Backpacking – Enjoy fresh air and views to die for

Backpacking is a pastime that brings you closer to the countryside and in ways a casual trip out cannot.

Enjoyed by millions of people the world over, Backpacking is experienced by individuals of all ages and from all walks (no pun intended) of life.

Backpacking is a sport offering a near continuous range of options and is therefore well suited to most everyone irrespective of physical fitness. If you’re among those less fit then take things easy at first and only take on more challenging journeys once you are in a more conditioned state of fitness – in other words don’t kill your interest right at the start by over doing it and suffering (unnecessarily) as a result. It takes time to train those rarely used muscle groups to the ‘new’ ranges of movement.

Look around the local region as there are are often one or two clubs where like minded people get together to discuss walking destinations and shared experiences. They are a great place to get the inside track on places you have perhaps never even considered before. Most groups organise group trips where transport costs can be shared and apart from cost savings there is the added advantage of walking with people sharing your interests and ambitions.

It is relatively inexpensive to get started so save your dollars until you are well established with just one exception – Footwear.

Do always invest in quality footwear that is designed to do the job, protect your feet and support your ankles over what at times can be very variable ground, then as your involvement with the outdoors continues to grow, start investing in making the whole experience a safer and more comfortable one for you and your family. By then you will have more experience yourself and be in a better position to make appropriate choices that fit well with you preferred walking range and level.

Backpacking is a great sport, enjoyed by many – so why not join in and begin to experience the world from a new perspective.