| Backpacking is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors, | | | | built-in hydration systems now-a-days. |
| stay active and spend time with those closest to | | | | 5 - Food |
| you. But we weren't all raised in the Boy Scouts, and | | | | Nutrition on the trail is vital since you will be burning |
| even fewer of us are Eagle Scouts born and bread | | | | more calories per day than you are used to. Among |
| for the great outdoors. For the first-time, novice | | | | the favorites of experienced campers are beef jerky |
| backpacker, daydreaming about your adventure is | | | | (high protein), dried fruit (vitamins, potassium), granola |
| one thing, actually planning it and getting yourself out | | | | and energy bars, and trail mixes of nuts, breads and |
| there is a different ball game. Without proper | | | | fruits. |
| preparation, your glorious adventure could turn in to a | | | | 6 - Shelter |
| difficult, strenuous, regrettable mess. However, with | | | | A durable tent with appropriate sleeping |
| a little bit of planning and foresight, you will be geared | | | | accommodations for one, two or more individuals is |
| up and ready for a unique experience that is really | | | | essential to protect you from the elements. After |
| unlike anything else. | | | | working hard all day, making your supper and retiring |
| In this day and age of constant work, expanding | | | | for the evening, you will want to stay warm, dry, |
| technology and ever-increasing creature comforts, | | | | and protected from insects and animals. |
| most of us are spending less and less time outdoors. | | | | 7 - Digital Camera |
| But experiencing nature, getting out of the house | | | | Your friends and family will want to hear all about |
| and away from daily stresses, is an important part of | | | | your trip and, like they say, a picture is worth a |
| the human experience and will bring a new level of | | | | thousand words. If you are an amateur photographer |
| excitement back into your life. Here is what you | | | | or maybe a professional your pictures will bring you |
| need to get started, the top ten essentials to gather | | | | memories to life again and again. |
| before heading out on your backpacking adventure | | | | 8 - Camera Bag |
| trip: | | | | If you do not protect that digital camera, you will |
| 1 - Your Backpack | | | | quickly regret it. Dirt, dust, rain and so on can ruin |
| The obvious first step, your backpack itself will be | | | | electronics. You will want a rugged, durable camera |
| the carrier and protector of all your survival and | | | | bag made of the toughest nylon you can find and |
| trip-enjoyment essentials. Get one big enough to hold | | | | preferably reinforced with high impact plastic panels. |
| all of your belongings for the length of your trip, | | | | Camera bags are even available as a backpack of a |
| strong enough to withstand the trials of the trail, and | | | | sling backpack that will fit much more that just your |
| even one with some trimmings like a water bladder | | | | camera. |
| for hydration. | | | | 9 - Knife |
| 2 - Proper Footwear & Socks | | | | A fixed blade knife with a reinforced handle, or a |
| Great hiking socks are critical for your backpacking | | | | utility knife (why not both?) will quickly become your |
| trip. To avoid blisters and other nasty foot problems, | | | | closest ally on any backpacking trip. |
| the main things to look for are comfort, moisture | | | | 10 - First Aid Kit |
| control, and shock reduction. Never under estimate | | | | Last but not least, always be prepared for the worst |
| the importance of great socks! Over the socks you | | | | while hoping for the best trip imaginable. A basic first |
| will want thick leather hiking boots with a thick, | | | | aid kit has often been the difference between |
| textured sole that offer high ankle and arch support. | | | | survival and catastrophe for many backpackers and |
| 3 - Clothing | | | | adventure hikers. Don not make the mistake of |
| Always bring an extra t-shirt. You never know what | | | | thinking you can get by with nothing, when your |
| is going to happen and you want to stay comfortable | | | | hiking and away from civilization, even the smallest |
| on your hike. Also include a thin lightweight fleece; | | | | scratch can quickly become infected and turn |
| you never know how the temperature is going to | | | | something that is harmless and mildly annoying at |
| change. Last but not least plastic ponchos for that | | | | home into a serious problem. Aside from scratches |
| unexpected rain shower. A poncho has saved more | | | | and cuts, bug bites, bee stings, snake bites-you name |
| than one trip for me. | | | | it-could all potentially be unwelcome participants in |
| 4 - Water Bottle | | | | your grand adventure. Be prepared! |
| This one is very important! Water is, hands down, | | | | Now you are now ready to sling on your pack, lace |
| the most essential element of your trip, so you will | | | | up your boots and take to the hills. Remember, |
| not want to carry it in some cheap convenience | | | | preparation is the most important thing! Think your |
| store plastic. Get high impact plastic or stainless steel | | | | trip through, plan accordingly, and you will have a |
| (which you can use to heat the water for cooking or | | | | great time with you and yours on a great |
| tea). Alternatively, you can get a water bladder that | | | | backpacking adventure. |
| will sit in your pack. Many backpacks come with | | | | |