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When it comes to backpacking gear, there are thousands of options. But which options are best for you? Down? Synthetic? Vertical Sidewalls? 80L? 50L? So many options, all for different people. And when it comes to buying backpacking/hiking gear, you don't want the wrong stuff. Otherwise you will be uncomfortable and unsatisfied for days until your trip is over so that you can get it replaced. This instructable will go over the main components of your gear setup. Your sleeping bag, sleeping pad, tent, backpack, stove, and a water filter/purifier.
(BTW follow me on my blog as I review backpacking products gearsupreview.blogspot.com/ or subscribe to my youtube page at www.youtube.com/user/GearsUpReview )
(BTW follow me on my blog as I review backpacking products gearsupreview.blogspot.com/ or subscribe to my youtube page at www.youtube.com/user/GearsUpReview )
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Signing UpStep 1Sleeping Bag
Ah, the sleeping bag, the comfort after a long days hike. Sleeping bags are one of the main parts of your system. There are 2 types of insulation for your sleeping bag. Synthetic, and down. Synthetic bags are bulky and heavy, but inexpensive and insulate better when wet. Down on the other hand is very light, and compact, but more expensive and has less insulation value when wet. Down bags are generally considered higher quality, and most backpackers will use them. When coupled with a dry-bag, the one disadvantage of down is eliminated (the dry bag keeps your bag dry, so that it doesn't get wet, even if you take a dunk in a river). Although the other disadvantage is still present, price. I would urge you to spend the extra money and buy a down bag, as it will last you years and will be a better bag for most purposes.
There are also 2 different shapes of bags. Mummy bags, and barrel bags. Mummy bags are much warmer, but less comfortable than barrel bags. Mummy bags are warmer because they have insulation around your head, and the higher quality ones will have a piece of material that goes around your neck so that the warm air does not escape from the main section of your bag. Not only that but mummy bags also keep heat in better because they are smaller, and more tight around your body so it takes less body heat to warm the bag. But all this warmth comes at a sacrifice for comfort. Mummy bags are often disliked by people who like to sleep comfortably, or by people who are claustrophobic. Barrel bags do not have the head insulation and are more spacious, allowing you to kick your feet out and sleep in ultimate comfort. Barrel bags are also generally cheaper.
Remember to try out the sleeping bag in the store and stand up in it to make sure if fits right. If the bag is too big it will take more body heat to warm it.
There are also 2 different shapes of bags. Mummy bags, and barrel bags. Mummy bags are much warmer, but less comfortable than barrel bags. Mummy bags are warmer because they have insulation around your head, and the higher quality ones will have a piece of material that goes around your neck so that the warm air does not escape from the main section of your bag. Not only that but mummy bags also keep heat in better because they are smaller, and more tight around your body so it takes less body heat to warm the bag. But all this warmth comes at a sacrifice for comfort. Mummy bags are often disliked by people who like to sleep comfortably, or by people who are claustrophobic. Barrel bags do not have the head insulation and are more spacious, allowing you to kick your feet out and sleep in ultimate comfort. Barrel bags are also generally cheaper.
Remember to try out the sleeping bag in the store and stand up in it to make sure if fits right. If the bag is too big it will take more body heat to warm it.
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Also, some hammocks are actually made so that you can use them on the ground like a tent or hung as a hammock giving you more options with less overall gear. That way if you're worried about windy stormy weather, you could simply stake your hammock to the ground covered with your bug betting and tarp. There are several storms I wouldn't want to be caught in a tent anymore than a hammock in... of course if you're going to be trekking around in the wilderness you take that risk.
If you're going to be away from civilisation for more than a week I would always go for the simplest design possible. Zips have a nasty habit of breaking in cold weather, so I look for drawcords and straps. A single compartment means one less closure to worry about.
What I have learned over the last thirty five years is:
Buy the best foam pad you can afford, or use a cheap one and sleep in a hammock.
You can never have too many drybags and stuffsacks.
ALWAYS carry paracord and some tent pegs/stakes.
Carry at least TWO large water bottles.
And finally, there is no substitute for quality toilet tissue.
My options are 62L or 82L
Thanks!
if its raining sleep in the car ,
if the sticks are wet an wont burn
take the map rub all your engine oilgrime off
with it that will catch the wet woods ,
if your trunk has spare oil or fule additives
in it they too will make a hot fire .
the hardest part about cooking is to get
the chimpmunk to sit still ,
ive found that a heavy log atop the
pot lid holds them in nicely.
hiken back to the trunk can be tiresome
an dangerus
dont park next to puddles you never know when one
deeper than it looks .
camping in the snow can be fun i take extra tire chains along an atach them to my back side then scooching to the trunk is lots safer , well hope ive add new insights to the greatoutdoors fun !
First, what works for one person may or may not work for another. It's important (as you mention) to try the stuff out in the store, but to also do a few "test runs" before your big back pack trip. If you buy a new tent, put it up in your back yard and sleep in it a few times. Find out what works and what doesn't when safety and shelter are only a few feet away.
If you buy a new camping saw or stove, use it in the backyard a bunch. Make sure you understand how it works and what it needs.
I've spent 20 years in the Army and most of that was in CAV and INF units where we were in the field a lot. I was once told a little saying that stuck with me all these years, "Ounces make pounds." Simply but, always be looking to reduce weight. If you have a single extra pound of weight on a longer hike (say 20 to 30 miles) you don't realize how much effort you are wasting to carry it.
Great review, I learned a bunch. Thanks again!
http://zoklet.net/index.php/Backpacking
A little something i wrote. Not as good as this instructable, but theres a list :) Join the site(click forums) and spread your knowledge. Just avoid bat country, at all costs :)