The Basics of Planning an Overnight Hike

Enjoying nature can be a great thing for your morale. Getting out and away from the rush, stress and demands of city life, your career or whatever can have a renewing effect and make the world seem like a happier, more beautiful place. Sometimes one afternoon just isn’t enough, so here is a guide for planning to spend a couple of days out in nature and what you need to know for staying overnight on the trail.

The first step to almost any trip is research. For hiking you definitely want to know the trail, where it goes, what there is to see along the way and, of course, how long it is. For overnight hiking you need to learn about camping permits. Most state-maintained trails require a permit for overnight use. Take a look at a guidebook and get a trail map from the park ranger or visitors center for the trail if there is one. Bringing along a GPS and a compass is also a smart move.

You and whoever you take with you need to prepare for the skill level of your overnight hike. Whether this means training for hiking or planning a less-strenuous hike, you don’t want to be too sore, tired or injured to make it out under your own power. Take a couple of day hikes before you embark on your overnight hike, get comfortable with your hiking shoes, how much your body can handle and what you need to bring with you, such as the amount of water you drink and if you need snacks and what kind give you the best energy. Hiking uses muscles you don’t normal use and don’t forget you will be carrying camping gear as well for the overnight trip.

It’s a good idea to talk to a friend who is knowledgeable about hiking overnight or join a backpacking group that takes guided overnight hikes. My advice is to start slow, get used to spending one or two nights out on the trail before you go for anything longer. The most important thing is to remember that these adventures can be dangerous and if done without the proper care can cost you your life.

Once you make your trip plan be sure to leave it with someone you trust who isn’t coming along. Include the number of hikers, cell phone numbers, the route you plan to take, when you are leaving and when you will be home. Then stick to your plan and stay on the trail and you should be just fine.

When planning your gear, you need to plan for the hiking and the camping. Know what gear you are going to need on the trail, the basics are the same for most people, but everyone’s needs are a little different.

For hiking you need to be sure to have good comfortable shoes and socks, plenty of water and food and dress in layers so you won’t be too hot or two cold. Also, you need to bring protection from the sun, rain, wind or cold and bug spray is a good idea.

For the overnight be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bag and pad. You are going to need to get some sleep so be sure you will be warm enough and comfortable enough for that to happen. Hiking on inadequate rest is much more difficult. Be sure to bring enough food to satisfy your group as well, it’s no fun to be hungry and it drains your energy, too.

Enjoy your break from the hustle and bustle of real life and be safe.

Happy hiking.

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