Traveling on an expedition into the bush evokes a strong Spiritual Connection to Nature as you move away and exist nature unencumbered by the depersonalizing influences of urban existence. Hiking or backpacking far into rainforests, camping under starlight, or traversing harsh and unfriendly landscapes, prepare, plan, and study.
This blog will give the tools, gear, and guidance for off-grid beginners who want to take their lives off-grid for a wilderness adventure.
Key Takeaways
- Backcountry travel is so enriching trip that brings a person closer to nature
- Nevertheless, it must have preparation, knowledge, and appropriate equipment to be able to cope with issues and best enjoy the journey
What is Wilderness Travel?
Wilderness travel usually involves trips in large, uninhabited areas. This traveling usually is a grand, large trek into the woods, mountains, deserts, and any other type of wilderness or wild area. Wilderness traveling usually can involve such activities as hiking, camping, canoeing, or climbing, but usually to avoid people and experience nature in one of the most unadulterated forms and some seclusion.
Key Skills for Wilderness Travel
It is extremely important to acquire a skill set in advance for any trek into the wilderness. The skills outlined below are particularly important to all wilderness travelers.
Navigation and Map Reading
Navigation is one of the earliest and most essential skills required for wilderness travel. With such prominent landmarks, the ability to read the map and navigate with the compass, usually referred to as the “kit” for wilderness travel, is paramount. Always carry and learn to use a quality topographic map and a good compass (or GPS) backup.
First Aid and Emergency Response
You never know when you may get injured in the wilderness. So, it is wise to learn some basic first aid for cuts, sprains, and burns. Take a course in wilderness first aid, for they will show you how to treat more complex situations such as hypothermia or dehydration.
Fire-Making and Shelter Building
Knowing how to start a fire when it is raining outside and how to construct a lean-to-style shelter out of natural materials can be the difference between life and death in a survival scenario. You need to take good fire starters with you but also know to start a fire with a flint and steel or a fire bow.
Leave No Trace Principles
Responsible backcountry travel is traveling without disrupting nature. Apply the principles of Leave No Trace to minimize your impact, including taking out all trash, not disrupting wildlife, and staying off trails.
Responsible wildland travel is also the idea of leaving things as you found them. It is a positive habit, and it will also help you to follow the Leave No Trace principles to leave as small an impact as possible. If you are staying overnight, for example, pack out all your gear, do not disturb wildlife, and stay on designated trails and routes.
Essential Gear for Wilderness Travel
Though wilderness travel is all about “uncomplicated” travel, the appropriate equipment can make or break your wilderness travel experience as being predominantly pleasurable or even dangerous. Below, we introduce you to a checklist of the absolute essentials and the equipment that you’ll need to possess:
Navigation Tools
- Map and compass – A detailed topographic map and a compass are necessary for navigation.
- GPS – A GPS device or program can enable you to keep track of your location. Nevertheless, it is not 100% reliable, especially when there is no battery backup.
Shelter and Sleeping Equipment
- Tent or hammock – A lightweight tent or hammock with a rainfly is necessary if camping.
- Sleeping bag – Choose one that’s rated for the temperatures of the areas you’re going to. Synthetic bags will still work well if they get wet.
- Sleeping pad – Insulate yourself from the colder ground with a sleeping pad.
Clothing and Footwear
- Layered clothing – Wear layers in a way that you can acclimatize to the changing weather. The inner layer must be moisture-wicking so that it draws sweat away from the skin; the middle layer must be insulating; the outer layer must be waterproof.
- Good hiking boots – Your boots should be waterproof, durable, and have ankle support.
Cooking and Water Filtration
- Portable stove or fire starter – A small stove can be very useful in the wilderness for boiling water or cooking.
- Water filter or water purification tablets – It is always wise to carry some form of water purification; a portable water filter, purification tablets, or a UV water purifying device.
Tools for Safety
- Multi-tool – Bushcraft axes or swiss army knives are multi-use and can carry out various functions such as preparing food or slicing rope.
- First aid kit – You can make your kit with materials specific to your trip, i.e., blister care, bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc.
- Headlamp/flashlight – You must bring some reliable source of light, especially if you are going into very dense caves or woods.
Planning Your Wilderness Adventure
Organized anticipation is an integral part of having a fun, and more importantly, safe wilderness adventure. This is the best way to do it:
Research Your Destination
First, you need to know the geographic location of your destination, terrain, climate, and wildlife. Know what average weather conditions are, anticipate wildlife encounters, and decide when you are going to do the trip that will also provide you with the best chance of success.
Create an Itinerary
Then plan your trip. Sit down and chart out where you will be going on the trip, set milestones along the way, and send out your planned dates and destinations to a friend or family member so someone quite urbane knows where you’ll be if there’s an emergency. When your proposed trip dates arrive, be sure to check the weather report.
Check the Weather
Verify the weather conditions before you leave and also before you depart. Weather in the wilderness may vary significantly from what is expected to what is extreme; thus prepare yourself for all that can vary from minimum rain to heavy snowfall, and from warm to extreme temperature.
Leave a Trip Plan
Leave behind a comprehensive travel plan with someone who will stay behind. It should have your plan of action, arrival time, and emergency numbers.
Physical Preparation
Condition yourself before a physically demanding wilderness expedition. Hiking, swimming, and weight training can help develop stamina and flexibility.
Safety Precautions
Wilderness travel is not risk-free. The following safety tips will reduce the risks:
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration will creep up on you, particularly in warm or dry weather. Drink water occasionally and don’t wait for thirst.
Know the Wildlife
Learn about the wildlife in the area, especially animals like bears, mountain lions, or snakes. Find out how to stay away from them and how to act if you come across threatening animals.
Weather Awareness
Always watch out for a change in the weather, especially in the mountains where the weather might unexpectedly get bad. Be equipped to handle an unexpected storm or fall in temperature.
Pack for Emergencies
Pack additional food, a multi-tool, and an emergency whistle. It is also recommended that you carry a satellite phone or emergency beacon if you will be in very remote locations.
Final Thoughts
Backcountry travel is so enriching trip that brings a person closer to nature. Nevertheless, it must have preparation, knowledge, and appropriate equipment to be able to cope with issues and best enjoy the journey. Acquire some elementary wilderness information, pack responsibly, and remain ready for anything that comes your way unexpectedly. Follow the tips and advice above and get ready to have fun as well as trouble-free wilderness travel.
