Backpacking for Beginners

Waterproof Backpacks

Richard — Sun, 28 Jun 2009 16:30:17 +0000

Journeys in the Outback with Waterproof Hiking Backpack

Traveling through water bodies is not a usual practice of hikers and therefore they usually have no need for waterproof backpacks. Face it, compared to an average hiking backpack, waterproof hiking backpacks are much more expensive. In the past the waterproof hiking backpack was essentially a rubber bag with shoulder straps. Today there are numerous categories of backpacks armed with various features, as more intensive trips require tougher waterproof backpacks.

Today, waterproof backpacks come standard with most of the same components and options as typical backpacks. Some of these components are chest straps, shoulder straps, hip belt, and various types of pockets. These kinds of dependable backpacks will appeal to whitewater rafters who travel down the rough parts of a river, followed by trekking to the campsite.

Classification of Waterproof Hiking Backpacks

Other then having the components of an average backpack, an individual should also ensure that the rating of the backpack meets the kind of water repelling capacity for the hike when looking for waterproof hiking backpacks.

Class One - This is the lowest level, and indicates that the backpack is least resistant to water. It can only withstand water splashing and not full exposure to a waterfall or heavy rain. The contents of a class one backpack will still be dry during a light rain but anything that is greater will not be acceptable.

Class Two - These backpacks have more resistance to water. They can resist larger volumes of water such as a small waterfall or heavy rain. Nevertheless, if the pressure of the water volume is too great then the contents within the backpack can still be wet. An example of failure of a class two would be entire submersion into water or a huge waterfall.

Class Three - At this level waterproof backpacks can handle greater water pressure and also a short submersion in water. The gaps of a class three backpack are firm enough to allow the backpack to float on water. This aids the hiker in traveling across rivers where it is more manageable to handle the backpack by hand as compared to carrying on the hiker's back. Furthermore, this reduces the risk of the hiker being dragged by the pull of the rushing river.

Consider the degree of "insurance" you need and then go shopping for the proper waterproof hiking backpack.

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Backpacking Explained

Richard — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 16:50:45 +0000

What is backpacking? The usual definition sights backpacking as hiking, camping or traveling in some manner with all of your gear in a pack that you carry on your back. Yet, it is so much more than that! There is the thrill of the adventure of your trip, the independence of relying totally on yourself, and the fact that you technically will need nothing more than what you carry on your back to make your trip, wherever it may be.

Backpacking for beginners can be a day trip or weekend away hiking in a beautiful scenic spot alone or with friends. Or it can be traveling half way around the world to see your way around Europe with nothing more than the gear you are carrying on your back. Whether you are camping in the wilderness or sleeping at a hostel in Europe one thing you'll need for both trips is a good sleeping bag. It is needed for curling up inside your tent or to act as covers when staying at a hostel. Like a good backpack, a good sleeping bag is an essential part of your traveling equipment. Either way backpacking will open the doors to some of the most interesting adventures of your life.

If you are taking a hiking trip for the weekend then you need pack your backpack with everything you will need. This will include clothes, food, cooking utensils, a flashlight, perhaps a book, your tent and sleeping bag. You may carry other thing depending on what you plan to do and where you plan to camp. A small ax, with a good cover to protect your equipment from getting damaged would be useful if you think you'll have to chop your own wood for a fire. Most camping areas will allow fires, unless there are warnings out, so that you may cook, have warmth and some light at night.

Before you take your first backpack trip its essential to be sure you buy a good backpack. You should not plan to buy another one for years and so you will want this purchase to be the right one. It must fit exactly right with the weight evenly distributed. It must have good foam shoulder padding to offset the weight and be big enough to hold everything without being too big to carry. Then its time to fill it and again you must make these purchases carefully.

If you are buying a tent then you will want to be sure that it will be either waterproof or has a fly, which is a special cover, to keep the rain from flooding your tent. You will need a good sleeping bag that will keep you warm to at least ten degrees below zero. Then, depending on if you are traveling afar or camping out, you will need to fill your backpack with appropriate clothing, toiletries, cooking gear, maps etc. so that this backpacking experience will be an adventure that you will not soon forget.

Backpacking Basics

Richard — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 16:39:48 +0000

Backpacking for Beginners - Some Basics

Unfortunately only experience in backpacking on a hiking trip can keep you safe. The more you know the better you can take care of yourself and the people you are traveling with. The unfortunate part of this is that this knowledge only comes from experience and so anyone first beginning backpacking is more at risk than the person who has been backpacking for a number of seasons. Nonetheless safety is a big issue on these wilderness trips and its important for the beginner to learn backpacking basics on how to be safe.

Keeping safe comes down to two main considerations, common sense and the right equipment. The right equipment begins with a good tent, a good sleeping bag and the right supplies. But once you have the essentials there is supplies that need to be added to make sure any problems that arise will be handled successfully.

The best way to do this is to be certain that the equipment that they are carrying covers off the important things that every wilderness backpacker needs. Most backpackers will tell you that there are ten items that must be taken with on every backpacking wilderness adventure. The list should include a map, compass (if you know how to use one), flashlight, extra food, extra clothes, sunglasses, a first-aid kit, a good knife, waterproof matches and a fire starter.

Why take extra clothes and extra food if you are simply going hiking for the weekend? Many people have asked this same question. The answer is that these are recommended in case there are unexpected circumstances that you need to deal with. For example, what if the nights are colder than expected? The extra clothing, while bulky, will not be heavy and could make the difference between a comfortable night and a cold one. Or what if the backpacker slipped and fell into water or into mud? Being able to change into clean dry clothing will add a lot of comfort to being able to continue on their adventure.

Extra food may also be a deciding factor on whether a trip can continue. Sometimes animals can get into your supplies if they have not been properly stored. The ability to divide food stores and place them out of reach of wild animals may be a big advantage. If one stash of food is pilfered the backpacker will have the second stash somewhere safely away and so still be able to eat while enjoying their adventure.

The waterproof matches are common sense. If the backpacker's matches get damp that may mean no fire at night for cooking. This doesn't mean not eating; it just means that food would not necessarily taste as good. A bigger issue would be no fire to warm oneself at night. Therefore waterproof matches are essential. So is a first aid kit. No one plans to get hurt when they are out backpacking but anything can happen. The kit need not be huge, but should have the essentials for cleaning wounds and covering them.

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Backpacking By Canoe

Richard — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:35:56 +0000

A backpacking adventure does not necessarily require the backpacker to spend all of their time walking. There are many alternatives open to them that can make their adventure just as interesting. Some backpackers will use off road vehicles, some will travel on horseback while still others will make their way by water. It all depends on the personal preferences of the backpacker. Some will say that backpacking by canoe through the wilderness doesn't count as a backpacking adventure since the person merely throws their supplies in the canoe and off they go. But this is not so. They must backpack some of the time or they would be unable to carry their canoe. Most travelers prefer to carry the canoe upside down for ease of carrying and that means supplies will go on their backs.

If the water is without hazards then a canoe trip can be a lovely excursion through the wilderness. But not always is the water perfect. There are times when the canoe must be brought to shore to get around a waterfall or an area of rapids. These are not necessarily long stretches but depending on the area can take the canoeist from the water for a few days along their route. Though their equipment will be in a backpack since its only carried on their backs when they portage or walk from the shoreline to the campsite, the backpacker will often be able to bring a pack with them that they can fill heavier then normal. This also allows for longer journeys since another five or ten pounds of food will make very little difference for the short time it will be carried.

Many of those paddling a canoe feel comfortable enough in the water to paddle down the middle of the waterway they are in. But there is no reason for this. A canoe needs not much more than a half a foot to ten inches of water and so can actually be paddled quite close to shore. Paddling this close can enable the adventurers to see more of the pants, wildlife and water life than out in the middle of the waterway would. This also allows the adventurer to fish on the trip and so have a hot dinner when they are done for the day. Be sure to only take out of the water what you can eat for the meal you're going to make.

Canoeing can be a very quiet enjoyable experience after backpacking through many wilderness trails. It is quieter and brings the backpacker to places that they might never be able to get to otherwise. It is a unique and amazing journey.

Like the amazing trails that backpacker will often venture on canoeing can take these same adventurers along paths that were once traveled by those who were exploring as they were opening up America. Whatever type of backpacking trip you take, whether on foot, by horse or by canoe be sure to treat the wilderness you travel through with respect.

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Hostels and Backpacking

Richard — Mon, 19 May 2008 01:20:01 +0000

The more adventurous of us decide to travel the world as backpackers. It is definitely a great way to see places, as backpacking makes it easy to avoid the tourist view of a place. One way to do this economically is to travel the world backpacking and stay at hostels.

A hostel is an excellent cheap form of accommodation, but keep in mind that backpacking can be confusing, exhausting and possible dangerous. Therefore, preparations need to be made. By booking in advance, you save yourself from worrying about your accommodation at a hostel, and can get on with enjoying your vacation. Use the internet to compare room rates at a number of hostels in your preferred destination. As well, online resources can help you to learn about the culture of the country before you visit it, and try not to look too much like a tourist. We do NOT want to stand out in the crowd.

There are hostels in castles, in teepees and in railroad carriages. Hostels have probably been around for over a thousand years as a low cost place for a traveler to stay for the night. Many hostels offer a wide range of activities - from city tours to white water-rafting.

The hostel custom is that all guests clean up after themselves. Many of them are becoming more and more modern. Hostels provide a great way to meet new people and experience new things which is why they appeal to such a diverse range. While most hostels do not impose an age restriction, this is not always the case, particularly in establishments which have a bar on the premises. Common identification used to stay in hostels includes passports, photo driver's licenses and state or country identity cards.

Enjoy your journey and don't forget your camera.

Choosing the Right Backpack

Richard — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:16:36 +0000

If you are new to backpacking (duh! the title of this website IS "for beginners") then maybe you are in the market for a good backpack. Choosing the right backpack is essential for comfort and practicality. Choose the wrong pack and you may find yourself unable to keep up with your hiking partners, excessively fatigued and sore, or otherwise distracted from the enjoyment of your outing.

What are the keys to choosing the right backpack?

SIZE

The size of backpack you choose will depend on the nature of your trip. Are you taking a day trip through a local park or going into the mountains for a few weeks? What equipment or comforts do you need to take with you?

If you select a bag that is too big for your needs you will tend to overpack which will tire you out faster. Choose a bag according to what you must carry. Assemble the gear you require to determine the size of bag you need.

Manufacturers use different terms for size. What may be a large in one brand could be a medium in another. You will have a better idea of size based on the litre capacity or cubic inches listed.

FIT

Do you want an internal or external frame? Will you need a hipbelt? What kind of padding is provided?

Internal framed backpacks fit snugly against the body. They are counterbalanced with hipbelts and sternum straps. Look for good quality padding on the shoulders and hip belt to prevent chaffing and creating sore points. The internal framed backpack should fit the torso of the user. Women and children will usually need short torso fits. Men should measure for fit since torso length is not always relative to height.

External frames hold the pack away from the body. They are cooler to wear in hot weather but are less stable and not a good choice for hiking in less than ideal conditions that require balance, climbing, skiing or managing rough trails.

MATERIAL and SPECIAL FEATURES

The material of your backpack will depend on the conditions you expect to travel in. Hardier fabrics will cost more and may be heavier but are worth it if you will be travelling in inclement weather or for an extended trip that will cause wear and tear. Choosing lighter, cheaper fabrics is fine for day trips.

If you are taking climbing equipment, snowshoes or other sporting equipment it is best to find a backpack with specific attachment features for your gear. Trying to retro fit your gear can cause undo strain to your backpack and force you to slouch to one side in compensation for an off-balanced pack.

Take all aspects into consideration when choosing your backpack since your comfort will be your biggest concern when you hit the trails.

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Choosing the Right Sleeping Bag

Richard — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 00:59:42 +0000

The last thing you want to happen when you're 20 miles into the woods on an overnight backpacking adventure is to find your sleeping bag is not warm enough. You will be facing a very long and unrestful night which can ruin your spirits and sap your strength for the next day.

So how do you make sure you've selected the best bag for your needs? There are several aspects to consider:

GOOSE DOWN or SYNTHETIC?

There are pros and cons to most of the options available in sleeping bags.

Goose down is very warm. It is lightweight to carry and can be easily compressed for travel and quickly regain form when shaken out. It is by far a better choice for backpackers who intend to carry the bag with them for extended trips because of the lighter weight and smaller packing. However, goose down is also more expensive and losses its insulating properties when wet - a consideration if sleeping outdoors or travelling in inclement weather.

Synthetic filled bags are cheaper than goose down and retain their warmth even in wet conditions. They dry faster than down and are a good choice if travelling by boat or sleeping outdoors on the ground. However, synthetic bags are heavier and larger which can be a downside if you are hiking long distances with the bag.

For the average family camper synthetic bags are the least expensive and least affected by wet conditions. If travelling by car to a campground the size and weight of a synthetic bag should not be a problem.

RECTANGLE, TAPERED or MUMMY BAG?

As with the insulating materials, the shape of bag you choose will depend on your specific needs with pros and cons for each type.

Rectangle bags are most similar to bed sleeping and most familiar to the average user. They permit room for movement and you can easily zip two bags together for shared sleeping. However, rectangle bags are the biggest and not the best option for carrying on extended hikes.

Tapered bags are somewhat narrower towards the feet area of the sleeping bag. This shape provides less freedom of movement but more warmth because of the restricted space.

Mummy bags are the smallest and lightest to carry. They are very snug to the body (as the name suggests) with a hood that can be fitted around the head to conserve the greatest amount of body heat. While the average user may find the mummy bag uncomfortable to sleep in because of the restriction they are the best choice for cold weather camping and long hikes because of their warmth and small size.

WHICH TEMPERATURE RATING?

Sleeping bags will list the coldest temperature they are suitable for sleeping in. Depending on if you are camping in the summer or colder months you will need to choose a bag accordingly. Also take into consideration if you are normally cold or hot when sleeping and make the adjustments.

In most cases it is recommended to choose a warmer bag since you can always open it for venting if it is too warm. The temperature rating is based on using a sleeping pad under the sleeping bag which conserves body heat from the ground.

ADDITIONS

If you frequently camp out you may want to consider a liner for your bag which will increase its warmth and can be washed separately, saving your sleeping bag from extra wear and tear.

You can also purchase sleeping bag covers. Some of these can substitute for a warm weather sleeping bag and can extend an all season bag into a cold weather bag by increasing the warmth. They can also provide extra protection from wet conditions and are a good choice for protecting goose down sleeping bags.

How comfortable you are when you sleep will drastically affect your enjoyment of a camping or hiking trip. Saving five or ten dollars at the expense of a good nights sleep will not seem like a good idea when you are tired and cold out in the woods, so choose wisely.

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Picking The Right Snowshoes

Richard — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 00:54:13 +0000

Snowshoeing is a fun winter recreation activity whose popularity has stayed strong since its inception and right up through today. It's also a popular and easy way to get around in snowbound areas during the winter. Nowadays, there are many types of snowshoes for many types of activities. Here's a rundown of each type to help you choose the right snowshoes for your lifestyle and activity.

The three main types of snowshoes are:

Running & Aerobic Style

These snowshoes were built with lighter weight materials than normal snowshoes to allow for faster movement. They also feature an extra cleat or cleats for additional traction while you are running or walking fast. Also, the bindings will allow for you to insert running or athletic shoes, so they lace up and cradle as well. There are actually snowshoe races, and this is the type of snowshoe that is used in that type of race. This type of snowshoe is right for anyone who will need to move fast or just wants to walk around their town. These are not appropriate for snowshoeing in rugged terrain.

Mountaineer Style

Mountaineer style snowshoes are built much tougher and heavier than, say, running style snowshoes. This is for added traction and stability on steep and icy hills. They typically include larger crampons to achieve this added traction. The binding will also be able to accommodate larger shoes including climbing shoes and boots. Extra heavy duty material is used to create mountaineer style snowshoes, for better performance during different types of weather situations and various types of terrain. This also makes mountaineer style snowshoes the best choice for walking in deeper snow. Mountaineering snowshoes are the right choice for any serious snowshoeing enthusiast.

Hiking/Recreation Style

This type of snowshoe tends to be the most popular as it is appropriate for hiking, backpacking and light to moderate terrains. Recreation style snowshoes are made to be comfortable, with ease of use and value as a big selling point. This type of shoe is excellent for all around use, light use and the occasional hiker.

Sizes

This is an easier choice as there are only a few sizes of snowshoes available. They are 6x15 inches, 7x18 inches, 8x25 inches, 9x30 inches and 10x36 inches. The smallest snowshoes are usually for children and the middle sizes are usually best for women. Your weight will also be a consideration, as the heavier you are, the larger size of snowshoe you will likely need. You should also consider the weight you will be with your other equipment, skis, snowboard, backpack or other supplies you will be carrying.

Bindings

There are two types of bindings available, the free rotation and the limited rotation. In the limited rotation style, the toes do not go below the decking. In the free rotation the toes are more free. Free rotation bindings are preferred for running, racing and sometimes hiking. It's best to try both styles and decide which is more comfortable for you.

Whatever size or style of snowshoe you choose, have fun on the trails!

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Canoeing in Algonquin Park

Richard — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 00:47:39 +0000

To properly experience the beauty of Algonquin Park you must take a canoe trip through the park's interior. The park covers about 7,600 sq km (3,000 sq mi) and has many drive-in campgrounds which are very popular during the summer months. To really get away from it all you need to visit an interior campsite, which is only accessible by canoe or by hiking in the late spring, summer and fall. During the winter, the interior campgrounds are accessible by cross-country skiing or by snowshoe.

Some of the best canoeing in Canada is found in Algonquin Park. There are literally hundreds of navigable rivers and lakes in the park. These waterways form a two thousand kilometer long system of interconnected canoe routes. As you get further away from the canoe access points, the park becomes much less inhabited. Depending on the route you take, you may encounter few other canoeists.

The routes in the park are not overly difficult. Some portages are quite long though, so it is best to tackle an easier route for your first trip if you are not very experienced. Park staff maintains the portages. There are two types of portages in the park. Portages that are marked in red on the map are well maintained by staff. While those that are less traveled and considerably more difficult are marked in black on the map.

If canoeing is not your thing but you still want to enjoy the beauty of the park, there are three hiking trails with loops ranging from six to eighty-eight kilometers long. If you are new to interior camping, keep in mind that there are no outhouses or portable toilets in the interior of the park. What the campsites do have are wooden boxes known as a thunder-box, so at least there is a place to sit. All campsites also have a fire pit. Algonquin is definitely a place for some serious wilderness style backpacking.

There are several old ranger cabins in the park as well. These are quite popular during the summer months. If not staying at a cabin, then your shelter will consist of the tent you bring in yourself. On my last trip I also found a sturdy log lean to, which at least sheltered us from prevailing winds. If traveling a number of portages, keep in mind that you have to carry all your gear, thus it is best to pack light. There are Internet sites that provide a list of the basic supplies that campers should bring if interior camping.

It is a wise choice to bring proper bad-weather gear; nothing spoils a trip more than being wet and cold. An excellent item to bring is a dry bag, available at most outdoor suppliers. Stuff the bag with extra clothes and if you have a large enough bag, stuff your sleeping bag into it as well. A wet sleeping bag makes for a miserable night. Many experienced interior campers have several dry bags to keep all their belongings dry. Just remember to make sure it is sealed tight so no moisture can get in.

Algonquin Park is an enormous park, but also a very popular park. If you can, it is best to enter the park from the north, as it is not as busy as the rest of the park. Many interior campers start their canoeing adventures in Algonquin and then move on to less occupied and more difficult routes. An Algonquin trip is sure to create many wonderful memories for the novice and the experienced canoeist alike.

For more info on the park, visit the Algonquin Park website.

Hiking In The Canadian Wilderness

Richard — Thu, 29 Nov 2007 00:42:47 +0000

There are many beautiful places in the world that offer vast wildlife and untouched wilderness. There is just nothing that can compare to the beauty of being out in the wild without the stresses of everyday life. One of the most beautiful and untouched places I have ever been camping is the Canadian wilderness.

It's Beautiful There, But Don't Travel Into The Canadian Wilderness Alone

Backpacking into the Canadian wilderness can be great for solitude, as there are thousands of square miles of untamed land waiting to be explored. However, it is highly recommended that a person never travel into the Canadian wilderness alone, as there are places, as well as dangers from which one person may not be able to return. The natural habitat and wildlife offers challenges that only an experienced person should undertake.

There are many isolated outposts within the Canadian wilderness that invite people into their area for hunting and fishing trips, claiming some of the most natural surroundings and game found anywhere on the planet. For some of the Canadian wilderness areas, access is only available by chartering a small plane, as the ground routes are too grueling for even the most athletic hikers. Distances to the sites may be hundreds of miles, accessible only by air, but the end results are worth the trip.

Not everyone will feel comfortable in the Canadian wilderness once they are dropped off, as it may be days before contacting another human being. Telephone or radio service will be spotty at best, although usually not available and those on the trip must be prepared to handle any emergency until they are picked up at the appointed time and place of departure.

Living Conditions In the Canadian Wilderness: Barely Better Than Roughing It

While many of the camping sites for hunting and fishing in the Canadian wilderness have cabins in which to live during the stay, heat and air conditioning are probably not going to be available. Although, fireplaces can provide heat during the harsh winter months, other than wood burning stoves for heat and cooking, there will usually be no other amenities similar to the campers' home.

Although the typical Canadian wilderness campground will be friendly for visitors, it is no place for the weak of heart. The tedious nature of camping in the wild means that all chores have to be shared by all members of the camping party. Consequently, the members of the party should all be able to get along. There is no place for fighting in the Canadian Wilderness.

The isolation of being left alone in the Canadian wilderness to fend for yourself is a dream come true for many who choose to participate in a wilderness experience. The first-timers may be a little overwhelmed by the solitude, but the experience of having no one to depend on can be enlightening.

Usually even those who find camping uncomfortable at first will lighten up after a day or two. Sometimes it just takes a little time to enjoy time away. I find that camping in the Canadian Wilderness gives me a great sense of calm when I return to my stressful life back home.

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Article courtesy of the Come and Read Article Directory.