Thursday, November 27, 2008

Recommended Items For An Easy BackPacking Adventure

By Rob Carlton

With all the emphasis today on physical fitness and the outdoors, more people than ever are choosing to spend their vacations in a location where they can go hiking or backpacking. They're finding sightseeing is just as much fun on foot with a backpack as it is from a car window. There is also the savings on gas and the exercise the body is getting, which are both bonuses. As easy as backpacking may seem, there are some recommended tips on backpacking you may want to follow.

Regardless of whether your hiking adventure is close or far away, you will need a good backpack. 'Good' doesn't necessarily mean expensive, just good for you. There are many different kinds of backpacks on the market today. Some with a few zippered compartments and pockets; some have many or no zippered compartments. Go to a store that sells a large variety and pick out a few you like. Don't be afraid to try them on in the store, walking around a bit to get a feel of how it fits and feels on your back. While you may feel you need one big enough to carry all your necessities, don't get one that is so big that it's going to be awkward and heavy on your back. Try to find a backpack that has a detachable daypack.

Now that you have your backpack, you need supplies to put inside. It's a good idea to make a checklist of what you will need. You will need a nice thick towel, preferably a quick drying one. You don't want a damp towel getting mildew on everything else in your backpack.

A good pair of walking shoes is essential for the comfort of your feet, especially with all the walking you'll be doing. As you did with the backpack, try these on and walk around a bit in the store. The clerks are used to this when they sell quality shoes. There are many good walking shoes to choose from.

You will need to pack a couple pair of underwear and socks, possibly even long underwear if it's cold outside at night where you will be hiking. You may want to bring along a pillowcase and sleeping bag, just in case you stay at a backpacker hotel. Your pillowcase may also later double as a bag for carrying some of your items.

Some personal items you may want to pack are a small wallet (for your traveler's checks & the passport you had better have with you've taken a flightout of the country), small camera, flip-flops (for the shower), wet wipes, detergent, rain gear, band-aids or small first-aid kit, personal hygiene items such as toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo and extra clothing.

A few days before you leave, pack your backpack with all your items, take a walk around the block a couple of times, and see how it feels. If it feels unbearable, this is your opportunity to see what you can take out and still get by comfortably. - 16492

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