If you’re seeking refuge from the buzz of strangers and the noise of RVs at bustling drive-up campgrounds, venturing into backcountry camping offers an ideal escape.
Yet, while reaching more secluded pockets of wilderness promises tranquillity and more profound communion with nature, it also demands heightened responsibility and consideration of unique safety considerations.
Although it doesn’t need to be arduous, engaging in backcountry camping might present novel challenges and necessitate some understanding to guarantee the safety of both yourself and the environments you explore.
What is backcountry camping?
In straightforward terms, backcountry camping entails setting up your tent deep within the wilderness, far removed from the usual conveniences found in designated campgrounds, such as bathrooms or access to electricity. This style of camping demands that adventurers pack and carry all necessities for the duration of their trip and be prepared to carry everything back out.
Before you embark on your backcountry adventure, inform someone trustworthy about your plans. Provide details on your route, expected return time, and any emergency contacts. This is a safety precaution in case something goes wrong.
What’s the difference between camping and backcountry camping?
In contrast to driving to a campsite with all your gear neatly stowed in the trunk, backcountry camping involves shouldering everything you need in a backpack and trekking to your camping spot on foot. Backcountry camping and backpack camping are often used interchangeably – but backpack camping is essentially how you reach your backcountry camping location.
At times, a backcountry camping site may resemble a traditional developed campsite, featuring a cleared area for a tent, a fire pit, and perhaps even an outhouse. Alternatively, you may trade these basic amenities for a less-developed wilderness experience, embracing the novelty of digging your own hole for nature’s call.
Where to go backcountry camping
For beginners, it’s advised to opt for a backcountry campsite that’s easily accessible. While embarking on a multi-day backpacking journey covering many miles is an option, a nearby destination provides the opportunity to acclimate to carrying and using all your gear, locating a suitable site, and settling in for a night in the great outdoors.
National parks are excellent starting points for well-travelled yet remote backcountry camping locations. However, it’s important to note that most backcountry camping in national parks necessitates backcountry permits, and the most sought-after licenses are quickly claimed, particularly for summer months.
Additionally, opportunities for backcountry camping abound on public lands, including national forests, state parks, and Bureau of Land Management (BLM) areas.
Test your equipment
Embarking on a wilderness retreat is terrific until you realise your tent bag is missing the poles. In the backcountry, there’s no nearby gear store to remedy such oversights, underscoring the critical importance of testing, familiarising yourself with, and meticulously checking all the gear you bring.
Weight minimisation is also a key focus since everything you carry will be on your back for a considerable distance. Opting for lighter alternatives and streamlining your belongings will enhance the enjoyment of your backcountry camping expedition, particularly if you have an extensive hike to reach your destination.
The essential gear for backcountry camping closely mirrors that of regular camping – your backpack should accommodate your tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, food, toiletries, water, light source, and cooking equipment. It’s a good idea to test setting up your tent before heading off on your trip, even if it’s a familiar piece of equipment, to confirm the presence of all components. Conduct thorough tests of your stove, inspect your fuel supply, and check and recheck every item in your gear inventory.
Learn basic navigation skills using a map and compass. Trails in the backcountry may not be well-marked, so having the ability to navigate is crucial. GPS devices are helpful but having traditional navigation skills is a valuable backup.
What to eat when camping
When it comes to sustenance in the backcountry, simplicity is key. Freeze-dried meals prove to be a popular choice; just add hot water to a meal pouch, and you’ve got a convenient breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Check out different brands that offer such meals, or hit the food shop and ask the staff.
You can also meal prep. Cook a big batch of high-calorie, high-protein food packed with the energy you need for your travels. Avoid snack foods, they won’t help you very much in the wilderness.
In certain backcountry camping locations, you might have access to a stream or other water bodies, providing an opportunity to fish for food. However, it’s essential to note that hunting other wildlife is typically prohibited in these areas.
Leave no trace
The Leave No Trace principles were formulated to safeguard and conserve outdoor spaces, offering guidance on preserving the wilderness just as you encountered it. This becomes particularly crucial when engaging in backcountry camping.
Comprising seven fundamental principles, Leave No Trace guidelines encompass planning and preparation, adhering to resilient surfaces, appropriately disposing of waste, leaving natural features undisturbed, minimising the impact of campfires, showing respect for wildlife, and demonstrating consideration for fellow outdoor enthusiasts. An additional principle gaining prominence is the awareness of social media’s impact on wild places, urging caution when sharing lesser-known wilderness locations to avoid sudden surges in visitors that could harm delicate ecosystems.
Moreover, backcountry campers should delve into the specific nuances of Leave No Trace practices applicable to the particular habitat they are exploring, as these guidelines can vary slightly based on the landscape.
Learn and enjoy
While acquainting yourself with Leave No Trace principles and mastering the use of your equipment are vital aspects of backcountry camping, there’s more to learn for a fulfilling experience. A significant portion of the knowledge applicable in the backcountry comes from hands-on experience, but various classes and online resources can provide valuable skills, such as map and compass navigation or the identification of plants and animals.
Understanding the wilderness and our interaction with it enhances the overall experience. We should approach the privilege of visiting these natural spaces with a sense of honour. Delving deep into the details of the environment we explore contributes to a richer experience, both for ourselves and the delicate ecosystems around us. The enchanting feeling of immersing oneself in the darkness of a star-studded night sky in the backcountry fosters a profound appreciation for the untamed beauty that surrounds us.
