Backpacking Gear for Backcountry
Necessary Equipment for Remote Camping
Tips and tools for how to properly prepare for a deep, back-country excursion for camping and recreation.
Summer is coming soon. You've thought of the perfect outdoor vacation. You'll avoid campgrounds and RVs and stick to nature. You've gone to your local mega-sporting goods store and purchased everything you could think of to prepare for your camping trip; backpacks, sleeping bags, lanterns, flashlights and ice-chests. You drive for hours, until you reach that perfect trailhead, State Park or Public Lands and discover that twenty men couldn't pack in the load you've amassed.
It's a common problem among new camping enthusiasts as well as some seasoned pros. Fortunately, there are a few tips that could help you prepare for a light-pack, deep-country excursion.
When preparing for an extended camping trip, whether alone (not recommended) or as a family, there are always three basic needs: Food, Shelter and Tools. These categories each have sub-categories which are outlined below with tips on how to make the lightest, most efficient pack possible.
Food.
When it comes to food, the key is necessity. Sodas, beer and bulky items such as bread and milk must take a backseat to space.
-Tip: Camp near a stream. This way you can boil water for drinking and cleaning. Never drink water straight from a river or stream without boiling it first. Pack in a small water bottle for each person in the group to refill.
-Tip: Use a loaves of French Bread or unsliced bread. It won't squish as easily and keeps you from having to have an extra container to hold it in.
Canned goods are too heavy. Instead, buy a plastic plate with divided sections. Plate up a meal for each night and store them in your pack. Designate one person's backpack as the 'cooler'. Use a hydra-bladder filled with ice (or frozen) and pack all perishables therein.
Shelter.
Pack one tent only. Comfort takes a backseat to space. Pack a sleeping bag for each person and a rolled up egg-crate.
-Tip: Always pack bedrolls, egg-crate and tents on the outside of the pack, never stuff it inside. This takes up too much space.
-Tip: Everyone sleeping in the same tent will make for warmer nights.
Pack a rolled up tarp. This will be used as a cook-tent. This is where you hang out and eat until it's time to retire to the tent for some sleep.
Roll up clothing. Do not fold. Pack plenty of socks and a pair of sandals, in case of wet shoes. Always take a rain-poncho. Cheap plastic ones can fit in the palm of your hand.
Tools.
Rope, toilet paper, trash bags, a hatchet, recreational items (fishing gear, etc.), a pot, a skillet, knife, silver ware, etc.
Pack as many tools as you can. Be the judge of how heavy your pack is. Don't overload yourself. Use the same utencils for every meal. Be sure and pack out trash.
A good rule of thumb for backpack weight is this:
Start with your body weight. Your pack should be 20% of that. 180 lb man should have no more than a 36lb pack. For every mile that you plan to walk in a day, deduct 5lbs.
If you would like to use an ice chest and prefer items such as milk, beer, soda, etc. Get a chest that can be carried by two people.
Always pack a first aide kit. This is the most important item in your pack. It could be the difference in life and death. A simple cut or scratch, if infected could turn life-threatening before you reach civilization. Size and toughness has nothing to do with your body's ability to stave off an infection or disease.
Always leave no trace of yourself.
Hang food from trees to avoid attracting bears and other animals.
Always check with local authorities about the regulations for camping and/or fishing in the area you have chosen.
Now go out there and have fun. Enjoy the outdoors and preserve them for future generations.
