It is so easy to fall in love with backpacking. Even those people who do not see themselves as outdoor persons can easily get hooked to this activity, which both brings you closer to nature and gives you a rush of adventure that you will hardly find anywhere.

Yes, if you have never tried this sport, it's about time that you do. But before you ring your friends and look for people who can be your backpacking buddies, read on to this list of things you need to know about backpacking. Knowledge on this can spell the difference between an enjoyable backpacking trip and one that you want to bury into oblivion forever.

1. Backpacking demands physical energy. With this said, it is imperative that you prepare yourself physically before you go into your backpacking quest. Exercise weeks before the trip by going jogging or biking. Biking is always the better option since you will be using the same muscles during biking as you would when hiking uphill. Exercising will build your stamina, increase your strength and make it easier for you to enjoy the trip.
2. You always have to keep yourself hydrated. During the trip, you will be perspiring a lot and it's easy to be dehydrated. Carrying sufficient water is important when you go backpacking.
3. Wise packing contributes largely to the success of the trip. Be sure that you load your pack in such a way that weight is evenly distributed on both sides and that the things you will constantly need like you bottle of water are placed in an accessible location.
4. Cheap backpacking gear can fail you in the middle of the trip. Rely only on high quality equipment such as backpacking tents , cookwareand lanterns. This will ensure that they will work out fine during the trip and will last a long time with you.
5. Focus and patience are important virtues of a backpacker.

1. Hiking boots can cause blisters. Instead, it's better to wear running shoes, which are more comfortable and less likely to cause blisters.
2. It's not enough that you bring a map and compass. You have to familiarize yourself with the map and be sure that you know how to use the compass.
3. You can get lost and be stuck in the middle of nowhere for days or weeks.
4. Learning a few survival skills can save your life. Knowing how to start a fire using sticks and stones, and learning what plants and insects are edible are just few of the many things that you have to know.
5. Respect for nature is of utmost importance.

With these things in mind, it's easy to have an enjoyable and memorable backpacking trip.