Backpacking Gear

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

This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a hat?  Hats aren’t required but they are nice to have in the sun or the rain. I’ve always got one kind of hat or another in my pack. A toque for… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Hat

This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need garbage bags? Most trails don’t have garbage bins every kilometer so you’ll need somewhere to store your trash. Any garbage with food scent on it will need to be stashed with your… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Garbage Bag