Not only is backpacking a great way to get outdoors and see parts of a country you’ve never seen before, but it’s also a great way to relieve stress and have fun getting in shape. If you’ve never been twisted before, learning which weapons to use and how can seem like a daunting task, but don’t worry, you’ll be up and running in no time with this guide.
The first mistake I see any beginner make is too much armor and clothing. Too much gear means too much weight and you almost guarantee you won’t have a good time. Look at each item that you put in your pack and ask yourself “Do I really need to carry this with me?” Practice helps, but logically looking at the weight of your pack can really streamline your pack and literally lift your pace. I have always heard that a man can comfortably carry a quarter of his weight Anyone who ever thought this was true is crazy. body weight the weight of is 55 220 pounds. 55 pounds before and it’s no less comfortable. I try to keep my pack weight around 30 pounds, which includes food and water.
Backpack – capacity depends on the length of the trip. For this night we will not need more than 3200 cu. in. ability As the number of days (and nights) increases, so will the need for a larger pack. With many models of lightweight backpacks on the market these days, look for one that weighs a little but feels comfortable on your back. Before buying your pack, fill it with weight in the store, have sandbags available, try and walk around.
tent – It’s a great place to loose weight in your pack. Take a tent of suitable size for your group. If two people take a two-person tent. Lugging a six person hill in your pack tent is a sure way to learn to dislike backpacking. Before you leave, set up your tent so you know what to do on the reef and seal the seams of the flying rain with a commercial seal.
Sleeping Bag – This is an area of much controversy. However, I believe it is very simple. Manufacturers rate their comfort bags based on degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to understand that these ratings are completely subjective. My first trip into the Sierra’s I took a bag rated for 25 degrees, the night temperature rarely dropped below the mid 30’s, but I was freezing every night. From that point on, I’ve always rated the bag as several degrees cooler than I know it’s going to be. It’s a great addition to any sleeping bag. You can buy fleece liners that will add an additional 10 degrees of warmth to any bag. They weigh almost nothing and take up little room.
Boots – This is another area of controversy. The current thinking is that the ankle needs support while hiking. While this is true, boots are heavy and often uncomfortable. I only use the boots in three situations: 1) when I’m off-road hiking or bushwhacking. 2) When the weight of the package exceeds 35 pounds, 3) when I will be crossing streams and rivers, or whenever there is a potential for slippery places. The rest of the time we wear running shoes or shoes. Either way I usually have a pair of Tevas or Chocos with me as I always carry camping shoes.
The bedroom – This is one thing that should not be skipped. A nice thick self-inflating air mattress such as Therma-rest will help you sleep better, wake up refreshed and ready for hiking.
Clothes – This is the number one area I see for beginners. While this may be time dependent, I will make the assumption that most backpackers will take trips in the summer. I live in the Pacific Northwest where even during the summer the weather can be unpredictable and changeable at a moment’s notice; but I have spoken of certain general necessities of clothing. Things to always have with you include a rain jacket, rain pants, gloves and a jacket. Even if you don’t need a shirt, you can fold it up and use a pillow. One last thing to consider is that you’re sweaty and smelly, go with it. Getting a new pair of clothes every day is going to give you back pain. Instead, one pair of clothes to wear on day hiking and another to change into once at camp. If you camp near water (which you should), go in and wash off first. Wash your clothes and hang them to dry overnight.
Food – you bring yourself too much food, I still do. This is one difficult area to get right. It is assumed; the food is heavy. The best idea is to simply do less than you think you need. Also pack everything that is easy to eat i.e. requires little cooking. My favorite things range from trail mix, beef jerky, chocolate nuts, bagels and peanut butter to orange and apples There are many meats, such as pepperoni and dry salami, which are great for stocking and delicious treats alike.
Cooking Kick – If you follow number 7 above, this will not be necessary. I myself never take a stove, crock pot or food with me. Not only did I save some weight in my pack, but I never cook at night. It is better to never have protein. I simply snack through the night and spend the rest of the time taking pictures and enjoying the scene.
Water filter or purifier – There are so many choices on the market I won’t go into depth here. However, I will tell you this: one way or another, purify all the water you drink on the reef. There are bacteria, viruses and protozoa found in rivers from far away. Treat this threat by purifying water. As someone who has suffered gastro-intestinal accidents from drinking impure water, I can say it is much more valuable. clean your water rather than suffer the consequences.
Headlamp – Yeah they look dorky, but these are one of the simplest and best camping tools ever invented.
Camera – You want to remember your walk; Take the camera, keep it open and take as many pictures as you can, you will never regret it.
Book and/or Journal – Sometimes it will be dark before you are ready for bed, this way you can read and/or write while listening to the sounds of nature around you. I hope this list is useful to you. If you don’t have all of these gear, or budget to purchase, look into local outfitters in your area to rent gear. Conducting is a great way to use the equipment and figure out what you like and don’t like. It took me many, many trips back to the country to learn what I could take and what I could leave behind. Due to this process Now I find myself hiking with a lighter pack which allows me to enjoy myself more than focusing on lugging. push a quarter of my body weight. Remember, do frugally, do less, have fun and happy trails!
