Backpacking and Camping Made Easy

The need to experience nature can hit anyone. When that feeling hits, if it hits, you should be prepared for your journey with the right equipment. The right equipment and how you use it can mean the difference between hanging up your pack for good or regular expeditions into nature. Experienced campers usually have a feel for there equipment, but don't be afraid to try new things. Every campout is a new experience.

The four most important pieces of a backpacker's equipment are the backpack, the tent, the sleeping bag, and the canteen. These all have important functions and should never be left behind. For backpacks, I would recommend an external frame backpack. It's big and bulky, but equipment can be attached to the outside of it, such as the tent, sleeping bag, and canteen. A tent is for you to sleep in, nothing more. A single backpacker needs a small tent, lightweight and easy to take down and put up. The sleeping bag always depends on the weather and anyone who works at a sporting goods store would know which sleeping bags are good for what season. Finally, water is a necessity. A large and durable bottle is the best way to go. Sporting good stores can point out specific products.

Food is the next important thing to pack. Unless you plan on carrying a lot of extra baggage with a stove, fuel, a pot and mess kit, dry food is a must. Lightweight and high energy food like trail mix is what should be packed. Dried fruit and beef jerky also works well.

Besides clothes, water purifying tablets are also a good thing to bring. It will make the water taste weird, but at least you wont get violently sick from drinking it.

Speaking of sick, no one knows what will happen when on the trail, so a first aid kit should be added to every pack. These can deal with most cuts, scrapes, and blisters. The bigger and more expensive the kit, the most medical supplies and more situations are covered by the kit. The kit is just to get you by until you get real medical attention. If you get hurt, seek real medical help immediately.

When you finally have everything together and it's time to pack your bag, the heaviest items go closest to your back. It helps with balance and will save back aches in the future. The sleeping bag should be on top of the pack with the tent on the bottom, both tied down with bungie cords. Food and equipment should be above clothes to provide easier access and the water bottle should be on your belt or within easy reach on the pack.