This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a water filter? No matter where you are, there’s a chance the water source can have protozoa like Cryptosporidium or Giardia. Both cause stomach problems like diarrhea. Not something you want on… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Water filter, drops and tablets
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. Why do you need a headlamp? Around camp and possibly on the trail, you’ll need light to see. A headlamp or flashlight lets you see where you’re going. With a headlamp your hands can… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Headlamp
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
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a music player? You don’t. If you like music and it’s going to be a long trip then you can bring some on an iPod or phone with you. I usually have… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Music
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