When planning your backpacking trip, you need to think carefully about what equipment to take and what you can afford to leave behind.

There are some things that you simply must have. Whilst there are plenty of new gadgets and devices that are supposed to enhance your backpacking experience, when it comes down to it, there are some traditional items that you should never leave home without, regardless of what new technology you may have in your pack. These essential items are listed below.

Map

The key here is to choose a map which has sufficient detail to clearly show the trails and area details of where you will be backpacking. Apart from that, it really does not matter what type of map you choose.

Compass

You will need a good quality compass that will withstand the elements outside. The fact is you have to know which direction you are going. Just taking a map is not going to work.

Flashlight

It is very important that you always can see where you are going. A good quality flashlight is essential, plus batteries. You can now buy wind-up torches, which remove the need for batteries. Remember, it can be very dark in none-rural areas. Not having adequate lighting can contribute to falls or injuries which can really ruin a good backpacking trip.

Extra food and clothing

Instead of packing just what you need, you should try to pack extra just in case. You could get lost, or encounter bad weather, or you might just get stuck and not be able to get back. You must always be prepared for the unexpected, and extra food and clothing will help you cope.

First Aid Kit

This is a really important item. There are many things which can happen out in the wilderness. Even if you are traveling in a very well kept area, you can still find a need for a first aid kit. Make sure you get a kit that is well stocked with a variety of supplies.

Knife

Ideally you should have a multi-function knife which incorporates several different tools. Such tools can prove to be very important and their uses are endless when backpacking. At a minimum, a nice sharp knife that can cut through fabric and cord is necessary.

Matches

Matches can prove to be a lifesaver, particularly in cold weather conditions. You should either get waterproof matches or carry your matches in a waterproof container.

Water or water treatment

Drinking water is essential as you must stay hydrated while backpacking. If you do not carry water, an alternative is to have the necessary supplies to adequately treat water.

These are the essentials, but as you plan your trip you will quickly find there are many considerations when deciding on what to take. Make sure you seek good advice from the many resources available to you.



Thanks to Brian Mcgregor for contributing this article to our backpacks blog:

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When backpacking or camping you will need a good set of cooking gear. Cooking in the outdoors is a lot harder than cooking at home in a nicely furnished kitchen. So the Backpacking Cookware that you will use outdoors will be quite a bit different from what you use at home.

To make your choice of the right Backpacking Cookware to take, you will first need to know what is available on the market for you to buy. Below is a list of the most popular types, along with their good and bad points.

ALUMINIUM.

This used to be the first choice of backpackers, lightweight campers, and hikers because it is very light. However it is not as strong or durable as some of the other materials used for cookware. Food tends to stick to it making it difficult to clean in an outdoor situation. Also Aluminium has been linked to some health problems, as it tends to breakdown over time and can contaminate the food cooked in it. Having said this, I have used Aluminium for many years with no harmful effects. (I would still rate it as a good choice as you will properly only be using it for a few weeks of any one year.)

STAINLESS STEEL.

The main drawback here is the weight, as it is a lot heavier than other types of backpacking cookware. Also it is not the best at distributing the heat evenly and the food must be stirred or moved constantly to ensure even cooking. Stainless steel is very tough and strong though, and will stand up to almost anything that can happen to it in the outdoors.

LIGHTWEIGHT STAINLESS STEEL.

The introduction of new technology has come up with a lighter weight stainless steel, it has all the durability and strength, but as its name suggests is considerably lighter.

TITANIUM.

The modern first choice. It is very light, it is also very durable and tough, and a better distributor of heat when compared to stainless steel. A good set of Titanium cookware will last a very long time. The only downside is its price, as it can be expensive when compared with the other materials.

A FEW BASIC TIPS.

(1)Are you choosing a solo backpacking set of cookware, or do you want a kit that will do for two or more people?

(2)Pots with a slightly rounded bottom will distribute heat better than flat bottomed ones.

(3)Make sure the pots have a good fitting lid, as this will cut down on your cooking times, saving you fuel.

(4)Try to buy proper Backpacking Cookware as opposed to ordinary cookware, as the former should have folding or detachable handles to make packing it into your backpack much easier.



Thanks to mike legg for contributing this article to our backpacks blog:

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