Hiking Backpack Zone

Archive for the ‘Backpacking’ Category

By Matt Hodgson

A Guide To Backpacking
Backpacking is a great experience, and for those of you who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, what better way to do so than with your dog. Backpacking can be a challenging and rewarding experience, for both of you; dogs enjoy carrying packs, and providing you start training correctly, this is a fun activity that can be done time and time again!

The Backpack
Dogs from about 9 months can start to wear an empty pack and begin to get used to wearing it. It can be quite strange for your dog to have this unknown object  on its back; let him walk around with the pack on; go for short walks, whilst he adjusts to the wider load - he will bang into things at first! When your dog reaches 12 months of age, you can start to add a bit of weight. Use something that is light, but bulky, and ensure that you equally balance both sides of the pack. Keep sharp objects away from the inside of the pack so they do not dig into your dogs sides; softer items such as clothes or towels are good to pad and protect the dog. Slowly you can add weight to the pack; do not increase it substantially - ensure that you increase slowly and allow the dog to adjust to the additional weight.

It is important that the backpack fits correctly, and is not too large or small. Place the pack and weight which your dog will carry, over the shoulder blade (withers) area, and not in the middle of the back. The shoulders are built to carry the weight; the spine is not. A fit and healthy dog that had the correct introduction to backpacking should be able to carry up to 30% of his own bodyweight.

You should be able to remove the backpack quickly in case of emergency or even when you stop for a rest or water, so check that it has quick release buckles.

Training Before Backpacking
Before you do any backpacking with your dog, you need to ensure that both you and your dog are fit enough. You will need to train for longer distances (if this is your goal). Regular walks, without a backpack, of increasing distance and varied terrain should be a regular part of your training beforehand. You need to be sure of your dogs obedience; will he walk to heel when asked? You do not want to be pulled downhill when your dog has spotted something he’d like to chase! You should walk with your dog on a lead whilst he wearing his backpack - and also, obviously, on a lead around livestock and developed areas where there are risks to the dog, such as traffic. Your dog’s feet need to be conditioned for backpacking walks as you will be covering a variety of surfaces.

Your first few outings should be kept simple and a positive experience. You can build up the distances gradually and then move onto some walks with hill climbs and descents.

The Walk
A suitable walk will include lots of places to stop with water, such as rivers and streams. Plan ahead for your walk, and ensure that you are aware what terrain you are travelling over.

If you are backpacking in the summer months or hot weather, try to find walks in the shade, and perhaps set off earlier when it is cooler. Know when to turn around and head back if your dog is too hot and struggling.

Items that you will take on your walks will change, but ensure you always have fresh drinking water and a bowl for your dog, and fresh drinking water for yourself. The dogs water and bowl should be easily accessible within the backpack. Take as many water stops as you’d like and need - watch for your dog to ensure he is coping well and not becoming dehydrated or panting too much. You should take food rations for your dog, as well as yourselves - don’t forget, he is working as hard as you are!

If you are out by yourself, it is advisable to always tell somebody where you are going and what time you would expect to return. Take a mobile, compass, map and water with you at all times.

Remember to follow the Country Code. Do not drop litter, take all of your rubbish with you and always clean up after your dog. Keep to footpaths and ensure you always close gates.

Most importantly, you should ensure that both you and the dog have a fun and enjoyable experience!

Now…go pack up and get out walking!

© SnowPaw Ltd 2008

Matt Hodgson

Snow Paw ltd http://www.snowpawstore.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matt_Hodgson http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpacking-With-Your-Dog&id=2403558

By Allison Mac

A good backpacking water filter will help ensure that you have a safe wilderness excursion and protect you from parasites, bacteria and possibly even viruses.  A wilderness expert would tell you never to drink untreated water no matter where it’s coming from.  Many times beautiful mountain water or clear streams are contaminated with dead animals or other pollutants and can cause you to become very ill.  There are two different options for treating your water… a water filter, or iodine.

Most typical backpacking water filters will treat about a quart of water per minute.  In the beginning they are very effective, however the more they are used, the more sediment will clog the filters.  It is important to bring back-up filters with you to ensure that they are continually working at their best.  It is also a good thing to look for a water filter that contains a pre-filter.  This pre-filter is used to remove larger floating particles and will extend the life of your filter.  Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure you are using the filter properly and that it is working efficiently.

If you don’t want to carry along filters, another option for treating the water is iodine tablets or crystals.  The advantage of these is that they take up practically no room in your backpack and they are extremely light weight.  Though they are convenient and easy to use, many wilderness experts question how well they work to eliminate the dangers of parasites.  Again be sure to follow the treatment instructions on the bottle if you choose to use the iodine.

Some of the top rated backpack water filters that you may want to explore are:

•    Crystal Quest Mfg. Water Filters

•    MSR Miniworks

•    Exstream MacKenzie

•    Katadyn Guide

•    Katadyn Hiker

•    McNett Aqua Mira

Backpacking water filers are essential for any wilderness excursion where bringing bottled water is not an option.  Read reviews and watch for durability, price, filter replacement and effectiveness.  The bottom line is to make sure you are protected and that your backpack is not too much heavier.  Shop and compare online and find the best filter that will fit your needs.

To learn much more about Backpacking water filters and the different types of water filtration visit Get-Water-Filters.com where you’ll find this and much more, including great information on expedition water filters

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Allison_Mac http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpacking-Water-Filters—Keep-Hydrated&id=2185791

By Natasha Fatale

The most important thing to think about when going on a backpacking adventure is to be prepared for anything. As the saying goes, if it can happen it will happen. These tips will help you avoid any misadventures and enjoy your backpacking trip to the fullest.

Keep Hydrated

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is to keep yourself hydrated no matter what type of a backpacking trip you are on. The best way to do this of course is through the drinking of large amounts of water. You of course do not want to drink it all at once, but spread it out over the course of the day. Making sure that there is plenty of purified drinking water that is available for you and your entire group will lead to many happy campers.

It is important to note, that it does not matter what type of weather or what the temperatures that you are in when going on the trip, you will need to be hydrated. It may not be as obvious that you are losing fluids while on your trip in colder weather, but it is occurring nonetheless.

Dress for the Occasion

One of the most important pieces of clothing to a backpacker is their sleeping bag. This is the item that most do not think of as clothing, but in essence it is the clothes that you sleep in. Make sure that it has the proper ratings for the weather you will be encountering while on your trip.

Make sure to dress in layers as well so as to be able to put clothes on and off to adjust body temperature as necessary. Use your clothes as a thermostat regulator to prevent overheating and overexposure on the trip. Sun poisoning, heatstroke and hypothermia are all things to avoid.

Of course, you are going to want to take care of your feet as well while on your expedition. Make sure to wear hiking shoes or boots that will give you the necessary support so as to avoid twisted and sprained ankles. Do not forget to wear proper socks and sock liners so to prevent blisters and rubbing of the feet.

First Aid

Having an adequate first aid kit is one of the most essential pieces of equipment that you will need to carry on your trip. Make sure to of course have the bare essentials in the kit such as an ace bandage, band aids, burn cream and all other minimum items. Also, keep items to aid in rehydration if someone is dehydrated, such as a powdered electrolyte drink mix.
Make sure to keep things handy and to be ready for any type of danger encountered such as a snakebite kit, or emergency ice packs.

Food Safety

When you are going on a trip, food is always a good thing. Keeping it away from animals as well as safe for you are the two most important things to look at when going on a trip. Perishable items are never a good idea on any backpacking trip. This is because of the inability to keep them at the optimum temperature to preserve food quality.

When preparing food on a trip be sure to follow instructions and to use proper sanitation in order to limit the possibility of illness from poor preparation or cleanliness. The last thing that anyone wants is to be sick because someone did not clean the dishes properly. Wash, rinse and sanitize to ensure the safest practices. This goes for dishes and people as well.

Know the best food storage practices of the camp or area you are in. It could be hanging your food in a tree to avoid bears, or using provided lock boxes. Either way, you want o keep yourself and the animals safe by not allowing the food to fall into the wrong hands.

Know the Trek

Make yourself familiar with where you are going. Know what type of terrain you will encounter as well as the environment you will be in. These factors will go a long way in clothing, food and time decisions for your trip. These will also put you in better shape when it comes to being safe for your trip.

As always, be ready for anything and have a good idea of what you will encounter before heading out.

Just Roughin It offers backpacking adventure trips to the Grand Canyon and Yosemite. Our experienced guides are well-trained and safety conscious, and your adventure trip package includes all your gear, so all you have to do is enjoy yourself.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Natasha_Fatale http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpacking-Safety-Tips&id=2329212

By Steven Gillman

Solo backpacking means peace and quiet. No one to talk to means no words are put between you and the beauty around you. The miles just flow. It’s entirely up to you to say when you eat or take a break. Want to jump in that alpine lake? It’s your decision alone. It’s a unique experience.

A solo backpacker also is vulnerable. Twist your ankle, and there’s nobody there to help you. Have you ever been stuck alone without food for days? How can you make your solo backpacking trip safe? You can’t. It’s inherently more dangerous to go alone into the wilderness. What you can do though, is make it safer.

Some Solo Backpacking Tips

1. Tell someone where you’ll be, and when you expect to return. It’s probably best if you leave a map with them, and let them know who to call if you don’t return on time.

2. Bring a cell phone. I don’t do this yet myself, but many lives have now been saved by cell phones. Turn it off and put it in the bottom of your pack so it won’t bother you.

3. Bring the usual safety items (matches, 1st aid, iodine tablets, etc), but double-check to see if they are there and in working order, as you’ll have nobody elses supplies to back you up.

4. If you’re not sure of your abilities, or have a bad knee or other potential problem, stick to well-traveled trails. On many routes, another backpacker will be by every hour. That’s good to know if you’re in trouble.

5. Learn well how to read a map and use a compass. If you are two miles off route and can’t get a signal on your phone when your knee gives out, you’re in trouble. Even if you like to wander, you should be able to know where you are on the map for safety.

6. Know your abilities. Don’t plan on twenty-mile days if you haven’t done them before.

7. Learn to lighten your load. When you’re alone, you lose the efficiency of sharing the load for stoves, tents and other common items. It’s easy - and dangerous - to become overloaded when yours is the only backpack. You might want to read up on ultralight backpacking.

Solo backpacking is riskier, but for some of us, it’s well worth the risk. Try it, and you might agree. Just be sure to take the necessary precautions.

Steve Gillman is a long-time backpacker, and advocate of ultralight backpacking. His advice and stories can be found at http://www.TheBackpackingSite.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steven_Gillman http://EzineArticles.com/?Solo-Backpacking-Tips&id=44203

By Jonsky Sicuna

There are some things to consider before you start backpacking for the first time. Beginners need to know about backpacking equipment, gear, supplies and essentials.

Backpacking can turn into a horrifying experience if you’re not prepared with the basics.

Backpacking can be done in either urban areas or in the wilderness or a mixture of both and the requirements of backpacking equipment and gear are different as well as the planning.

Common tips for Beginners

There are some backpacking tips that apply to both the wilderness and civilization.

Here they are:

Break in your hiking boots by taking them for short hikes.

Test your backpack clothing to check if they’ll be comfortable for you by using them on short hikes. Fully load your backpack with all you need for the backpacking trip and take them on short hikes to test for comfort and to find out which of the straps does a better job in distributing the load.

Test and learn how to use your camping equipment including camping stove, water filter, camping tents, GPS, altimeter and headlamps.

Get your body in shape because backpacking can get very nasty if you’re not fit.

Travelling light is oftentimes much more enjoyable than having too much on your backpack.

Backpacking in Urban Areas for Beginners

Traditionally, backpacking is a cheap way to get from one place to another. It involves more than just walking and hiking.

Historically it’s a cheap form of travel. Though it is an enjoyable experience, it’s more of an education than a vacation.

You’re likely to experience a lot more of the important stuff when you’re backpacking than when you’re just using some kind of modern transportation.

An hours’ travel by car can mean a whole day or like 2 or more if you’re backpacking but a backpacker also experiences a lot more. Backpackers see a whole lot more than the normal tourist. They mingle with local people and witness what real life is really like at a certain place. It’s like you’re living there for some time.

There is a sense of community as you stay in a backpacker’s hostel or lodge where you’ll meet other like-minded individuals sharing the rooms, kitchen, toilet, lounge are, etc.

Backpacking is about travelling with a small budget and to avoid the risk of theft backpackers don’t usually carry expensive electronic equipment.

The rising trend is backpacking with a big budget, staying in lavish accommodations and carrying expensive equipment such as laptops and PDAs especially for young generations to satisfy their need to stay connected.

Backpacking in Rural Areas or the Wild

In some places, having a big budget doesn’t help. Small villages and towns may not be able to offer lavish accommodations other than the backpacker’s hostel and sometimes not even that equipment such as laptops and blackberries may be rendered useless especially in you are backpacking in the wilderness.

Backpacking Gear

The initial cost can be quite high if you are backpacking in the wild especially you are hiking and camping as camping equipment like sleeping bags (especially down) and camping tents can get quite expensive.

Backpacking, for beginners, also requires a lot more preparation and research. Care should be taken in preparing  equipment and you need to test it out and learn how to use them.

The most important backpacking gear is your hiking boots. It’s important that your hiking boots are comfortable so having a perfect fit in the first place and breaking them in later is crucial.

The best way to break in your hiking boots is to take on short hikes with a full load. At the same time it’s a good time to test your hiking/camping/backpacking gear including your backpack.

See if your clothing is too hot or too cold for you or if they pose any other problems like ‘riding up’ and rubbing against your skin.

Test your backpack whether they’re comfortable or not. Try all the straps and identify which ones help distribute the load better.

Take your backpacking equipment a gear testing not just on smooth walkways but also on uneven ground going uphill and downhill to maximize testing. This will also toughen up your feet and reduce the chances of blistering when you go for the real trip and at same time improves your strength and fitness which is crucial for a good backpacking trip.

Learn and practice how to use all of your hiking and camping equipment so that you are more prepared for less than ideal situations.

Use a camping list or camping checklist and pack your hiking/camping gear and equipment early so that you can make sure that you don’t miss any backpacking essentials including the first aid kit, personal medicine and safety and emergency equipment.

Pack heavier equipment close to your body so as to avoid your load from pulling away and make the backpack feel heavier than it is. Rain gear and a waterproof enclosure containing extra layers, gloves and hat should be kept at the top of your backpack where it is easily accessible.

Your clothing and sleeping bag should also be in a waterproof enclosure so that it stays dry even when your backpack is underwater.

Other things that need to dry include electronic equipment like laptops, cameras and camcorders, personal essentials such as toilet paper and daily essentials like snacks, compass, pocket knife, maps and guidebooks, sunscreen and insect repellents. Pack these in the outer pocket of your backpack as you are likely to use them more.

Water bottles should be kept upright and should be easily accessible as well. Your camping tent can strapped to the outside of your backpack including the tent poles.

The first aid kit should be kept where the contents can be secure yet is still easily accessible.

For beginners, choosing which camping food to bring could be a problem. Unfortunately the best way to determine which kinds of food is right for you to bring camping or backpacking is by trial and error. Take some advice here and there and see if it works for you.

To be safe, base your decisions on taste, nutritional value, weight, ease of preparation and packaging. A favorite among hikers and backpackers are dehydrated food which are light, have good nutritional value and also taste good.

Hiking has been long considered as one of the most effective ways to increase your fitness and it can be grueling.

Good preparation of backpacking equipment and gear and researching the place where you’re going to explore as well as keeping yourself in shape will help you go through the expedition with minimal problems.

At the same time backpacking can be highly satisfying so if you’re thinking of going backpacking, do it, it can be the most memorable days of your life.

Jonsky is an expert in backpacking gear and equipment with over 20 years of experience hiking exotic places around the world. He also publishes some tips for hiking and camping. Especially loves hiking in the mountains.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jonsky_Sicuna http://EzineArticles.com/?Backpacking-For-Beginners—Starting-on-an-Exciting-Journey&id=1925759