For many, when you say, “Camping,” they say, “Yeah, I go camping.” If you say, “Backpacking,” they might say, “Huh?” Backpacking is an excellent adventure. The definition of backpack from “The Random House College Dictionary” follows: 1) A pack or bundle of supplies to be carried on one’s back, often supported on a metal frame strapped to the body. 2) A trip or outing requiring such a pack.
It is important to realize when preparing for a backpacking adventure that one takes into account the geography of the proposed trip. I personally focus on trips in the Adirondack Mountains primarily because they are close to my home. It is important when planning to back pack that you become knowledgeable of your equipment. It is also important to become knowledgeable of geography, wildlife, and plant life in the area of your expedition.
Anything which may be called an adventure has its inherent dangers and knowledge may be the best tool to remain safe and aware of your surroundings. Take precautions to remain safe at all times. Take time to think of the implications of each action you take during your trip. It may save you from a costly mistake.
Preparing for a back packing adventure is the most important process to ensure a positive back pack experience. If you are new to back packing don’t try to go out on a twenty mile expedition. Search for a trail that is between one and two miles from the road. Get a topographical map of the area. Here is a resource which will help: http://ask.usgs.gov. It is also beneficial to buy a trail guide which often gives more details of the type of trail it is, how difficult the trail is and other useful information. It is also recommended that one purchase a compass. Buying these items is almost necessary to be properly prepared however learning to use them is even more imperative. If you can’t figure out how to use map and compass it would be a good idea to go with a more experienced hiker on one’s first adventure.
After choosing the location of your adventure it is important to note weather or not there is water available. Be careful to read notes on sources of water like rivers and streams as some of these sources may be seasonal. Even if there is water available it must be treated before it is potable. There are many methods which are available. Be sure to research what feels right to you. You can boil water, use chlorine bleach, or iodine to purify your water. Be sure to bring instructions on water purification if you are not absolutely familiar with the process you intend to use. Water born ailments are more common in back packing than most other injuries which may arise.
Being prepared and knowledgeable in basic first aid is very important. If you are allergic to bees or other sources of anaphylactic shock, be sure to carry epinephrine. If you take medication on a regular basis be sure to bring a supply which extends beyond your actual planned trip in case of emergencies which may arise. Any basic first aid kit carries a number of supplies which may be useful for minor ailments or injuries. With the availability of technology like GPS and cell phones it would be imprudent not to carry something of this sort in case of emergency. Know were local ranger stations are and have a list of phone numbers ready in case of emergency.
Personal clothing is very important. Check the weather forecast in planning for clothing needs. Although the ultimate packer may invest in high end light weight clothing this is not as important as choosing clothing which will protect against the elements. Most clothing needs may already be available to you in your closet.
Socks are the most important clothing to a hiker. If you don’t protect your feet you will not be very successful on your back packing adventure. You must carry enough pairs of socks to keep the feet clean and dry. There are varying opinions on how many pair of socks to bring. Some say three is enough no matter how long the expedition. I personally bring two pair per day.
Long underwear is a good idea to bring along. Traditionally wool is an excellent choice. There are also a number of synthetic wicking underclothes which often comes in warm and cold weather varieties. The importance of long underwear even in summer months should not be underestimated. Even if they are not worn during the day they make great pajamas.
Shorts and pants are both good to bring. When selecting pants for pack packing it is best to have durable, light weight, fast drying qualities. Usually I pack two pair of pants even though some say two is not needed.
With shirts it is important to have adequate layers. Usually I will bring two or three t-shirts, a long sleeve shirt, a sweatshirt and a jacket. Layering is important because it is important to stay warm as it is important to stay cool. Neglecting to bring layers may have you to cold or to hot at any given situation.
Wet weather clothing should be carried. It’s worth buying high end light weight rain gear that might run in the hundreds however it can also be purchased for around twenty dollars for a jacket and ten to fifteen for pants. Emergency rain gear may also be purchased for under ten dollars.
Hiking boots should not be bought just before the camping trip. I know someone who has done this and come out with very soar feet after only a mile or two. They should be waterproofed. I personally find military boots to be an excellent choice because I have several pair. Boots come in lighter styles for summer or dessert and heavier style for winter. Different treads are made for different geography. There are a lot of variables when it comes to boots so be sure to do research. If there are two things you shouldn’t try to save money on it’s boots and socks.
Accessory clothing may be preferential or necessary during certain seasons. Hats, gloves, scarves, sun glasses and similar items may fall into this category. Accessory clothing items may be more necessary given varying hobbies like, fishing, photography and hunting. Further these items may be necessary during certain seasonal expeditions.
Food choice is important. Foods should not require refrigeration. They should also be relatively durable. While I have known some people to bring bananas, eggs or even steak on back packing trips it is important that precautions should be taken. The quality of food to be taken on a back packing trip is important. Chosen foods should be high in nutrition and energy supply. Nutritional and caloric needs are greater while back packing than just sitting around the house. Food plays a big part in the style of back packing you choose to do. Some people bring canned goods; others bring dried goods; others may bring fresh produce; others may forage fish or hunt (be sure to know hunting seasons and if hunting, fishing or foraging is legal on state lands).
I normally pack the following foods when I prepare to back pack: trail mix, oats, apples, oranges, potatoes, onions, carrots, bagels, peanut butter, cheese (usually used within 3 days), fast cooking lentils and spices (pepper salt cinnamon cumin chili powder etceteras). Sometimes for the dinner meals I bring dried food dinners. These types of dinners usually only require boiling water and often come as rice or pasta dishes. Sometimes I also bring instant soup packets which are excellent as snacks or lunches. When preparing food for back packing it is a good idea to know exactly how many meals will be eaten and what they will be so that you don?t end up hungry before hiking for home.
When choosing equipment for back packing, it is a good idea to follow a list so that you won’t forget an imperative item. The most obvious equipment includes a back pack, sleeping bag and tent. I like to carry a tarp to tie above the tent entrance so that I can sit outside while it is raining.
For cooking food or boiling water a fuel source and stove are necessary. Don’t count on being able to make a fire. During drought seasons their may be restrictions. Pot and pan sets for camping are usually made for the number of persons in a party. I usually like to bring a coffee mug with a lid because many times camping cups are small and easily spilled. . It is a good idea to carry a bag which food can be stored in as well as hung over a tree branch while not being used.
For land navigation trail guide, map, compass, GPS, pencil and protractor are good ideas. It’s also a good idea to understand how to use map and compass before starting out. It isn’t always necessary to be an expert but if your not be sure to pick easy, well marked trails for your adventure.
For first aid a standard first aid kit should cover most minor bad fortunes. Survival kits are good to carry. Small survival kits may come in a box about the size of a deck of cards and are easily ordered on-line or in a camping supply shop. Hygiene items to carry are toilet paper, tooth brush and paste. Some people carry soap and shampoo, I refrain from these items as I deem them as excessive on such trips. It is a good idea to bring sunscreen and bug spray. I opt out of both items because they are generally toxic and irritate my skin. Light, long sleeve clothing is natural protection against bugs and sun and works nearly as well. Sewing kit, nylon rope and duct tape are also useful items to carry which can be stored in a hygiene kit.
Light and heat sources or tools to create them are good to carry. It is a good idea to add matches, lighter, flashlight and back up batteries. An additional light source may be a fuel or battery operated lantern. It is also a good idea to bring candles, just be careful with open flames.
Various knives or sharp implemented tools are necessary. It is a good idea to carry a multi tool knife, lock back knife, fixed blade knife, mini lock back saw and hatchet. Not all of these tools are necessary however they do have their uses. Don?t chop down trees on state lands. There are however many fallen trees which can be foraged with the use of a hatchet with which a fire may be set.
After everything on the packing list is checked off be sure to do a second check just in case. Before embarking on the adventure let someone at home know were you are going and how long you will be gone for. Leave numbers for ranger stations in the area were you will be hiking and a plan of action for someone at home to take if you are gone longer than expected.
Weigh your pack. I usually travel with a fifty to sixty pound pack, sometimes more if the camping trip is going to be for seven days or longer. If your a beginning hiker it is a good idea to keep your pack under thirty to forty five pounds. This is easier when equipment is shared. A strong hiker can carry heavier items. Be sure to carry your own water food and clothing in case you become separated. Keep in mind that what you carry based on your strength and hiking ability may keep you from accessing longer trails.
Once you’re on the road and hit the trail remain aware of your surroundings and take all precautions to be safe. While back packing can be a wonderful adventure it can also become dangerous if you are not paying attention.
