A Backpacking List - Ten Things To Learn
By Steve Gillman, Thu Dec 8th
Have you ever had a trip that was a disaster - eventhough you brought everything you needed? Maybe you had matches,but couldn't get that fire going. You need more than good gearto assure a safe and enjoyable wilderness experience. You needto know how to do a few things, and the following list will getyou started.
1. Learn firemaking. Practice in your yard if you have to, buttry to start that fire with one match. Try it the next time it'sraining too.
2. Learn to pitch a tent. Do it wrong and the rain will comein, or the the wind will tear the seams. Tents should be pitchedtight, and you should be able to set your tent up in a fewminutes.
3. Learn how to stay warm. Practice camping in the yard, to seehow blocking the wind, wearing a hat, and eating fatty foodsbefore sleeping can keep you warmer.
4. Learn to cook over a fire. It's not as easy as it seems.Block the wind, cover the pan, keep the fire small andconcentrated. Practice, and time yourself. Faster is better in ajam, and it's always possible your stove will break.
5. Learn about edible plants. Knowing how to identify cattailsand three or four wild edible berries can make a trip moreenjoyable,
