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Advice for the First-Time Backpacker

There is something enormously liberating about spending a night in the wilderness. Many of the Pacific Northwest’s most spectacular attractions are beyond the reach of a comfortable day hike, leaving them for the overnight hiker to enjoy. But there are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your first few backpacking trips.

Differences Between Backpacking and Day Hiking

Many people who regularly take day hikes assume that backpacking is just day hiking plus spending the night. Wrong! The two activities have some very important differences.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

HIKING COMPANIONS

Having good company on the trail (in this case, the Deschutes River Trail) can make your backpacking trip even more enjoyable.

SKILLS NEEDED

IMPACT ON NATURE

Because you’ll probably be doing a lot of wandering around near camp, it is crucial that you put your tent in a place that is either compacted from years of use or can easily take the impact without being damaged. A campsite on sand, on rock, or in a densely wooded area is best. Never camp on fragile meadow vegetation or immediately beside a lake or stream. If you see a campsite starting to develop in an inappropriate location, be proactive: place a few limbs or rocks over the area to discourage further use, scatter horse apples, and remove any fire-scarred rocks.