Backpacking Basics

In our backpacking basics section we are going to cover a lot of different categories. From what gear to take, how to take care of your gear, conditioning and more.

When it comes to hiking you need to be in pretty good condition since it can get pretty strenuous at times. Backpacking can also be used as a good weight loss program and not only do you get the benefit of weight loss but you get peace of mind as well. What more do you want. My good friend Tracy over at healthyweightlossforlife.com has a lot of information that should be used not just for weight loss but also for nutrition. Info that we could all use.

There are a lot of hiking gear manufactures in the market place today and they are all trying to get you to buy their backpacking basics. Many are high quality companies and many are good starting equipment companies for those thinking about taking up hiking but don't want to spend a ton of money. As a general rule you get exactly what you pay for. Spending the almighty dollar is hard to do but when it comes to hiking gear that could possibly save your life, I am all for spending a little bit more.

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Some of the equipment that you will need does not have to be the top of the line, the mainstay companies equipment will suffice. Companies such as Coleman and Eureka have very good lightweight equipment for less money. The item may weigh a fraction more but you save a good deal of money. Be careful on spending too little since down the road you will have to pay for it again. Hiking gear will be abused more than most other camping equipment so make a wise decision in purchasing your gear. We will try to help you with that in our hiking tutorials.

Read the backpacking basics below to see how and what kind of gear you should be getting. We can't tell you specifically what brand of gear to get but we can try to lead you in the right direction.

Gear

How to plan a backpacking trip
Things that you need to consider when planning your next hike
What to take backpacking
All the items you need to start backpacking.
Backpacking Essential List
A list of essentials that you need to take on your hike.

Backpacks

Packing a Backpack
Gives information on how a backpack should be loaded.

Boots

Hiking boot buying guide
Information on the different aspects of hiking boots.

• Selecting hiking boots
  How to choose the right hiking boots for you
• Breaking in hiking boots
  How to break in your hiking boots the right way.
• Hiking boots care
  How to take care of your hiking boots to make them last longer.

Clothing

Dressing for cold weather hikes
Stay warm when you are on the trail on the coldest of days.
How does Gore-tex clothing work?
Explains what Gore-tex clothing is and how it works.
Gore-tex Care and Instructions
How to clean and care for your Gore-Tex garments

More backpacking basics

Hiking poles

Taking care of hiking poles
Learn how to take care of your hiking poles in order to extend the life of your poles.
Using hiking poles
Using hiking poles can add a lot more than just comfort.

Sleeping Bags

Sleeping bag repair
Things you can do to repair your sleeping bag.
Finding the best sleeping bag
Things to look for when buying a sleeping bag.
Sleeping Bags: Synthetic or Down?
Explains the differences between Down and Synthetic Bags.
How to wash a sleeping bag.
Details on how to machine wash and hand wash your sleeping bag.

Stoves

How to care for a camping stove
How to take care of your camping stove and more.

Tents

What is a Bivy Tent?
Explains difference between bivy sack and bivy tent and where they came from.

Hydration

Water purifier vs filter
Explains differences between the two.

Bugs and Insects

Deet Safety
How does Deet really affect you in the long run? This article gives you all the details you need to know about Deet and it's side effects.
Does Deet repel horse flies?
The answer can be confusing but the information is right here.

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