| So you are thinking about going backpacking, are | | | | apparel is concerned. It will be easier to |
| you? Before heading out you are going to want | | | | accommodate for changes in temperature |
| to have a plan. Your experience will usually be | | | | throughout your stay if necessary. When there is |
| much better if you take a few steps in | | | | running water available nearby you can carry less |
| preparation beforehand. | | | | water assuming you have something to deal with |
| The first items to consider are the time of year, | | | | sterilizing the water for consumption. |
| weather and temperature. If it is cold outside | | | | Iodine capsules, water filters, portable UV devices |
| where you will be headed you will want to have | | | | and pans to boil water are some of the methods |
| some insulation under you when you are sleeping. | | | | used to sterilize drinking water. If you are |
| When temperatures drop below 50 degrees | | | | traveling in North America you should be able to |
| Fahrenheit in the evenings I will be sure to have | | | | get away with not having to boil your water. Also |
| some form of ground insulation. This is to protect | | | | when you are boiling your water or using iodine |
| you from the ground while you are sleeping. Your | | | | capsules you may find it difficult to filter debris |
| body temperature will drop at night while you | | | | when collecting your water rations. If you can |
| sleep and the ground can draw warmth away | | | | spare about one hundred dollars USD I |
| from you. | | | | recommend finding a water pump and filtration |
| With additional expense beyond the more basic | | | | system at your favorite outdoor and sporting |
| commercial solutions available your insulation can | | | | goods retailer. |
| also provide added comfort beyond just warmth. | | | | The last staple to a good trip is going to be your |
| Inflatable products which include insulating materials | | | | food! There are many choices here. Retailers |
| are available ranging between about fifty and one | | | | carry food stuffs made for backpacking and |
| hundred fifty dollars USD. There are even some | | | | camping, some of which are actually tasty. Just |
| sleeping bags which have sleeves underneath | | | | be sure that whatever you bring does not spoil, |
| them to hold such various mats and pads so you | | | | you have a way to prepare it if necessary and of |
| will not have to worry about rolling off! Covering | | | | course have something acceptable to eat with! |
| your head and feet will help immensely to keep | | | | For preparation of your meals you can head to |
| you warm as well. Information on wind activity in | | | | areas where fires are allowed or pack a mini |
| the area should be obtained and considered, as | | | | stove and cookware. Apples are a great snack |
| well as the chance of precipitation. | | | | and are fairly easy to pack. Oatmeal, cinnamon |
| Next on your checklist should be to gather | | | | and a tad of sugar are pretty healthy and very |
| information on camp sites, trails, altitudes thereof | | | | easy to pack as well. Dry rice is also a lightweight, |
| and whether there is running water nearby. If you | | | | easy to pack good source of energy and nutrition. |
| head to a site only to find it is closed, costly or | | | | Do not forget to bring your toilet paper and trash |
| the nearby trail you had your heart set on is | | | | bags! A tip for toilet paper: remove the inner |
| damaged you will be quite disappointed to say the | | | | cardboard cylinder to reduce to size. If you have |
| least. If you will be gaining altitude along the trail | | | | allergies it is always good to bring something to |
| this should alert you to temperature drops at | | | | deal with any possible reactions. Always tell |
| your destination; yet another benefit of going with | | | | someone where you are going and when you |
| the tried and true layering method where your | | | | expect to return. |