5 TIPS FOR the FIRST TIME BACKPACK HUNTER
In this blog I would like to share some quick tips for those wanting to backpack hunt for the first time.
Base camp at vehicle
If you’re a little nervous about your first backpack mission there is an option to set up a base camp at the car with all the extra things you need to have piece of mind out there. From there range out a few kilometres and set up your spike camp. If the hunting is good and you have enough supplies, you will find yourself staying out an extra night as your confidence grows. The beauty of doing this is that if something goes astray you’re not far from the car and your extra supplies.
Tell someone at home exactly where you’re planning to be and when
No matter how experienced you are, it is always a good idea to share your plans with someone at home. Show them where you are roughly planning to be and when. They should also know when to expect you home. If you get mobile phone reception on the hunt it is good to update them with changes or let them know the plan is still on track.
Share the experience
It is always good to have someone else with you on a backpacking trip. You can bounce ideas off each other and the sense of being alone in the middle of nowhere is diminished greatly. Two people can carry more gear than one so if you’re clever in the way you pack, you will get much more supplies out there with you.
Don’t bite off more than you can chew
Until you have the confidence in your gear and your mindset, don't feel like you need to push so far into the bush to get results. Take your time. Be realistic in your abilities and try not to travel too far in one go.You have everything you need on your back so if you need to stop before you get to where you planned, so be it. You can always pack camp up again the next morning and reach your destination a couple of hours later than planned. Better that than not arriving because you've done yourself a mischief.
Stay near water
You will run out of water, it is almost impossible to carry enough for a multi day pack hunt. To combat this, it is always good to remember where water was or plan to camp near water so you have a constant supply to drink. Don’t forget your choice of filtration system to eliminate any bacteria.
A pack hunt is one of the most gratifying experiences you can undertake in the modern world, I live for it. If you need help planning a trip or would like more information please feel free to contact me, I will be happy to share my knowledge with you.