Every backpacker has, at one time or another, dreamed that at the end of a long and torturous trek there would be a buffet table, complete from soup to nuts, all laid out and waiting for the exhausted and famished group to feast on. Alas, some dreams never come true.
In the real world, backpackers will always have to plan their meals themselves and pack each item to weigh the least yet be scrumptious, filling, and nutritious as well. They will also have to manage their meals so that wastage and spoilage is minimal, and at the same time anticipate that their best meal plans can go awry from unexpected conditions in the wild.
How do you plan a backpacker’s meal? What should be taken into consideration? How do you pack the raw eggs? Let’s answer all these questions by starting with the basic conditions that influence food management in the outdoors.
Meal Planning Tips
Face it -- you’ll be carrying all the food you will need during your backpacking adventure, without the benefit of a refrigerator, microwave oven, or kitchen sink. You may be meeting extreme weather conditions, may not have the time and energy to cook, and may be forced to stay in the wild for days. In other words, outdoor conditions will influence your food planning. For example:
•The weather can suddenly turn foul just before you reach camp, making cooking impossible. Or, after a particularly agonizing trek, you may not have the energy or inclination to cook the carbonara pasta you had planned on. Or worse, your cooking equipment can fail or you could run out of fuel. To survive these odds, always have a Plan B, which will allow you to down a decent meal without having to light up the stove. Contingency meals can include pre-cooked, canned or dried food, bread, cookies, and fresh fruits and vegetables. Know also how to cook your meals using natural resources.
•Most pre-cooked and un-refrigerated meals last only a day or two. Plan on consuming these before they perish. Aside from onsite cooking, consider prepared camping meals and instant food, which have extended shelf life and require minimum preparation, in case you need to stay outdoors longer than expected.
•High altitude affects cooking – water takes longer to boil, and it’s harder to sustain a flame. Factor these in when you plan your backpacking timetables.
•High altitude can cause food containers to inflate and pop open. Be sure to take this into consideration when packing pre-cooked and saucy foods – or risk having spaghetti sauce all over the contents of your backpack.
•Water can get scarce. Apportion your water ration to consider drinking as well as cooking requirements. Or plan your meals around your water supply.
•Trekking can jingle and jangle the articles in your backpack, including all the foodstuff you packed in. Be sure that your meals and ingredients are packed well enough to withstand the bumps and grinds in transit.
•Hiking will make you hungry. Plan on addressing your increased appetite with larger food rations; remember to work your meal plans around minimum bulk and weight, but optimum nutrition. You may also want to plan your meals around eating the heavy foods first to lighten your load as you move along.
Packing Tips
Ready to brave any untoward outdoor extreme condition, you’re all set to pack your foodstuff. You want to minimize weight and mass, as well as distress, damage and decomposition. Here are some tips to remember:
•Store pre-cooked meals in tight-seal plastic containers. Wrap the containers in zipper-lock plastic bags to prevent spills in case they pop open during the hike.
•Pack items that will tend to get squished (like bread or sandwiches, and salad ingredients) inside lightweight containers like empty snack food canisters.
•If you’re packing frozen raw meats or cold cuts, take them out of the freezer just before leaving for the trip. Wrap them in several layers of newspaper to delay thawing and seal them inside durable plastic bags.
•If pan-frying is in your agenda, pack your oils securely. Or consider packing solid vegetable lard or margarine, instead of cooking oil. It’s totally distressful to have to deal with an oil spill inside your backpack.
•As for condiments, you can buy small sachets of salt and pepper, but you can also repack them, including your favorite herbs and spices, into small plastic resealable bags or canisters. Don’t forget to label your containers; and bring only the quantity you will need for the trip.
•If you're planning to cook spaghetti or pasta dishes, you can pack the raw noodles in empty water bottles so they don't get crushed in transit.
•Raw eggs? Leave them in the egg tray then slip the tray into a lightweight hard-sided plastic container (empty chips canisters will work, too). Slip small packs of dried fish or dried beef, rice, pasta, etc. to fill the gaps in the container.
There are many ways to pack food and prepare meals for a backcountry adventure. It’s always easiest to grab nutri-bars, prepared foods, and dehydrated meals from the supermarket, but half the pleasure of backpacking is in sitting together preparing and savoring a meal amidst the natural elements.
Many backpacking enthusiasts have devised their own tricks and strategies on how to choose the lightest yet most nutritious foods, how to pack food so they don't get ground to a pulp inside the backpack, and how to harness nature to enhance the eating experience. Feel free to ask other backpackers or experiment on some food-toting and outdoor cooking strategies of your own.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Tips to Ensure Comfortable Backpacking
by Benedict SmytheBackpacking basically refers to a combination of hiking and camping. Such activity is very popular as a prime bonding activity for family, friends, acquaintances, organizations, and other groups. If you are planning to go backpacking anytime soon, below are some useful tips that you should consider.
a. When preparing for your backpacking activity, keep in mind that you will have to endure longs walks uphill before you can actually set up camp. That is why you have to pack light weight materials.
b. In choosing your camping materials, make sure that you prioritize size and weight along with durability and quality. If you are planning to be a regular backpacker, do not hesitate to invest on your camping gears because such will keep your camping adventure comfortable and productive.
c. When deciding on whether you should bring a gear or not, you should consider the central question of whether you can actually do without the particular item. If you can, then it will be best if you just leave it behind.
d. Remember that your prime consideration for your luggage is the weight. Make sure that when you pack your things, the most necessary tools are placed on top. This way, you can easily find them whenever you need such things while you are hiking on the way to the camping site.
e. When packing your things, make sure that your back pack is balanced. The sleeping bag usually goes at the bottom of your backpack. Make sure that there is a skeletal structure for your pack. The heavy items usually account for the balance and form of your pack.
f. When choosing which clothes to bring during your backpacking activity, pick those that are very lightweight and those that can dry quickly. This way, you can easily wash and use your clothes during the trip without having to worry about carrying heavy or wet clothing.
g. If you want to make your backpacking trip fun, then you should bring adequate beverages. Make sure that you won’t forget water bottles so you can prevent dehydration while you are on your hike. If there’s a reliable fresh water source on your foot trail or near your camping site, bring iodine tablet. Such can be used for to ensure that the water is free from damaging microbes.
h. In packing food, pick those that are light weight as well. Opt for those foods that you can easily cook with a camp fire. Most of the time, campers bring canned tuna, bread, hotdogs, and chicken.
i. Be ready for bad weather conditions. Make sure that you always pack milkweed fuzz and moss. Aside from your regular dry woods and match sticks, these things will help you make fire even in cold weather conditions.
j. When choosing a tent, opt for those that are made out of nylon. These tents are far more lightweight that those made of cotton or canvass. As for the sleeping bags, choose those that have down insulation. These bags are far more lightweight and compressible than the other types.
k. Regardless of how much you want to keep your backpack lightweight, never forget to carry your first aid kit. Forgetting the kit may lead to hazards during unexpected circumstances. Having a kit makes you a bit prepared.
Springfields Army Surplus store is a leading online store for camping equipment. Partingtons Caravan Parks provide an excellent alternative to camping sites.
a. When preparing for your backpacking activity, keep in mind that you will have to endure longs walks uphill before you can actually set up camp. That is why you have to pack light weight materials.
b. In choosing your camping materials, make sure that you prioritize size and weight along with durability and quality. If you are planning to be a regular backpacker, do not hesitate to invest on your camping gears because such will keep your camping adventure comfortable and productive.
c. When deciding on whether you should bring a gear or not, you should consider the central question of whether you can actually do without the particular item. If you can, then it will be best if you just leave it behind.
d. Remember that your prime consideration for your luggage is the weight. Make sure that when you pack your things, the most necessary tools are placed on top. This way, you can easily find them whenever you need such things while you are hiking on the way to the camping site.
e. When packing your things, make sure that your back pack is balanced. The sleeping bag usually goes at the bottom of your backpack. Make sure that there is a skeletal structure for your pack. The heavy items usually account for the balance and form of your pack.
f. When choosing which clothes to bring during your backpacking activity, pick those that are very lightweight and those that can dry quickly. This way, you can easily wash and use your clothes during the trip without having to worry about carrying heavy or wet clothing.
g. If you want to make your backpacking trip fun, then you should bring adequate beverages. Make sure that you won’t forget water bottles so you can prevent dehydration while you are on your hike. If there’s a reliable fresh water source on your foot trail or near your camping site, bring iodine tablet. Such can be used for to ensure that the water is free from damaging microbes.
h. In packing food, pick those that are light weight as well. Opt for those foods that you can easily cook with a camp fire. Most of the time, campers bring canned tuna, bread, hotdogs, and chicken.
i. Be ready for bad weather conditions. Make sure that you always pack milkweed fuzz and moss. Aside from your regular dry woods and match sticks, these things will help you make fire even in cold weather conditions.
j. When choosing a tent, opt for those that are made out of nylon. These tents are far more lightweight that those made of cotton or canvass. As for the sleeping bags, choose those that have down insulation. These bags are far more lightweight and compressible than the other types.
k. Regardless of how much you want to keep your backpack lightweight, never forget to carry your first aid kit. Forgetting the kit may lead to hazards during unexpected circumstances. Having a kit makes you a bit prepared.
Springfields Army Surplus store is a leading online store for camping equipment. Partingtons Caravan Parks provide an excellent alternative to camping sites.
What To Do If You Get Lost On A Camping Trip
by Gabriel AdamsCamping can be a great way to spend a weekend, or a few weeks. The feel of the wind in your hair, the sense of nature all around you, and the beautiful scenery everywhere you look. While spending a few days communing with nature can be a great experience, finding yourself lost in the woods might not be the great experience you were looking for. If you do find yourself lost while on a camping trip, there are a few things you can do.
The first thing to do if you find yourself lost on a camping trip is to remain as calm as possible. It might seem difficult, but you need to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths, and sit down wherever you are until you regain your composure. If you continue to feel panicky, that panic can slowly begin to take you over. This can prevent you from making clear and rational decisions, and also prevent you from focusing on your surroundings. In a panicky state you may just miss that landmark that will get you back on the right trail.
The next thing you can do is to sit down and take a long look at your surroundings. You should take a long look around and see if anything looks familiar. The woods can be a frightening place, and if you are feeling upset or frustrated you may not realize that you are still on a designated path or trail. If you have a map, look for any landmarks that might be labeled on the map. This can include streams or rivers, which will point you in the right direction.
If you’re lost in the woods and you have a map, you may be able to find your way out by finding a stream or river shown on the map. Most likely if you find yourself lost on your camping trip, you will not have a map. In that situation you still need to find your way to a water source. Water flows downhill and will typically lead to a trail, or lead you out of the woods.
The last thing to do if you get lost during a camping trip is to stay in one place after dark. When night falls the woods come alive, and there are several species of animals that hunt after dark. You will also find it difficult if not impossible to walk through the woods at night. There are far too many dangers in nature at night beyond the wild animals. You can easily misjudge where you’re walking, fall down, and seriously injure yourself. As soon as it turns dark, or you have trouble seeing, sit down and stay in one place until the sun rises.
The most important thing you can do if you find yourself lost during a camping trip is to stay calm and do not panic. If you maintain your composure and avoid panicking, you are far more likely to find your way in a timely manner.
Get the gear you need before you leave home: Survival Kits, Survival Knives, and Emergency Food & Water.
The first thing to do if you find yourself lost on a camping trip is to remain as calm as possible. It might seem difficult, but you need to stay calm. Take a few deep breaths, and sit down wherever you are until you regain your composure. If you continue to feel panicky, that panic can slowly begin to take you over. This can prevent you from making clear and rational decisions, and also prevent you from focusing on your surroundings. In a panicky state you may just miss that landmark that will get you back on the right trail.
The next thing you can do is to sit down and take a long look at your surroundings. You should take a long look around and see if anything looks familiar. The woods can be a frightening place, and if you are feeling upset or frustrated you may not realize that you are still on a designated path or trail. If you have a map, look for any landmarks that might be labeled on the map. This can include streams or rivers, which will point you in the right direction.
If you’re lost in the woods and you have a map, you may be able to find your way out by finding a stream or river shown on the map. Most likely if you find yourself lost on your camping trip, you will not have a map. In that situation you still need to find your way to a water source. Water flows downhill and will typically lead to a trail, or lead you out of the woods.
The last thing to do if you get lost during a camping trip is to stay in one place after dark. When night falls the woods come alive, and there are several species of animals that hunt after dark. You will also find it difficult if not impossible to walk through the woods at night. There are far too many dangers in nature at night beyond the wild animals. You can easily misjudge where you’re walking, fall down, and seriously injure yourself. As soon as it turns dark, or you have trouble seeing, sit down and stay in one place until the sun rises.
The most important thing you can do if you find yourself lost during a camping trip is to stay calm and do not panic. If you maintain your composure and avoid panicking, you are far more likely to find your way in a timely manner.
Get the gear you need before you leave home: Survival Kits, Survival Knives, and Emergency Food & Water.
Backpacking For Beginners - The Backpacking Basics
by Mick LeggBackpacking can be a great hobby and sport. It is challenging, adventurous and exiting. It can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, whether you are young or old, male or female. There are countless options on how and where to do it. Backpacking is a great way to get some exercise and get fit while having some fun at the same time. Read on if you would like to learn more about backpacking for beginners and what it is all about.
Backpacking is the combination between hiking and camping. Backpacking trips involve hiking through the countryside and wilderness areas and camping overnight. A backpacker has to carry everything they need on their back in a rucksack. A backpacking trip can be short or long depending on the individual; you can stay away for one night or for weeks at a time if you want to.
The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so having a backpacking gear list and planning both the packing and the trip is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. They may simply have a fire ring and posted maps or they can have cabins, as well as a pitch for tents and a toilet and shower block. Other areas may have nothing at all and backpackers set up their camp wherever they find a good spot.
There is a community in backpacking. Everyone works together to preserve the wilderness that they love. There are certain accepted and unaccepted behaviors in backpacking. Backpackers try not to disturb or damage the area they travel in. They clean up all traces of their camp and never litter or take anything along their travels. The one thing you are allowed to take is photographs, so a small lightweight camera can form part of your backpacking checklist.
Backpacking requires a person to keep safety in mind always. There are many hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe is sure to fall prey. The backpack itself can pose problems if a person does not learn how to fit it and pack it properly. The physical activity can be strenuous and a person must be conditioned to handle walking through uneven and rough terrain. Basic first aid and general idea of wilderness safety are other things a backpacker must know. It is easy to get lost and hurt in the wilderness, so every backpacker must have a good handle on staying safe.
People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the excellent exercise. Some people like backpacking because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever reason people backpack, there are large numbers of them and they continue to explore, love and walk through the wilderness with the common goal of a good backpacking experience.
This is just an outline of the basics of backpacking for beginners, there is a lot more to learn such as how to pack a backpack properly, how to choose the right backpacking cookware and knowing the right backpacking supplies to take. There are many good books on backpacking and I would recommend that you read through one and get a good knowledge of the backpacking basics before you set out on your own adventure. This way you should have a safe and exiting backpacking experience rather than one that you will remember for all the wrong reasons.
Backpacking is the combination between hiking and camping. Backpacking trips involve hiking through the countryside and wilderness areas and camping overnight. A backpacker has to carry everything they need on their back in a rucksack. A backpacking trip can be short or long depending on the individual; you can stay away for one night or for weeks at a time if you want to.
The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so having a backpacking gear list and planning both the packing and the trip is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. They may simply have a fire ring and posted maps or they can have cabins, as well as a pitch for tents and a toilet and shower block. Other areas may have nothing at all and backpackers set up their camp wherever they find a good spot.
There is a community in backpacking. Everyone works together to preserve the wilderness that they love. There are certain accepted and unaccepted behaviors in backpacking. Backpackers try not to disturb or damage the area they travel in. They clean up all traces of their camp and never litter or take anything along their travels. The one thing you are allowed to take is photographs, so a small lightweight camera can form part of your backpacking checklist.
Backpacking requires a person to keep safety in mind always. There are many hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe is sure to fall prey. The backpack itself can pose problems if a person does not learn how to fit it and pack it properly. The physical activity can be strenuous and a person must be conditioned to handle walking through uneven and rough terrain. Basic first aid and general idea of wilderness safety are other things a backpacker must know. It is easy to get lost and hurt in the wilderness, so every backpacker must have a good handle on staying safe.
People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the excellent exercise. Some people like backpacking because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever reason people backpack, there are large numbers of them and they continue to explore, love and walk through the wilderness with the common goal of a good backpacking experience.
This is just an outline of the basics of backpacking for beginners, there is a lot more to learn such as how to pack a backpack properly, how to choose the right backpacking cookware and knowing the right backpacking supplies to take. There are many good books on backpacking and I would recommend that you read through one and get a good knowledge of the backpacking basics before you set out on your own adventure. This way you should have a safe and exiting backpacking experience rather than one that you will remember for all the wrong reasons.
Ultralight Backpacking Tent - Tips On Choosing An Ultralight Backpacking Tent.
by Mick LeggWhen choosing an ultralight backpacking tent there are several factors to take into consideration but I think that a couple of the main ones are obviously size and weight. Ok so you want the lightest tent you can find simply because you have to carry it around with you all day long, so the lighter the better. But don’t forget that you also have to sleep in it, often in conditions that are far from ideal e.g. wind, rain, snow, and anything else that the weather can throw at you.
There’s no point in buying the smallest lightest tent possible only to find that there is no room to put all your gear, so it’s left outside in the rain. On the other hand you do not want to be lugging around a heavy 2/3 man tent with you.
Your tent is often going to be the only thing between you and the elements, so it’s vital to choose the right one for you and your style of backpacking. There are many ultralight backpacking tents on the market, some just large enough for a person to lie down in, and some so small that you can’t sit up in them. I have used these tents on several occasions and found them fine for short weekend trips especially if like me you carry an ultralight tarp and walking pole so you can erect a handy sized awning over the front of the tent to give you some extra room for cooking etc.
Ok so you may think that taking a tarp and tent is a bit silly but it only adds slightly to your overall weight and its well worth it, and most people carry at least one walking pole on a hiking trip these days. Also if you are blessed with some fine weather you don’t even need to put up your tent but just use your tarp on its own.
On my last backpacking trip around Dartmoor I was gone for 19 days and I had with me a small one man tent and this was absolutely fine for the type of trip I had planned, just stopping one night in any one place. But during the first week I had trouble with an old knee injury and had to find a campsite to stay for a few nights (something I try not to do as I prefer wild camping when possible.) This became very uncomfortable after a couple of nights as I found that instead of packing equipment away after use it was easier to leave it in the tent which soon became very cluttered leaving less room for me and making the tent feel even smaller. So remember that a extra few ounces for a slightly larger tent can make all the difference when it comes to comfort.
Sadly I suppose the biggest consideration when choosing a backpacking tent is going to be the cost. All I can say is to buy the best one you can with your budget and remember that you are buying something that hopefully you will have for a long time, so make sure that:
- It fits you- You feel comfortable in it- It’s up to the job you want it for- Lastly whatever tent you decide to buy in the end don’t leave it in its bag at the back of the cupboard,
Then all you have to do is get it out, use it and enjoy it!
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker with many years experience of backpacking in Europe. For more information on this or other aspects of backpacking go to
There’s no point in buying the smallest lightest tent possible only to find that there is no room to put all your gear, so it’s left outside in the rain. On the other hand you do not want to be lugging around a heavy 2/3 man tent with you.
Your tent is often going to be the only thing between you and the elements, so it’s vital to choose the right one for you and your style of backpacking. There are many ultralight backpacking tents on the market, some just large enough for a person to lie down in, and some so small that you can’t sit up in them. I have used these tents on several occasions and found them fine for short weekend trips especially if like me you carry an ultralight tarp and walking pole so you can erect a handy sized awning over the front of the tent to give you some extra room for cooking etc.
Ok so you may think that taking a tarp and tent is a bit silly but it only adds slightly to your overall weight and its well worth it, and most people carry at least one walking pole on a hiking trip these days. Also if you are blessed with some fine weather you don’t even need to put up your tent but just use your tarp on its own.
On my last backpacking trip around Dartmoor I was gone for 19 days and I had with me a small one man tent and this was absolutely fine for the type of trip I had planned, just stopping one night in any one place. But during the first week I had trouble with an old knee injury and had to find a campsite to stay for a few nights (something I try not to do as I prefer wild camping when possible.) This became very uncomfortable after a couple of nights as I found that instead of packing equipment away after use it was easier to leave it in the tent which soon became very cluttered leaving less room for me and making the tent feel even smaller. So remember that a extra few ounces for a slightly larger tent can make all the difference when it comes to comfort.
Sadly I suppose the biggest consideration when choosing a backpacking tent is going to be the cost. All I can say is to buy the best one you can with your budget and remember that you are buying something that hopefully you will have for a long time, so make sure that:
- It fits you- You feel comfortable in it- It’s up to the job you want it for- Lastly whatever tent you decide to buy in the end don’t leave it in its bag at the back of the cupboard,
Then all you have to do is get it out, use it and enjoy it!
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker with many years experience of backpacking in Europe. For more information on this or other aspects of backpacking go to
How To Pack A Backpack - A Few Simple Tips
by Mick LeggYes, believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way of how to pack a backpack. Get it wrong and you will find that your backpack will soon get very very uncomfortable. This will then affect your whole trip, making it a miserable experience rather than one of enjoyment and pleasure.
There are slightly different ways on how to pack a backpack depending on the kind of backpacking or hiking you intend to do. For instance if you are hill walking or hiking on steep rough ground most of the time where balance is the most important aspect, then the heavy non-bulky items should be packed lower for better stability.
I’m not a great fan of having lots of things strapped to the outside of my pack. To me this not only looks untidy but these things are likely to get lost or damaged. The only exceptions I would make would be my waterproof jacket and trousers, so that they are easily accessible in the event of rain or showers during the day. I also used to strap my kip-mat to the top of my pack, but as I now use a 3/4 length inflatable mat this goes inside.
My backpack has a separate lower compartment and in this I put my sleeping bag, I don’t use a compression stuff-sac as this tends to make the whole thing into a solid lump.It`s much better to use the rucksack compartment as the stuff-sac itself, then it will not leave empty corners, and when the pack is put on, the waist-belt will help the whole thing to contour to your body, making it much more comfortable. My inflatable kip-mat goes in after my sleeping bag helping to push everything into a nice fit.
At the bottom of the main compartment I put my spare clothes; the ones that I will not need during the day, such as spare socks, underwear, tee-shirts etc. on top of them go the smaller heavier things such as wash kit, repair kits, personal items and anything fragile. Then on top of that goes a jumper or fleece so that everything is cushioned between two soft layers.
The tent goes in next; the poles are carefully slid down into the pack so that they are at a corner near my back. The actual tent I like to have packed in such a way that it can be flat in the pack and not rolled up into a cylinder, this takes up less space and can be packed down tighter. On top of this I put any food and water that I will not require during the day and also a warm jacket.
Into the lid and side pockets go my first-aid kit and the food and water I will need for the day and anything else that I will need to use often. This way whenever I stop for lunch or just a quick brew up every thing is easily at hand and I don’t need to go searching through the main pack just to find one thing.
All that you need to do now is make sure that the whole backpack feels comfortable and well balanced. This is best done by putting it on and walking around with it for 15 or 20 minutes. This should let you know if anything needs to be adjusted or moved. This is obviously just a rough guide and will depend on your personal preferences and the type of gear that you decide to take. But the most important thing is that it feels comfortable as it’s you who will be carrying it.
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker with many years experience of backpacking in Europe. For more information on this or other aspects of backpacking go to
There are slightly different ways on how to pack a backpack depending on the kind of backpacking or hiking you intend to do. For instance if you are hill walking or hiking on steep rough ground most of the time where balance is the most important aspect, then the heavy non-bulky items should be packed lower for better stability.
I’m not a great fan of having lots of things strapped to the outside of my pack. To me this not only looks untidy but these things are likely to get lost or damaged. The only exceptions I would make would be my waterproof jacket and trousers, so that they are easily accessible in the event of rain or showers during the day. I also used to strap my kip-mat to the top of my pack, but as I now use a 3/4 length inflatable mat this goes inside.
My backpack has a separate lower compartment and in this I put my sleeping bag, I don’t use a compression stuff-sac as this tends to make the whole thing into a solid lump.It`s much better to use the rucksack compartment as the stuff-sac itself, then it will not leave empty corners, and when the pack is put on, the waist-belt will help the whole thing to contour to your body, making it much more comfortable. My inflatable kip-mat goes in after my sleeping bag helping to push everything into a nice fit.
At the bottom of the main compartment I put my spare clothes; the ones that I will not need during the day, such as spare socks, underwear, tee-shirts etc. on top of them go the smaller heavier things such as wash kit, repair kits, personal items and anything fragile. Then on top of that goes a jumper or fleece so that everything is cushioned between two soft layers.
The tent goes in next; the poles are carefully slid down into the pack so that they are at a corner near my back. The actual tent I like to have packed in such a way that it can be flat in the pack and not rolled up into a cylinder, this takes up less space and can be packed down tighter. On top of this I put any food and water that I will not require during the day and also a warm jacket.
Into the lid and side pockets go my first-aid kit and the food and water I will need for the day and anything else that I will need to use often. This way whenever I stop for lunch or just a quick brew up every thing is easily at hand and I don’t need to go searching through the main pack just to find one thing.
All that you need to do now is make sure that the whole backpack feels comfortable and well balanced. This is best done by putting it on and walking around with it for 15 or 20 minutes. This should let you know if anything needs to be adjusted or moved. This is obviously just a rough guide and will depend on your personal preferences and the type of gear that you decide to take. But the most important thing is that it feels comfortable as it’s you who will be carrying it.
Mike Legg is a seasoned hiker with many years experience of backpacking in Europe. For more information on this or other aspects of backpacking go to
Tents For Lightweight Campers And Ultralite Backpacking
by Mick LeggOn any camping or backpacking trip you want to be able to set up camp quickly when you arrive at your campsite, and also pack up just as quick when you are leaving. That is why choosing a tent designed for lightweight campers can be very helpful. A good tent has many characteristics, but if you are clueless about tents then read on to figure out what makes for a good tent choice.
There are many tents available on the market. There are certain ones, though, that seem to be the most popular for backpacking.
Dome tent: This type of tent has a lot of height and space. It uses only two poles, so it is easy to set up, but with only two poles there is not much support. This type of tent is best for calm weather conditions.
Modified dome tent: This is like a dome tent, but with more support. It has the same good qualities of a regular dome tent, but can work in more diverse weather conditions.
Tunnel tents: These tents do not have much height. They have two poles and need stakes to keep the tent secure. It is lightweight so it is easy to carry.
Teepee tent: This tent has one pole in the centre with the tent draped over it and then is staked. It does not have a floor, but provides great protection from the elements. It is also useful to cook in if the weather is bad outside, as it has no floor, your stove can be set up on the ground. Make sure of adequate ventilation when cooking though.
Freestanding tent: This is easy to set up and quite sturdy. It is very lightweight and should be staked so it does not blow away.
Single-skin construction tent: These tents do not have a fly. They are very easy to set up and do not require a lot of extra cords or stakes. They are lightweight, too. They do require ventilation because they acquire condensation easily.
Double-skin construction tent: Like a single-wall they are easy to set up. They have the outer layer or fly. They are well ventilated and protect against the elements. Plus they can be quite a bit warmer than a single skin tent, making them a better choice for colder weather.
In addition to the different styles of tents for lightweight campers there are seasonal tents. Some tents are made to work better in warm weather or cold weather. There are also tents that are designed to be used in every season. It is important to not only look at the design, but also the seasons for which the tent was designed to be used for.
Your tent is often going to be the only thing between you and the elements,so its vital to choose the right one for you. Obviously the price will be a fairly large considering factor on your final choice of a lightweight campers tent, but I would suggest buying the best one that you can afford within your budget. This way it should last you for many backpacking and camping trips in the future.
There are many tents available on the market. There are certain ones, though, that seem to be the most popular for backpacking.
Dome tent: This type of tent has a lot of height and space. It uses only two poles, so it is easy to set up, but with only two poles there is not much support. This type of tent is best for calm weather conditions.
Modified dome tent: This is like a dome tent, but with more support. It has the same good qualities of a regular dome tent, but can work in more diverse weather conditions.
Tunnel tents: These tents do not have much height. They have two poles and need stakes to keep the tent secure. It is lightweight so it is easy to carry.
Teepee tent: This tent has one pole in the centre with the tent draped over it and then is staked. It does not have a floor, but provides great protection from the elements. It is also useful to cook in if the weather is bad outside, as it has no floor, your stove can be set up on the ground. Make sure of adequate ventilation when cooking though.
Freestanding tent: This is easy to set up and quite sturdy. It is very lightweight and should be staked so it does not blow away.
Single-skin construction tent: These tents do not have a fly. They are very easy to set up and do not require a lot of extra cords or stakes. They are lightweight, too. They do require ventilation because they acquire condensation easily.
Double-skin construction tent: Like a single-wall they are easy to set up. They have the outer layer or fly. They are well ventilated and protect against the elements. Plus they can be quite a bit warmer than a single skin tent, making them a better choice for colder weather.
In addition to the different styles of tents for lightweight campers there are seasonal tents. Some tents are made to work better in warm weather or cold weather. There are also tents that are designed to be used in every season. It is important to not only look at the design, but also the seasons for which the tent was designed to be used for.
Your tent is often going to be the only thing between you and the elements,so its vital to choose the right one for you. Obviously the price will be a fairly large considering factor on your final choice of a lightweight campers tent, but I would suggest buying the best one that you can afford within your budget. This way it should last you for many backpacking and camping trips in the future.
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