Ask any backpacker, any real backpacker, what the most important part of backpacking is, and they will say that it’s reducing the weight of the pack. Reducing the total weight of carried items by even a few ounces can add up to make a big difference. Most backpackers agree that carrying more than about twenty pounds can be a real pain. It’s important to choose lightweight backpacking equipment, and also to make smart choices when choosing equipment. For example, instead of carrying in several gallons of water, bring a water filter and a map of lakes and streams in the area. If purchasing equipment designed for backpacking, the best items to go after are tents, lightweight sleeping bags, and backpacking packs. Having backpacker-approved versions of these three backpacking essentials causes the most dramatic reduction in total weight.
When selecting food for the trip, opt for powdered foods instead of solids, and ensure that cookware is limited to a single saucepan and a few plastic bowls, and utensils. Even with this limited cookware, it’s still possible to scrape together some delicious backpacking meals.
In the world of knives, there is always one name and brand that stands out as the best, and that’s Swiss Army. Known for their versatility and durability, the overarching knife manufacturer is Victorinox, which is based in Ibach, Switzerland. Making headlines in 2005, Victorinox acquired Wenger, which was best known as their primary rival in the knife manufacturing industry.
An incredibly established company, they first debuted in 1884. By 1891, they were delivering their Victorinox knives to the Swiss Army, thus earning them their now famous moniker. The distinctive white cross in a red shield became part of the company in 1909. In that same year, company founder Karl Elsener lost his mother. Her name was Victoria, and he named the company in her honor. Incorporating “inox,” derived from the French word for stainless steel, the name Victorinox was born.
Hikers are an adventurous breed, and as such they’re always pushing their survival and backpacking skills to the limit. This means climbing to new heights along mountainsides and trekking through daunting terrain without a second thought. Hard-core hikers should be advised that they will need a whole different set of supplies and gear for their momentous task. Traditional camping equipment just won’t cut it.
The two basic essentials that deserve the most consideration are hiking tents and temperature-rated sleeping bags. When it’s time to turn in for the night, hikers like to be able to pitch their tents in a hurry. Their tents should be portable, easy to assemble and take apart, and roomy enough to accommodate a sleeping hiker with space to spare. Down or heavily insulated synthetic sleeping bags are also recommended.
Being lost in the wilderness can be a frightening thought with the looming risk of danger from intense cold, missteps, and wild animals. There are a number of preventative measures one should take before venturing out into the wilderness. When packing for a hunting or backpacking trip, remember to bring a source of light that can last for up to twenty four hours if necessary. Be sure to bring a compass even if you think you know where you’re going, in addition, a backpacking GPS unit will provide an even more accurate method to prevent becoming lost. You will also want to bring a little extra food, water, and clothing just in case of an accident or bad situation.
Prior to a wilderness adventure, always let someone know where you’re going and when you intend to return; even if you’re also taking someone with you. Should you become lost or hurt and unable to move, at least someone will be looking for you.
If you are an avid outdoor enthusiast you probably know that there are certain rules of etiquette to follow when hiking and camping. Here are some good guidelines to follow when hiking on a trail:
1.) Be considerate of other hikers using the road or the trail.
2.) Be sure to ask permission from a landowner when crossing private property.
3.) Keep your noise level down. It’s rude to disturb private property owners as well as other campers.
4.) Be particularly cautious around motorized vehicles, bikes and horses. Stay to the right of the trail and let them pass.
5.) Don’t ever leave any broken hiking gear along the trail. Even when you’re in the wilderness this is still littering.
If you’re going camping, you’d want to be as comfortable as possible out in the elements. A good down sleeping bag is the ultimate in comfort and function. We all know that hiking can take a lot out of you. Rest is essential so you could re-energize yourself for all the strenuous activities ahead of you. Without the proper rest, your energy will bottom out fairly quickly.
Here are a few camping and hiking tips:
1. Always be prepared. Remember, you’re out in the wilderness, preparation is vital.
2. Make sure your body is up to the challenge before heading out.
3. Never hike alone.
4. Wear proper camping clothes.
5. Make certain that the location you’ve chosen is safe and recommended by other, more seasoned hikers.
People who backpack often know that cutting down on the weight of the pack is the most important aspect of backpacking. When you are carrying a lot of weight, you become tired more quickly, are more likely to stumble, and tend to be sore after resting. Backpacking equipment is all designed to be as lightweight as possible, but backpackers have developed a few simple practices of their own to cut down on the weight. For example, water and all fluids weigh a lot, and instead of carrying more than a bottle full of water, backpackers have started to prefer the use of a water pump with a filtration system that can take water from streams and alpine lakes. In addition, carrying powdered food, like Humus, is a great meal idea.
In addition to practice, it is important to have the right equipment. Backpacking tents can weigh less than five pounds, and when compared to many standard tents that weight double or triple that amount, that’s a lot of weight saved. It’s also a good idea to have backpacking packs which are designed to support significant weight, reduce chafing, and store all supplies.
My brother and I used to hike every summer. We’d choose a location, rally up the troops then set off. Now my brother and I, like most siblings, tend to disagree on almost everything. One thing we always agreed on however was the importance of using the proper hiking backpacks. Especially since our hikes lasted longer than a day.
We agreed that hiking backpacks should be sturdy but lightweight. The supplies needed are heavy enough so the backpack’s weight should not add to the burden. They should also have the right number of compartments. Another thing we look for in a backpack is the fit of it to the body; it has to be snug and comfortable.
Some of my friends call me crazy for going on regular winter camping trips, but I have a special term reserved for them: wimps. While I still love traveling to national parks and wilderness destinations during the summer, I don’t relish the process of dealing with huge crowds of tourists. In winter, the landscape is completely different, and it’s just me and a few of my closest buddies roughing it in the woods.
Needless to say, the supplies and equipment necessary for winter camping are a bit different. It helps to shop for Coleman sleeping bags with a third-party temperature rating; I prefer those that are rated below 32 degrees as it can get downright frigid in the forest at night. Beyond that, look into portable propane heaters and tents that are well sealed against the elements.
Earlier this month, a rock slide buried part of State Route 410 in Washington State beneath a mammoth pile of rubble. The road was made impassable, and more than a thousand people were forced to evacuate their homes in the Cascade Mountains. Either that or they remained trapped for a few days without supplies or access to civilization. The fact is, these freak occurrences aren’t unusual in nature.
Part of what makes the great outdoors so intriguing and attractive is its ability to flout man’s expectations. While we cannot control every aspect of a camping trip or backpacking excursion, it’s best to be prepared just in case of disaster. Seasoned outdoorsmen should set aside their pride and invest in a few camping first aid kits. Of course these kits are especially useful for a novice hiker.
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