Backpacking: What you need to know
Once you are ready to leave the hustle and bustle of the city
behind you and have planned to steal away a day or two into the
wilderness the first thing you need to know is how long will
your trip be. Depending on the length of your hike you should
either go for a daypack or a multi-day hiking backpack.
Whichever you need to get , make sure it comes with sturdy
shoulder straps that are provided with enough padding and
curves. Generally cheaper backpacks compromise on the padding
which makes the straps chaff your collarbones. Also check on the
zips to see if they are strong and durable. Generally zips with
bigger teeth are more reliable. One other thing that needs to be
kept in mind is to see if the backpack comes with a waist strap
as it takes much of the weight off your shoulders. The final
thing that needs to be considered is the material of the
backpack.
Once you have got yourself a backpack, the next thing that you
need to look into is what to pack. Well, the first thing that
should be borne in mind is to take the most amount of water
possible. Iodine tablets should also be packed to treat the
water you get on your way. As for food, take exactly what you
would be needing. Packing for each meal separately, helps. Saves
on space, and helps you take only as much as you need. Next
comes the clothes. If it is a multi-day hiking remember to carry
enough clothes to change. Get yourself a good pair of shoes.
Keep in mind the place you are going to and the kind of weather
that is prevailing there. If you know that the place is going to
be cool then pack some warm clothes. Don't forget to take your
sleeping bag and your tent if you are planning for a multi-day
hike. Besides your clothes there are a few other things that you
would not like to forget to pack. This includes a detailed map
of the place, a compass, a first aid kit, a lighter, a torch, a
tube of sunscreen, insect repellant cream, rope, a roll of
toilet paper, spare batteries, sunglasses and a pocket knife. If
your trip extends over a day and you plan to cook then do take
an aluminum cooking set too. http://www.etravelforum.com
Having made your list of the things you need to pack the next
thing you should know about is how to pack them. Remember the
weight inside your backpack should be distributed for you to
enjoy your hike. First, get over with the heavier objects. Pack
them as low as possible. The hard and angular things go in next.
Make sure that they are wrapped in something soft or else or
they will hurt you when you are on your hike. Pack your clothes
in a plastic bag to secure them against any water that seeps
through. Apart from distributing the weight properly the other
thing that you need to think of is the accessibility. Make sure
a few essentials like the torch, matches, water, snacks, toilet
paper, rain jacket are easily accessible. It is wise to have
them in the side pockets of your backpack.