Basic Backpacking Gear
Backpacking gear can be pretty simplistic. All you need is a pair of
good hiking boots and a solid backpack to carry your stuff around,
right? Truthfully, there is a ton of backpacking gear on the market
today, from special backpacking sleeping bags to equipment for
backpacking mountain ranges. Here is a look at some of the
backpacking gear that you'll need to chose from when planning a
backpacking tour.
Backpacking sleeping bags vary in comfort and weight. If you'll be
doing your hiking in areas where humidity are a factor, choosing
synthetic backpacking sleeping bags is a must. Polarguard 3D can be
an excellent choice of backpacking gear, as the material compresses
better than other materials and is also softer and lighter than
other fabrics on the market. Goose down can be a fine choice, but
you'll have to watch out to not get your sleeping bag wet, as the
down will lose its insulation factor rapidly.
Backpacking gear should include a tarp or two. Waterproof
backpacking tarps can be tied to trees with rope and used as a
shelter. You'll avoid carrying poles and the heavier weight of some
four-season tents as well. For an ultra light backpacking trip,
you're better off choosing a bivy sack as a shelter and leaving the
backpacking tarps at home. Keep in mind that while being lightweight
backpacking gear, bivy sacks are also cramped and some people don't
enjoy using them for sleeping shelters.
Your backpacking gear will include something sturdy and solid to
carry all your equipment and clothing. When you're making your
selection of a backpack, don't go by price alone to judge quality.
Test the seams and durability of the fabric rather than comparing
backpack prices. You may find that a cheaper model without the bells
and whistles is the best choice for your needs.
One piece of backpacking gear you can't hold in your hand while out
on the trail is backpacking travel insurance. Before you head out on
an expedition, make sure that your insurance coverage includes
protection for you while you're on the trail backpacking, especially
if you are in another country. Backpacking travel insurance is
available and is a smart choice for all your out-of-country
expeditions.
Your backpacking gear budget should include safety equipment and
basic survival tools. Some backpacking tour guides are well prepared
to deal with situations gone wrong, but if you're heading out on
your own, having survival gear is critical. It's best to carry your
own emergency equipment even when going on a backpacking tour, just
in case of accident. Better safe than sorry.
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