February 2026 - Backpacking - Beyond the Basics!
- scouttroop899mb
- 2 days ago
- 8 min read
Written by: Adam Riedel, Scoutmaster Troop 899
Backpacking is a whole different type of camping. Backpacking is not something you just decide one day to do if you have never camped before. It is one thing to go “glamping” as a first timer, but really embracing the backpacking experience takes some forethought and planning. One does not simply walk into the backcountry unprepared.
Let’s start by discussing some of the major differences between the camping our Troop traditionally does, compared to Backpacking.
The biggest difference between camping and backpacking is in how you get to the spot where you are spending the night. Traditionally, we drive our vehicles right up to the campsite, empty out the trunk, and set up within a few feet of the drop-off location. When we go backpacking, we have to walk, sometimes a long way, to get to the campsite for a night. When we go backpacking, we are normally more than a 30-minute walk from the nearest road or safety vehicle access point.
Because of this, our backpacking trips are classified as high-adventure trips. The BSA requires certain things to allow Scouts to attend events of this nature. All Scouts wishing to attend a backpacking trip must be at least 13 years old, have achieved 1st Class rank or higher, and have completed the First Aid merit badge.
During our Traditional camping, it doesn’t really matter how much gear you bring, but when backpacking, you are required to carry EVERYTHING. Trust me, it gets heavy, and when you do this more than once, you find ways to cut weight as quickly as you can when you realize how heavy extra things can be. There are backpackers I know that are so weight-conscious, they cut their toothbrush in half and dry out drops of toothpaste onto foil instead of even taking a mini tube of toothpaste. While I’m not that aggressive, I do recommend that you pay very close attention to what you have and don’t have.
You could say that the difference is “Home Comforts” vs “Roughing It”. When our Troop camps, we have complex cooking stations, coolers to keep our food cold, a trailer to deliver our canopies, and even dutch ovens when we want them. When we backpack, we use ultralight-weight stoves, no coolers, dried foods, etc. This is a very different approach and one that takes planning and learning new skills.
Drinking water. We have full access to drinking water just about every location our Troop camps. We turn a faucet handle, and safe drinking water pours out. When we go into the backcountry, it isn’t so easy. We have to find water where we can. Sometimes that is a spring, sometimes a stream, sometimes a lake, sometimes something less exciting. We have to filter and/or boil our water to make it drinkable.
You also need to put a strong consideration into your “Big Three.” Between my personal experience and the help of Mr. Doug and Ms. April, there is a “Big Three” gear guide towards the bottom of this blog as well. A couple of highlights. Lightweight is great, but you have to balance that against cost. There is something called the “Law of Diminishing Returns”, and that truly applies to backpacking gear. Another important consideration is to start using your gear. Load up that backpack and carry it on a walk around your neighborhood. Get a feel for how it fits and where it creates “hot spots” so we can adjust it ahead of time.
Important to note: Scouts will need to bring their own food for these events, but there are plenty of freeze-dried options at Walmart or Bass Pro Shops, or other creative, less expensive options. The Troop supplies the cooking equipment (stove, gas, pots), and water filters. The Scouts need to provide food, utensils, water bottle.
The last item I’ll discuss is the level of physical fitness required to have a successful trip. During our traditional camping trips, we can sit, relax, and get back to it when we feel better. Backpacking isn’t quite as friendly. There might not be a place to sit down, and you are still carrying ALL of your stuff. Because of that, I am including a few exercises for you to work on at home that will have a positive impact on our upcoming trip.
All of these exercises are body-weight exercises that require no additional workout gear besides what you already have. Completing these exercises at least 2 times per week will strengthen your body to better handle carrying the weight of your pack and gear, as well as your ability to walk on a non-surfaced trail and up and down hills.
Squat Jumps - 3 Sets of 8, rest 20 seconds
Stand with your hips shoulder-width apart.
Hinge at the hips and knees to squat down until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Push your butt back and don’t allow your knees to pass in front of your toes.
Press into your feet and jump as high as you can, raising your hands toward the ceiling, then immediately drop back down into a squat when your feet land. Repeat.
Tip: Land on the balls of the feet to absorb the impact of the fall.
Single-Leg Glute Bridges - 3 Sets of 10, rest 20 seconds
Lie on your back with your arms at your sides, palms down.
Bend your right leg and place the right foot flat on the floor in front of your buttocks. Extend and raise the left leg straight ahead.
Drive through the right heel and squeeze the glutes to raise your hips high into the air. Lower your hips to return. Complete all 10 reps with your left leg raised before switching sides.
Tip: If this is too strenuous with one leg extended, perform the exercise with both feet on the floor.
Dead Bugs - 3 Sets of 8, rest 15 seconds
Lie on your back with your knees bent in the air at a 90° angle and your arms stretched toward the ceiling.
Push your lower back into the floor and extend your left leg so it is parallel with the ground. Simultaneously lower your right arm to the floor above your head. Return to starting position and repeat using alternate limbs.
Tip: Use your breath. Exhale as you lower your limbs to the floor, then inhale as you bring them back to the starting position.
Split Squats - 3 Set of 8, rest 20 seconds
Start in a half-kneeling position with your right knee on the ground and your left foot flat on the floor in front of you. Your right toes should be engaged, ready to stand. Make sure your left knee is directly over your left foot.
Place your hands on your hips and keep your spine neutral.
Press through your left heel to push upward until your front leg is fully extended.
Slowly lower yourself down until your right knee is on the ground. Repeat all reps, then perform on other side.
Tip: Keep your chest raised and open to avoid collapsing inward and rounding the back.
Single-leg Deadlifts - 3 Sets of 8 (each side), rest 20 seconds
Stand with your feet together. Lean forward slightly and shift all your weight onto your right foot. Allow a small bend in your right knee.
Keeping your back and left leg straight, press your left heel backward and up toward the ceiling. Simultaneously hinge forward at the hip until your torso is parallel to the floor and reach your arms toward the ground. Don’t twist or open your hips to the side.
Pause for one second, then return to standing by engaging your glutes and hamstrings.
Tip: If you’re unable to bring your torso and raised leg parallel to the floor, it’s likely caused by tight hips. Continue to perform this exercise to build strength and mobility.
Push-Ups - 3 Reps of 10-15, rest 20 seconds
Begin in a plank position with your hands directly beneath your shoulders and your toes curled under. Keep your arms, back, and legs straight.
Bend your elbows to lower down until your nose is a few inches from the floor, keeping your elbows tucked in and your back and hips neutral.
Straighten your arms to push up until they’re fully extended. Repeat.
Tip: You can increase the intensity by slowly descending to the floor then pushing up as quickly as possible.
Side Plank - 3 Sets of 10 (each side), rest 20 seconds
Start by laying on your side and placing your bottom elbow directly beneath your shoulder with your forearm on the floor. Stack your legs or bend your lower knee 90°.
Engage your core, glutes and legs as you lift your hips off the floor to form a straight line from your head to your feet. Hold for 5 seconds. Complete all reps, then perform on the opposite side.
Tip: To make sure your hips aren’t sagging, tighten your core as if bracing for a punch.
If you are willing to make the time to do these exercises two or three times per week, you will be physically prepared to handle the strains that backpacking has to offer. Being prepared physically will ensure you get a chance enjoy the trip and all the positive new experiences that backpacking has to offer.
“Big Three” Gear Guide
Base Weight: The combined weight of everything on your packing list, excluding consumables (food, water, and fuel). Consumables are excluded because they vary based on trip duration and weather conditions.
Lightweight backpacker: Carries a base weight of less than twenty pounds.
Ultralight backpacker: Carries a base weight of less than ten pounds.
*Keep your base weight to twenty pounds and total weight below thirty pounds
“The Big Three”
Packs: Light packs can be really comfortable as long as you don’t overload them! A pack should have an empty weight between 5 - 8 lbs., with most of the gear weight arranged close to the body and supported by your hips.
Sleep System: A sleep system is a combination of a pad and a sleeping bag rather than the individual parts. The sleeping pad makes for a more comfortable night’s sleep in two important ways. It provides padding from the ground, but more importantly, it also provides insulation. The dead air space created by the loft in your sleeping bag provides lots of warmth, but when you lie on it, you temporarily crush all the loft and corresponding insulation. That’s where the sleeping pad comes in to save the night’s sleep. Think of it this way… the pad insulates from the bottom, and the sleeping bag insulates from the top.
Sleeping pad R-value:
• Summer: 1 – 3
• 3-Season: 3 – 5
• Winter/4-Season: 5+
Shelter: Freestanding tents are the most popular but also the heaviest option. That said, they are way lighter than they were even 10 years ago. I’ve seen tents weigh as much as 3 lbs, but a good freestanding tent that is inexpensive should be between 5-7lbs. What makes a tent freestanding is the ability to pitch it without having to stake it out in order to keep the tent upright. Tarps and other non-freestanding shelters can be great, lighter-weight options, but keep in mind that staking is a must, and set-up will go much more smoothly if you aren’t trying to do it by yourself. Similarly, hammocks can be a great option, but again, there are limitations. You need to find trees the right distance apart or carry extra rop,e which may offset the weight saved by ditching the tent. I prefer a freestanding tent due to the ease of setup and the ability to get all my gear inside and out of the weather.
Understanding Sleeping Bag Insulation Types
Your insulation choice is an important first step in choosing a sleeping bag for backpacking. The chart below lists the key differences between down and synthetic fills.
Insulation Type | Key Benefit |
Down | Lightweight Easy to compress Excels in cold, dry conditions Durable |
Synthetic | Quick drying Insulates when wet Non-allergenic |
Examples of “Big Three” Gear
Where to buy the gear:
I know this is a lot of information, and it can be overwhelming, so don’t hesitate to ask questions. Please ask before you make a purchase. We are here to help!
This is one of my favorite trips of the year. I can’t wait to take another trip with those of you who can go. We are going to have a great time in a new environment and share some new experiences.
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