Are you planning on backpacking across the United States? Be sure to check out these tips for backpacking in the USA before you go!
Plan Your Route Carefully
When it comes to determining your route, there are so many options. The best advice I have is not to rush the process of plotting out where you want to go and how long you plan on staying in each place. If possible, try incorporating some hiking into your trip! Staying at a hostel or hotel can be pricey since they are not as affordable as they used to be, so camping is a great alternative.
Be Aware Of The Weather
Be aware of the weather and dress appropriately. It is always better to be prepared than caught off guard by a sudden change in the weather, but it can be not easy knowing what to expect when you are not from around or have never been on this type of trip before. Even if you know what kind of climate conditions you will likely face, it is still a good idea to purchase some high-quality backpacking clothing that can keep you warm or cool, depending on the situation.
Check The Tourist Information
It might seem logical when planning your trip outside of official tourist information centers. There are many excellent outlets for this kind of advice but always check their credentials as many of these offices are privately run and can offer advice that is not always impartial.
Safety First
One of the more important things to remember while backpacking is personal safety. It’s best not to take too many risks on your trip, but be aware that you might need some help if something does happen along the way. That’s why reliable pedestrian accident lawyers are essential for ensuring that even in an unfortunate situation with no witnesses around, you have reliable help from a professional.
Pick Up a Good Backpack
When you’re ready to start backpacking across the USA, there are several things that you will need. For starters, buy a good backpack. You’ll want something with lots of compartments and pockets so that everything is excellent and organized inside your bag. Make sure it has plenty of padding in all the right places for comfort when carrying heavy loads.
You’ll Need a Good Pair of Boots
With your bag, you will also need a good pair of hiking boots to go backpacking in the USA for extended periods. Make sure that these shoes work well on rocky and uneven terrain so that you can keep walking without issue all day long. Please do not underestimate how important it is to have a good pair of hiking boots, as this can make or break your experience.
Get Travel Insurance
When you are backpacking in the USA, it is a good idea to get travel insurance. This will help protect your trip if anything unexpected happens, such as an injury or illness that prevents you from traveling safely. When obtaining travel insurance for your US adventure, make sure it covers medical care and emergency evacuation/repatriation expenses.
Don’t Forget A First Aid Kit
A medical kit is a great way to ensure you are fully prepared for any issue that may come up during your trip. Suppose you get an injury while backpacking. It’s essential to have the supplies necessary to fix this problem without stopping at or finding a clinic. Preparation can save valuable time and could potentially keep you from needing to end your trip early.
These kits can be tiny and easy to store in a backpack when traveling but could ensure that you are prepared for minor emergencies. Make sure it contains all the essential supplies, such as bandages and disinfectants to treat wounds or other injuries.
You should also consider the location you are backpacking in when choosing your first aid kit contents. If you’re hiking through an area with poisonous plants like poison ivy, it’s always good to have some antihistamines available since this will help reduce any possible allergic reactions.
Take Enough Water
You can’t rely on the water that you might come across while out in nature. It is best to bring your supply with you, which should be enough for at least three liters of drinking water per person each day. If there are lakes or rivers where you will camp overnight, make sure you purify any water used.
There are many popular trails that you could visit for your hiking adventure, especially if you have friends or family who live there. You can see pictures and read about them before leaving on your trip, so it might make the experience more exciting! If not, look around online to find some ideas of fun places to explore in the state.
