First Time Backpackers Review Their First Trip
Last year I had the privilege of taking a couple friends on their very first backpacking trip! It was a quick one-nighter, and only 10 miles round trip. Read more about it here.
I remember I had a lot of presumptions about backpacking prior to my first trip — such as, “All backpackers are SUPER fit and intense”, or “The food probably tastes pretty terrible”. Turns out, my first trip was nothing like what I thought it would be (shoutout of my friend J who brought me on my first trip) and so, I decided to ask my friends about their first trip!
1. What surprised you most about yourself on this trip?
D: I always thought I wasn’t fit and was a bit worried that I would slow everyone down. Turns out I was fine, and I was pretty proud of myself, haha. The weight of my pack with one night load was heavy when first picking up from the ground. After walking for a few minutes, it didn’t really feel heavy. Maybe next time I could even try a two night trip.
DK: Before we started the backpacking trip, I was expecting it to be a tough trip since it was my first experience with backpacking. But, in reality, 2 days with 7~8miles was not bad. I think I could do a longer one after this trip.
2. How did you feel about backpacking food? Which was your favorite? Favorite snack?
D: Woo -- this trip changed my concept of backpacking food completely. Eating well is pretty important for me, and I thought- ‘oh well guess I could last a day eating not so real food.’ I was wrong! Our friends brought dehydrated food which I was curious but didn’t have high expectations of. My husband and I picked Thai Curry, and it was pretty delicious. With a little exaggeration, it felt like we were backpacking in Thailand!
DK: This is one aspect I was so impressed about. I heard about dehydrated food before, but I’ve never tried them before and expected it will be like instant noodles. After I tried it, I was quite surprised how good dehydrated foods are. It taste so much better than any other instant food!! My favorite one was Thai Green Curry!
3. How do you compare this to car/regular camping?
D: I’d say really thinking through ‘my needs’ when packing. I have a tendency to overpack any trip. With car camping, I like to bring many ‘just in case’ items as long as they fit into my car. With backpacking, the fact that my backpack has a very limited space and also that I have to carry that weight myself made a huge difference in what I chose to bring. I made sure I brought only what I would need, and the only ‘just in case’ items were extra layers.
DK: I’ve never experienced car camping, but if you are an adventurer and love nature, then I would recommend backpacking.
4. What's the most annoying part about backpacking?
D: Hmm, I haven’t found one yet. I would have to go for the second trip to find out!
DK: There is no public restroom of course, so you have to dig a hole and do your business. lol
5. What assumptions did you have about backpacking that were completely false? Did you have any that was completely true?
D: I thought dealing with bathroom situation would be difficult. To be honest, being out in the wilderness was way better than using a filthy public restroom, haha.
DK: I thought the food we were going to consume would be not as great as we eat in the city, but it was very fancy and tasty with the view!!
6. Would you go backpacking again?
D: This is a definite yes! The hike in wasn’t easy but so rewarding when we arrived at our campsite by the beautiful lake. Sitting by fire with good company under the milky way lit night sky. I can’t wait to do it again.
DK: Yes for sure!
7. What would you do differently on your next trip? (Packing, food, trail, gear, etc)
D: Instant cup noodles with canned kimchi was a treat. However, I would not bring cup noodles or any canned products next time, because it becomes a bulky trash making it hard to fit into a bear canister.
DK: I think I will do the same thing but I want to try different places and different foods!
8. What was one thing you felt like you should've brought? What was one thing you felt like you should've left at home?
D: No Response
DK: I think once you reached to your destination, you will have so much free time. So i think it is good idea to bring something to read, videos, or whatever in your smart devices! But don’t bring anything extra items, it will add more weight on your bag. Sorry, I can’t think of things i felt like i should’ve left at home.
9. What was a cool thing you learned on this trip?
D: That we could drink lake water - filtered with this compact easy filtration gear. It even tasted great! Better than water we brought from home.
DK: It feels like you have accomplished one off your bucket list! Backpacking trip is to get you out from civilization. No tv, no internet, and no shower. Even though you don’t have these for few days, you get to see these beautiful nature and crystal clear stars during night time. Plus, you get to interact more with your lovely friends and family, and this makes your mind very comfortable and give you a memorable day!
Thank you to D and DK for coming along on this trip and trusting me and B to keep you guys alive. Looking forward to the next trip!