Backpacking 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

This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need soap? Soap is optional on the trail but it’s nice to have. You might want to wash your body on the trail or some pots and pans from a meal.  Friendly to… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Soap

This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a sleeping bag? Sleeping outside is going to get a little chilly. We need something to keep us warm at night.  Sleeping bags are compact bags of insulation that keep you warm… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Sleeping Bag