Hiking Backpack Zone

Posts Tagged ‘backpacking camping gear’

When planning backpacking or hiking trips we need to understand the various important systems we need in place, for choosing the best backpacking camping gear items needed. Gaining as much knowledge as possible is an important part of planning the backpacking gear and essential items needed.

We have to prioritise the gear we need to take first that will include the 3 top, most important systems to have in place that includes a system for sleeping, camping tents, cooking, and the all important essential items for backpacking and hiking. Getting this right means the difference between a fantastic adventure we wish to do again as soon as possible, or a trip that ends with us heading of the trail early and not too happy. We will make it the former and not the latter.

System For Sleeping: The sleeping system we need will require an air mattress or sleeping pad and camping sleeping bag that will be compact enough and as lightweight as possible to use the least room possible inside our backpack. An air mattress will protect a camper from the floor, offering comfort whilst giving insulation between the floor and sleeping bag. Foam sleeping pads may provide less comfort than an air mattress, although they cost less and are lighter than others. However, an air mattress for camping provides more comfort and can be more compact. When buying a sleeping bag we choose a temperature rating and decide the shape and style we want, with the most popular being a mummy style bag. We can choose an ultralight sleeping bag, lightweight and choose various materials used that includes the warmer more compact down fill sleeping bag.

Backpacking cook system: The best backpacking stove, cookware and camping food we plan to eat will need to meet the needs for what we wish to pack, and the weight we are willing to carry whilst being efficient. There is a wide range of stoves available that include home made backpack stoves for the gramme counters to the Jetboil cooking system for those that want a rapid boil within 2 minutes. The conditions the camping stove will used in and the fuels suitable will determine a choice here. Backpacking camp food will need to be basic, and weigh as little as possible with the ability to stay fresh. Many will go with a basic food kit and use dried food or oatmeal to get the much needed energy restoration.

Backpacking tent: Of course a camping tent choice for backpacking and hiking should not be overlooked. This is the most important piece of gear we will be taking on the trail. A minimalist may just just a basic put together tarp shelter or bivy shelter. Others, that want more comfort and room will want a quality tent that may have a vestibule to store hiking boots or wet gear. The more money we spend here, the better the quality of tent we will get, although the midrange price tags can get a great tent, at about $200 to $300.

Essential backpacking items: The listed backpacking camping gear items above are essential and necessary. We just have to choose from what suits our backpacking needs the best. Essential items for hiking will include a camping first aid kit, map and compass, GPS for hiking and a fire lighter. The best way to determine what essential items to take is by preparing a backpacking list to check of the essential backpacking items needed and eliminate those that are not, based on the conditions and place we will be going.

Note: The backpacking camping gear we decide to take will depend on the weather conditions we will face, our budget and weight allowance. However, investing in the best backpacking gear your money can buy is highly recommended, but research, research, and research.

Jason J, has a wealth of camping, backpacking and hiking experience he shares on his website Smart Camping Guide that includes camping gear advice for hiking and Backpacking Camping Gear information and tips.