Finding the Backpacking Sleeping Bag Worth Packing

The backpacker is the ultimate freedom lover. Out and about in nature, they take in everything there is to offer - including the bugs, rough terrain and, at times, inclement weather. The seasoned backpacker is always well-prepared and leaves nothing to chance, knowing one small slip-up on even the simplest of trips can be a dangerous one. It's not the idea of getting hurt that scares them as much as the idea of being unable to get out and enjoy nature and its views! This prompts them to pay special attention to all the aspects of the gear they bring with them.

One piece of gear that warrants extra consideration is a backpacking sleeping bag. A good backpacking sleeping bag fits the need of the backpacker to a tee. It is lightweight, easily stowed and ensures the backpacker a decent night's sleep. How can this be determined? With a little bit of research, forethought and plain old personal preference, the right bag can be found with relative ease.

When looking to find the right backpacking sleeping bag, it is first and foremost best to consider what the itinerary of the backpacking trip will be. Will it be in an area that has warm or cool temperatures? What about temperature changes as the sun goes down? Is the environment rainy or does it have a lot of humidity? A backpacking sleeping bag insulated with synthetic material will better retain its insulating qualities when wet than that of natural material, or down-filled bags. Shell linings such as nylon are good for humid environments and are quite durable but do not work well in cold windy environments. Microfiber works well in water and wind resistance, yet can be costly and heavier than other fabrics. The less material a bag uses, the easier it is to stow and keep the backpacking load light.

Although the one-size-fits-all concept is a nice one, the backpacking sleeping bag that works for one person will not work for another. Different people have different metabolisms and while some sleep "warm" at night, others require extra protection even in the warmest of climates! Temperature ratings give guidelines as to what temperature a sleeping bag can be subjected to and still be comfortable. Other things to consider are whether or not you will need a hood to keep your head warm or draft tubes for venting body heat.

Once the right backpacking sleeping bag has been chosen, using a sleeping bag liner will minimize the need to wash the sleeping bag as a whole, something that can cut down on its lifespan. Choosing a bag of good quality and caring for it without fail will allow a backpacker to get years of use out of their investment.

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A Little Creativity Can Make Your Backpacking Gear Lighter

One of the biggest hassles of backpacking is having gear that is too heavy. Heavy gear can slow you down and even cause problems with your back or joints. One of the best ways to combat heavy gear is to pack things that have a multiple use. By using gear that can be used for a few different things you not only cut down on the amount of stuff you have to pack, but you are also lightening your load which will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

The following list explains a few ways to get more than one use out of some typical gear. These are some of the most inventive and creative ideas, but there are other pieces of gear that have multiple uses, too. In fact, you probably already are using pieces of your gear in more than one way without even realizing it.

• Parachute cord: You may not be parachuting on your backpack trip but this usefully piece of gear is easy to bring along and offers a few different uses. It can be used as a clothesline or to tie your food bag up when camping overnight. You can also use it in case of an emergency to tie a splint in place. To pack you loosely wind it up and hook it to the outside of your pack.
• Candles: You may have brought them along just for a little extra lighting, but candles do more than provide light. A candle can be used to help start a stubborn fire and works as a great waterproofing agent. They are lightweight and you will barely even notice if you add them to your pack. Plus they are much better than carrying a heavy lantern.
• Duct tape: This item is commonly know around the house as the ultimate do-it-all tool. Duct tape is strong and durable. A roll can last you a long time and provide many helpful uses. It can be used to insulate, as a wrap for a bandage and repairing tents, backpacks and almost everything else. Duct tape should always be a part of your backpacking gear. You will most likely even come up with many other ways to use it, too.
• Safety pins: Another lightweight and easy to pack multiple use piece of gear. Safety pins can come in helpful to secure bandages, act as clothespins or hooks to hang items and as a stand in fish hook. This is another item, like duct tape, that you will likely find more uses for.
• Plastic placemats: This item is also lightweight and easy to pack. Plastic placemats can be used in a variety of ways. Instead of sitting on blankets and getting them wet, use a placemat. Use it to set your shoes on, so you do not get dirt and mud in your tent. You can also invent other uses, like a fly swatter or to prepare food on.

These are only a few pieces of gear and how they can be used in multiple ways. Most gear has more than one use. The key to multifunctional gear is to think outside the box and see what you could do with it, not just what its intended use is. You may find that you can cut your gear down by several pieces by simply using multifunctional gear.

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Essential Backpacking Gear List

When planning your backpacking trip, you need to think carefully about what equipment to take and what you can afford to leave behind.

There are some things that you simply must have. Whilst there are plenty of new gadgets and devices that are supposed to enhance your backpacking experience, when it comes down to it, there are some traditional items that you should never leave home without, regardless of what new technology you may have in your pack. These essential items are listed below.

Map
The key here is to choose a map which has sufficient detail to clearly show the trails and area details of where you will be backpacking. Apart from that, it really does not matter what type of map you choose.

Compass

You will need a good quality compass that will withstand the elements outside. The fact is you have to know which direction you are going. Just taking a map is not going to work.

Flashlight

It is very important that you always can see where you are going. A good quality flashlight is essential, plus batteries. You can now buy wind-up torches, which remove the need for batteries. Remember, it can be very dark in none-rural areas. Not having adequate lighting can contribute to falls or injuries which can really ruin a good backpacking trip.

Extra food and clothing

Instead of packing just what you need, you should try to pack extra just in case. You could get lost, or encounter bad weather, or you might just get stuck and not be able to get back. You must always be prepared for the unexpected, and extra food and clothing will help you cope.

First Aid Kit

This is a really important item. There are many things which can happen out in the wilderness. Even if you are traveling in a very well kept area, you can still find a need for a first aid kit. Make sure you get a kit that is well stocked with a variety of supplies.

Knife

Ideally you should have a multi-function knife which incorporates several different tools. Such tools can prove to be very important and their uses are endless when backpacking. At a minimum, a nice sharp knife that can cut through fabric and cord is necessary.

Matches

Matches can prove to be a lifesaver, particularly in cold weather conditions. You should either get waterproof matches or carry your matches in a waterproof container.

Water or water treatment

Drinking water is essential as you must stay hydrated while backpacking. If you do not carry water, an alternative is to have the necessary supplies to adequately treat water.

These are the essentials, but as you plan your trip you will quickly find there are many considerations when deciding on what to take. Make sure you seek good advice from the many resources available to you.

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An Introduction to Backpacking

Backpacking is a fun hobby and sport. It is both challenging and adventurous. And it appeals to young and old, male and female. It is something virtually anyone can take part in, and there are countless options on how and where to start. Backpacking is a great way to get exercise and have fun at the same time. Read on to learn more about what backpacking is all about.

Backpacking is the combination of hiking and camping. Backpacking trips involve hiking through wilderness areas and camping overnight. As the name implies, backpackers carry everything they need on their back. A backpacking trip can last one night or multiple nights. The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so planning is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. These sites may be as simple as a fire ring and posted maps, or they can be luxurious and offer cabins. Many other areas may provide nothing at all for backpackers, and here you will set up camp wherever you 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.

For all backpackers, safety is the first consideration and it must be in front of the mind at all times. There can be several hazards in backpacking and a person who does not think about being safe could 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. First aid and general wilderness safety is another useful aspect for the backpacker to know. It can be easy to get lost in the wilderness, and getting hurt can happen. So it pays every backpacker to have a good handle on staying safe.

People backpack for different reasons. Some do it for the great exercise, which it is undoubtedly is. Some people like backpacking because of the adventure and love of nature. Others backpack as a way to learn and explore the outdoors. Whatever the reason, there are large and expanding numbers of backpackers. They explore and they love the wilderness, and have the common goal of a getting a good backpacking experience which can provide memories that last a lifetime.

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Backpacking With a Bad Back

It is a fact that some backpackers can damage their backs by carrying a load that is too heavy. However, whilst backpacking with a bad back may not seem too attractive, for the serious backpacker giving up their beloved hobby is far worse. There are some key things which you can do if you are thinking about continuing with backpacking despite having a bad back. Some of these might help to ensure that your back is not further damaged and indeed may even help you to overcome your injury.

The first consideration is to learn the art of packing light. This is a popular topic, and you will find many resources are available in how to pack light. You should do your research and learn every trick you can on lightening your backpacking load. Note that packing light does not necessarily mean leaving things behind. It is possible to pack everything you need, if you learn the right way to pack light.

The second aspect you might like to consider is to commence some back exercises. Simple back exercises such as stretching can really help to strengthen the back. For the best advice on appropriate back exercises you should speak to your doctor. He or she should be able to advise you on exercises that will work best for your condition.

There are also ways in which you can alter your technique that help relieve strain on the back and make you more comfortable. For example, poles can be a useful tool for those with an injured back. Poles can shift the weight from your back to your upper body. By using them, you can feel great relief in the back area. It is important, however, that you learn how to properly use poles.

Another factor you could look at is to adopt certain ways of stepping that can take the pressure off your back. A local backpacking organization or club may be the best place to help you learn these techniques.

Backpacking with a bad back can be achieved. It is really important, however, to take it slow and not push yourself too hard. By using some or all of the methods described above, you should find that backpacking is easier and less painful.

The most important point to make is that not all back injuries will be helped with this advice. You must keep in mind that you should stop and see your doctor if your back pain persists or worsens despite trying everything to alleviate the problem.

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