If You Want to Backpack This Year, Do This First
Most backpacking trips don’t fail on the trail. They fail long before boots hit the ground.
They fail because people wait until spring to think about:
routes
reservations
logistics
fitness
gear systems
By then, the best options are gone, and people end up planning around what’s left instead of what they actually want.
Here’s what I want you to do this week.
Step One. Start Paying Attention to Reservation Dates
Some Parks Canada reservations have already opened, and many more are opening this week. I'm talking to you, Newfoundland and Nova Scotia!
Provincial Parks use different systems. For example, New Brunswick Parks reservations have been postponed until March 3, Nova Scotia Parks reservations take place over two days in April, while BC Parks have a 3-month rolling reservation window. If a trail is not located in a federal or provincial park, you will need to search the trail website to determine exactly what you need.
Take some time to figure out where you would like to hike this year, if and where you should book either access permits or campsites, have some backup plans ready, and ensure you have the reservation dates correct. Organizing this information will give you options and confidence.
Step Two. Choose One “Reach” Goal and One “Realistic” Goal
Inside Empowered Backpacker, I teach this on purpose.
Your reach goal might be a multi-day route you’ve been dreaming about.
Your realistic goal might be a one or two-night trip that builds confidence.
Both matter. Both count. You do not have to be extreme to be a "backpacker".
What matters most is that you’re not waiting until May to start planning.
Step Three. Stop Guessing and Start Learning
You can start by searching the trail name to find websites, blogs and YouTube videos, which can give you important information about the trail.
If backpacking itself feels overwhelming, it’s not because you can’t do it. It’s because no one ever broke it down clearly for you. I know firsthand how many gear rabbit holes you can go down!
That’s exactly why I created Empowered Backpacker, a step-by-step program designed to help hikers move beyond day hikes and feel confident planning and completing backpacking trips safely and comfortably.
One participant shared:
“After participating in Empowered Backpacker I am ready to give it a go. Deb gave me the knowledge and encouragement to make my dream a reality.” ~ Pam