How to Organize a Camping Trip in the USA: Useful Resources and Tips

One of the biggest benefits of hiking is that it is one of the most accessible outdoor activities on the planet. There is no minimum distance that makes up a hiking trip, so this is a very personal experience that everyone can take part in. How to plan such a trip correctly, the publication said. Trip savvy.

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As long as you enjoy your walk and breathe in the fresh air, it makes a hike a hike whether you're covering 2 miles or 20. Speed ​​and distance don't determine how "good" a hiker you are. This makes camping an ideal activity for people of all sports spectrum.

You need to memorize some basic skills and best practices to keep yourself, your trekking buddies, and the environment safe and healthy.

Here are the basics of what you need to know about planning a camping trip. Use this information as a starting point - online hiking resources are endless, and seasoned hikers are almost always happy to share their knowledge with enthusiastic beginners.

Route selection for your trip

The choice of route is influenced by many factors. If you are not ready to travel through the countryside and do not have professional navigation skills, you should choose a paved trail.

Decide on a place

If you haven't been hiking in a while, choose a day trip near your home. Your legs may get tired after a long hike and you'll be glad to have a shorter ride home.

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Then decide if you prefer to hike in a city park or in the wilderness. Places designated as national parks usually have very well maintained trails. This means that they are highly visible and usually laid out to avoid extremely steep climbs or rocky terrain. The parks are patrolled by park staff, which can be helpful if you need help. The park trails are not always easy, but they are designed for hikers of all skill levels. Wilderness, such as national forests or official wilderness areas, is also protected by the government (federal or state), but is usually less developed and less crowded than parks.

Rate routes

Up-to-date and timely information about the trails can be obtained using various tools, for example MapMyHike.com or AllTrails.com.

It is possible to see how difficult these trails are according to other users, although of course the reviews are subjective depending on the ability of the hikers and their experience on that day.

You will learn the trail's profile, which means how gradually it gains elevation. A hike that slowly gains 500 feet (150 m) will be easier than one that gains all 500 feet in one mile (1,6 km). Remember that on winding trails (as opposed to loop trails) you only have to go as far as you want - it's about having fun, not getting to the end.

Consider the time of year and altitude

If you live at sea level, you will get tired sooner if you choose an initial trail that starts at a few thousand feet above sea level.

Just like skiing or a beach holiday, trails have seasons. Trails in mountainous areas such as Lake Tahoe and the Colorado River will be covered in snow all winter and mud in early spring. Trails in places like Joshua Tree or the Everglades National Parks can be unbearably hot in summer.

Planning and preparation for the voyage

You will discover your strengths and weaknesses in hiking as you become a more experienced hiker. Start small and slowly and gradually move up to multi-day trips.

Assess your fitness level

Fitness is important for hiking, but you can't always estimate how easy it will be for you to travel based on your weight or age. Hiking requires strong legs and glutes, so if yours is underdeveloped, start strengthening them as you walk more. Or, if there are several months left before the trip, you have time to get in shape. When it happens that you quickly get tired on the trail, then just turn around and try to cover a greater distance next time. The main thing is that there are no injuries. If you have health concerns such as joint inflammation or balance problems, you should ask your doctor about any additional precautions you may need.

Know Your Route

Study the trail ahead of the road and keep a few copies of the map handy (it's always good to have both paper and electronic maps), and a photo of the map posted at the start of the trail will provide a quick reference when you're looking for the road. Many tourists also use real-time trackers. Fitbit or Garmin watches are suitable for this.

Check out the specific requirements

Before you go on a hike, make inquiries about it. Do you need permission? If yes, where can I get it? Find out where to park and if you can take your dog with you. All this information will be easily accessible on park or route websites, phone apps.

Buy and break in the right shoes

Always break in your shoes before going on a hike. Blisters are not only painful, they can lead to infection and discomfort for days. Look for hiking shoes that have extra traction in the soles, as walking on terrain will quickly wear out gym and running shoes. In general, the longer the hike and the more weight you carry, the more rigid and supportive your shoes should be.

What to take with you on a hike

As a general rule, if you don't need to carry any supplies, it's most likely a walk rather than a hike. If you are going on a real hike, you will need some or all of the 10 Essentials.

Many tourists adhere to the theory "10 Essentials". This means that you must definitely take with you on a trip. If you're not sure what to expect on your particular itinerary, bring along the 10 essentials listed by the American Hiking Society to help you.

Food: A strenuous hike up a mountain can easily burn up to 900 calories an hour. Take enough food with you to keep your body in good shape. Energy foods with honey or protein-rich foods (nuts and jerky) will help your body more than heavy carbs or overly processed foods.

Water (and water filter): As a general rule, take as much as you can carry - at least a liter per two miles (3,2 km). After several trips, you will be able to better estimate the amount needed. Remember to drink water often, ideally before you feel thirsty, as it is the first sign of dehydration. If you find that you don't feel like peeing for several hours, you may not be drinking enough fluids. Backpacks with built-in hydration reservoirs make it easy to sip on the go, and water filters come in handy when hiking near streams and rivers.

Clothing: While you are unlikely to need a full change of clothes for a day hike, you should bring clothing that can handle both daytime and nighttime temperatures in the very unlikely event that you find yourself on the trail after dark. In addition, it would be nice to take a raincoat and a windbreaker with you, even if the forecast promises sunny skies.

Fun extras: If you love bird watching, take binoculars along for the ride. If you like to draw sketches, take a sketchbook and pencils with you. Trail logs are a fun way to keep track of your hikes.

An overnight backpack has a much wider list of needs. Primarily a larger backpack, as well as cooking supplies, a tent, extra clothing, and potentially wildlife-related items such as bear urns or bear spray. If you've never hiked before, it's best to go on your first trip with someone who's already done it so you can learn the basics. Go with a friend or guide near a local park. Try REI Adventures for inexpensive weekend trips around the country.

Important Safety Considerations

Almost everything in this article relates to safety, from choosing the right shoes to critiquing the course, but the tips below are especially important.

Have a plan: you always need to know where you are going before you leave the house. Now that you've chosen your route, packed your things, and are ready to hit the road, be sure to tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back. This person is responsible for taking action if you do not return by the agreed time.

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First aid: Always carry a first aid kit with you and make sure you know how to use it. It's easy to twist your ankle whether you're walking a mile (1,6 km) or hiking 15 miles (24,1 km).

The rescue: know how to get help if you need it. This means having emergency phone numbers, as well as a way to contact help if you don't have cell service. For example, Garmin InReach or Spot X use satellite communications and pay off for those who travel frequently on foot. And the whistle is a lightweight yet powerful item for alerting other people nearby to your presence if needed.

Flora and fauna: In general, wild animals avoid people, but sometimes they may react to your presence if they are caught off guard. Make noise while hiking, carry bear spray, and wear ankle boots when hiking in rattlesnake areas. If you go to an area with poisonous plants, wear trousers, high socks or leg warmers to protect yourself from accidental contact.

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