This
equipment can be easily rented. You will want a sleeping
bag that is rated at least 20 degrees lower than the
expected low temperature. External frame backpacks are
the way to go for kids and those who have bad or ailing
backs. -back to the list-
Boots
are the most critical piece of equipment you can have.
If your feet go out of commission, the trip is over.
They are, however, a very personal purchase. Do some
shopping. Go to outdoor outfitters. Ask lots of questions.
Ask several people. Get a professional fitting. The
boots I chose are designed for rugged to off-trail backpacking
with a heavy pack. So, they have stiff soles and lace
up over my ankles. They also have a full nylon shank
(part of the boot that runs from the toe to the heel
between the sole and the rest of the boot) to add stability
and life to the boot.
I
also chose a boot with a Sympatec lining for waterproof-ness.
There is a lot of debate as to whether you should choose
boots with a waterproof layer in them or not. Boots
with a GoreTex or Sympatec lining are naturally warmer
boots to wear making them a bit hot in the summer. I
decided on the waterproof lining because I wanted a
4-season boot and I just change my socks and liners
more often in warmer weather to help manage sweat and
prevent blisters. -back to the list-
ABSOLUTELY
NO COTTON SOCKS. They are blister factories and in cooler
weather will take far to long to dry out. -back
to the list-
Silk
or synthetic liners are ideal for wicking moisture away
from the skin to prevent blisters. These are not necessary
but are recommended. I will have a blister kit if it's
needed. -back to the list-
Gaiters
are basically leggings that are designed to attach to
the outside of your boots to keep water, mud, rocks
and lots of other nasty things out of your boots. -back
to the list-
Sometimes
it's nice to have a little pad on which to sit, stand
or kneel to do little things like change pants, sit
by the fire, use as a flat area for your stove, start
a fire, and so forth. Just get a simple closed-cell
foam pad and cut about a 2' square section out of it.
The weight is negligible and can be terribly convenient.
-back to the list-
When
I say flashlight, that doesn't mean "the bigger,
the better." Remember, backpacking is about compactness
and light weight. Consider a two AA Maglight. It's powerful,
efficient and compact. Or consider an actual headlamp
that you can get at any outdoor outfitter. For maglights,
you can also get headbands made to hold them on your
head for hands-free use. -back to the
list-
Camp
shoes can be anything that isn't your boots. Surf shoes
are especially good for this purpose as they usually
have a firm sole and are extremely lightweight. Even
house slippers may be good as long as they have a waterproof
sole. -back to the list-
Some
people like to bring moist towelettes to use for toilet
paper. There is absolutley nothing wrong with that.
Just remember that in cooler temperatures they can not
only get briskly cool but can even freeze. Yipes! -back
to the list-
Zippos
have a tendency to dry out very quickly and are usually
much heavier than a little disposable. -back
to the list-
No
kidding. If, for some reason, you got lost in the wilderness,
a whistle carries a lot farther than your voice and
it takes a lot less effort to blow a whistle than to
shout for help. My whistle actually has a compass and
a thermometer on it. -back to the list-
Typical
bottled should be just fine, however, when the temperature
is expected to get below freezing you will probably
want to use a bottle that is a little more durable.
I use Nalgene brand bottles with a wide mouth that are
made of Lexan. They're usually only about $5-$6. These
are particularly good as you can actually drop them
into boiling water (if say, the water inside is frozen).
Also, in freezing weather, you want to use wide mouth
bottles because widemouth bottles are easier to deal
with when it comes to ice (both inside and out). -back
to the list-
There
are many personal hydration systems on the market. Platypus,
Gregory and CamelBak to name a few. The primary benefit
of a "phs" is that it enables you to drink
from a tube while you walk without any effort. It basically
consists of a water bladder (usually between 50 and
100 ounces), a tube and a bite valve. The bladder and
tube system is fairly basic but regardless of the manufacturer
you choose, I recommend the CamelBak "Big Bite
Valve." It is by far the best bite valve on the
market. -back to the list-
Large
garbage bags have several uses. When it rains, the bag
goes over the backpack to keep it dry. At night, I put
the end of my sleeping bag in a garbage bag to keep
it dry because my feet touch the side of the tent. In
extreme situations, it can act as an emergency shelter
or clothing. Garbage bags are cool. -back
to the list-
