Backpacking 101?

Question

I asked a question previously about traveling on my own- and i gather that this "backpacking" seems really appealing to me. I need some sound advice as to how I should go about doing this. I really would prefer doing it on my own rather than follow a group tour- I hate the idea of being part of a 'flock', though of course this is obviously safer? What do I need?

Answer 1

Listen here, as a matter of safety, you shouldn't be alone. So yes you are brave and confident, but brave and confident, charming and intellingent won't do you any good if some weirdo gets ahold of you.
So yes I may be a bit paranoid, BUT it is ONLY paranoia if it is a fear of something that IS NOT THERE.... and there ARE weirdos out there, in the darkness, on the highway and in the forest.
If you are a blackbelt in Karate, own a weapon with a concealed weapon permit and are trained to use it, and feel confident you can kill 7 guys if they try to abduct you, (also a cell phone programmed to call 911 with GPS on it, and a GPS chip implanted into your own skin....even then I don't think the rush of elation would be worth the ENORMOUS risk.... If I was your mother I would cry and cry and beg you not to go alone and I would bribe you with a new car and ten day trip to Bermuda.
Be safe, and keep up the good attitude.
I have a best friend that took a backpack and moved to Hawaii when she was 17 and lived on the beach a while before getting a job and apartment, living there a while then returned to the contiguous 48. She said things have changed too much today to do something like that.... the cops would not allow that sort of thing anymore.
If I was going to backpack across something, I would want to see Europe.

Answer 2

Start trying to figure out what is the least amount of things you need to survive. The smallest bag you can fit your life (to travel) in!

Don't listen to the people who are trying to scare you. Yes it isn't as safe these days, but what are you going to be doing?
You will be using common sense- not wandering about deserted places on your own, not walking around at nights. Wearing a money belt. Staying next to other women and particularily ones with children when you're on public transport.
Your senses already tell you to do (or not to do) these things.

Oh, photocopy your pasport and visas and stuff and give someone back home a copy of it. Keep a copy on you aswell. Get the number of your embasy in the various countries you're likely to be visiting.

Just try to plan in advance, know roughly where you want to go and make your priority wherever you're going, to find a decent place to sleep that night.

Europe is pretty safe, just be careful once you get east/north east. Up by czech, latvia, lithuania. Russia.. I would not go to russia personally, even in a group. LOL.

Answer 3

I admire your sense of adventure and your courage, but I strongly reccommend traveling with a group. I've been backpacking for nearly 40 years, and, believe me, things have changed. In the last 5 years I have encountered more thugs and rowdy teenagers than in the 35 previous years. Even sanctioned, patroled trails have more than their share of rude senseless people. There is no way I would let my daughter travel alone in the woods. But, having said that, I prefer to be alone, so, what can I say. There are many camping websites that can get you up and running. The most important thing to remember is to not pack anything hard against your back. Put the soft stuff next to your back. Always plan your trip - check it out before you get there. One advantage to hiking with a group is to learn from the experienced ones. Then you'll be more prepared to go solo.

Answer 4

If you plan to walk long distances you need a backpack without a metal or wooden frame. While the frame distrubted weight it starts to hurt very quickly.
I recommend taking a full body rainsuit. This can double as a sleeping bag if you sleeping bag gets wet. I also recommend getting what is called an 'emergency blanket'--its a piece of waterproof reflective material that will reflect heat back into body. These are used by people even in the arctic to keep warm and will be useful if your sleepingbag gets wet. I had one that was 10 by 20feet and it folded up to the size of a deck of cards.
You are likely just as safe by yourself. You can also get off the beaten path. In Canada, I know you can sleep on pretty much any piece of field or wooded land that doesn't specifically say not to and people will not bother you.

Answer 5

Hi - it completely depends on where you want to go. Backpacking can be a completely different experience depending on your destination. I would say you need to factor the amount of money you have to spend and the amount of time you are travelling for. When you have these decisions made then you can really start to get into it. There is a whole subculture of backpackers around the world and plenty of help out there.

Answer 6

One good resource is www.hostelworld.com
You can find hostels all over. Once you are actually on the road you will be able to meet different people in the hostels and can usually join up with them.