This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need middle layers? On top of your base layers you’ll have midlayers, often called insulation layers. This is where you can set your temperature, keep warm, and continue wicking moisture. Middle layers can… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Midlayers
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. This is where we start to get into the differences between day hiking and backpacking. Day hiking you go out, hike, then come home to sleep. Spending nights out in the wilderness for 1 or more… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Sleeping Gear
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a waterproof jacket? It’s hard to stay warm when you’re wet. A waterproof jacket and pants keeps you dry in bad weather. You might not need a waterproof jacket and pants for… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Waterproof Jacket
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a firestarter? Part of the 10 Essentials is something to light fire with. If you get stuck out in the wild for any length of time, you’ll need some way to keep… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Firestarter
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Other options are a hammock with a tarp over it, or just a tarp over a sleeping bag and mat. Most people start with a tent. Tents give you lots of protection from the weather, bugs… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Tent
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need waterproof pants? Just as you need a waterproof jacket for your hike, you’ll likely need waterproof pants. When we’re in town and a rainstorm comes through we can run into work, the… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Waterproof Pants
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need batteries and a battery pack? Most people take things hiking that require batteries. Headlamps, phones, GPS, satellite communicators, cameras, and radios all need to be charged at some point. On short tips… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Batteries and Battery Packs
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a sleeping mat? Since you’re going to be sleeping outside, you need something to sleep on. We can bring a big foam mattress, or even a large inflatable mattress. There are a… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Sleeping Mat
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