When it comes to camping, the best way to enjoy nature is to get as close to Mother Nature as possible. This means carrying all of your gear with you, and that can get pretty heavy after a while. If you’re looking for a lighter option, backcountry camping might be right up your alley.
Backcountry camping means taking your tent out into the wilderness, instead of simply pitching it in front of a convenience store or your backyard. The great thing about doing so is that it leaves more time for exploring and experiencing nature as opposed to mere staying indoors and being sedentary. If you have yet to try backcountry camping, here are a few things you should know before venturing out in one:
What is Backcountry Camping?
Backcountry camping is when you take your tent and camp in the wilderness, rather than pitching your tent in a campsite.
It’s not like traditional camping, where you just throw your tent on the ground and walk away from it a few hours later. In backcountry camping, you carry everything with you so that you can spend all day exploring the outdoors. It takes a lot more work, but it’s worth it for all of the natural beauty that’s out there!
It’s not just for extreme hikers
Backcountry camping is not just for extreme hikers. In fact, you don’t even need to be an experienced hiker to do so. Backcountry camping is for anyone who wants to get closer to nature and take in the sights that can only be seen when you venture out of civilization.
The good news is that backcountry camping doesn’t require a lot of skills or experience; it simply requires the willingness to go out into nature and let it guide you. That being said, if you want to get started with backcountry camping, here are some things you should know before going:
Be prepared for bears
One of the most common dangers while backcountry camping is bears. In fact, researchers have found that humans may be on the brink of extinction given their impact on the environment.
Don’t worry, though – you don’t have to live with constant fear of a bear attack by carrying pepper spray. Bears are afraid of humans and won’t attack unless they feel threatened. Additionally, if you keep your camp clean and cook any food outside, bears won’t bother you.
It’s not the same as car camping
This is where most people get the idea of backcountry camping. It’s a misunderstanding, because it doesn’t mean you’re in an actual tent. With backcountry camping, you’re outside your tent and surrounded by nature. You can explore with ease and comfort as you don’t have to worry about pitching or packing up your tent.
However, it’s important to understand that this isn’t the same as car camping. When car camping, you pitch your tent in a designated campsite near a store or other location where you can go to purchase supplies. In contrast, backcountry camping means carrying everything with you into the wilderness so you don’t have to rely on store-bought goods for food or supplies for anything else.
Staying safe in a tent
To help you stay safe, here are some tips on how to survive a storm in a tent:
Always keep your tent away from trees and other high objects so that it won’t blow up easily.
Make sure your tent is staked down securely.
Don’t sleep in clothes that have been worn outside of the comforts of home. They might become damp, which can lead to making you sick.
Pack all of your gear in a dry bag, which will help protect all of your belongings from heavy rain and moisture.
Finding a suitable campsite
You don’t need to find a campsite in order to backcountry camp, but you should know where your campsite will be located before you go out. Look for sites that are flat, dry, and have trees nearby. You want to avoid camping near water sources or any potential wildlife habitats as a precautionary measure.
Finding food and water
The best way to find food and water is to bring a lightweight backpack and fill it with some survival gear. Your backpack will be your main source of food and water, so make sure you pack enough for the entire trip.
Another option is to bring a filter, like the Sawyer Mini Water Filter or Platypus GravityWorks Water Bottle Filter, which both make water safe to drink. The filters are lightweight and fit in your pocket, so they can be taken on the go when you need them. In addition to your filters, bring a lighter that’s waterproof so you can start a fire if needed.
If you don’t want to bring any of these items, other options include hunting or fishing for food while camping out in the wilderness.
Wrapping up
Backcountry camping is a great way to experience nature while staying in shape. With the bare essentials, you can enjoy being in the wilderness and leaving your worries behind. What better way to see the beauty of nature than when you’re not constantly looking at your phone or worrying about the next day’s survival?
FAQ’s
What is the difference between backcountry camping and camping in the city?
There are some huge differences between backcountry camping and camping in the city. For starters, backcountry camping requires you to take everything you need out into the wilderness with you. You won’t be able to just grab a few things and head out on your adventure. You also won’t have any facilities or other people around to help you set up your camp. Instead, all of the work will fall on your shoulders.
Another major difference between camping in the city and backcountry camping is weight. Camping in the city often requires you to take along a huge amount of gear in order to feel like you’re truly experiencing nature. Backcountry camping, however, is much lighter since you only need a tent and a few other essentials. Not having to carry all of your stuff around is a big plus if you ask me!
The third major difference between backcountry camping and camping in the city is time spent outdoors. When you’re camping in the city, you might only be there for a few hours before you have to head back home again. Backcountry camping, however, can last for days or even weeks at a time, giving you plenty of time to get immersed in nature without having to rush through it all.
How does backcountry camping leave more time for exploring?
Backcountry camping gives you the opportunity to truly experience nature. You don’t need to worry about getting a campfire started, or making dinner. All of those things can be done after the sun sets and although it’s nice to have that capability, there’s something really special about sitting around a campfire in the middle of nowhere.
The downside of backcountry camping, if there is one, is that it can be more difficult to get service. You have to be out in the woods somewhere, which means you might not always have access to Wi-Fi or cell service. However, it is definitely worth it if you enjoy truly experiencing nature.
Plus, with backcountry camping, you can hike all over the place without worrying about damaging your campsite. You know exactly where everything is located so you don’t end up walking into a bear’s dinner table or something like that. I think backcountry camping is a great way for people to get as close to Mother Nature as possible.
It gives them an opportunity to experience nature in an unspoiled manner and see things that they might not see while staying inside their house all the time.
How does backcountry camping leave more time for experiencing nature?
Backpacking offers a way to experience the great outdoors without having to stay in one place. It gives you the freedom to explore wherever you want and still have a place to rest. Backcountry camping also gives you more time to experience the great outdoors, since you’re free from the conveniences of a tent. You’re also free from all of the other rushing around that comes with staying in a hotel or hotel resort. In addition to experiencing nature, backcountry camping is better for the environment as well. The weight of your tent isn’t only a factor, it also takes up space in landfill.
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