by Vanessa Cowley

Created on: March 05, 2009   Last Updated: March 07, 2009

You've seen the images standing atop a majestic mountain top, healthy faces glowing with the satisfaction of knowing that they arrived under their own power, everything they needed on their backs. You've bought yourself some sturdy boots and you've even been on some long day hikes, but now you think you might be ready for your first overnight backpacking trip. This can be an intimidating step, one that requires some careful preparation to ensure success, but a bit of extra effort towards planning and preparation will ensure a successful first overnight venture.

Your first step should be adopting the correct frame of mind: Backpacking is a meditation in minimalism. You need to constantly ask yourself: "Do I really need this?" When you have to carry it on your back along a muddy trail or up a mountain, then you don't want to carry anything you don't absolutely need. Weight is a serious concern when backpacking, so be ruthless with yourself and take only what you absolutely need.

Getting Equipped

There are some key pieces of equipment you must have to go backpacking. You may be able to reduce costs by buying some items second-hand or even renting if you are not sure if you will continue to backpack in the future. Your key equipment list must include: a pair of well-fitting boots that have been used several times on day trips, a well-fitting and sturdy backpack, a first aid kit, some kind of water purification system, a small stove and fuel, a flashlight, and a lightweight tent and a sleeping pad and bag rated for the climate you will be hiking in.

Spend some time learning how to properly fit a backpack, and ensure you have one that is the right size for you. Know how to adjust the straps as you hike, so that you can shift the weight around to keep it comfortable while traveling. The pack must have a good belt strap that sits at your hips, not your waist. It is very important that you carry most of the weight of your pack on your hips, not your shoulders.

The need for water purification is often overlooked by beginners. While a stream may look bubbling and clean, you can't be sure what has happened upstream. There are naturally occurring parasites and bacteria that can make you very sick, so be certain to research a water purification system that will work for you. Tummy troubles in the wilderness are to be avoided at all costs!

Food

Figuring out lightweight food can be a real challenge. You need to take food that doesn't weigh much and doesn't require refrigeration,

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