Choosing the Backpacking Equipment for Your Needs
Backpacking equipment is fun stuff. There is all kinds of great gear
to be had at sports equipment stores that not only rival space-aged
technology but are entertaining to play with. Some backpacking
equipment can even give you great ideas for other uses the item can
have when you're not on the backpacking trail. But when it comes
time to make your selection, two important factors need to be
considered: How well does the item help you survive and how much
does the backpacking equipment weigh?
It doesn't matter if you'll be backpacking in Mexico or Europe;
you're going to need basic survival gear. Matches, a knife, a
compass, a first aid kit, water, a whistle, and food are survival
backpacking equipment that you need to carry at all times. You can
supplement your basics with a flashlight, a map, fire starter, a
repair kit, and sunglasses, as well as a bottle of sunscreen. These
small items can mean the difference between life and death if
something happens to go wrong during any of your backpacking tours.
Another item of backpacking equipment that is very important is, of
course, your backpack. There are a wide variety of choices
available, but be sure to choose a backpack that fits your needs.
Buying one that is bigger than what you require or has more zippers
and pockets than actual storage space is a mistake. You can choose a
good day pack for some hours of trail backpacking or you can buy
mammoth-sized packs with internal frames that support heavy loads
and carry a ton of stuff, but pick the best size for the type of
expedition you plan on taking.
You can choose from top-loading backpacks or panel-loading
backpacks. The advantage to top-loading backpacks is that they can
support and contain a lot of items. The huge disadvantage is that
you'll have to unpack everything to get that tiny piece of equipment
at the bottom. Panel-loading backpacks allow you to have easier
access but they have a tendency to let rain in through the zippers.
When choosing a backpack, select one that has proper support and
padding in all the right places. Shoulder supports need to handle
40% of the total weight inside the backpack, so make sure
construction is strong. Also, make sure the fabric is tough because
your backpacking equipment is going to suffer plenty of abuse. Pull
on seams hard and try to expose stitches. It should be tough to see
them at best. Check to see whether inside seams are covered with
fabric to help keep rainwater from seeping in.
A lot of the backpacking equipment you can find may seem very
tempting and appear to be useful, but don't go into overkill mode
and pick up all sorts of gear you don't need. Examine what type of
trip you'll be going on and buy only the type of backpacking
equipment you need. For example, if you're going on a backpacking
camping trip, you'll want to make sure you buy lightweight
backpacking equipment and avoid luxurious but bulky gear. Purchase
only the type of equipment you'll need and avoid bells and whistles
that add onto the overall weight of what you'll have to carry.
Lastly, purchase gear that you'll use and not gear that you think
you should have because it looks neat and you're hoping to find a
use for it.
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