Going on a successful hiking or camping trip involves careful planning at home. You will want to gather everything you would likely need while in the great outdoors. With the most careful planning, items that you need might be left out during the packing process.
The Right Backpack
Traveling light is the way to hike in the outdoors. A small backpack can be packed correctly to carry what you have to rely on while on a day hike or overnight trip. A small pack is ideal for a day hike. A larger backpack is recommended for any overnight stays.
You will need a larger pack if you plan to stay for a few nights in the outdoors. You are going to need your sleeping bag and a small tent. You better make room in the pack for food supplies to last long enough for the trip. Don’t forget about water or water purifiers to make it safe for drinking.
If you plan the trip during colder weather, don’t forget about extra winter gear. Hats, gloves and a jacket are essential items to carry. A good set of waterproof boots with a pair of hiking shoes can make the trip more enjoyable. Keep in mind that lighter weight materials make the pack easier to carry while hiking.
Gathering Supplies To Pack
Arrange everything that you intend to pack around you. Toiletries, snacks, first aid supplies, cooking utensils, emergency supplies and water filtration devices are good examples to carry with you.
Make sure you have sleeping gear and a shelter tent to carry with you on the trip. You will want to bring along plenty of high-energy trail snacks along with the foods you will need.
You might be able to consolidate small items inside others to create more space in the pack. Packing hygiene items and toiletries inside camping utensils are great examples of making more space. Freezer bags can be used to pack clothes inside to help protect them from moisture.
Think of all the items you would need to survive outdoors to carry with you during the length of your stay. Include emergency gear items like a flashlight, matches and pepper spray.
Filling The Backpack
You want to distribute the weight inside the pack so you can avoid back problems during the hike. The lightest gear should be packed at the bottom with heavier items closer to your upper back. This will distribute the weight to make it easier for your back to carry the load.
One important tip is to avoid carrying water if possible. Water is dead weight, which can make the pack too heavy. Water filtration bottles are an excellent way to gather water for drinking out in the woods.
If you plan to sleep outdoors for a few nights, pack your sleeping bag first. Then pack other sleeping items. Clothing should be packed next. Cooking supplies, food, survival items, toiletries and food supplies should be packed next.
Tent poles can be attached to the side of the pack. Your sleeping bag could be attached to the bottom of the pack to allow additional room inside for extra items. Some backpacks have areas specifically designed on the outside of the packs to accommodate a sleeping bag and tent gear.
Remember To Organize For Convenience
Make sure that all gear that you might need access to in a hurry is packed where you can reach it. A canteen or water bottle, pepper spray, compass, rain gear and other essential items that you may reach for often should be easy to reach.
Always practice safety while outdoors hiking or camping. Be aware of your surroundings to avoid confrontation with snakes or predators. Above all, have an enjoyable trip in the great outdoors.
