Back packing is an amazing experience that I think everyone should undertake at some point. There is nothing more freeing than traveling the countryside with all of your necessary possessions on your back on the way to somewhere new. Not a care in the world. However, How to Back Pack Travel is knowledge that is needed to do it with success. You don’t want to wake up finding out you can’t feel your toes because you got a cheap summertime sleeping bag.

You also don’t want to find yourself inexplicably lost in a region you aren’t familiar where they speak a language you can’t comprehend. I’m here to help. How to back pack travel depends a lot on the locale, climate and your goals, but I will discuss information that was pertinent for me and equipment that I used or others have used while with me on an excursion.

History

Backpacking has been a form of travel for centuries. It was once done almost exclusively out of necessity rather than recreation purposes with people donning all of their worldly possessions on their back has they traveled from place to place.

Today it is one of the lowest cost forms of travel worldwide. It allows far more independence than any other traveling. When equipped with the proper gear you may go months without a brick and mortar shelter if that is where you journey takes you. Nevertheless, typically it involves frequent stays at low cost air bnb’s, hostiles, cheap hotels and other lodgings. You can also acquire free lodging using the couch surfing method if that suites you better.

I have done each method and I am quite fond of remaining outdoors when backpacking for the majority of my treks, however the places I want to go are often off the standard paths that lead to amenities and lodgings.

Equipment

This will always be the most important aspect of backpacking if you plan on doing a lot of foot travel, vs trains, buses, planes etc. Don’t get me wrong you can backpack for nearly nothing if your goal is to just see as much of the world as possible for the bare minimum. I doubt you will enjoy it as much and of course you risk health issues, exposure issues as well the full majestic experience.

Back Pack

Personally I believe the most important piece of kit will be your backpack. It will hold everything. Wallet, passport, ID, electronics, food, sleeping gear, water, medicine, shelter, shoes etc. All of these items are your life blood and your sole possessions on your journey. Your phone and or gps getting wet while you solo trek a mountain range might mean you can’t get help if something happens and you way not be able to find your way back to civilization. That doesn’t include exposure from your sleeping gear getting wet or the many other concerns.

The bag needs to be water proof (see reason above). It needs to be lightweight and comfortable. You will carry this thing with you non stop for weeks maybe months, a jan sport won’t cut it. It also needs an internal frame to allow for a larger load capacity and to spread the load evenly to prevent sore shoulders and back and core pain as well. It should be relatively large, I only choose 80 liters and up but my favorite bag is 100. Keep in mind everything will be stored in or on your bag, space is essential.

Here are some of my favorites. The first 2 are ones I have used and the rest are choices made by people I’ve meandered with.

Backpacks

Osprey Aether Plus 100
My Favorite
MSRP $450
Men
100L
Load 40-70lbs
Large Internal Frame
6.4 lbs
Custom fit hip and torso belt
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Separate Day pack that can be formed from the top lid
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Osprey Aether Plus 70
MSRP $409.95
70 liters
Load Range 30-60 lbs
Large Internal Frame
4.9 lbs
Custom fit hip and torso belt
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Separate Day pack that can be formed from the top lid
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Teton Sports Explorer
MSRP $119.99
Men or Women
85L
Load Range 30-60 lbs
Internal Frame
5.8 lbs
Custom fit hip and torso belt
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Osprey Aether 65
MSRP $313.56
Men
65 Liter
Load Range 30-60 lbs
Large Internal Frame
4.9 lbs
Custom fit hip and torso belt
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Osprey Renn 65
MSRP $190
Women
65 liter
Load Range 30-40 lbs
Internal Frame
3.44 lbs
Adjustable Airspeed Suspension
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Osprey Aether Plus 70
MSRP $409.95
70 liters
Load Range 30-60 lbs
Large Internal Frame
4.9 lbs
Custom fit hip and torso belt
Internal Hydration Reservoir Sleeve (3L)
Separate Day pack that can be formed from the top lid
Sleeping bag Compartment
Limited Lifetime Warranty

Sleeping Bags

Another big item on the list. You may be thinking that you will be mainly in the city so this isn’t that important but let me assure you it is. It only takes one night out in the wilder with a sleeping bag that is not made for that lifestyle for you to lose toes. That may be a bit dramatic but it is possible. However, being uncomfortable, cold and wet is a highly likely outcome. Those sleeping bags you see when you walk into Walmart or Costco are good for a fun camping trip for a day or two. When you are traveling throughout different climates, ecosystems, countries etc, things can change rapidly from day to day or week to week. So being prepared is best.

I’ve learned that being too hot is much better than being too cold. If your sleeping bag is too warm you can always get out or open up the zipper a bit. Now if you are freezing even with your sleeping bag on there is no fixing that. This means always pick a bag rated for the coldest temperature you may be exposed too. 10-20 degrees colder is best if you can afford it. You will also want a down filled bag for warmth and comfort that is water proof, for morning dew and rain scenarios.

These are a couple bags that I use. The others are favorites of companions

Sea to Summit Spark Sleeping Bag
My Favorite for Fall and Winter
MSRP $359
1.6 lbs
40 degree with other options available down to 5 degrees
850 goose down
Max height 6’6″
3 Season

Hyke and Byke Cold Weather Sleeping Bag
My Favorite for Spring and Summer
MSRP $214.97
3.36 lbs
All Weather
800 Goose Down
Max Height 6’6″ (different sizes for accommodating shorter people
4 Season

Big Agnes Lost Dog
MSRP $196.95
3.30 LBS
All Weather
Max Height 6’6″ (different sizes for accommodating shorter people
4 Season

Hyke and Byke Eolus
MSRP $189.97
2.54 lbs
15 degree
800 Goose Down
Max Height 6’6″ (different sizes for accommodating shorter people)
3 Season

Tent

Last item on the big 3 list is a tent. Now you may be adamant you don’t need a tent. I too was this way at one point in tim. You will find that insects will haunt you with reckless abandon and it does’t matter how much waterproofing your sleeping bag has if its laying in a puddle with the sky raining down on you. This is one of those things you hope you won’t need but it’s a necessity. To be honest I really did enjoy sleeping in the tent. Keeps your back off the earth and adds a layer of protection from the elements. So anytime I was not a somebodies daughters place or in a hostile or couch surfing location I was sleeping in the tent. If there was particularly beautiful night I would sleep outside of it but it was always there when I needed it because there is nothing like a cold wind to ruin your sleep.

The Only tent I have on this list is Big Agnes. I did have the Hyke and Byke but I lost it in Tibet. The others are recommendations based on companions experiences.

Tent

Big Agnes Copper Spur Backpacking Tent
MSRP $433
Sleeps one
2.50 lbs
Options for larger tents
Ultra Lightweight
Water proof
3 season

Hyke and Byke Zion Backpacking Tent
MSRP $114.99
Sleeps one
4.87 lbs
Options for larger tents
Lightweight
Water proof
3 season

MSR Elixir
MSRP $379.95
Sleeps three (tight squeeze best for 2 people)
7 lbs
Good for Group Backpacking
Water proof
3 season

ALPS Mountaineering Lynx
MSRP $109.99
Sleeps 1
4.1 lbs
Water proof
3 season

Kelty Grand Mesa
MSRP $124.95
Sleeps 2
4 lbs
Water proof
3 season

Moving Forward

This is the start of how to back pack travel. I know it was good deal of information and items discussed. I’m sure you’re also thinking it takes a decent amount of money to get good gear. Remember these are just my suggestions based on my travels and the people who accompanied me. If you will just be going hostile to hostile and will never explore beyond the city you may not need all of these items. In my opinion you will need a backpack regardless; sleeping bag as well if your like me and don’t like raw dogging random sheets. There is also the chance you do venture out and for some reason can’t make it back to the hostile and that tent might be a life saver.

There are a lot of moving parts to learning how to back pack travel and this is just the beginning.

Let me know what you think below.

Off the Grid Ken

How to Back Pack Travel: Essentials, The Big Three