Backpacking Demands Physical And Mental Fitness

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Laurence_Pitts]Laurence Pitts
1. Let's consider first the environment you will be playing in. The areas I like most are remote for one. So, this means that I can't expect to yell out and get help immediately if I need it. The terrain is most of the time rough and rugged. So, a certain amount of extra physical exertion is required to just move about. My complete shelter from the elements is on my back and this also means extra weight to carry around just to survive. Depending on the time of the year you will have to plan on variables in you wardrobe.
CONCLUSION: You need to be physically fit to cope with unexpected situations. You are and will be (if you solo backpack) on your own while you are on the trail. Your physical body is your locomotive. Your physical fitness will determine at times whether a stumble or a slip will be just that... or a bad disabling fall. Fitness programs abound everywhere from the local Y to community centers. So, there is no excuse to not be in as good a physical shape as you can be.
2. Mental Fitness is just about as important as the physical fitness part of solo backpacking. This subject could take up a whole book. But, let's just skim on over the highlights of mental fitness and backpacking. First, as you backpack you will be dealing with an imperfect environment. Your day of backpacking can go along for hours with nothing much going on and then, something breaks, you get lost, a minor accident occurs and you are immediately thrown back to thinking of ways to cope.
CONCLUSION: You need to be mentally fit to cope with unexpected situations also. As you solo backpack you are all you have. Stress, fear and panic have no place in coping with the unforseen on a backpacking trip. Sure, you are out to enjoy and you need to turn your brain loose to enjoy and cope with being free with nature. But, your brain needs to also be engaged to the point where you are subliminally aware of your surrounding. Know kinda what's going on at all times.
Solo backing is more than buying a backpack and equipment and heading out to a remote area. Solo backpacking takes a degree of physical fitness so you will be able to cope with that 800' almost vertical switch-back. It will also take a degree of mental fitness so that the first point of uncertainty does not lead to panic or fear. To be able to take that mental step back and assess your situation demands a clear and healthy mind
Taking the time to prepare mentally and physically for a backpack trip to a wilderness area will make that trip safe and enjoyable.
Solo backpacking is my choice however, I don't recommend anyone beginning to backpack go solo. Join a backpacking club in your area and get some help learning the basics. Backpacking is a wonderful sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime. Accessories and guidelines for backpacking can be found at http://www.backpackingsurvivalkit.com
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