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Backpacking Trips - Ten Essential
Items
I've had backpacking trips that included rain, snow, lightning,
rockslides, altitude sickness, and twenty-mile days - all in
a summer weekend. Wilderness trips can be dangerous, but you
can make then less so, by having the following ten essentials
in your backpack.
1. Knowledge. What good is a compass if you don't know how
to use it? Play with matches if your fire-making skills are shaky.
Learn what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice
a little - knowledge is more likely to save you than gadgets.
2. Map and compass. These are together, because that's the
way you need to use them.
3. Matches and lighter. Bring both, or waterproof matches
and a fire starter of some sort. Having two ways to start a fire
is much safer.
4. First aid kit. Buy a pre-packaged one or build your own.
Make sure it has pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant, and
notes on basic first aid procedures.
5. Foot care. Your first aid kit needs moleskin, and maybe
a pin, to treat blisters. Your feet have to be well cared for
when you're hiking miles from the nearest road.
6. Water purification. A filter works, but they clog and break
so often that you should have a small bottle of iodine tablets
or other water purification as back up.
7. Rainwear. One of the biggest killers in the woods is hypothermia,
and it often starts when you get wet. Try to stay dry.
8. Shelter. This can be a tent, tarp or bivy sack. Just be
sure you know how to use it.
9. Sleeping bag. Down bags are the warmest for their weight,
but be sure you know how to keep it dry, or bring a synthetic
bag.
10. Specific trip items. For backpacking trips in Michigan
in May, bring insect repellant. In June in Arizona, bring sunblock.
Think about the specific conditions for the time and place of
your trip.
Make your own list if you take regular backpacking
trips. It's no fun when a friend tells us ten miles down the
trail that he's allergic to bees and forgot his medicine. A little
planning means less worries, and a better trip.
Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight
backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com
Comments:
Hope you enjoyed the backpacking trip article and can
use the backpacking list. In addition, you may want to carry
some water with you on your backpacking trip, in case you cannot
find much water.
Below are some essentials you may need for your backpacking trip.
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A true classic. This beautiful, one-piece leather backpacking
hiking boot from Alico takes on rigorous alpine assignments without
complaints from your feet.Interior is lined with soft leather
for less blister-causing friction.
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These boots are made of top quality, full grain leather
and are crafted in a small factory of artisans located in the
Italian Dolomites. Insole is moisture-wicking synthetic. Fully
gusseted tongue keeps out debris. Sturdy Norwegian welt construction
is resoleable. Height: 6" Click On backpacking Boot. |
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Wind-and water-resistance, softness and a wicking lining make
this backpacking jacket from Lowe Alpine great for winter outings.
Tough shell features an extra panel of fabric sewn under arms
for easier movement.
 
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Double storm flaps over heavy-duty zipper. Stow-away hood
with elastic togglecord. Zippered handwarmers. Mesh lining. Inner
security pocket. Length 26" 1 lb. 4 oz. 100% nylon. ****CLOSEOUTS****
. China. Size: S(4-6) M(8-10) L(12-14) XL(16-18)
Click on Backpacking Jacket |
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