Hiking is one of my favorite pastimes. While everyone else is out having beers on Friday night I am at home packing my hiking equipment for an early morning excursion. I consider myself an expert packer in these situations. I know exactly what to bring and where to put it.
But one thing always annoys me. The water bottle I clip onto the side of my hiking pack is always bumping into my hip and bruising me. That was the most convenient place to keep it however, so I never thought of doing anything else. That is, until I heard about the hiking packs that had a water bag built into them. These hiking packs are so easy to use and eliminate the hassle of a bulky water bottle.
Whether you’re hiking high in the mountains, exploring a wilderness trail or off the beaten path completely, potable water remains the most vital consideration. Humans can only live a few days without fresh water, so it’s important to keep a fresh supply in stock at all times. Still, space is limited in knapsacks and camping backpacks. Are there any options beyond toting water by the gallon?
Backpacking water purifiers provide a potential solution. Unless you’re drawing hydration from a clear-running stream or mountain spring, natural water sources often contain harmful contaminants and chemicals. Purifying the water rids the water of small, dangerous particles at a microscopic level; bear in mind, however, that large contaminants will need to be filtered out by some other means.
Before heading out to any camping trip, make sure to bring the right gear for your weekend adventure. One of the backpacking basics is to look for backpacks are specially designed to carry loads of camping gears with less strain on your back. Modern day backpacks are made with super lightweight materials and yet are very strong. These backpacks are so comfortable; you will sometimes forget you’re carrying something on your back.
Before buying a pack, it is important to know the number of days you’ll be gone. A forty-liter-capacity pack is good for a weekend hiking trip. If you’re planning a longer trip, a sixty-liter-capacity can accommodate your gear for a weeklong expedition. Make sure to get a pack with good hip belt support. This channels the weight of the burden to your hip and lessens the strain on your back.
If you’re looking for a tent to take you on any camping trip, from a simple family campground venture to a hardcore, all-weather mountain extravaganza, look into Eureka’s extensive line of tents. Eureka has been making tents for more than 100 years. The company’s long history began prior to 1895 in Binghamton, New York, where it still resides today. It was then known as the Eureka Tent & Awning Company, it made camping tents, American flags, store awnings and canvas Conestoga wagon covers. Eureka tents have been used to ascend Mt. Everest, to provide shade for lavish Kennedy family parties, and to give shelter to regular hikers and families around the world.
Eureka introduced its legendary Timberline tent in the 1970s. It’s a completely self-supporting and lightweight backpacking tent that has become one of the most popular tents that the industry has ever produced. By its 10-year anniversary, sales of the Eureka Timberline tent had reached over 1 million tents. It is extremely durable and weather resistant, and comes in all different sizes to fit two, four, six or more people. If you’re looking for a quality tent to last you years and years, pick up a Eureka backpacking tent.
When I was a much younger man, about twenty-five, I decided to take about a month off work and do a portion of the Wonderland trail, which stretches from Mexico to the Cascade Mountains in Canada. It was a great backpacking experience, and definitely one of those experiences you remember forever. One of the purposes of the trip was to maintain a minimalist existence, so I brought along only the most basic backpacking equipment. I saw all kinds of wildlife, met fun people, and learned a lot about myself.
In the end, I think I felt a little like Thoreau at Walden! When I returned from my trip I felt much better about life as a whole, and I noticed that my performance at work increased. I guess it’s true what they say about taking vacations!
There’s nothing better than taking a backpacking trip with your significant other. Imagine just the two of you together and surrounded by a vast wilderness; there’s nothing else quite like it! Despite what people might think, backpacking tends to be straightforward regardless of your experience with the outdoors. More than experience, you need the right equipment. Purchase a tent for backpacking, a couple lightweight packs, get some comfortable shoes, and make sure you’re not carrying too much weight, and you’ll be set! If you are unfamiliar with life in the great outdoors, you may want to consider investing in some backpacking books as well.
There is lots of lightweight equipment made for backpacking, but most of it’s not necessary unless you’re planning to trek across the country. For overnight or three day trips, you can take standard household items, just make sure you keep the weight down as much as possible.
When hiking or backpacking in the great outdoors, if you’re carrying a pack of any kind, it is essential to travel light. Traveling uphill or across rugged terrain takes its toll on feet and muscles, and reducing the weight you carry will allow you to travel longer, and also avoid soreness and aches. When packing, avoid metal objects unless absolutely necessary; for example, one lightweight saucepan with a lid is all you should need for cooking. Plastic bags are great for storing food, and water should be stored in plastic pouches.
These are just a handful of simple steps you can take to travel lighter. If you’re interested in backpacking or hiking more often, you might consider purchasing lightweight supplies from outdoor equipment manufacturers, such as backpacking sleeping bags and tents. With lightweight equipment, it’s possible to carry as little as ten or fifteen pounds for a three-day excursion.
When you’re camping after a long day of hiking, the last thing many people want to do is cook. That’s why so many backpackers opt for dehydrated meals or canned soup. But if you’re simply relaxing at a campsite to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life, you’re a little more likely to be adventurous with your outdoor cooking endeavors. To that end, keep the following tips in mind when making your wilderness meals.
First, make sure that you bring all the utensils you’re going to need with you. And remember, with cooking utensils and camping recipes, it’s best to keep it simple. Don’t bring a lot of unnecessary equipment, as it will only be a hassle to haul around. Also, make sure to research the backpacking recipes beforehand. This way, you’ll be able to bring all the ingredients, and you’ll know for sure that the recipe is easy and doable for outdoor cooking.
The concept for the Swiss Army knife all began in 1891. In that year, Karl Elsener noted that the knives supplied to the Swiss Army were actually manufactured in Germany. Because it was a time of extreme nationalism, this upset Elsener enough that he decided to do something about it. Over five years of hard work and innovation, he created a knife (manufactured entirely in Switzerland) that contained two blades, a corkscrew, can opener, and punch. Utilizing spring mechanisms, the knife was like nothing that had ever come before. The device was subsequently sold to the Swiss army. Even in its early incarnations, the knife contained the distinctive shield and cross logo.
Ever since, the knife has been undergoing changes and improvements. This includes the addition of laser pointers, USB flash drives, and other tools. There was even a special edition knife released in 2007 containing every single tool the company had ever added to the device. It retailed for a staggering $1200.
Backpacking is a time-honored tradition that places man in the wilderness with nothing but his wits and what he brings with him. Unlike camping, when backpacking you’re often separated from civilization by several miles of wilderness. It’s important to travel light to preserve your physical condition in case of an emergency, and for the general purpose of comfort. For backpacking you want to carry equipment that is designed for backpacking specifically; for example, backpacking stoves are made of lightweight metals, and gasoline for the stoves can be carried in a small plastic container.
It’s also important to avoid carrying heavy equipment like pots and pans, books, and excess clothing. You can save a lot of hardship and even increase your movement on the trail by traveling without the weight!
Recent Comments