Things I've been researching for my new interest, backpacking! (Special guest: exposure therapy!)

At least I think that's what it's called...

But yeah, I've been really interested in backpacking (both urban and wilderness) this past month especially. I usually like to keep things I'm learning to myself, because I feel like I need to be perfect in order to be accepted into a group. I know that's wrong, and I'm trying to unlearn it by talking my heart out on this site!

I really haven't been looking in the places I should, so I might come off as a noob. (I never really research properly lol) This post is pretty much just word-vomit, and I'm notoriously bad at explaining things, so feel free to come at me however you want. but here's what I've been looking at:

Nutrition

Nutrition is really important in any situation, but especially ones where you are going to be participating in strenuous activity. I've been looking at two things, mainly: Nutrition and shelf life.

Some things that I've found important nutrition-wise are salt (lost in sweat), sugar (needed for energy), hydration (duh) protein (good over all), and fiber/grain (keeps me full and not feeling sick). I've kind of learned what my body needs based on how I feel.

For shelf-life, I found a lot of dry items, like oats, farina, fruit, and jerky last for a while. Tea and coffee lasts for a while, and Honey should last forever unaltered, if you're looking for a pick-me-up in the cold, or just the morning. Another basic that lasts forever if pure is water. Water's always good to have, take more than you think you need.

Some good easy things to take are trail mixes (these things are my favorite. I buy them from Costco, but you can probably find them somewhere else.), and granola bars. If you have hot water, grains like those mentioned above are really filling, and have endless abilities for add-ins. If you're sweating a lot and struggling to regain electrolytes, I've heard you can down salt packets, or sports drinks like Gatorade can hydrate and replenish electrolytes at the same time.

 oh yeah... this is it...

This is mainly just fun lol. I use these in my everyday life, but I know I'd need something a bit bigger for actual wilderness situations. I've got some more survival oriented ones like my first-aid kit (I'll take some pics and show you with my pack tour post. Sorry for the wait on that, It's been a busy week!), and some fun ones, like my games tin, which has cards, chess, checkers, and tic-tac-toe. That one I can also show. These little kits are a hit whenever I take them out!

 My EDC first aid kit. What's inside? Who knows!

Obsessing over maps

Instead of social media, I've started scrolling Google Maps. (If there's a better alternative map application, I'd love to check it out. I'm trying to stop using so many Google products, the company skeeves me out) But yeah. I've been looking for hiking spots, and for more urban hikes, I've started marking bathrooms, supply stops, and places to rest. For a lot of my hikes, I start from my house and go on foot/by bike, so finding ways to get out of the MAZE that is suburbia without a car has been interesting...

 Like seriously, how're kids supposed to get anywhere? This place DEFINITELY branches off a minor highway...

Learning knots

Haven't made much headway here, but I've started... If you've got any good ones, let me know!

Old hobo/bushcraft tips

I've been obsessed with the Youtube channel Waypoint Survival. I know the tips on here aren't top of the line, but I find it entertaining and I take inspiration from it, with a modern spin of course. I've learned of some often missed parts of a long-term kit, such as hygiene products like soap and combs.

O.D.