I’m going to share with you my journey on how I got from zero to where I am today, as well as how to plan a backpacking trip and what to bring. If you have thought about backpacking but is intimated by it or never had a chance to do it, I hope to bring you some inspirations to make your first step.

1. 65-liter adventures
Yingying Zhang

2. “adventures”

4. my friend Yalu on John Muir Trail (credit: www.tinyranger.org)

5. my friend Yalu on John Muir Trail (credit: www.tinyranger.org)

6. the journey

7. 1st trip:: Angel Island

9. 2nd trip:: Angel Island (Again!)

11. more trips ...

12. Yosemite National Park

13. Point Reyes National Seashore

14. Lake Tahoe

15. next up?

16. plan your backpacking trip

17. Short or long?
Backpacking or camping?
know when, where, how long you are going

18. 1. Check weather
2. Book your campsite, get permit
3. Know the map, environment, animals
4. Bring enough to eat, drink, wear
do your due diligence

19. 10 essentials (REI checklist)
1. Navigation (map and compass)
2. Sun protection (sunglasses and sunscreen)
3. Insulation (extra clothing)
4. Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
5. First-aid supplies
6. Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candles)
7. Repair kit and tools - e.g. duct tape
8. Nutrition (extra food)
9. Hydration (extra water)
10. Emergency shelter

20. 1. Comfortable shoes, outfits
2. Bug protection
3. Travel with a companion
4. Find your creativity outlet
5. Time yourself and track routes
also recommended...

21. use resources around you
1. Books, YouTube, Classes (REI)
2. Apps (Hiking Project, AllTrails)
3. Meetup (Training)
4. Friends (Stories & Gear Share)

22. KEEP
CALM
and
ADVENTURE
ON