Basic Backpacking Gear

Backpacking gear can be pretty simplistic. All you need is a pair of good hiking boots and a solid backpack to carry your stuff around, right? Truthfully, there is a ton of backpacking gear on the market today, from special backpacking sleeping bags to equipment for backpacking mountain ranges. Here is a look at some of the backpacking gear that you'll need to chose from when planning a backpacking tour.

Backpacking sleeping bags vary in comfort and weight. If you'll be doing your hiking in areas where humidity are a factor, choosing synthetic backpacking sleeping bags is a must. Polarguard 3D can be an excellent choice of backpacking gear, as the material compresses better than other materials and is also softer and lighter than other fabrics on the market. Goose down can be a fine choice, but you'll have to watch out to not get your sleeping bag wet, as the down will lose its insulation factor rapidly.

Backpacking gear should include a tarp or two. Waterproof backpacking tarps can be tied to trees with rope and used as a shelter. You'll avoid carrying poles and the heavier weight of some four-season tents as well. For an ultra light backpacking trip, you're better off choosing a bivy sack as a shelter and leaving the backpacking tarps at home. Keep in mind that while being lightweight backpacking gear, bivy sacks are also cramped and some people don't enjoy using them for sleeping shelters.

Your backpacking gear will include something sturdy and solid to carry all your equipment and clothing. When you're making your selection of a backpack, don't go by price alone to judge quality. Test the seams and durability of the fabric rather than comparing backpack prices. You may find that a cheaper model without the bells and whistles is the best choice for your needs.

One piece of backpacking gear you can't hold in your hand while out on the trail is backpacking travel insurance. Before you head out on an expedition, make sure that your insurance coverage includes protection for you while you're on the trail backpacking, especially if you are in another country. Backpacking travel insurance is available and is a smart choice for all your out-of-country expeditions.

Your backpacking gear should include some survival tools in case you become lost or suffer an injury while hiking. Don't depend on trail guides to have everything (though a good backpacking tour company should have guides that are prepared to deal with all situations). While no one likes to think of a fun vacation gone bad, accidents happen and you should make sure that you'll be covered in case something on your backpacking tour goes wrong.

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