With all the experiences of my trips, travels, and hiking, it sometimes becomes tough to select the essential items instantly when I plan for a hiking trip. And understandably for the people who are still new in this area can find it really difficult to prepare overnight hiking properly.
So, most of the time I rely on the overnight hiking checklist I have made before to ensure the perfect planning.
And for the newbies, it is not only the checklist, but they will also need more: like tips on packing overnight hiking backpack guide on the first overnight hike and so on. SO, I have decided to share some of my experiences and pieces of knowledge on hiking camping trip that will help them with boost up confidence.
Overnight Hiking Essentials, Planning and Guide
Overnight Hiking Checklist
Before the tour and planning, one must know what to keep with them for the hiking trip. So here is the checklist of overnight hiking essentials below:
If you are going on an organized overnight hike, you will need these ultimate backpacking gear list:
- A tent, big enough for two or three people.
- A water container, basic materials for cleanup, a can opener and a first aid kit.
- A well-insulated sleeping bag.
- A proper sun hiking headwear to protect your head and face.
You may also need these top backpacking essentials:
- A cotton inner bag to keep the sleeping bag clean if it’s on loan.
- A sleeping mat to make bedding down in the wilderness more comfortable.
- A complete change of clothing
- Soap, a small towel. Toothbrush and some toilet paper.
- A plastic mug, plate, knives, and forks.
- Clothing for sitting around on a cold night.
You can download this ultralight backpacking checklist pdf here.
Backpacking Food for the Overnight Trip
Planning for the meal of the trip is an essential part that many of the new hikers tend to forget. You should plan for the backpacking food along with other overnight backpacking gear checklist.
To plan it properly you must choose something considering your taste, the nutrition value calorie density of the food and also the weight of it.
These can be like this
- Coffee or tea like Celestial Seasonings Herbal Tea, Bengal Spice Tea, etc
- Different types of food bars like Larabar, Luna, Kind Chocolate bars, etc.
- Pop-Tarts and different pastries (Breakfast Toaster Pastries)
- Dried Fruits like Almond, Walnut, Pistachios, Hazelnuts, Prunes, Dried Apricots, etc.
- Powder Meals and Powdered Milk for protein and vitamins
- Non-cook meats like the Beef Jerky and Dried Meat
- Breakfast Drink Mix Packets like the Carnation
- Tuna and Salmon can be a tasty and nutrient oriented hiking food
- Instant Oatmeal or Greenbelly Meals (Quaker)
Lightweight Stoves are Best for Hiking
The best stove for lightweight hiking is the butane gas stove. It is clean, reliable and easy to use, and is widely available. It needs to be used on a completely flat surface and can be difficult to shelter from the wind. In the Last weekend backpacking trips in California, I had used a spirit stoves that worked great in making the tea and rice.
However, the spirit isn’t used enough for the different reason. Most people use a gas stove and kerosene one depending on the backpack size chart during overnight backpacking camping and trekking.
Also, you should follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions for use and for changing cartridges. Used cartridges should be properly disposed of. For a group of hikers, you might choose kerosene or white gas stove instead
Using Compass Is Important for Beginner Backpacking Trips
Especially keep a map and compass. It is as essential as other beginner backpacking gears. Someone in your party must know how to use a map and compass. Keep checking your position on your planned route, so that you always know where you are.
When walking on high ground on the overnight backpacking trails, avoid low clouds and mist on the hills when possible. Don’t be afraid of asking other hikers if you’re not sure where you are.
Keep Medicines in the Overnight Hiking Pack
On long hikes carry a first aid kit. The first aid kit should at least contain dressings, bandages, antiseptic cream, safety pins, small scissors and forceps to remove splinters. In case of an accident check where the nearest telephones or mountain rescue posts are.
If there is a severe accident, one person must stay with the injured person while at least two set off to find help.
Managing Nighttime in Overnight Camping
You may misjudge how long you’ll take on a long hike and get caught by nightfall. On hills or mountains, this can be very dangerous. Always carry a flashlight with spare batteries. Make your way slowly and carefully to the nearest house or town.
Managing the nighttime is necessary for a successful hiking trip. You should look for the comfort if resting and of course the safety. You should also bring the lightest camping tent/hammock if you planning to stay at the campsite.
Be very careful on roads. Walk toward oncoming traffic, swinging your flashlight back and forth so that drivers will be sure to see you. Choose a lightweight flashlight with a good beam.
Check the Weather Before Planning
Check the weather forecast. I often check the weather of the overnight hiking trails near me. If it looks good and I am interested in that region, I usually start planning. Check the forecast, temperature and weather report.
If high wind, heavy rain, fog or mist are forecast, don’t set off on a long hike. And, if the weather turns terrible once you’ve set out, decide in plenty of time whether you should turn back or look for an escape route to lower, safer ground.
Moreover, consider if there is any chance of rain, you should always carry waterproof clothes. If it does start to rain, put on the rain-gear immediately. If you get wet, it will be difficult to keep warm.
Hello there! I am Justine. I love traveling to different places, mountains, and rivers. Here are some of the tips about my all in one guide.
Leave a Reply