Backpacking can be a great hobby and sport. It is challenging, adventurous and exiting. It can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, whether you are young or old, male or female. There are countless options on how and where to do it. Backpacking is a great way to get some exercise and get fit while having some fun at the same time. Read on if you would like to learn more about backpacking for beginners and what it is all about.

Backpacking is the combination between hiking and camping. Backpacking trips involve hiking through the countryside and wilderness areas and camping overnight. A backpacker has to carry everything they need on their back in a rucksack. A backpacking trip can be short or long depending on the individual; you can stay away for one night or for weeks at a time if you want to.

The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so having a backpacking gear list and planning both the packing and the trip is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. They may simply have a fire ring and posted maps or they can have cabins, as well as a pitch for tents and a toilet and shower block. Other areas may have nothing at all and backpackers set up their camp wherever they find a good spot.

There is a community in backpacking. Everyone works together to preserve the wilderness that they love. There are certain accepted and unaccepted behaviors in backpacking. Backpackers try not to disturb or damage the area they travel in. They clean up all traces of their camp and never litter or take anything along their travels. The one thing you are allowed to take is photographs, so a small lightweight camera can form part of your backpacking checklist.

Backpacking requires a person to keep safety in mind always. There are many hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe is sure to fall prey. The backpack itself can pose problems if a person does not learn how to fit it and pack it properly. The physical activity can be strenuous and a person must be conditioned to handle walking through uneven and rough terrain. Basic first aid and general idea of wilderness safety are other things a backpacker must know. It is easy to get lost and hurt in the wilderness, so every backpacker must have a good handle on staying safe.

People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the excellent exercise. Some people like backpacking because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever reason people backpack, there are large numbers of them and they continue to explore, love and walk through the wilderness with the common goal of a good backpacking experience.

This is just an outline of the basics of backpacking for beginners, there is a lot more to learn such as how to pack a backpack properly, how to choose the right backpacking cookware and knowing the right backpacking supplies to take. There are many good books on backpacking and I would recommend that you read through one and get a good knowledge of the backpacking basics before you set out on your own adventure. This way you should have a safe and exiting backpacking experience rather than one that you will remember for all the wrong reasons.



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

Have you claimed your Genesis site?

Backpacking involves walking long distances with heavy gear on your back. That is the essence of the sport, but it does not have to be the reason why you give it up or can no longer do it. You do not have to struggle with heavy equipment. There are things you can do to make your backpack lighter and reduce the strain on your body.

By packing items that has multiple use, you will definitely reduce the number of the items required to pack. In the end, you will also reduce the weight of your pack. This is great for someone who simply can not handle the weight or who is suffering from back problems due to the weight of their backpack.

It is actually quite easy to figure ways to get more than one use out of some typical gear. You can likely use many of the items you already carry and be able to eliminate the use of other items you carry. Additionally, there are other pieces of gear that have multiple uses, too. In fact, you probably already are using pieces of your gear in more than one way without even realizing it.

You may not be parachuting on your backpack trip but a parachute cord is a usefully piece of gear is lightweight and offers a few different uses. It can be used as a clothesline or to tie your food bag up when camping overnight. You can also use it in case of an emergency to tie a splint in place. To pack it you loosely wind it up and hook it to the outside of your pack.

You may have brought candles along just for a little extra lighting, but candles do more than provide light. A candle can be used to help start a stubborn fire and works as a great waterproofing agent. They are lightweight and you will barely even notice if you add them to your pack. In addition they are better than to carry a lantern, which is heavy.

Duct tape is commonly know around the house as the ultimate 'do-it-all' tool. Duct tapes are durable and they are very strong in nature. A roll can last you a long time and it has many helpful uses. It can be used to insulate, as a wrap for a bandage and repairing tents, backpacks and almost everything else. Duct tape should always be a part of your backpacking gear.

Safety pins are another great item to pack as it is light and easy to pack. Safety pins can come in helpful to secure bandages, act as clothespins or hooks to hang items and as a stand in fish hook.

Plastic placemats are also lightweight and easy to pack. Plastic placemats can be utilized in many different ways. Instead of sitting on blankets and getting them wet, use a placemat. Use it to set your shoes on, so you do not get dirt and mud in your tent. Be creative and you can find other uses. For example, you can use a fly swatter to prepare food.

You may find that you can cut your gear down by several pieces by simply using multifunctional gear. You can also take out items that the multi-use gear is replacing. The key is to find items that are light and the item can be used in many situations. It takes some creative thinking, but you will be able to do it.



Thanks to Joseph Then for contributing this article to our backpacks blog:

Hurley Backpack