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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. 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. 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 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 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 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. 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 trekking poles?  Trekking poles are walking sticks with soft handles, like ski poles. Sometimes they have wide discs around the end at the ground to keep them from sinking into… Read More »Backpacking Gear for Beginners: Trekking Poles