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Backpacking can be a fun and exciting adventure in nature, but surviving in the outdoors with only your gear is a dangerous risk for someone with no backpacking experience. Before even planning your first backpacking trip, become familiar with common terms, the necessary gear and equipment, and outdoor accident response and first aid procedures. Read reputable books and guides to gain a better understanding of backpacking before going out on your own. Outdoor and hiking clubs offer members organized training an outings to gain more experience and a number of government and private agencies hold backpacking and hiking classes to further your knowledge.

Backpacking also requires a great deal of physical strength and endurance. Before starting out on a long backpacking outing, you should train yourself not only for the terrain, distance, and climate, but to bear the weight of your pack on an all day trek as well. Exercise regularly and remember to work your lower back, upper back, and abdomen muscles as well as your legs. You should also be aware of your personal medical condition. Be prepared for any adverse affects you may suffer on your outing or consider an easier trip if your conditions warrant.

Plan your backpacking trip carefully far in advance of the actual date. Decide where you will hike and how many days your trip will last. Get familiar with the climate and terrain of the trail so you can adequately prepare your body and get the necessary gear. Always remember to tell friends and family about your backpacking plans. Leave detailed information of where you will be and how long you will be gone with a loved one so help can be sent in the case of an emergency.

Once you have planned your trip, you can decide on gear and equipment. Weight is the most important factor for backpacking. Consider the altitude and climate of the area you will be traveling in, as well as the forecasted weather for the days you will be backpacking. Choosing a tent and sleeping bag will depend on how you personally sleep, the weather, and the number of people going along.

Besides comfortable hiking shoes or boots, a lightweight, appropriate sized pack, and the lightest sleeping gear that meets your needs, there are a few other essential things you should always remember to pack. Most importantly, you will want a relevant, detailed map of the area you will be backpacking in and a reliable compass that you can read. Consider laminating the map to protect from element damage. Carrying all your supplies in Ziploc bags can keep them dry and help you easily find things at the same time.

You will need a flashlight and/or a headlamp. A small, lightweight flashlight is good to carry with you at all times. Remember to bring along an extra set of batteries for your lights. Pocket knives and tools are important for every trip. The Gerber 600 Pro Scout with toolkit is a great all in one option that saves on space and weight.

Pack fire starters and water and wind resistant matches for extreme conditions and emergencies. Fresh water and purifying tablets are also very important backpacking supplies. Always remember to pack a fully stocked first aid kit and a whistle for emergencies. Other items you will want to carry on every trip are a really good bug repellent, especially in summer or marshy locations, sunscreen and a lip balm with sun protection, and at least one pair of high quality sunglasses.

Remember to pack extra food, at least one extra meal, and extra fuel for your stove if the food requires cooking. The final things you need to always bring along on every backpacking trip, even a day trip, are extra clothes and emergency shelter. Extra clothes should include a wool or fleece sweater, waterproof pants and jacket, thermal underwear, insulated gloves and socks, and a warm polypro, wool, or polar fleece cap. Space bags and tube tents are good lightweight shelters.

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If you are going to be venturing out into the wild then you need to have the right backpacking boots on your feet. This means the backpacking boots that will be comfortable, the backpacking boots that will give your feet the support that they need and the backpacking boots that will have good tread and grip on the earth itself. You do not want to end up sliding down some slippery slope now do you?

Everything that you do outdoors will be enhanced when you are wearing good backpacking boots, without these you would be better off staying indoors! Your entire body is affected by what your feet go through. Everything that you do to your feet is going to be felt everywhere, your back, your shoulders and of course your legs, even your neck is affected by your feet. If you do not wear good backpacking boots you can throw your whole alignment out of place and that is something to be avoided at all costs.

It is a fact that your backpacking boots are the most important piece of equipment that you will have at your disposal when it comes time to actually go backpacking. If your feet are not happy then your backpacking trip is going to be terrible, there are no two ways about it. So make sure that you have only the best backpacking boots on your feet when you go out.

There are two main types of backpacking boots out there today, the first is leather backpacking boots. These are great backpacking boots as they will wear well and be comfortable. These boots are the most expensive kinds but they will last you for a very long time, even if you wear them all of the time. They can even be sprayed to be absolutely waterproof, which is a great kind of backpacking boot to have on when it gets wet out, which it does often.

There are some drawbacks to these kinds of boots though. The biggest drawback is the price of these leather backpacking boots. The price can sometimes be offset when you take into consideration how long they will last however, so remember that. Another minus point about these leather backpacking boots is the fact that they can take a little time to break in. In the meantime they can be very uncomfortable, and they may even cause blisters and painful swelling in your feet and ankles.

The other kind of backpacking boots on the market today is the lightweight kind. These are comfortable from the get go and much more affordable. They tend to wear out faster and so you will have to buy new backpacking boots more often. Just remember that no matter what kind of backpacking boots you buy they need to be able to keep your feet,, ankles and legs well supported. They should also feel good to walk in. If you feel well supported then these backpacking boots are probably a good fit for you.

Backpacks HQ http://backpacks-hq.com your resource for everything to do with backpacking and hiking.

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The success and safety of an overseas backpacking trip depend a great deal on planning and preparation. Backpacking in Europe offers different opportunities and challenges from backpacking in the U.S., so it’s important to research your destination and its special requirements.

Before you leave, follow this checklist to make sure you’re prepared:

• Choose a backpacking frame. Internal backpacking frames are less likely to be damaged during air and bus travel, but be sure to securely tape down any pins or other pieces that might come loose during travel.
• Check the typical weather report for your destination and choose an appropriate tent. While lighter is better, some locations require a three-season or winter-rated tent. Sturdy tent pegs are a must.
• Research supply stores. Where can you purchase fuel for your stove once you arrive (fuel for European backpacking stoves, such as Primus, is widely available)? Are there any other supplies you plan to purchase after you arrive?
• Pack your food allotment. In some European countries, such as Iceland, food is significantly more expensive than in the U.S. Packing your full allowance of nonperishable food before you leave can save money.
• Reserve beds in huts. “Huts,” which are more like backpacker dorms, provide sleeping bag accommodations along many popular European trails. A backpacker who plans ahead might not need a tent, but huts fill up fast, so be sure to book ahead.
• Know your route and safety requirements. It’s a good idea to learn the local safety requirements, such as notification of your intent to hike, before setting out. Weather conditions in some areas can be unpredictable and dangerous.
• Finally, double-check your gear. Make sure you have or know where to buy all essential gear.

Melissa Barton is a freelance writer and editor, specializing in travel and science writing. She spent two weeks backpacking around southern Iceland in August 2006. Her travel writing credits include Geotimes, Transitions Abroad, and other publications. Visit her online at Rosetta Stones Freelancing (http://www.rosettastones.net).

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For anyone starting out in backpacking then there are some fundamental things you really must know before heading out. Being aware of the risks involved in backpacking and being prepared for them are very important in making the experience enjoyable. Having a basic knowledge will help you to be able to plan trips, stay safe and have a good overall experience. Like any hobby or project you take on in life, you must learn something about it before going and actually doing it.

One of the easiest ways to become more knowledgeable about backpacking is to read backpacking books and magazines. These will help you to understand more about backpacking culture, problems that may be encountered, gear needs and everything else you can about backpacking. Reading will help you to gather basic information, but there are other skills you need to gain before setting out on your first trip.

The easiest way to learn is to join clubs or organizations dedicated to backpacking. In these groups you will meet other backpackers who are more than willing to give you first hand information. They will share their experiences and offer helpful tips. You will certainly learn more from being with others than you could ever learn on your own. By listening to and learning from other peoples experiences you will start to be able to really understand what backing is all about.

Before setting out on any backpacking trip and most importantly before your first adventure you must be knowledgeable in the following areas:

- first aid

- gear needs

- how to make gear repairs

- information about the area you will be in

- general safety and health concerns

- general hiking information

- camping

While this list does not cover everything you need to know, it does contain the basics that need to be learned and understood. You need to understand every aspect of backpacking, including unexpected things, like accidents or getting lost.

Gaining knowledge before you set out will ensure that you are ready to handle the adventure ahead of you. Backpacking is fun and exciting; learning how to minimize the risks and being prepared for the unexpected will help to ensure that your trip does not turn into a disaster. Take the time to learn everything you can about backpacking and you will surely reap the benefits once you are out on the trail.

For advice on getting started in backpacking, or any of the many aspects including equipment and possible trip locations visit http://www.backpackinghelper.com

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Hundreds of companies supply high-quality hiking gear. Hiking gear is extremely important for hikers and adventure lovers, because no outdoor trip can be possible or complete without the essential gear. With so many types and makes of hiking gear, it is extremely difficult to choose; however, proper research helps us to select the right type of gear.

Companies which provide hiking gear include Hiking and Backpacking, Altrec, REI, Patagonia, Campmor, Campready, Great Outdoor Depot, Northern Mountain Supply, Bent Gear, Just Hike, and The Camping Gear. Some popular brands of hiking gear include Big Agnes, Black Diamond, Mountain Hardware, Sierra Designs, the North Face, Kelty, Marmot, and REI, besides others.

An amazing collection of outerwear, such as waterproof jackets, can be found at Patagonia. Similarly, Bent Gear also supplies fleece jackets and other hiking gear like tents, sleeping bags, water treatment, and many more. Clothing, navigation tools, backpacks and bags, footwear, first-aid, kitchen and camp items, and other things are available at Northern Mountain Supply.

Besides hiking gear, REI offers excellent hiking footwear too. Brands such as Merrell offering backpacking boots are found here. Rokk backpacks, Brunton compasses, Gerber knives, Rokk tents, Slumberjack sleeping bags, and many more are all available at great prices at Just Hike. ‘Atwater Carey Backpacker First Aid Kit’ ($25.98), ‘Kestrel 3000 Weather Meter’ ($159.88), ‘Trangia 27-5 Camping Stove & Cookset’ ($99.90), and many other items are available at discounted rates.

The Camping Gear also supplies all types and kinds of hiking gear that any hiker might require. Top brands like Coleman, Kelty, Columbia, and North Face can be found here.

A wide range of hiking gear is also supplied by The Sportsman’s Guide. Offering gear at discounted rates, it provides products at affordable rates. Further, it also provides complete consumer satisfaction and backs its products with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. Tents, backpacks, sleepers, and camp furniture, besides other gear, are available here.

Hiking Gear provides detailed information on Hiking Gear, Camping And Hiking Gear, Discount Hiking Gear, Hiking Gear Supplies and more. Hiking Gear is affiliated with Ice Climbing Gear.

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Backpacking gear involves far more than hiking on a trail in the park for the day. Enthusiasts will tell you that you need more than a day pack to carry your equipment.

The market for specialized backpacking gear varies widely these days and depends very much on the type of tour you’ll be going on. There are still four basics that you’ll need for your trip: Something to sleep in, something to sleep under, something to carry your gear, and safety equipment.

Backpacking sleeping bags vary in comfort and weight. If you’ll be doing your hiking in areas where humidity are a factor, choosing synthetic 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 trip, you’re better off choosing a bivy sack as a shelter and leaving the 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.

You may feel that the best way to shop is to compare price ranges. After all, something expensive should have better quality, right? The truth is that price doesn’t always reflect better construction.

This holds specially true when comparing backpack prices. Test seams and the strength of shoulder straps on different backpacks, and you may find that backpacks in the lower price range offer more in durability than their higher priced counterparts.

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. 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 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 tour, just in case of accident. Better safe than sorry.

Learn to love the journey and your choice of backpacking gear from Mike Selvon’s backpacking portal, and leave a comment at our backpacking blog.

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If you are looking to get some newer and better backpacking gear then you need to start choosing it according to how much it weighs. If you are an experienced backpacker then you probably already know how important it is to have only the lightest backpacking gear with you when you go hiking all over. If you are new to backpacking gear then this article will help you to understand just how important good lightweight backpacking gear really is to your trips out.

When it comes to backpacking gear there are two kinds, good backpacking gear and bad backpacking gear and the only kind you ever want to get is good backpacking gear. But how can a newbie to the sport know what is the kind to buy? Easy, start reading some of the most popular backpacking magazines. In these you will find all kinds of great tips not only about backpacking gear but about backpacking in general. There are all kinds of things that you need to know about this sport before you start trekking, you need to know proper safety as well as what kinds of medical supplies to take with you as well. These kinds of tips can save your life when you are hiking so learn them all even before you get your backpacking gear.

You can also search for some good backpacking gear online. This is a great idea because you will be able to search for the best possible brands. The best way to do this is to look for consumer reviews for each kind of backpacking gear that you know you will need. If you are unsure of what these basics are then look up backpacking gear essential in a search engine. There you will find a complete list of just what you need to have with you on every outing abroad, for comfort and for safety.

The consumer reviews are the best way to find out what kind of backpacking gear is best for your purposes. For example are you going on long backpacking trips or just short ones? This can affect the kind of backpacking gear that you need to take with you. You will also have to take into consideration the climate of the area you are traveling in. Is it warm or it is cold, how cold at night? Pack your backpacking gear accordingly.

And no matter what you need to have the right kind of backpacking gear when it comes to water. You need to take enough water with you to cover you in case you run into trouble. That is another reason why the rest of your backpacking gear needs to be so light, water is not and there is no way to make it lighter at all. You need to balance the weight of the water by making sure that your other backpacking gear is that much lighter.

Find out more about lightweight backpacking and many other backpacking tips and tricks at BackpacksHQ.com

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