| Backpacking can be a fun and exciting adventure in | | | | backpacking. Choosing a tent and sleeping bag will |
| nature, but surviving in the outdoors with only your gear | | | | depend on how you personally sleep, the weather, and |
| is a dangerous risk for someone with no backpacking | | | | the number of people going along. |
| experience. Before even planning your first | | | | Besides comfortable hiking shoes or boots, a |
| backpacking trip, become familiar with common terms, | | | | lightweight, appropriate sized pack, and the lightest |
| the necessary gear and equipment, and outdoor | | | | sleeping gear that meets your needs, there are a few |
| accident response and first aid procedures. Read | | | | other essential things you should always remember to |
| reputable books and guides to gain a better | | | | pack. Most importantly, you will want a relevant, |
| understanding of backpacking before going out on | | | | detailed map of the area you will be backpacking in |
| your own. Outdoor and hiking clubs offer members | | | | and a reliable compass that you can read. Consider |
| organized training an outings to gain more experience | | | | laminating the map to protect from element damage. |
| and a number of government and private agencies | | | | Carrying all your supplies in Ziploc bags can keep them |
| hold backpacking and hiking classes to further your | | | | dry and help you easily find things at the same time. |
| knowledge. | | | | You will need a flashlight and/or a headlamp. A small, |
| Backpacking also requires a great deal of physical | | | | lightweight flashlight is good to carry with you at all |
| strength and endurance. Before starting out on a long | | | | times. Remember to bring along an extra set of |
| backpacking outing, you should train yourself not only | | | | batteries for your lights. Pocket knives and tools are |
| for the terrain, distance, and climate, but to bear the | | | | important for every trip. The Gerber 600 Pro Scout |
| weight of your pack on an all day trek as well. | | | | with toolkit is a great all in one option that saves on |
| Exercise regularly and remember to work your lower | | | | space and weight. |
| back, upper back, and abdomen muscles as well as | | | | Pack fire starters and water and wind resistant |
| your legs. You should also be aware of your personal | | | | matches for extreme conditions and emergencies. |
| medical condition. Be prepared for any adverse | | | | Fresh water and purifying tablets are also very |
| affects you may suffer on your outing or consider an | | | | important backpacking supplies. Always remember to |
| easier trip if your conditions warrant. | | | | pack a fully stocked first aid kit and a whistle for |
| Plan your backpacking trip carefully far in advance of | | | | emergencies. Other items you will want to carry on |
| the actual date. Decide where you will hike and how | | | | every trip are a really good bug repellent, especially in |
| many days your trip will last. Get familiar with the | | | | summer or marshy locations, sunscreen and a lip balm |
| climate and terrain of the trail so you can adequately | | | | with sun protection, and at least one pair of high quality |
| prepare your body and get the necessary gear. | | | | sunglasses. |
| Always remember to tell friends and family about your | | | | Remember to pack extra food, at least one extra |
| backpacking plans. Leave detailed information of | | | | meal, and extra fuel for your stove if the food requires |
| where you will be and how long you will be gone with | | | | cooking. The final things you need to always bring |
| a loved one so help can be sent in the case of an | | | | along on every backpacking trip, even a day trip, are |
| emergency. | | | | extra clothes and emergency shelter. Extra clothes |
| Once you have planned your trip, you can decide on | | | | should include a wool or fleece sweater, waterproof |
| gear and equipment. Weight is the most important | | | | pants and jacket, thermal underwear, insulated gloves |
| factor for backpacking. Consider the altitude and | | | | and socks, and a warm polypro, wool, or polar fleece |
| climate of the area you will be traveling in, as well as | | | | cap. Space bags and tube tents are good lightweight |
| the forecasted weather for the days you will be | | | | shelters. |