up to a GPS
• Matches and fire-starter
• Knife
• Tent and sleeping bag if you are camping
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Tool kit
• Extra food and water
• Extra clothing

Backpacks are designed to put more load on your hips and less on your shoulders. The number on the name is the size in liters. If you are planning to camp more than two nights, a backpack with 60 to 70 or more liters is recommended. For long journeys, it needs to be 75 or more.

Clothing

Cotton absorbs sweat, but it also takes ages to dry. Your best choice is a moisture-wicking polyester fabric that draws the moisture away from your body. Cotton is also not a good choice for socks. Wool and synthetic is the best option.

Bring something to cover your head in direct sunlight. It may be a bandana, cap or brimmed hat. Bring sunscreen for other exposed skin. A thin waterproof jacket is useful even in warm weather. You can wear a thin jacket or vest underneath for warmth.

Food

You can buy dehydrated meals that only require boiling water and a 10 minute wait time. If you have a food dehydrator, you can make your own meals. Breakfast and lunch can be simpler with ready-to-eat items such as trail mix, dried fruit, cheese, energy bars and jerky.

If you don’t plan your backpacking hike well, you may end up complaining more that enjoying the trip.