Weekend Warrior Backpacking Guide

Need a quick, free campsite? It's often easy to find a shelter near a road where you can camp out.

Do you love to backpack, but can't take off six months at a time for a thru-hike? There's no shame in becoming a weekend warrior and backpacking once a week or once a month for a few days. After all, it's how the majority of us get out for our backpacking and wilderness fix.

Here are some tips and tricks to make your adventures great:

1. Drive to your destination on Friday night.

• Keep your driving time under three hours.
• Pack up your car the night before so you're ready to go.
• Get on the road and out of urban areas before rush "hour."
• Better yet. Take a three day weekend and leave Thursday night.

2.  Car camp near the trailhead.

• Find free campsites near your trailhead where you can crash for the night.
• Buy the Delorme Gazetteer for your State. It lists many campsites/resources you never knew existed on back roads and state recreation areas.
• Eat dinner in the car before you arrive to eliminate meal prep.
• Use a tent or hammock that is very fast to set up and take down.
• Bring an easy breakfast.

3.  Work a list.

• Section hike a trail, climb all the mountains in the same park, or backpack all of the hiking trails in a forest or wilderness area over the course of many trips to the same area.
• Driving, hiking, and camping in the same area reduces the amount of planning it takes to go backpacking without a loss of variety or novelty.
• Meet other people working the same list and build community

4.  Get off the grid.

• Turn off your cell phone. Really. No email, no news, no movies, no Kindle.
• Make a campfire and hang out
• So down at night, even if you hike hard all day.

5.  Go alone sometimes.

• Going alone minimizes planning and logistics.
• It's ok to go on a trip by yourself. You might discover that you like it.
• Get a dog. They'll follow you anywhere and never complain.

I've been backpacking for years like this, just a few days a week, more or less every weekend and it's a great way to escape the grind. If you have a love interest, it does help to have a sympathetic partner who comes with you or stays at home. If the latter (especially if you've been married for a while), you may find that they may look forward your absences and homecomings as much as you do.

from Section Hikers Backpacking Blog http://ift.tt/2hmGJ8x