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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

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 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 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