Going Backpacking

Decide the kinds of trips you are mostly taking. If you are an avid camper and hiker, the majority of your trips may be a few days to a week or more. These trips require a larger pack than if you simply like to go on day trips or even go out for a couple of hours every day. For the avid campers and hikers, you will want a large pack that can hold all of your gear for several days.

If you use specialized gear such as crampons, climbing ropes, ice picks, snowshoes, skis, and even a snowboard, you will be able to find backpacking backpacks that are specially designed to allow you to carry these items and other heavy gear. There will be special cords, pockets and strap configurations that make it easy to attach these types of equipment to your pack. You will need to be fit individually. It is a good idea to shop where you can try on several types of packs and decide for yourself whether they are comfortable or not. The important points are the shoulder strap, the chest strap, and the hip belt.

As a backpacker, you can travel further and faster by packing lighter with lightweight backpacks. Basically, lightweight backpacks counteract all of the disadvantages of the heavier packs. You have much more freedom of movement because you don’t have a heavy pack weighing you down. You can zip off the trail any time you have a fancy to see something different and head across country without a trail until you meet up with your original trail. The lightweight backpacks are easier on your legs and back and you won’t be as stiff. Getting to your destination faster may mean that you have more time to relax and work out any sore spots before you go to sleep so that you will have a more enjoyable experience. You can find lightweight versions of all the camping gear you like and use, so you won’t have to sacrifice the gear you used for the weight limits of your pack.