How to find trails and plan a backpacking trip, by GearTest Outdoors on YouTube. 21 min 25 s.
- Video length
- 21 min 25 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Decide which trail shape fits you: a loop, an out-and-back or a point-to-point route. Beginners should pick a short loop or out-and-back close to home for the first overnight trip.
Search your local area for trail websites, park service pages and hiking club sites. A plain Google search for trail names near you often turns up detailed route notes.
Write down the key facts for each candidate route: total distance, elevation gain, water sources, campsites, permits and the hardest section. Compare two or three options before you commit.
Work out how you will get to the start and back from the finish. Point-to-point routes need a shuttle, a second car or a pickup, so confirm times before you plan the rest.
Plan your food by meal and day, aiming for lightweight, calorie-dense items you actually like. Add one extra snack per day and keep a spare meal in case you are delayed.
Choose gear for the forecast and the season, not for the best-case weather. Weigh your packed load and cut anything you will not use.
Build a gear checklist and tick items off as you pack them at home. A printed or spreadsheet list stops you leaving essentials like a headlamp or matches behind.
Set up navigation and a safety plan before you leave. Carry a paper map and compass, download offline maps, check the weather and tell someone your route and return time.
Pack out all your rubbish, including food scraps, and follow Leave No Trace rules at camp. Use established campsites and keep soap and food waste away from water.
Tips and common mistakes
Add a buffer day to your plan so a late start or bad weather does not push you into walking in the dark.
Check shuttle and transport times before you choose a point-to-point route, as a missed pickup can strand you.
Test new gear on a short overnight close to home before you rely on it on a longer trip.
Download maps and trail notes before you leave, since phone signal is often patchy on trail.
Questions
Do I need a permit for a first backpacking trip?
Many popular trails and campsites require a permit or a booked campsite, so check the land manager's website before you plan. Rules vary by park, forest and country.
How far should a beginner hike in a day?
Pick a distance you can already walk with a loaded pack, and keep the first day short. Many beginners start with 5 to 10 km (3 to 6 miles) and build up.
What if I cannot find trail information online?
Call or email the local park office or ranger station and ask about conditions, water and camping rules. Guidebooks and local hiking clubs are also good sources.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
