Thinking about Backpacking?

As the weather closes in on us, I find myself longing for one more night by an campfire; one more weekend wandering in the woods.

We decided, rather spontaneously, a few years ago that we were going to "give backpacking a try." It sounded fun, right?

Well, it was. It was amazing and miserable, invigorating and terrifying, We...and we yelled at each other. But we made it through, and loved it enough to keep trying.

Each time we've gone backpacking - FYI, when I say backpacking, I mean you put a 40 lb pack on your back, filled with everything you need, and hike into the woods / wilderness / etc. We haven't gotten to the point where you mail yourself replenishment or hitchhike to the next trail head, but maybe someday...

Anyways - each time we have gone on one of these adventures, we've learned a little more about this hobby and how to get the most out of it.

You can find all sorts of great tips and tricks online or in magazines about how to prepare, what to pack, what to eat, etc. This is more a guide on how to enjoy your time out there, and how to keep your strength in the face of a challenge.

1. Start Small

This one might sound like a given, especially for beginners, but it's important. I'm not just talking about trail length or difficulty, or the amount of time you spend in the woods. I'm talking about the entire trip as a whole.

Don't underestimate local national parks, hiking spots or wooded campgrounds. Backpacker.com has tons of resources for trails and campsites all over the country, and the world. You don't have to hike the Pacific Crest Trail on your first go of it.

No matter where you are, you are going to face the same challenges that push you, that scare you and that force you to grow a bit. No matter where you are, you will sleep under the stars, cook over an open fire and be totally self-reliant to get back out again.

You might be surprised by the hidden gems you discover in your own backyard! (Okay, not literally your backyard, but you know what I mean!)

2. Give Yourself Enough Time

The first time we went hiking turned into our greatest legend.

"We hiked uphill in a tropical rainstorm, 12 miles in one day."

Since it was raining, we didn't really have any intention of stopping and savoring the view even if we had had the time. But trying to do 12 miles in one day (Day 3, by the way) was exhausting, but also eliminated the option to take little breaks or pause to take it all in. Nature offers some pretty picturesque moments in almost any setting, and it's a shame to be out in the heart of it and so focused on an end goal or a schedule to enjoy it.

Schedules and planners are for the work week. Take a minute and let nature take your breath away. After all, you aren't trying to get to a hotel on time or make your dinner reservation. Your sleeping arrangements and your dinner are already on your back!

3. Leave the Electronics at Home

Again - this might be a given. But I can't tell you how many people go 'camping' and take their cell phone, tablet, laptop,mini TV and portable generator.

First of all, those things get heavy, so remember that you will be lugging this all around everywhere you go.

Seriously though, you don't need a TV or Facebook to entertain you if you are fully engaging in what's around you. We take fishing poles sometimes, magazines, a deck of cards and a small journal to fill any free time we have at the campsite. But usually, by the time we get there, we are ready to collapse next to the fire with a cup of hot chocolate and call it a night.

We did take our cell phones and kept them off or on airplane mode "for emergencies" but we rarely had any service. We also invested in a GPS tracker that has a panic button and a pair of walkie talkies with a 5 mile range. Safety is a factor, but you don't need your cell phone to stay safe out there.

I'm already daydreaming about where we go next. At this point, I might pitch a tent in the backyard, just to curb my camping craving until the next time.