Get Your Backpacking Equipment Ready!

Going on a backpacking trip is great fun. Throw all your things in the backpack and you are all ready to go; well, not quite. To make it a successful trip, you need to plan your backpacking activities. One of the first things you need to do is prepare your backpacking equipment.

Just like mountain climbing, skiing or scuba diving, you also need to thoroughly prepare and check your backpacking equipment before leaving on any trip. The overall success of the trip will largely depend on the equipment you take with you.

Here is a list of the equipment you will want to include:

TENTS

If you intend on staying outdoors instead of a lodge or hotel, a tent will be necessary. Tents keep you protected from the outside elements and will also provide you comfort across various temperature ranges.

There are many types and styles of tents available, but two types are the most popular among backpackers. The first type is the four-season tent. This tent can be used during any season of the year. However, some backpackers complain that this type has poor ventilation, which makes it less preferred during the summer months.

The second type is the three-season tent. This one is suitable for use in spring, summer, and fall. This particular type is recommended for those individuals that will buying their first backpacking tent.

Because your tent is an important piece of your backpacking equipment, keep the following in mind when choosing one.

•  Try to purchase the lightest available freestanding tent with good ventilation and that is large enough to accommodate two people. If you happen to be backpacking alone, the additional space can be for other gear. If you are backpacking with a group, be sure to purchase enough tents to accommodate everybody.
•  Look for tents that are made of double-layer, nylon construction.
•  Choose a tent that has a waterproof floor and doors.
•  Purchase a a tent that can be easily set up and taken down. Since weather is often unpredictable, you need to be able to adapt quickly to any sudden changes.

BACKPACKS

Your backpack is where you will store most of your relevant supplies while on your trip. There are two categories of backpacks--external frame and internal frame. The internal frame provides more mobility while carrying supplies, which makes it preferred by many backpackers, however, if you intent on bringing tents, sleeping bags and/or other large backpacking equipment, the external frame is better.

Whichever type of backpack you purchase, you need to make it comes with a hip belt. Since your hips can carry more weight than your shoulders, the belt will greatly reduce the strain placed on your back.

Your backpack must also have tightening straps. This will help to take additional stress from your back and redirect it to other parts of your body.

SLEEPING BAGS

You can choose from two types of sleeping bags. The first style is the goose down, which is compact, lightweight and warm. The goose down can be expensive and when it gets wet, very little insulation or warmth will be felt. The second type is the synthetics, which will provide good warmth even if it becomes saturated in water.

OTHER BACKPACKING EQUIPMENT

When planning for your trip, you will need other gear as well, especially if you plan on staying outdoors. Consider taking the following.

•  A portable stove to cook meals, boil water and prepare hot drinks. A stove can be especially helpful in places where campfires are prohibited
•  A lantern or flashlight
•  Rope
•  Plates, pots, pans and utensils.

Be sure to check, and then double-check all your backpacking equipment before leaving on your trip.

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