Backcountry camping entails trekking and camping along country trails and terrains that are barely visited. Hence, you can enjoy not just pristine wild beauty but also the solitude since there likely won’t be other campers around.
What sets backcountry camping apart from other trips is that it takes place in remote areas hardly frequented by most campers. However, you will need more experience in camping and survival skills to undertake this kind of expedition. Thus, it would help if you made all the necessary preparations since you are unlikely to encounter too many people along the way.
What is Backcountry Camping?
If you are tired of overcrowded campsites full of annoying campers, RVs, buzzing air conditioners, and other distractions, then you can go on a backcountry camping trip to escape into wild parts that are unlikely to have many campers.
Backcountry camping trips can give you the pleasure of beholding the most captivating and scenic natural beauty. Lakes, woods, mountains, clear star-filled skies, the list goes on. Backcountry camping is the ideal way to enjoy nature at its best. If you do the research, you can find backcountry trails that are surrounded by the most exquisite natural habitat. You can decide to visit these places to be one of the lucky few to have relished such fascinating sights and sounds.
Even looking at the starry sky at night is a pleasure that you won’t forget. Since these rugged, pristine, and uninhabited sites are in remote areas, there is almost no pollution to obscure your view of the beautiful sky. City dwellers will be pleasantly surprised to view so many glistening sparkling stars gleaming in all their glory across the majestic natural panorama.
You can even do your research to find areas renowned for clear, lucid views of the star-filled skies.
With fewer visitors, you are more likely to catch captivating sights of animals in the wild. Animals are shy by nature and thus move away from places frequented by people. So backcountry terrain is your best best for finding animals that you always wanted to observe in their natural habitat.
What You’ll Need for Backcountry Camping
Here are the gears that you should carry on your backcountry camping journey.
Backpack
You will need backpacks that are light yet durable. This will make hiking easier for you. You will be able to carry all your essential survival gear in a rugged bag.
Gaiters
Gaiters are a must if you want to keep your feet dry in wet terrain. Make sure you get gaiters if you encounter water along the way
Waterproof Jacket
You should remember to take along a waterproof jacket in case there is a sudden downpour. A good waterproof jacket can also protect you from the wind when it rains.
Winter Wear
With the right outdoor winter jacket, you can remain warm and dry even in cold and rainy weather. This is perfect for the winter season.
Hiking Shoes
You will need a good pair of rugged hiking shoes to easily trek through the tough terrain. Hiking shoes with an air cushion to absorb the impact as your foot strikes the ground will help reduce pain and fatigue. A durable rubber sole can help provide good traction on slippery soil. Hiking shoes should also be breathable so that your feet stay cool.
3-Season Tent
3-season tents are a fine choice for most backcountry camping trips since they keep you covered against most kinds of weather that you are likely to face. If you are backcountry camping in the winter season, you will need specialized winter tents, though.
3-season tents work well for most seasons. Plus, they are ultralight and durable. Hence, they won’t burden you on your expedition into the Great Outdoors.
Sleeping Bags
To rest and rejuvenate at the end of a long grueling hike, you will need comfortable and waterproof sleeping bags. The sleeping bag should be comfortable enough so that you can get a good night’s sleep to feel fresh and invigorated for the next day.
Cooking Items to Take Backcountry Camping
You must carry a portable gas stove, fuel canisters, utensils, pots, knives, cutlery, soap, and other items for easy cooking and eating. This may seem like a lot of items, but you can divide them between your backcountry camping buddies.
You should also carry other items like a first aid kit, headlamp, duct tape, pocketknife, insect repellent, and hand sanitizer.
Preparing for the Backcountry Camping Journey
Besides buying essential items, you should also plan out your trip.
Never go solo since you are unlikely to find anyone along the way. Go out with a couple of friends so that help is at hand if you ever get into trouble.
You must go backcountry camping only if you have enough experience since this trip will be more challenging and grueling.
Closely follow weather conditions. Always carry waterproof jackets, clothing, and shoes. If it is winter season, make sure that you have mittens, gloves, winter socks, and other winter apparel.
Do your research of the trial. Find out all necessary rules and make preparations to fulfill them all. Always carry a map with you of the area along with a compass and GPS. You should be a pro at navigation if you want to go on such a trip.
You should carry your mobile phone with you along with a charger. Install the PocketRanger app so that you can send alerts if necessary and find your friends.
Before embarking on your trip, test and check all items carefully; you don’t want any essential item or survival gear to malfunction.
Our Final Thoughts
You can set out on a backcountry adventure with your backpacking buddies to enjoy a tranquil and serene natural environment without running into big hordes of annoying campers. Backcountry camping is a great way to savor the pristine natural beauty that few campers get to see.
