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Beginning Backpacking, tips and things to think about
Dustin Twiggs
Backpacking Advice
This is just a short article on backpacking. Books upon books
have been written on the topic, and magazines are published
monthly discussing trends both new and old. There are lots of
reasons to backpack. Some go on long hunting trips, fishing
trips, camping, bird watching, or just exploring. Some will pack
for mountain climbing adventures, while others simply want to
experience the 'zen' like quietness of the great outdoors.
Backpacking is great because once you get it down loading up and
taking off into the wild blue yonder is no more than just
quickly grabbing your pre-packed bag and hauling off!
So where do you get started? I'd say first pick a season. Most
likely summer as there are fewer weather-related risks. This
will also allow you to pack less clothing and warmth-related
gear resulting in a lighter pack. Good for the beginner. Now
what about food? Do you want to cook, or take precooked?
Truthfully, I feel this discussion is null and void, but it
comes up a lot. It's all about your preference. Some argue that
taking food that doesn't need to be cooked saves weight because
you don't have to haul any utensils, fuel, or stove. I disagree.
This type of food typically weighs more, therefore it offsets
the weight savings. It also doesn't taste as good as grits at
5am while watching the sunrise over Mt. Rainier on a beautiful
August morning. What about water weight? Take a filtering device
and filter fresh water when you get to your destinations or
along the way. This will also limit your pack weight.
Don't forget the 10 essentials. Map and compass (make sure you
know how to use it), extra water/filtering device, emergency
food, first aid kit, flashlight and/or headlamp, the proper
clothing, some sort of a multi-tool or pocket knife, pencil
paper, large trash bag or emergency "space blanket" (for
surprise weather... we get a lot of that in Washington..., and a
signaling device. Be it whistle, flare, or other.
Start out with day hikes. Find yourself a local trail in the 2-4
mile range if you are not in shape, maybe 5-10 if are feeling
pretty good, and 15 or so if you are adventurous. I find a good
15 mile hike should take well over 5 hours. So expect to hike
2-2.5 miles per hour as that seems to be the average. Pack your
back pack with everything you would need, and food. After a few
successful day hikes... no broken gear, all the food and water
you could need, and perhaps even coping with surprise, you may
be ready for your first overnighter away from civilization.
For me, a tent is huge. Make sure if you take one, you are ready
for the extra weight. You may consider a 'tarp tent' or other
light weight backpacking tent. Many go without them at all
during the summer. I prefer something to keep the bugs away.
Really, once you have the 10 essentials down, plus your basic
gear (food prep, sleeping bag, tent, tools/fishing) you are
ready to go. Experiment with different tools and devices. Some
stoves are better in high elevations, while others provide all
the heat needed at lower elevations and save substantial weight.
I always like to add a 'theme' to my backpacking trips. Either
exploration of a new area to find a hidden lake, or
hunting/scouting out the land for new signs of game. Often I'll
take friends or family to new lakes to explore the fishing
scene. Nothing quite matches the feeling you get of finally
stumbling over a beautiful lake miles away from the nearest road
to find fish and game galore.
Visit my Mule Deer Hunting In Canada site for more info on
combining backpacking with hunting!
About the author:
Dustin Twiggs writes articles for carcasherdotcom seocontest
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