This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need stuff sacks? Jamming everything you need to hike for 4 days or a week into 1 big backpack can make it hard to find anything. Stuff sacks are clear or coloured bags… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Stuff Sacks
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a repair kit? Stuff happens. Gear can wear out on the trail or accidents can happen that breaks gear. A repair kit is like your first aid kit but for gear. List… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Repair Kit
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. Why do you need a multi-tool? Part of the 10 Essentials, a knife or multi-tool can help in emergencies. A Swiss Army Knife is a perfect example of this. It can help cut paracord, get a… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Multi-tool or Knife
This post is part of the Backpacking Gear for Beginners course. There are many items we can take backpacking that are more or less optional but are very useful at certain times. This section walks through many of these items that can make that backpacking trip a… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Other Backpacking Gear
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 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 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 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 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
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