43 Essential Skills to Take Your Backpacking Trip to the Next Level

This article originally appeared on Backpacker

Part of what separates an experienced backpacker from a beginner is the tricks they pick up along the way. Don’t call them “hacks”--we’ll leave those to the YouTubers. Instead, they’re little ways of doing things that make a big difference on the trail. Sometimes, they’re legit emergency skills: how to tape a sprained ankle so it’s stable enough to walk out on, or how to fix a tent pole that’s broken in a storm. Sometimes, they’re smaller than that: how to put on a backpack so you don’t strain your muscles, or how to walk downhill to avoid fatigue. They’re the kind of things you pick up over the years--and we’ve compiled some of our favorites right here. These 43 tips will help you move more smoothly, pitch camp more efficiently, and have more time--and energy--to make memories. --The Editors

At Home

A little bit of prep will save you a lot of trouble later. Make a firestarter, nab a last-minute permit, or touch up your tent’s waterproofing. Read More With O+

On the Trail

This is what it’s all about. Enjoy your hike sans ticks, sans sprains--and sans stench, mostly--with this advice. Read More With O+

In Camp

You’re ready to settle in for a good night’s sleep--but first, there’s something that needs doing. Rig a bear bag, make pizza, and sleep cozy warm. Read More With O+

Read Next: Pro-Level Skills

Want to move through the wilderness as easily and fluently as possible? Take a page from backcountry guides, those hardy souls have spent their careers mastering the skills necessary to safely shepherd hikers both new to and experienced in the ways of the trail. We polled some of our favorite pros for their best tips, and distilled them down to these gems. Read More

Originally published in 2019; last updated July 2022

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