Are you planning to head off into the back country for an adventure? Perhaps you will park your vehicle and portage with a canoe off into one of the last bastions of U.S. wilderness: The Boundary Waters, which are made up of a network of waterways and bogs on the border between Ontario and Minnesota. Or, you may prefer camping out along one of the legs of the 2,181-mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail in the eastern U.S.

Hiking up and down hills and mountains, trekking through towns, and crossing rivers requires careful planning. Follow some of our tips to help you enjoy being a millennial pioneer.

Four Key Rules to Follow Before Your Journey Begins

1. After organizing all of your gear for backpacking and wilderness travel, be sure to become familiar with all your gear--from tents to cook stoves--before leaving.
2. Check the weather forecast for the dates that you plan to travel and be prepared for inclement weather, such as thunderstorms, extreme heat, strong winds, and more.
3. Before you head off on any backpacking excursion, you'll want to register with the closest ranger station, especially if you are packing in a national park. Also, ask the rangers about securing any necessary permits.
4. An absolute must: break in your boots to avoid blisters before the trip.

Basic Packing List
You may want to conduct research online to help identify basic equipment for backpacking expeditions in different regions of the country. Essentials will most likely include: an appropriate weight and level sleeping bag for the climate you will be facing and a tent that suits the of your camping party and hiking group and budget needs.

Beyond the Essentials
Below is a checklist of items that are good to carry when traveling on foot in unknown territory:

• A well-stocked First Aid kit with emergency medical supplies
• Baby wipes for hands and hygiene
• Moleskin adhesive pads to prevent blisters
• Duct tape that is strong, flexible and weather-resistant
• A magnetic compass, maps with brightly marked routes, and a GPS, plus a cell phone with GPS app
• Compact camper's weather radio
• Waterproof matches, a lighter, and/or fire starter
• Sunscreen and bug repellent for mosquitoes, flies, gnats and other wilderness creatures
• A multi-purpose jackknife tool with a small saw, scissors, tweezers, and any other utility aids
• Water bottles and a chemical to purify water
• Extra food beyond your daily needs
• High-quality rain gear and flexible, lightweight waterproof boots
• Waterproof pack cover
• Hat and sunglasses
• A headlamp with extra bulbs and batteries

How to Pack
The trick in packing for hiking and wilderness travel is to make whatever you carry as light as possible.  Lightweight specialty camping items such as efficient, small stoves may cost more but really pay off when you're packing and climbing for several hours. If you're using a backpack with an internal frame, place heavier items close to the middle of the pack. Heavier items should be placed at the bottom of external backpacks. It's a good idea to pack a more cumbersome tent near the top so it's easily accessible. Another tip: use compression bags for bulky items such as a sleeping bag or sweaters and rain gear.

Safety
Staying dry is one of the keys to staying comfortable, especially on trips in colder weather. Sometimes it's key to survival. Dress in layers and opt for synthetic fabrics instead of cotton; they'll wick away moisture and dry more quickly. It's also good to be prepared on how to best deal with an unexpected confrontation with wild animals, reptiles or even insects. Avoid surprise encounters with snakes by rustling vegetation with a stick as you walk. Keep all food you carry in a waterproof bear bag that you hang on a tree branch away from your campsite. It's also advisable to keep toothpaste or other scented or edible items outside of your tent. One final reminder: remember to stay hydrated and drink water often.

Pack it in; Pack it Out--Recycle
Carry trash bags with you in your pack to bring your trash home and pick up any refuse you may find along trails or near camp sites. Keeping the wilderness and our national parks clean is good for nature and for all travelers. It also is a way to respect our planet Earth.