Preparing for a backpacking trip is not as complicated as what most people think. In fact, you don’t have to be an expert on wilderness survival or anything to get the job done. What’s important is to learn the basics on what hiking equipments and outdoor tools to pack, how to pack, what to expect on your trip and how to ensure a safe trip. Here’s what you need to know:

A backpack is—and I know many will agree—the most convenient bag of all especially when it comes to hiking, and believe me, using one will save you from a lot of hassle. It’s better to have all your things packed in one bag, i.e. your backpack. This makes everything set in one piece. Choose a bag that is sturdy and will tolerate any weather condition. If yours is not waterproof, have it lined first with a plastic trash bag before stuffing it. Also, choose a bag that has lots of pocket compartments where you can organize all your essentials from clothes, to food, to medicines and toiletries. A bag with D rings where you can hang things like your Camera and tripod, MP3 player, water jug, etc is also recommended.

Food is important not just to keep your tummy from whining but also to give you all the energy you need. Bring a little more that what you think is enough. Though you’re just planning a 3-hour hike, you might encounter something interesting in the background making you spend extra time around in the woods for 5 hours. Something light but will keep you going like granola or powerbars should be considered. And needless to say, agua is vital. So never ever forget to take a litter or two with you.

Putting on the right gears gives you the protection you need. By right gears I mean boots obviously to protect your feet from possible cuts, a pair of wool socks and a fleece jacket to keep you warm, rain jacket or umbrella, gaiters, and clothes to wear back home.

Never forget your travel guide—a map that is. It’s one of the essential ingredients to knowing the terrain you’re on and to seeing what’s ahead of you. The other one is the compass. Learning to read both is important. Also, remember to mark your trails. You need all this for a very simple and clear reason: so you won’t get lost. Get it? Got it? Good.

Here are the other things that may seem little but will make a huge contribution to your hiking needs:

• A watch to keep track of time
• Knife kit or a multipurpose knife
• Strings and rubber bands
• A Flashlight and a lighter
• Garbage bags
• Pen and paper

These simple preparations will surely get you to a trouble-free hiking. Understand the basic and the rest will simply come naturally, eventually mastering the art of adventures in the wilderness. Enjoy and have a safe backpacking trip!