Essential Backpacking Skills

Backpacking may seem like a simple, fun hobby, but serious backpackers know it is more then that.  Backpacking is a serious sport where people have created a culture.  Backpacking involves a lot of skill and while almost anyone can do it, anyone who wants to get serious about it needs to make sure they have the essential backpacking skills.

There are many unwritten rules in backpacking.  These rules help to keep everyone safe and to keep the environment beautiful for those who will be enjoying later.  They incorporate certain skills that every backpacker must know. 

Here is a list of essential backpacking skills you really should know before you hit the trails:

- Backpacking etiquette.  Every backpacker needs to respect the land.  It is important that a backpacker does nothing to destroy the environment, like littering or ruining areas.

- Survival skills.  These are those things that will keep you alive in an emergency or threatening situation.  Every backpacker should have a basic set of skills that will help them should an emergency situation come up.  The type of survival skills will vary a little depending on where you are backpacking, but in general you should be able to handle basic needs like shelter, water and heat. 

- Orienteering skills.  These are skills that will help you out should you get desperately lost.  You need to be able to figure out where you are so you can then find a way out. 

- Navigation skills.  Navigation skills will give you the ability to find your way back to camp or civilization. 

- First aid is another skill set you must have.  If you are hurt you need to be able to take care of it enough that you do not end up with a more serious condition once you can get medical help. 

No matter where you are backpacking or how often you backpack, having the skills listed above is an important part of backpacking.  These skills are gear that you can't pack in your bag.  Any backpacker can run into an emergency, no matter how safe your intended route may be.  These skills can mean the difference between life and death, so don't risk it, just get knowledgeable.

For more information, visit this website on Backpacking Tips