Backpacking Gear List
Information on Backpacks by Victor Epand
Packs used for traveling are a bit different from packs used for hiking — they tend to be larger, heavier, and sturdier. This is because they need to withstand being tossed around by airport baggage handlers. They are often quite large because they have to hold all the travelers goods. On the other hand, the packs used for hiking can be smaller and lighter. Backpackers carry less weight than most travelers, and they handle their packs a lot more gently.
A lot depends on the length of your backpacking trips. A good weekender pack will probably not work as well for a ten day expedition. Much also depends on whether you’re travelling alone or in a group. When you travel in a group, each person ends up carrying a bit less weight. Another factor for longer trips is how frequently you’ll be able to resupply. If you’re hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail, it’s pretty easy to get into town from almost any major road crossing, and you cross major roads every couple of days. On the other hand, if you’re in the middle of the northern Ontario wilderness, resupplying can pose considerable logistical problems, and you may be forced to carry a lot more food with you even for shorter trips.
It is also worth your while to discuss your needs with your local outfitter. Most of the better outfitters can give you excellent advice — the folks who work at such places are experienced backpackers who have actually field tested the stuff they sell. Read the reviews in the major outdoor magazines, like Backpacker and Outside!
Once you have determined your needs, you can choose from a fairly broad range of high quality brands. I will give you a short list of the better brands — for the most part, these companies categorize there packs according to type (internal frame vs external frame) and intended use. Do your research, and then browse through the list.
Word of advice: The packs designed for longer trips (7 – 10 days, e.g.) are designed to carry all the supplies that you’d need for a trip of that length. If you’ll be able to resupply every 2 or 3 days, then you’ll only need a pack good for 2-3 days.
There are many long-distance hikers who go with ultra light equipment, carrying no more than 20 lbs in a very light and relatively small pack (less than a pound, around 2400 cubic inches). But it takes pretty specialized equipment to go the ultra light route, and it’s difficult to pull it off in cooler weather because of the bulk of the warmer clothes that you’ll need. And even a 2400 cubic inch pack will be larger than you’ll need for most day hikes.
A lot also depends on the kind of day hiking and long weekend trips you have in mind. A day hike in the White Mountains or the High Peaks of the Adirondacks will require more equipment than a trip in lower elevations where you’re less likely to run into extremes of weather and temperature over the course of the day.
Use a small fanny pack for day hikes in the NY-NJ region, but in the higher elevations of New England and the Adirondacks, use a 2000 cubic inch pack to carry the warmer clothes you will need as you ascend to the higher elevations. And for 3-4 day hikes,use a frame pack (6+ lbs, 5000+ cubic inches) and carry enough amenities to make a comfortable camp. On the other hand, when you are out for 8-10 days of Appalachian Trail hiking, use a smaller ultra light pack (1.5 lbs, 3400+ cubic inches) and skimp on some of the camp comforts in favor of making hiking as comfortable as possible.
Victor Epand is an expert consultant for http://www.CombatCloth.info/. CombatCloth.info carries the best selection of combat clothing, gear, and accessories on the market.
Article Source: http://www.earticlesonline.com/Article/Information-on-Backpacks/101174
Backpacking gear list what I pack and carry
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Gerber 31-000701 Bear Grylls Survival Series Ultimate Kit $67.50 The product of collaboration between Gerber and survival expert Bear Grylls, the Ultimate Kit is a 15-piece survival kit built for hostile environments. It fits in your pack and has everything you need–including Gerber’s miniature multi-tool, a fire starter, a survival blanket, and a wire cutter–to survive even in the toughest spots.Survival Series Ultimate KitAt a Glance:15-piece survival kit b… |
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Quakehold! 70280 Grab-’n-Go Emergency Kit, 2-Person, 3-Day Backpack $32.95 Because you never know when there will be an emergency situation, it’s wise to always be prepared. Keeping the Grab ‘n Go 3-day, 2-person backpack on hand at home, at school, or at the office can help you avoid being caught without necessary supplies. Each kit contains enough emergency supplies to sustain two people for three days. The three basic essentials, as recommended by the American Red Cro… |
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Mountain House 72-Hour Emergency Meal Kit $48.99 Ideal for keeping on hand in the event of emergencies, power failures, hurricanes, floods, and other unexpected events, this 72-hour Emergency Meal Kit from Mountain House provides hearty meals that are easy to prepare under challenging circumstances. The kit includes three breakfasts, three side vegetables, and six 10-ounce packets of lunch or dinner entrees. Featuring a seven-year shelf life, al… |
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Adventure Medical Kits Pocket Survival Pack $35.71 Adventure Medical Kits offers a collection of survival tools in a small package…. |
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Fully Stocked Tactical Trauma Kit First Aid Kit Bag $165.00 This is the model FA138. The The Tactical Trauma Kit #3 is a very nice backpack with a lot of compartments for easy access to the contents. This backpack is designed and used by professionals, and is very comfortable to wear. The Tactical Trauma Kit #3 measures: 18”x10”x11”, and weights 9 lbs. A well-stocked first-aid kit can help you respond effectively to common injuries and emergencies. Ke… |
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4 Person Deluxe Backpack Survival Kit $91.60 Includes (4) ER Food Bars – 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life. (12) Water Boxes w/ Straws – 3 day supply for 4 people, 5 Year Shelf-life. (4) Thermal Blankets – Designed by NASA to retain body heat! (4) Ponchos with hoods – Don’t be caught out in the rain without shelter. (1) Tube Tent – Comes with rope and instructions. (1) Safety Whistle – Blow loud for immediate rescue attention! (4)… |
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The Ultimate Hiker’s Gear Guide: Tools and Techniques to Hit the Trail $11.38 Supreme long-distance hiker Andrew Skurka shares his hard-earned knowledge in this essential guide to backpacking gear and skills. Described by National Geographic as “one of the best traveled and fastest hikers on the planet,” and named “Adventurer of the Year” by Outside and “Person of the Year” by Backpacker, Skurka recounts what he’s learned from … |
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Lighten Up!: A Complete Handbook for Light and Ultralight Backpacking (Falcon Guide) $5.83 Lighten Up… |
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The Complete Walker IV $11.99 The book often referred to as the hikers bible. Recentlyrevised and updated…. |
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Trangia Spirit Alcohol Stove $12.99 The Trangia Spirit Burner is the most versatile and user friendly alcohol burner on the market. Besides having a track record of reliable service that spans decades it also has a couple of uniquely useful features…. |