At first, I wanted nothing to do with backpacking, especially with my parents. I wanted to play video games and definitely not be in the middle of nowhere. But many years later, backpacking is one of my favorite activities – especially as a photographer. The places you experience while backpacking, far from trailheads and crowds, are surreal and provide a solitude that doesn’t exist in many locations. For the backpacking for beginners crowd, it might seem like a big step to pack your bag and head into the wild.

Yet it’s also invigorating, having to rely on what you carry on your shoulders. So if you’re still a bit nervous, hopefully, at the end of the article, you’ll be more stoked about your next trip! In the end, hiking is fun, and getting outside helps connect you with nature and your true self.

Backpacking for Beginners: Why You Should Try Backpacking

san juan mountains colorado backpacking beginners

See New Places

From a photography standpoint, this is the number one reason to go backpacking. It provides ample opportunities to capture new and unique photos that may have never been shot. Additionally, I have found backcountry locations to be the most stunning you can witness. Its untouched beauty is unparalleled in our developed world and brings a sense of calm and tranquility. For those backpacking for beginners, this is probably the number one reason to go backpacking.

Strengthen Friendships

This is one of my favorites. No matter how long you’ve known someone – be it on a day, a few months, or a long-term relationship – you will come out of a backpacking trip feeling like they are one of your closest friends. The time spent together, conversations on random subjects, and ~~suffering~~ enjoying the trip will bring you together.

I’ve always found that these trips are great for more in-depth conversations that people usually shy away from. Obviously, read the room, but learning more about a person’s background and views creates a helluva well-rounded friendship.

Test Yourself by Hiking up mountains

Another of my favorite reasons to go backpacking is to test myself physically and mentally. However, this doesn’t mean brutally crushing my soul. You still want to enjoy the experience, but I also like to see how far I can go.

And yes, this does include hiking up mountains. Seeing a point from far below and saying, ‘I want to be there,’ and then doing it, is incredibly rewarding.

Additionally, you only have what you bring, which requires you to plan and figure out what you need for the number of days you are away. With backpacking for beginners, I’d suggest starting with a one-day trip, ensuring that your gear works and you enjoy the outdoors.

Related: Avoid backpacking mistakes with these tips.

Disconnect from Technology

The further you go into nature, the further you are from a cell phone tower. The only exception is if you plan to summit a mountain, I’ve found I can make facetime calls a dozen miles into the most remote areas of Wyoming. (Weird, fun fact, I guess.) But back to the point. Backpacking is a tremendous opportunity to put your phone into airplane mode and not even think about what’s happening in the real world.

If you are worried about emergencies, consider investing in a satellite phone.

Hiking is fun!

Whether or not you are connected to any of the above, this one truly matters. Hiking is fun! You’re going outside to hike, enjoy nature, and see some pretty things. It’s supposed to be fun and exhilarating. So if you’re not having fun, think about why and find a way to change that in the future.

Remember to bring a card game or dice on your trip when you’re at the campsite and looking for things to do.

Whether you’re doing a moderate backpacking trip in a valley, or hiking up mountains, there’s one thing to always remember. Hiking is fun and should be enjoyed! If you never lose track of this, you’ll be good for life.

Until next time adventurers, take care and be safe.

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