Camping and White Water Rafting

There are three components that contribute the most weight when it comes to back packing and hiking. They are the “big three;” the backpack, shelter and sleeping bag and that is assuming that you have managed your clothing down to the minimum.  Select an ultralight sleeping bag because an ultralight backpacking adds the least weight and believe me you will understand after you have carried a heavy sleeping bag around for several hours.. The days of five-pound summer bags are gone – at least for those of us who prefer to go light when hiking, camping or backpacking around the country.

One Pound Ultralight Sleeping Bags

There are many one-pound ultralight sleeping bags on the market now. One we looked at actually weighs 19 ounces with the stuff sack, however stuff sacks aren’t always necessary. You can be stuff the sleeping bag directly into your pack or put it  in a half-ounce bread bag. Down sleeping bags will keep you warm down to below freezing – warmer, in fact, than manyy four-pound bags.

Ultra light sleeping bags appear fragile, however if you baby it they will last for many years. They can be used from sea-level to16,000 feet, in all types of weather, usually camping under a tarp. The zipper goes only half-way down, to save weight, and it’s a mummy bag, were even some of the larger guys will still feel comfortable in them.

Summer Bags vs. Winter Bags

Sleeping bags weighing around a pound are summer bags, rated down to 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A quick check of the newest bags out there, though, shows that even one or two of the 0degree bags are under three pounds now. These are down filled bags, of course, as down is still the lightest insulation for its weight. If you are allergic to feathers, you may want to consider synthetic filled bags to avoid sneezing all night and waking up with runny eyes.

Another big advantage of any down sleeping bag is it’s compressibility. Nothing packs smaller than down. However, a good synthetic bag is probably better than down if you are regularly getting it wet.

Synthetic Sleeping Bags

Several synthetic-fill sleeping bags now come close to down in their warmth-to-weight ratio. At least one summer bag, using Polarguard fill, weighs an even 16 ounces. That’s amazingly light for a synthetic bag. Again if you are allergic to feathers, definitely go with a synthetic ultra light bag.

Using Ultralight Sleeping Bags

Ultralight sleeping bags generally aren’t tough. The lighter the bag, the more fragile, but treat them gently, and they work fine. They will last  for many years, in snow and rain, if you baby these things, and they can last a long time.

Add your comments about specific bags or other thoughts you may have on sleeping bags in general. Spam comments will be auto deleted.

Travelers whether in your own country or around the world enjoy seeing the sights and wonders of different places. Many travel  with only a backpack for all the things they need giving them the flexibility to go almost anywhere. Because they only have a pack on their backs, the possibilities of new sightseeing and activity adventures are limitless.

But of course, before you head for a faraway hiking adventure with your backpack, or are just going camping in the next town, you must make sure that you bring all the things you need to be properly prepared and they all must fit  in your backpack. Below is a checklist that will make your backpacking adventure a more pleasant experience and will apply whether you are camping or backpacking around the world.

Backpack

Of course, you need a backpack, however this is really one of your most important purchases. It must be large enough to hold everything that you want to bring with you, while at the same time it must fit you comfortably with supporting straps and padding so that it does not chafe on days when there are long days of hiking or walking. Consult with someone at a store who has some experience and knows a thing or two about backpacking. Choose a backpack that comes with a detachable day pack for daytime excursions.

Quick Drying Towel

Widely available in many stores. You don’t want a heavy, damp, big  towel that takes up a lot of room and weighs you down. Add a face cloth to this as well for quick freshening when you get the chance. Again absorbent, but quick drying.

Walking Shoes

Clothing is a difficult topic. You really have to give some thought about the conditions you will be in while backpacking. Obviously you should pick comfortable shoes for walking but you may need something more dressy as well for the odd special location.

Underwear and socks

These go without saying. Quantity depends on were you will be and access to laundry facilities, even if you have to do a hand wash once in awhile.

Long Underwear

Long underwear depends on the season and place where you are traveling. Long underwear can also double as pajamas when you stay in hotels that do not have adequate heating systems.

Pillow Case

Using your own pillow case is an essential thing to keep in mind when you stay in hostels and it can double as a dirty laundry bag as well.

Sleeping Bag

Select a lightweight sleeping bag. Down is the best type of sleeping bag.  Feathers are very light and you can compress a down sleeping bag into a very small package. If you are allergic to feathers, you will need to select something that is synthetic.

Passport

Most countries require a passport for exit as well as entry. This is a must have!

Wallet

Take several wallets, one that you use every day and one that you can conceal on your person. Always have some cash in case you are mugged. Better to give them something vs. losing it all or your life.

Camera

An electronic camera with large amounts of memory should be considered.  You will want tobe able to charge the batteries at times and download your pictures to a email program at internet cafe’s.

Journal

You will not be able to recall everything you do on your trip especially if it is along one. A journal is an excellent way to help remember some of the more interesting details.

Flip Flops

If you have to use a communal shower at a hostel or a camp site, flip flops are excellent to use to protect your feet. They are also great to use at the beach.

Traveler’s Checks

Always have some cash with you and the bulk of your money in travelers checks. You should also check with the countries that you are going to, to confirm which type their banks / hotels will accept.

Wet Wipes

A small pack is light weight and easy to carry.

Landry Detergent

Small amounts may prove valuable especially if you have to do a hand wash in the sink.

Rain Coat

A light plastic rain coat is always a good thing to have. The thin ones work well and do not take a lot of room, nor are the to heavy to carry in your back back.

Lock

A lock that you can use to lock up your things in a container may also be useful.

Band Aids

A small medial kit that has the basics, bandages, scissors, gauze and disinfectant may become useful when you least expect it .

Travel Guide

Try picking a comprehensive yet easy-to-carry travel guide.

Personal items

The usual stuff such as toothpaste, deodorant, soap, and shampoo.

Clothing

A tip: The night before you leave, check all clothes that you need. Then take only half of them. Clothing simply weighs too much and can be washed anytime, even if you have to hand wash in the sink. Take only what you can carry at ease.

Hope these tips help. Select what you need based on the type of trip you are going on and how long you will be away. We appreciate comments about this post and also anything we might have missed. Spam comments are auto deleted.

Whether you are are planning a one day backpacking hike or a weeks backpacking through the wilderness, it pays to be prepared and carry all of the right backpacking gear. You never know what you will be faced with and whether you will need to spend an extra night in the wilds because of weather or some more serious problem such as getting lost. It always pays to be prepared, so we have compiled a sample list of backpacking gear that you may want to consider taking along with you.

Of course what you take will depend on were you are going, how long your trip will be and the area were you will be backpacking. Plan for emergencies and plan for extra days just in case. Also always tell someone were you are going and if you decide to change your mind, tell your contact or somehow get a message out. If you become lost or get trapped in some manner, at least your contact will know when to expect you back and approximately were you have gone. Sometimes it can mean the difference between life and death. Even experienced back packers sometimes forget and they unfortunately pay the ultimate price.

So what backpacking gear should  you consider for your backpacking trip? The backpacking gear items you could include depending on your plans are:

Backpack – seems obvious, however you want one that is comfortable, that can carry everything you are going to need and has clear markings on it so that it can be seen at a distance easily in case you need to be found. If your backpack will be full, make sure that the straps are wide enough and comfortable for you to carry the backpack.

Quick drying towel – a lot less weight to carry than a heavy wet towel

Walking shoes – comfortable and also suitable for the type of hiking you will do. Regular running shoes might not stand up to the rigors of back country hiking.

Underwear & Socks – Clean dry socks will keep your feet in good shape. Change often if you find that your feet are overly warm

Long Underwear – Depending on the season you may want to bring these along. If the nights are still cold, you may want them just in case you get stranded.

Sleeping Bag – Carry a light weight down filled bag with you. They cost a bit more, but are light and can be folded into a small package easily

Passport – If you are leaving the country to another locale this is an absolute must have

Spy Wallet – You should consider dividing up your money and travelers checks between wallets just in case.

Day Pack – These are useful for short hikes

Camera – A small pocket digital camera is always handy and they take quite good quality pictures. They are less bulky than the larger 35 MM digital cameras

Journal – As the days pass one will blur into another. A journal helps to remember those all important details

Travelers Check’s – safer than money , they can be replaced if lost or stolen

Wet Wipes – easy to carry and light as well

Laundry Detergent – in case you need to do some washing along the way.

Rain Coat – Small fold up rain coats can be invaluable in the rain and at night.

Medical Kit – A small kit with the basics is always a good idea, bandaids, some disinfectant etc

Maps – a paper map is always a good idea even if you are using a GPS. Batteries do run out and that’s were the paper map comes in handy

Compass – always a good idea no matter were you are going

Personal items – toothpaste, deodorant, soap, shampoo

Clothing – for the type of backpacking you plan to do. Obviously you would pack much different clothes for the bush , desert or traveling around the country by bus

Water Proof matches – in case you need to light a fire.

Water Purification tablets – in case your water runs out and you need to drink water out of a local stream

Snacks – even if you are just going for a day hike, always pack some high energy snacks in case you get lost or cannot get back for some reason.

Our list of backpacking gear is not all inclusive. If you think there is a major item missing please feel free to add a comment to our blog. However if you follow these basics for backpacking gear you probably will find  that you will be fine should you get lost or have an accident along the way.

Backpacking with a partner is the best approach to follow. You can always look out for each other and help each other in emergencies. Beside it is just more fun to backpack with someone than by yourself and if you have the right backpacking gear with you, you will have no worries.