This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a First Aid Kit? When you’re out hiking, you might be hours away from help. You are your own first aid when you’re in the backcountry. Small cuts and sprains… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: First Aid Kit
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a coffee maker? I don’t go far without my Aeropress coffee maker but it’s big to bring on the trail. I like the Starbucks instant coffee packets the best. Easy and fast… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Coffee Maker
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a watch? Having a watch on the trail, even a cheap sports watch, is very helpful. If weather rolls in, it’s easy to sleep past when you wanted to get… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Watch
Why do you need sun protection? Sun protection may not just be one thing for you but rather a group. It’s one of the categories in the 10 Essentials and is just focused on protecting your skin and eyes from the sun. It usually includes… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Sun Protection
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need trekking poles? Trekking poles are walking sticks with soft handles, like ski poles. Sometimes they have wide discs around the end at the ground to keep them from sinking into… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Trekking Poles
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a pillow? Obviously you need to put your head on something when you’re sleeping. But it doesn’t have to be an actual pillow. Bringing a whole pillow from home will be large,… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Pillow
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need rope? Rope can be a very useful thing to have on the trail. It has many uses from day to day to emergency. For regular uses you can tie up tarps or… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Rope
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Clothes for hiking are an important part of staying warm, dry, comfortable, and safe. Pick your clothes well and you’ll be dry and comfortable no matter what the weather is. It’s helpful to think about having… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Hiking Clothes
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need socks? Chances are slim that you can wear hiking boots or walk long distances without socks on. Good socks can keep your feet dry, happy and prevent blisters. Thicker socks will also… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Socks
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need food? Well, we need food to survive so I guess we’re taking it. The trick for backpacking is packing light. We have to carry all our food so aim to bring food… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Food