subject: Backpacking Essentials The Clothes and Pack [print this page] If you have read any of my other posts on adventure vacations, you would recognize that I am a strong promoter of backpacking vacations. In my view there is absolutely no other way to encounter mother nature as powerfully as strapping on a back pack and delving in.
As soon as you've made a decision to go on an adventure vacation like a Grand Canyon backpacking vacation, you will need to gather the proper equipment. The first set of items you need are the absolute bare minimums. These are the things that you just cannot backpack without.
The first item is your apparel. Based upon on the temperature and time of year, this will change, but the most significant thing to keep in mind is: layers! Layers will save you no matter if you are backpacking in the Arctic or in New Mexico. You should start off with a light-weight, breathable shirt, often a polyester sort made popular by companies like North Face and Under Armor. These will take in sweat with out becoming weighed down by it, like organic cotton t-shirts have a tendency to do. You should wear slacks, not shorts, given that you do not want to get scraped or sliced by something on the trail. Any robust pair of khaki cargo pants will do. As for footwear, you'll need a good backpacking shoe, although some prefer boots. The socks need to be an athletic/hiking specific kind, as typical cotton socks will get soaked with perspiration and have a tendency to wear thin.
For an overshirt or coat, opt for some thing with pockets and that is light enough to wear with out feeling bogged down. For most climates, such as Grand Canyon backpacking,a fleece will be ideal. Don't forget a hat! Some people swear by boonie hats, but I personally prefer just a ball cap.
The next important piece of gear is your backpack. You never want to pick up a cheap nylon back pack that you might take to school, however. You will need to acquire a robust pack from an outdoors outfitter. It should have heavy shoulder straps and a stomach strap, and ought to have a number of compartments. You do not want to combine your soiled clothes with your food. Some come complete with hydration systems, I highly recommend these since drinking water is quite challenging to pack properly.
From here we need to start filling up our pockets and backpack with supplies and gear. I'll discuss this in the next posting.
