The state of Idaho has 25 state parks and nearly 19,000 miles of trails, all described by the Idaho State Parks and Recreation website as a “hiker’s dream.” While finding a destination for your hiking adventure may be easy, packing your backpack isn’t always.
philip vukelich | rawr Sadie Grossbaum, a freshman, crosses a creek in the Bitterroot wilderness. Grossbaum planned the backpacking trip with a group of friends over the weekend of April 21.
Getting everything you need into your pack is an acquired art. You don’t want to run out of dry socks or granola bars, but you don’t want to tip over underneath the weight your pack either.
One rule for additional items to avoid over-packing is: “If you can’t decide if you’ll need it, you probably won’t need it.” That pertains to books — you really won’t need more than one, go study the rock formations and leaf patterns instead; beauty products — shampoo can double as face and body wash, and ask yourself how often you will really wash anyways; and food — plan your meals carefully to avoid carrying excess, but always pick calorie-dense foods over their light counterparts.
Another backpacking necessity that shouldn’t be overlooked is the all-important garbage bag. Between bubble gum and snack breaks, you can’t leave your garbage on the trail. Not cool. Simply folding up a garbage bag to use for any bits along the way is a fast and easy solution.
Also, don’t underestimate the power of those free metal clips that come on water bottles. Those curved loops of metal with a spring gate are called “carabiners,” and can make hooking your sandals, water bottle, extra hat or sweatshirt to your pack a breeze.
It’s easy to overlook how the outside of your pack can be utilized as well as the inside.
Backpack-friendly Food List:
Granola bars, especially protein-packed bars like Cliff and Luna bars. Light, small, and individually packaged, granola bars are a perfect option for backpacking.
Trail mix, turns out, really is a great food for hitting the trails. With a combination of nuts, raisins and chocolate pieces, trail mix can offer a long-lasting energy boost and doesn’t take up too much real estate in your pack.
Protein powder, when stirred into some water or hot cocoa, can be a great remedy for an energy crash.
Beach vacation
Whether you’ll be sitting in the sand or lounging by a hotel pool, it’s always wise to bring two swimsuits. That way, you’ll always have a dry one on-hand, and it’s incredibly uncomfortable to walk around or sight-see in a dripping suit. So long, soggy bottom.
On your beach vacation, you never know what sun-filled activities are going to appeal to you. Even if you haven’t played Frisbee in years, just feeling the sand between your toes could initiate the sudden urge to toss around the flying disc.
A Frisbee, Nerf football, beach ball and volleyball can all come in handy for beach boredom. Or, if you’re more apt to the sit-and-sun vacation, bring along a few magazines for your perusal.
Most important item? I can’t say this enough: bring water, water and even more water. Nothing is more oft’ forgotten for a beach trip than a water bottle.
Another must-have for any adventure is a first aid kit. While a fully-stocked Red Cross-issue first aid kit may be ideal, it would be silly to think that one is always going to fit in your beach bag or backpack. Aspirin, Band-Aids in assorted sizes, antiseptic wipes and a miniature flashlight are must-haves.
Chloe Rambo can be reached at [email protected]
More information
For more information on Idaho’s hiking and backpacking opportunities, check out the University of Idaho Outdoor Program at uidaho.edu/studentaffairs/campus-recreation/outdoor-program, or the Idaho State Parks and Recreation website at parksandrecreation.idaho.gov