There’s nothing like carrying the necessities of life on your back, and you don’t have to be an Everest sherpa to do it. Backpacking is one of the best outdoor sports out there — it’s free, easily accessible, fun and great exercise. The difference between backpacking and hiking? A backpacker travels deeper into remote areas, away from day-to-day “noise,” and accesses trails that the normal day hiker does not.
The sport of backpacking is hiking with all of your needs for an overnight or multiple-night stay in the wilderness. Supplies typically include shelter, food, means to access drinking water, clothing, toiletries, a first aid kit and light and fire sources. If you are willing to carry the weight (you can safely carry up to one-third of your body weight), more luxurious items include a sleeping pad, camping chair, cookware and a pillow. Food and water are the essentials, though. All else is secondary to wilderness survival.
    You can either carry in water on your back or bring a filtering device and use water sources along the trail. It is imperative that you filter the water, though, to ensure you don’t get sick from contamination such as Giardia, bacteria and viruses. Filtering devices, which also remove sediment, can include anything from water filtration tablets to actual water filters to simply boiling water. Iodine tablets, which are lightweight and cheap, also work, though they create a distaste in the water.
    When packing food, choose high energy carbs and meals rich with protein and fat to give you long-lasting energy. Carrying weight on your back almost triples the amount of energy you expend on a normal hike, especially if you are traveling on undulating trails. Pack snacks like nuts, dried fruit and energy bars to give you endurance in between meals. Make sure you save enough energy after a day of backpacking to set up camp, which includes setting up your tent and cooking dinner.
    A three- to six-mile hike per day on generally flat ground is a good beginner backpack trip; more than six miles and drastic elevation changes may be too hard for first-timers. Trip options include hiking in from the trailhead to the campground and spending the night, then returning the same way you came in, or continuing in a loop back to the parking lot, or exiting at another trailhead where a vehicle shuttle returns you to your start trailhead. Before departing, make sure your backpack fits properly with even weight distribution on your hips and shoulders. You’ll likely need to sign in and out at the ranger station or trailhead at the beginning and end of your trek. If there is not a register, then contact a reliable friend or family member to let them know your route and estimated time of return.
    Until you’re certain that backpacking is for you, consider renting gear before investing in your own. Many outdoor gear stores such as REI, Cumberland Transit or Blue Ridge Mountain Sports rent tents and sleeping bags. MTSU and Vanderbilt’s outdoor recreation departments also rent gear.
    When backpacking, you’ll find that there are usually designated camping spots that provide flat ground free of debris, often times a fire circle, and sometimes water access via a river, creek, lake, spring or well. Tennessee is fortunate to have many state parks and natural areas prime for overnight stays. Go on-line to TNStateParks.com for a complete map and listing of state parks and start planning your adventure.
Take part in Team Green’s backpack trip to Frozen Head State Park November 8 - 9. Go to teamgreenonline.com for details.