Why Do I Feel Sick After Backpacking?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking is an activity that many people enjoy, as it gives them the opportunity to explore nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Unfortunately, backpacking can also lead to feelings of sickness, which can be a major bummer. So why do people feel sick after backpacking?

The most common cause of feeling sick after backpacking is dehydration. When you’re on the trail, you can easily forget to drink enough water, especially when you are exerting yourself more than usual.

This can lead to dehydration, which in turn can cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, and generally unwell. It’s important to drink plenty of water while backpacking in order to avoid this feeling.

Another common cause of feeling sick after backpacking is altitude sickness. If you are hiking at a high elevation (over 8,000 feet), your body may not be used to the air pressure or lack of oxygen at that height, which can lead to headaches, nausea and other symptoms that feel like sickness. In this case, it’s important to give your body time to adjust by taking breaks and drinking lots of fluids.

Finally, food poisoning can also be a culprit when it comes to feeling sick after backpacking. While food poisoning is often caused by eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, it can also be caused by simply being out in the elements for too long without proper food safety precautions. Be sure to pack your food properly and keep it out of the sun or other sources of heat in order to prevent food poisoning.

Conclusion:

There are many potential causes for why someone might feel sick after backpacking – from dehydration and altitude sickness to food poisoning – so it’s important for backpackers to take the necessary steps such as drinking plenty of fluids and packing their food properly in order to stay safe on the trail.