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
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 a satellite communicator? First off, what is a satellite communicator or messenger? They are small handheld devices like a SPOT, inReach or Zoleo that can connect to satellites to get your location,… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Satellite Communicators and Emergency Locator Beacons
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a pack cover? A pack cover is a waterproof cover for your backpack. Most packs are not waterproof so if it’s raining for any length of time, your pack will… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Pack Cover
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need base layers? The base layer, or underwear layer, is the first layer of clothing that sits against your skin. They can be short or long sleeves and ideally be comfortable against your… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Baselayers
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need bear safety gear? There are a couple items related to bears that you should be aware of. Bear deterrents are bear bangers or sprays meant to scare the bears off. Bear bangers… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Bear Safety
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need pots to cook? Just like at home, you’ll need dishes and cookware on the trail for the type of meals you like to cook. If you are cooking up a gourmet meal… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Pots
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