Mini Backpacking Trips

Mini Backpacking trips have become one of my favorite ways of getting out and enjoying a little nature with out totally impacting my schedule. With COVID 19 the shop was closed for a couple months and the travel was definitely cut down and it still kind of is with trying to get everything going again down here.

So, in comes the micro backpacking trip, and what do I mean by this well here is what I mean… it is more about a time frame than a specific location or distance. What I’m looking to do is get in a decent hike and an overnight trip in about 12-18 hours. I have found focusing on the time helps me gets back to help around the shop and square away my gear and still relax a bit before getting back to work. Now don’t get me wrong there is nothing better than getting back from the sierras at midnight on a Sunday with a full week of work ahead of you but sometimes it is nice to scratch the nature itch without a full weekend commitment.

Another reason these short trips into the Cleveland National Forrest are great is because they are easy, like I’m not going to die I can eat a burrito in town and only need to bring some snacks. So, one of the great things about this is you don’t need a lot of gear or planning, like I leave with a backpack, sleeping pad and sleeping bag, water and everything else is gravy. SO, this is a great and simple way to work on your gear load and test stuff out etc.

And why do I feel so comfortable on these trails, easy I have already day hiked them or the area and have a pretty good feeling about what I need for it, so I just add overnight gear. Why you might ask, well a lot of these areas look a lot different at night it is a cool experience and with the summer heat it is a good way to get a hike in without overheating. By starting the late afternoon/early evening you beat the heat have some light and can enjoy a night out, around here there is usually a marine layer in the am, so you also get to hike out under that which is nice.

I also think these type of hikes are great for me to get off the couch and back into hiking, a lot of times in my past I have bitten off a little more than I can chew so this type of hike is a great warm up and prep for future trips as well as a great opportunity to get friends who are new to backpacking out on the trail. So, if you like what you read check it out find a place you can camp and go day hike it then turns it into an overnight trip you might find it to be a very different and rewarding trip. If you have any questions or ideas shoot us an email, we are happy to help.