Common Backpacking Questions

Backpacking is a fantastic sport that pits you against the rugged beauty of nature. It is a sport that one person can do or it can be done by groups of people. The beauty of backpacking is that it can be done virtually anywhere. It may be a backpacking tour of Europe where you stay in small hostels and interact with the locals all while being on a low budget.

It may be backpacking in the great outdoors with just yourself and a tent. Backpacking means different things to different people. But there are some things that you have to know about backpacking such as the equipment and the right fit. This article is perfect for answering those basic questions. It may even help you try out this great pastime.

What is backpacking?

Backpacking is a great sport that involves you and a backpack. That sounds simple enough. It is where you take along the necessary equipment to go camping or hiking on an extended journey. Many backpackers will go off into the wilderness and will hike along trails to certain spots where they will camp. They carry only the barest of essentials in order to save on space and weight. The backpack can be quite heavy so it is important for the backpacker to only take what is absolutely needed for his or her trip.

What type of equipment is used in backpacking?

The main, and really most important, item to use in backpacking is the backpack. It will serve as your carrying apparatus for your field gear such as tent, water source and nutritional source. Other items you will need in order to go backpacking is a good pair of hiking boots and perhaps a staff to help you climb hills and other rocky areas that you will be traversing.

Do I need a backpack when I go hiking?

If you are just going on a daytrip hiking you may not want to take a heavy backpack loaded down with supplies. Short hiking trips may not even need a pack at all. It all depends on how far you intend to hike and what type of gear you need to take with you when you go. Many people still take their backpacks as a way to help store items such as nutritional bars and a quick lunch while out hiking. It is always important to take water with you so a backpack may still be needed to carry the water you will need in order not to become dehydrated.

Will a regular backpack work instead of a big hiker's backpack?

For short hikes a typical school backpack will be fine. The one thing it may not do is support your shoulders and back. An ill fitting backpack can cause blisters and shoulder strain if too much is placed into the backpack. It is for this reason that many hikers still prefer to take their hiking backpack with them even if it is not loaded down. The traditional hikers backpack is made to support the shoulders and buckles at the chest and the waist. This provides the support that is needed when hiking for long distances.

What goes into a backpack?

That is a hard question to answer. It really all depends on where you are going and how long you will be gone. If you are going on a three day hike through the mountain you will need a change of clothing, extra socks and camping supplies. If you intend to "live off the land" you will need a way of procuring the supplies you will need in order to eat and drink. Most hikers will take dehydrated food stores to use while they are hiking and camping in case they are unable to catch fish or other game. You should always take a water purification kit in case you run out of water and cannot find a suitable drinking source. Getting sick out in the wilderness is no laughing matter.

If I am going backpacking can I use anyone's backpack?

You can use anyone's backpack but you will probably pay the price for it. Backpacks that are used for long term hiking are designed to fit specific body types. They are fitted to each individual person. If you are borrowing someone else's backpack while you are out on a long hike you may find that the pack is causing you great discomfort and blisters. It is always better to invest in your own backpack than to use someone else's pack that is fitted just for them.

My backpack is causing blisters on my shoulders. What can I do?

The first thing you can do is to try to adjust the arm straps to where they are not rubbing. The problem is that the pack is not being carried in the right way. The entire weight of the pack should not be resting solely upon your shoulders. It should be even distributed to your chest and your waist.

If you find that you are getting blisters then you may need to readjust the pack and its contents so that the weight is not resting on your shoulders entirely. It may also be a sign that the backpack is too heavy and not fitted to your body. If the backpack is correctly being worn and is fitted for your frame then it may be too heavy. You will have to reevaluate what it is that you are carrying.

How much does a typical backpack weigh for backpacking?

The typical backpack used for camping excursions can weight anywhere from fifty pounds on up to over seventy pounds. It all depends on what you are carrying in the pack. For long hikes you have to take a minimum of ½ a gallon of water to prevent dehydration. For overnight camping and extended hiking trips that last several days you cannot always take as much water as you need. You also have to factor in clothing, first-aid supplies, camping gear and the necessary food stores. This can all add up to a heavy backpack. It is absolutely essential that you only take what you need in order to be able to carry your pack comfortably.

Is backpacking good exercise?

Backpacking is fantastic exercise. You are traveling around with a forty or fifty pound weight on the back and this causes you to expend more energy. Add in the hiking and you have a great exercise that works all parts of your body. It is a sport that almost anyone can do and is a great way to shed excess weight.

I want to start backpacking. Where are some good places to start out on?

Congratulations on wanting to join the backpacking experience. If you are just starting out and do not think you have the stamina or the skills to make a go of camping overnight then you will want to start off on small hiking trails in national forests or other such hiking trails. There are hiking trails all over the world that can offer day long trips or even take up a few hours of your time. It is best to start off slowly and work your way up to extended hiking trails that require days. You do not want to overdo it and wind up hurting yourself.

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