Can’t Backpack Right Now - 7 Things You Can Do Instead

Ok, if you are like me right now with the pandemic, watching your hiking plans evaporate for the time being, wondering when you will be able to hike again, here’s some things you might do to lessen the hiking blues.

1. Get outside anyway. Even if it’s landscaping like planting, starting veggie containers, walk the dog or walk yourself in parks or other areas that are open. It's important to get out for mental and physical wellness. Sunshine and fresh air are necessary. Exercise as best your can.

2. Take the time now to do a gear inventory. Start sorting out your gear closet to give away or sell. There are many used gear places to sell gear on the Web and on Facebook. Some require you to sign up.

Gear trade 

Backpacking Light Used Gear Forum 

White Blaze Gear forum 

On Facebook : Bearfoot’s Hiking Gear Flea Market 

Backpacking Gear Flea Market 

Give away used gear in good condition to needy local scout troops or other youth groups in the area. 

3. Throw out gear that is not usable. Expired food, medicines. Other unnecessary items. Make a list of what you may need in the coming months for your trip.Take time to scan the Internet for updates to your gear. Check out hiking forums for what’s good and what’s not.

4. Take out some maps and books and decide where you want to venture when trails open. See what time you have this year for a hike. Start nurturing those hiking dreams. Or read other adventures out there - I  have books out on the AT and the Florida Trail!  

5. If you have a dehydrator, its fine to start dehydrating some foods and creating recipes. They can safely be stored in your freezer until you are ready to go. Check out forums for backpacking recipes.

6. Check out some interesting hiking movies out there. Some out there right now like what the Backpacker Magazine Poll says about fav and not so fav hiker movies. 

7. Be a part of online hiking forums and in social media. There are many new faces out there who want to learn from those who have been there. Use your experiences to help others discover the treasure of hiking. But please, don't debate other plans or disrespect or argue with fellow hikers. Now is the time to support. Be a friend of the trail and of other fellow hikers. We all need it right now! And if you are feeling real blue, please call a friend. Don't drown it in alcohol and drugs which will make things worse. Stay positive and focused.   

The good thing is, the trails will still be there as will some great hiking when the opportunity comes again. And it will...