In recent years, more and more people have taken up outdoor trekking activities and are known as backpackers. Backpacking allows you to stay fit, broaden your horizons, get close to nature, and gain valuable outdoor knowledge and survival skills. However, the journey can also be risky, with potential challenges such as hunger, cold, injury, or getting lost. Therefore, before you pack your bags, it’s wise to learn some basic knowledge to ensure a safe, healthy, and enjoyable trip.

Preparation

It’s often said that gear isn’t everything, but for backpackers, certain equipment can play a crucial role at critical moments.

Outdoor food should be lightweight, high in energy, simply packaged, and filling.

Prepare drinking water according to the length of your trip.

Bring some simple foods, such as high-energy meats like beef, flatbread as the main staple, and chocolate for a quick energy boost.

Replenish salt intake with salty snacks like pickled mustard tubers.

It’s a good idea to carry raisins, fruit candies, or hawthorn slices while hiking.

★ Backpack

The backpack is the backpacker’s essential piece of gear — otherwise, why call yourself a hiker? The size depends on the distance of your trip. Around 25 liters is generally sufficient for short trips near the city. For longer journeys, women should opt for 45–55 liters, and men for 55 liters or more, with strong load-bearing capacity. Be sure to try out the backpack before buying and ask the store staff about proper usage, otherwise it may not help distribute weight effectively.

★ Tent

Choose one with a high waterproof rating, preferably 1500 or above. Unless you’re climbing high mountains, windproofing isn’t a top priority from a practical standpoint. Pay attention to weight—anything over 3 kg is not ideal. Most tents now use fiberglass poles and weigh around 2.5 kg.

It’s recommended not to buy a single-person tent, as a two-person tent doesn’t weigh much more and can help share the load during group activities. Plus, it’s nice to have the option for a beachside night under the moonlight...

★ Sleeping Bag and Sleeping Mat

These naturally come with a tent. If you mainly camp near cities, you don’t need an extremely low temperature rating. But if you often go to colder places, choose one rated for sub-zero temperatures.

★ Headlamp or Flashlight

We can’t always predict our travel schedule. When delays happen, these tools become essential, especially since most people without wilderness experience can find themselves in danger once it gets dark.

★ Knife

A sharp, multi-functional military knife should be your first choice, as its saw and blade will likely be the most frequently used tools in the wild.

★ Compass

Essential for outdoor activities. Its importance goes without saying, but make sure you know how to use it.

★ Mobile Phone

Ensure the battery is fully charged, and it’s best to bring spare batteries too, keeping them in a waterproof pouch to protect against dew.