Archive for the ‘Backpacks’ Category
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.
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.
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