Backpacking is not an easy task. It requires a lot of endurance, resilience, and dedication. When backpacking, one of the most essential things is to be prepared for the unexpected. You may face many challenges while backpacking like inclement weather, getting lost, shortage of food and water, or injury. But the real test of a backpacker’s character is not facing the challenge, it lies in overcoming it. In this article, we will share some stories of inspiring backpackers who overcame the challenges on the trail.
One of the most significant challenges while backpacking is getting lost. Elisabeth Brentano, a travel photographer, and writer, faced this challenge while hiking alone in the Andes Mountains of Peru. She had planned a trek to Rainbow Mountain and had a GPS with her. But due to bad luck, her GPS stopped working, and she got lost on the trail. Brentano stayed calm and used her survival skills to find her way back to the base camp. She followed the river and looked for signs of human activity. After walking for hours, she finally found a small village where she could rest and recharge.
Another common challenge is a shortage of food and water. Marinel de Jesus, a solo backpacker, endured this challenge while hiking across the West Highland Way in Scotland. She had miscalculated her food intake and ran out of food on the second day of the hike. But instead of giving up, she pushed herself further and managed to survive on berries and small water streams. She also encountered the challenge of walking through a bog, but she navigated her way out of it with her determination and courage.
Injuries are also a common challenge while backpacking. Kristin Addis, a travel writer, and blogger, faced this challenge while crossing a river in Nepal’s Himalayas. She stepped on a loose rock and twisted her ankle. Despite the swelling and excruciating pain, she refused to give up, and her guide x-rayed her ankle and provided the necessary first aid. She rested for a day and then continued her trek to the Everest Base Camp with her guide’s assistance.
In conclusion, backpacking is not just about enjoying nature; it is also a test of physical and mental strength. The challenges one may face while backpacking can be daunting, but it’s important to remember that difficult times are temporary, and with the right mindset and skills, one can overcome them. The stories of Brentano, de Jesus, and Addis are proof of this, and they inspire us to keep going no matter what challenges we face on the trail.
