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
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