Backpacking Checklist : The Plan

Backpacking checklist is a must before you are ready to go. You've got all your essential items  packed, your clothes donned, your hat on, and your safety gear all ready. But...where are you going? How are you going to get there? How are you going to get home? One of the most essential backpacking checklist is the plan. Write down the backpacking checklist plan.

Step One: Where are you going?

This seems simple. Pick a national park or forest, pack up and get out! But slow down. You need to check in first to make sure there are no safety issues going on, what the fire hazard is (especially if you are going Grand Canyon backpacking) and if there is a fee. Don't be surprised by any small Park rules or stipulations; check in advance.

Step Two: Do they provide water/food/shelter?

Some parks will provide you with water stations along the way. Even if they do, don't plan on them being operational all the time. Bring enough storage to have enough water in case you have to make it to the second, or even the third water station. Water is your most important asset on the trail, don't run out. Some ranger stations will sell food or supplies (if you're Grand Canyon backpacking you'll have plenty of places to do so); but don't count on this, bring your own. The above are among the important necessities not to be missed in your backpacking list.

Step Three: How much food should I bring?

More than you think you need. Here's an easy formula: (# of people+1) x (# of days+1) * (2,000 calories) = amount of food you should bring at a minimum. Most trail food is easy to break up this way, and will be dense in calories while light in weight.

Step Four: Where are the emergency stations?

If someone twists an ankle, bumps their head, or suffers from heat exhaustion, where will you go? You need to know where the ranger stations are, and if you (preferably) have a GPS unit, have them already programmed in. This way, if something goes wrong, you just pull out the navigation unit and have it guide you to help.

Step Five: What is my alternate way out of the park?

Fires, floods, and tornadoes all happen. If you see a thick wall of smoke where you think you parked your car (Oops), where will you go? Make sure your map is big enough to include the surrounding area; that way if you need to go to the road and flag down help, you won't be wandering in the forest for days on end. Once again mark this in your backpacking checklist.

Step Six: Double Check Everything, Then Triple Check Everything
Call the rangers again, and double check your information. Double check your maps, equipment, food, water, and people. Make sure before you walk out the door that you have looked everything over three times. Remember to write down the first, second and third checking in your backpacking checklist and do it!

You're ready! You're suited up, packed, covered in case of danger or emergency, and you have a plan! Get out there and enjoy nature!

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