Choosing the Backpacking Equipment for Your Needs

Backpacking equipment is fun stuff. There is all kinds of great gear to be had at sports equipment stores that not only rival space-aged technology but are entertaining to play with. Some backpacking equipment can even give you great ideas for other uses the item can have when you're not on the backpacking trail. But when it comes time to make your selection, two important factors need to be considered: How well does the item help you survive and how much does the backpacking equipment weigh?

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It doesn't matter if you'll be backpacking in Mexico or Europe; you're going to need basic survival gear. Matches, a knife, a compass, a first aid kit, water, a whistle, and food are survival backpacking equipment that you need to carry at all times. You can supplement your basics with a flashlight, a map, fire starter, a repair kit, and sunglasses, as well as a bottle of sunscreen. These small items can mean the difference between life and death if something happens to go wrong during any of your backpacking tours.

The most important item of your backpacking equipment is, of course, your backpack. You can choose small day packs that have no internal frame and are designed for short trips and light loads. For longer trips, there are expedition packs that are colossal and carry everything but the kitchen sink - though that item might fit in too!Don't choose backpacks that are bigger than your needs, even though it may seem like a good idea to have that extra space handy. Choose a size that fits with your plans and what you'll need to carry.

You can choose from top-loading backpacks or panel-loading backpacks. The advantage to top-loading backpacks is that they can support and contain a lot of items. The huge disadvantage is that you'll have to unpack everything to get that tiny piece of equipment at the bottom. Panel-loading backpacks allow you to have easier access but they have a tendency to let rain in through the zippers.

When choosing a backpack, select one that has proper support and padding in all the right places. Shoulder supports need to handle 40% of the total weight inside the backpack, so make sure construction is strong. Also, make sure the fabric is tough because your backpacking equipment is going to suffer plenty of abuse. Pull on seams hard and try to expose stitches. It should be tough to see them at best. Check to see whether inside seams are covered with fabric to help keep rainwater from seeping in.

Before stocking up on all sorts of backpacking equipment, narrow down how often you'll be on the trail backpacking and what kind of trip you're most likely to have. If you want to have a backpacking camping vacation, then you'll need sleeping bags and tents as well. Will you be doing some lightweight backpacking during the day or are you going on a major expedition? Will your backpacking equipment need to support heavy loads and do you need to carry a lot of gear? Are the elements going to be a factor in your trip and what kind of terrain will you be tackling? Taking a look at the type of expedition you're going to have and what level of activity you'll be doing will be important for choosing the proper backpacking equipment for your needs.

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