ALL >> Sports >> View Article
Ten Backpacking Trip Essentials
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning, rockslides, altitude sickness, and twenty-mile days - all in a summer weekend. Wilderness trips can be dangerous, but you can make then less so, by having the following ten essentials in your backpack.
1. Knowledge. What good is a compass if you don't know how to use it? Play with matches if your fire-making skills are shaky. Learn what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice a little - knowledge is more likely to save you than gadgets.
2. Map and compass. These are together, because that's the way you need to use them.
3. Matches and lighter. Bring both, or waterproof matches and a fire starter of some sort. Having two ways to start a fire is much safer.
4. First aid kit. Buy a pre-packaged one or build your own. Make sure it has pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant, and notes on basic first aid procedures.
5. Foot care. Your first aid kit needs moleskin, and maybe a pin, to treat blisters. Your feet have to be well cared for when you're hiking miles from the nearest road.
6. ...
... Water purification. A filter works, but they clog and break so often that you should have a small bottle of iodine tablets or other water purification as back up.
7. Rainwear. One of the biggest killers in the woods is hypothermia, and it often starts when you get wet. Try to stay dry.
8. Shelter. This can be a tent, tarp or bivy sack. Just be sure you know how to use it.
9. Sleeping bag. Down bags are the warmest for their weight, but be sure you know how to keep it dry, or bring a synthetic bag.
10. Specific trip items. For backpacking trips in Michigan in May, bring insect repellant. In June in Arizona, bring sunblock. Think about the specific conditions for the time and place of your trip.
Make your own list if you take regular backpacking trips. It's no fun when a friend tells us ten miles down the trail that he's allergic to bees and forgot his medicine. A little planning means less worries, and a better trip.
About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
Add Comment
Sports Articles
1. Conference League Final Regatta: Haaland And Kane Battle Lewandowski For European Golden ShoeAuthor: Samina Khan
2. Get The Best Cricket Betting Id With Lions Cricket Id November 20, 2024
Author: lionscricketid
3. Europa League Final Rendition: Mourinho's Fenerbahce Fall To Alkmaar, Roma Held By Union
Author: Samina Khan
4. Champions League Final Hysteric: Atletico Madrid Stun Psg 2-1 With Correa's Last-minute Winner
Author: Samina Khan
5. Li Shi Feng: From A Child Prodigy To Becoming China’s Badminton Champion
Author: Jeremy Hughes
6. Europa League Final Stab: Paul Pogba Could Join Lionel Messi At Inter Miami Following Juventus Exit
Author: Samina Khan
7. Champions League Final Ennoble: Crouch Labels Villa’s Emiliano Martínez Among The Best
Author: Samina Khan
8. Conference League Final Wreck: Mykhaylo Mudryk's Loan To Crystal Palace Faces Premier League Hurdle
Author: Samina Khan
9. Europa League Final Cognition: Scholes Says Van Nistelrooy Is Made To Be A Manager
Author: Samina Khan
10. Champions League Final Widen: Musiala Shines As Bayern Beat Benfica Brest, Atalanta In Fine Form
Author: Samina Khan
11. Conference League Final Bout: Arsenal, Man Utd Chase Sane Barca, Real Eye Forest Defender
Author: Samina Khan
12. Europa League Final Rally: 2024/25 Top Scorers Yunus Akgün, Ayoub El Kaabi, And Samu
Author: Samina Khan
13. Champions League Final Joust: Raphinha, Jules Kounde, And Robert Lewandowski Shine
Author: Samina Khan
14. Conference League Final Slugfest: 2024/25 Top Scorers João Félix, Christopher Nkunku, Afimico Pululu
Author: Samina Khan
15. Champions League Final Bound: Psg Criticized After Last-minute Atletico Madrid Defeat
Author: Samina Khan