Everfree Backpackers Unite!

[K.K. Slider 391]

Edit: Apparently I'm one of the very, very few backpackers on this forum! If you have an interest in traveling, feel free to PM me, I'd love to discuss your plans/experiences!

Edited November 13, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Fireworks 32]

You might be one of the very few backpackers here, but you sure aren't the only one! Sorry I'm a little late with a reply.

[Treble Bolt 1,122]

I wish I could be a backpacker.  It has always sounded like so much fun.  A lot of work, but fun and rewarding in its own right.

[Raritas 6,820]

Oh I love backpacking, hiking and walking! I've only been to Wales and the Lake District (England) to walk but I'm planning on going everywhere when I'm older! I haven't got any locations which I'm certain to visit yet, but I'd love to visit America and New Zealand. New Zealand just looks amazing, I'd love to visit. Maybe we could PM, your picture on your profile looks great

[Vinyl Scratch (Filly)™ 936]

I am planning to begin backpacking when I am 18, I want to travel the world. I have more than enough money for my dream as long as I don't plan on buying pointless expensive things

 

Any advice on backpacking would be great :3

[K.K. Slider 391]

You might be one of the very few backpackers here, but you sure aren't the only one! Sorry I'm a little late with a reply.

 

I'm very happy to hear there's others out there! The only other I know is HungryTroll. I plan to see him in Russia next summer!

 

& sorry for the late reply? Don't be, haha, I've fallen off the grid myself these past few weeks. Been hanging all around Poland with bronies lately, only now do I have computer at a hostel to use.

 

You must know all about the fun of camping in the backcountry, no need to explain haha. Where have you been and where would you like to go someday? What got you into hiking?

 

I wish I could be a backpacker.  It has always sounded like so much fun.  A lot of work, but fun and rewarding in its own right.

 

Definitely. It has its ups and downs, but I find you usually come out of it in the end having learned a thing or two about yourself and the world.

 

Oh I love backpacking, hiking and walking! I've only been to Wales and the Lake District (England) to walk but I'm planning on going everywhere when I'm older! I haven't got any locations which I'm certain to visit yet, but I'd love to visit America and New Zealand. New Zealand just looks amazing, I'd love to visit. Maybe we could PM, your picture on your profile looks great

 

I've always wanted to go to New Zealand ever since I watched The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. I swear, it's a subtle advertisement for New Zealand's tourist board! The cost of living & flight expenses have always intimidated me though. Would defintiely hit it up along with Australia. Someday, someday! Will shoot you a PM, and thanks.

 

I am planning to begin backpacking when I am 18, I want to travel the world. I have more than enough money for my dream as long as I don't plan on buying pointless expensive things

 

Any advice on backpacking would be great :3

 

There's all sorts of ways to backpack. Some people do it on a shoestring budget, others pave their way with a credit card. But a couple of things I would recommend...

• NOTE: This list is intended for city backpacking, not camping! Will put up a camping gear list/tips tomorrow.
• Save your money! The more money you've got, the longer your trip can last. Budgeting is also very important, and knowing how to save. Hostels are fantastic in this regard, as they are far cheaper than hotels are the shared accomodation/facilities is a great way to meet fellow travelers.
• Choose your pack carefully! Something you know you'll be comfortable with. Depending on your loadout, you can be carrying quite a bit of weight. If that's the case, a medium or large sized pack with an internal frame will do wonders.
• Carry a light source of some sort. I personally use a headlamp with adjustable brightness and a separate red light, which helps preserve night vision and won't disturb roomies in a hostel nearly as much. Believe me, during travel you'll be in many situations where having a light is very helpful, lol. Others items I highly recommend...
• A drawstring bag. This is fantastic for carrying around town when you have your big primary bag stowed away. They aren't bulky so they pack in quite nicely and if you get a bag with a bunch of pockets, it's usefulness is doubled.
• A notebook and pen. VITAL! Extremely versatile as there is usually something worth writing down whether it be directions, a shopping list, contact information, etc.
• A cigarette lighter. Even if you don't smoke. You'll find a use for it, believe me.
• Scissors. Again, you'll find a use for it.
• Comb. Enough said about that!
• Small, basic first aid kit. It helps to be prepared. I've found multiple uses for it, on myself and others.
• Extra socks. If you're going to have a spare of anything, this should be it...perhaps underwear as well. My clothes are pretty basic, my extras are essentially for warmth, not style. I've heard it said that an advantage of always being on the move is you don't need to dress differently everyday, haha. I personally dress for function, except a single shirt I carry for clubs. And a pony shirt. As far as warmth goes, a hat, gloves, and layers go a long way during this time of the year.
• Full hygiene kit. I carry shampoo, shower gel, a sponge, toothbrush/paste, floss, and deodorant. Really, really vital.
• Extra batteries for your phone. Keep them charged up and you can swap on the go.
• Edit: I carry a fixed blade myself for self-defense purposes. It really helps me feel safer, but it's important that you be ready to use. It can also have practical functions, though I haven't been in many situations where it was really useful. Never hurts to have one!
• & though I don't carry a multi-tool, it can possibly save you from a lot of trouble. One can never predict a dire situation, so having something like this can make all the difference.

There's much more to a loadout and people have different preferences, but those are some things I would never do without. I wouldn't say you need a travel guide to have a good time either. I find exploring cities and countries I know nothing or very little about to be a very enlightening/enriching experience. Simply wandering around will bring you some pretty crazy experiences, haha.

 

As far as safety goes...never wander around wielding technology or wearing headphones. It will only make you more of a target. Some countries are sketchier than others, but it's a good rule of thumb no matter where you are. Remain alert and your odds of having a good time are much better.

Edited December 2, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

I've done some backcountry camping. Most people dread the thought of carrying a few days worth of supplies through  the woods, but it is enjoyable, and the scenery is worth it. The only down side is that getting the gear to start up is bloody expensive, unless you know someone who can lend you stuff. Hopefully in the future I can afford to do it on a regular basis.

 

 

 

those are some things I would never do without

 

As far as safety goes

 

 

Don't forget a quality folding knife and good multi-tool. Sorry, I know it's your list, those are just good things to have everywhere.

[K.K. Slider 391]

Haha, it does get easier the longer you stay in the woods. The pack always gets lighter, never heavier, as you eat down your food supplies. I also feel like I slowly get tougher as the days and miles blend together...by the time I come out of the woods, I feel like Hercules! Especially after summiting a mountain. Going back to a nice bed and having regular showers afterwards makes me feel like I'm going soft.

 

You can do gear quite cheaply but I don't recommend it. I invested quite a bit in my own setup and I don't regret a thing! Never had any my gear break down or malfunction on me. I will be sure to compile a list tomorrow to give others an idea of what kind of stuff one would bring for a multi-day hike.

 

I do carry a knife, but couldn't recommend it to everyone unless they are prepared to use it in a self-defense scenario. It's indeed a fantastic tool, even without a multi-tool, though I honestly haven't had any notable situations where it was really useful. But it never hurts to be prepared, I'll add it to the list. I'm a bit finicky on pack weight and don't carry too many emergency/just in case items, but you can't go wrong with having them. Hiking deep in the woods can mean isolation from assistance for extended periods of time, so there's the philosophy of 'I'd rather have it and not need it, then need it and not have it'. Also great note on a quality product, something like that I wouldn't want to skimp on! Watch the movie '127 Hours' and it will really hit that point home, lol.

Edited December 2, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Frith is Magick 1,471]

 

 

You can do gear quite cheaply but I don't recommend it... I do carry a knife, but couldn't recommend it to everyone unless they are prepared to use it in a self-defense scenario.

 

 

An excellent point. Cheap gear is not worth it. Like I said, the best way to get stuff is to have friends or family with extra gear who you can borrow from until you have your own stuff. Of course this means that a decade down the road you will be the one lending extra gear to beginners, so bear that in mind. Even if you can afford everything, it is best to borrow or rent for the first hike or two, that way you don't sink in excess of $1000 just to find out it isn't for you.

 

A multi-tool is necessary anywhere, as a good one can save you from carrying a half dozen other items. People in the back-country are usually friendly, but if you are touring and in some sketchy areas, simply having a knife will not only make you look like less of a victim, but even with minimal training, it gives you an edge. Unless you are in a populated area, the blade on a multi-tool is usually sufficient.

[K.K. Slider 391]

Right on. I did extensive research as a newb before purchasing my primary gear components and found myself happy with it all, but what works for one doesn't always work for another. Your mileage may vary!

 

People in the back-country are usually friendly, but if you are touring and in some sketchy areas, simply having a knife will not only make you look like less of a victim, but even with minimal training, it gives you an edge. Unless you are in a populated area, the blade on a multi-tool is usually sufficient.

 

Appearance is a huge factor in being a victim; I dress accordingly and walk fast/aggressively on city streets. All bundled up, I look like somebody who might mug you, haha. I prefer a fixed blade for self-defense purposes as pulling out the blade on a multi-tool takes valueble time. I have a similar concern with switchblades. A fixed blade is ready to go in an instant; I can whip mine out in and make a stab in two seconds.

 

I made a post in the BronyCon 2014 thread regarding safety tips in Baltimore. It really applies to any large city though!

Edited December 2, 2013 by K.K. Slider

[Flutterbattyyy 331]

I LOVE backpacking and hiking! I also occasionally go mountain biking and car camping. Last year I went on 20 beautiful hikes, but this year I plan on doing much more backpacking. I'm hoping to do 6-7 backpacking trips this year, as well as 10+ day hikes and 2-3 mountain biking rides. I love being out in nature and exploring the backcountry. There's nothing like sitting on a rock and looking off to the vast expase of mountains, glaciers, and valleys. 

 

So far, I haven't done much backpacking; mostly day hikes. I've done 3 backpacking trips to date.

 

Collecting maps and guidebooks has become somewhat of a hobby of mine. Almost as much as I collect pony merch.

Here are my maps:

My Hiking Map Collection by fluttershyismagic, on Flickr

 

On a side note, I think it would be kinda cool to start a brony hiking forum/facebook group sometime to share hiking pictures. It could be called PonyvilleHikers, BronyHikers, or EquestriaHikers. 

Edited April 9, 2015 by FluttershyIsMagic

[Poetic Stone 1,041]

It has always been a dream of mine to backpack across Europe that is a dream I hope to fullfill in my lifetime.