07Dec
| Pros of Backpacking | Cons of Backpacking |
| Experience nature on a different level | There is a lot of unexpected |
| Great way to leave stress behind | You are a long way from help |
| Good form of exercise | Isn't the most kid friendly atmosphere |
| Brings people closer together | It can be expensive |
Growing up, my family spent time each summer in the mountains. On three different occasions, we backpacked. I was under 11 years old for the first two trips and hated it. The third trip was when I was a teenager, and I loved it! From these experiences, I compile my pros and cons list.
Pros of Backpacking: What are the benefits of backpacking?
- You experience nature on a different level. There is something about backpacking through the outback that is reviving. We could go for hours at a time without seeing another person. We would see moose in a field off the trail. We would look at millions of stars, no longer covered by the city lights. These experiences were breathtaking.
- Backpacking is a great way to take a break from stress . No telephones. No social media. No stoplights. No modern stress.
- It is a great way to exercise. You can exercise without even realizing it is exercise!
- Backpacking helps bring people closer together. The world is crazy and full of distractions. While backpacking, these distractions are omitted, leaving hours for people to bond.
Cons of Backpacking: What are the downsides of backpacking?
- If you forget something, there is no turning back. When setting up camp the first night, there is no going back for matches, toilet paper, silverware, etc. You have to make do AND go without.
- You can have a lot of the unexpected happens when in the wild. We were miles along when a storm hit. It was freezing, and there was lightning, and I was soaked. My last memory of that day was my teeth chattering as I tried to get warm next to my sister. I thought I was going to die of hypothermia. I was so miserable!
- You are a long way from help. You are far from medical attention, should you get dehydrated or tear an ACL.
- It isn't the most kid-friendly atmosphere. My mom was so excited to go backpacking that I was around seven years old during our first trip. I HATED IT! I was so tired and miserable! I probably complained 99% of the time.
- It can end up being expensive. I compiled a list of a few items you may want to purchase and example of prices based on amazon's pricing in 2022. Note : This list mainly contains items that a first time back packer should consider buying. There are more things that a backpacker should consider bringing!
What can I expect to pay for Backpacking Basics?
| Item | Brand/ Lower Price | Brand/ Higher Price |
| Backpacking Backpack | Teton Sports Scout 3400 Internal Frame Backpack/ $82.46 | Osprey Renn 65/ $180 |
| Tent (2 person) | Bissina/ $65.99 | Kazoo/$129.90 |
| Backpacking Sleeping Bag | Oustule Sleeping Bag/ $27.99 | Hyke and Byke Sleeping Bag/$129.97 |
| ax (for chopping up firewood) | AceCamp Ax/ $14.99 | Gerber Pack Hatchet/ $31.97 |
| Backpacking Cooking Set | G4Free 19PCS Camping Cookware/$34.99 | Odoland 16 pc camping cookware set/$48.99 |
| Bear Spray | Mace Brand Maximum Strength Bear Spray/ $31.49 | Udap Bear Spray/$39.99 |
| First Aid Kit | First Aid Kit/ $14.95 | Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight watertight/ $21.49 |
| Flashlight | High-Powered LED Flashlight S3000/ $14.44 | NEBO Slyde Rechargeable Flashlight/ $46.69 |
| Water Filter | Waterdrop Gravity Water Filter Straw/$29.59 | Katadyn Hiker Pro Transparent Water Filter/$66.04 |
| TOTAL | $316.89 | $695.04 |
"Our goal is to help the world make decisions with a list of Pros and Cons. We invite all to add to our lists to help others make the most educated decision possible. We are all in this world together to help each other and learn from what others have learned from their lives journey." - Pros and Cons Team
Written by: Kristen
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