We’ve compiled a list of 12 backpacking hacks sure to up your backpacking game. Following the tips will be sure to lighten your load, spice up your backwoods culinary skills, and help you avoid sticky itchy situations. Have a hack not on our list? Add as a comment at the bottom of the article.
Repackage Your Food
Repacking your food items can be a great way to cut down on weight, save space, and reduce the trash you have to pack out. It can be tempting, especially with pre-packaged foods, to pack as it comes from the store. the problem is prepackaged foods often come with excess wrapping (think any individually wrapped item) or a bunch of air (think trail mix packages). Cut the bulk and excess by transferring to sealable bags prior to your trip. This also allows you to more appropriately portion control. It’s easy to toss the whole bag of beef jerky, but depending on trip duration you likely only need a fraction of what you purchased while on the trail. Leave that remaining jerky (and the bulky packaging) home for a snack after your trip.
Ultralight Spice Kit
Spice up your trip without weighing down your pack. Assemble a compact spice kit using mini resealable bags, which as a bonus are also scent proof. Having salt, pepper, and any other spice cabinet favorites will up your food game whether on pre-prepped meals or on the trout you catch on your adventure. We recommend filling the bags appropriately, then rolling together and combining in an empty pill bottle.
Long-Handle Spork
A long-handled spork like this TOAKS Titanium Spork is perfect for stirring the bottom of freeze dry meals. It’s well designed for the trail and the titanium construction means you won’t risk snapping your utensil like with plastic.
Soap Pads
Instead of packing an entire bar of biodegradable soap, use a vegetable peeler to shave a thin pad or two before hitting the trail and store in a resealable bag. These will be just what you need for refreshing wilderness wash-up. Always make sure you follow Leave No Trace principles.
Duct Tape on Trekking Poles
You never know when you’ll need a strip of good ‘ol fashion duct tape on the trail. Whether a quick fix for your pack, tent, or clothes – it’s something we never hit the trail without. Cut a few strips from the roll and wrap around one of your trekking poles for quick access on the trail.
Extra Bug Protection
Insects are just part of the outdoor equation, but no one likes pesky mosquito bites. You probably already use a deet-based product, but you can add some extra protection by pre-treating clothing and gear with Permethrin. It’s odorless and lasts up to 6 weeks (or 6 washings). It also won’t stain or damage clothing, fabrics, plastics, finished surfaces, or outdoor gear. We like this Permethrin spray from Sawyer.
Get Knotty
knowing your knots is a key skill when out on the trail. Let’s admit it though – they are hard to remember how to tie. This kit is designed for you to practice your knot tying stills, but also comes with a handy credit card sized reference guide you can easily pack on your trip.
Ditch the Cotton
Cotton is NOT the fabric of our outdoor lives on the trail. Cotton is a horrible choice when camping or hiking. Cotton will trap sweat and moisture and can make you very uncomfortable if temperatures drop. Instead, opt for synthetic material that moisture-wicking and lightweight. The same rule applies to sock selection. We recommend merino-wool for your socks and a poly-blend for your shirts.
Ask Questions
Want custom, up-to-the-minute tips for the trail you’re on? Communicate! Many of our favorite animal sightings, viewpoints, camping spots were thanks to simple conversations with those hiking out as we hiked in. Those you pass can also provide you updates on upcoming trail conditions/hazards. We also recommend checking trip reports before you head out and making a call to the local ranger station. Rangers can offer great advice as well as updates on things like trail conditions and any restrictions such as burn bans.
Extra Paracord
We recommend ALWAYS having some paracord in your pack. It has a thousand uses and is worth its weight. Clothes line – check. Shoestring replacement – check. Need to hang your food – check. Need to hang a tarp – check.
Car Clothes & Water
Reward yourself with extra water and clean fresh clothes waiting in your car. We like to fill a Hydro Flask with ice and water and leave it in the car. Ice cold water plus the fresh change of clothes is an amazing reward after a long backpacking adventure or even a challenging day hike.
Simple Daylight Estimation
If you’re struggling to estimate how long you have before dark hits, you can extend your arm and count how many fingers fit between the sun and the horizon. As a rule-of-thumb (get it?) each finger is about 15 minutes of daylight. One full hand width is about an hour. This is just a rough estimate, but it gives you a good idea of how much time you have left before you’re scrambling to set camp in the dark.
That concludes our dozen! We hope you picked up at least a few ideas to up your game out on the trails.
