Sailing and Camping

Backpacking and taking long excursions into the outdoors requires you to be prepared and bring plenty of equipment with you. For experienced backpackers, the preparing and packing part is a breeze because they know what to take and how much. Here is a brief guide for beginners so they can understand what they need to take with them.

Backpacking in general is not a cheap hobby. Buying all of the required equipment can be somewhat costly. The three essential things every hiker needs are shelter, sleeping bag, and a backpack. Do a little research to find exactly what you need and then you can compare prices and figure out just how much it is going to cost.

Shelter:

They make tents in all shapes and sizes. You should find one that is light weight and one that does just enough. You really don't need to go overboard and buy a 6 man tent with all the poles and compartments. You just won't be able to haul it around. Sometimes just a water proof pup tent or a tarp to bock ran is all you should bring with you.

Sleeping Bag:

Sleeping bags don't necessarily have to weigh a lot to keep you warm at night. Look into buying a lightweight mummy bag with a built in pillow. Some bags will zip up all the way over your head to maximize warmth and keep your body heat retained. Look for sleeping bags in down or down synthetic for colder environments.

Backpack:

Find a backpack that has a lightweight frame and one that has many compartments and allows you to attach your sleeping bag and carry your shelter. The backpack itself shouldn't weigh much. You have to remember that you will be packing items in there and you don't want the bag to hold you back and weigh you down.

Other Items:

Besides the essential equipment, there are a few other necessities you'll need. The most important of course will be your hiking boots. Make sure your boots fit nice and snug and are comfortable enough to wear all day long. They shouldn't slip or rub on your feet. This can cause blisters on your feet and if this happens, you may not be hiking anywhere.

Make sure to wear and bring proper clothing with you. Always check the weather reports to see exactly what kind of weather you will be dealing with and then pack accordingly.

It's best to make a checklist of things you need and want to bring. This will ensure that you don't forget anything and so you won't be caught stranded in the middle of nowhere unprepared.