Backpacking essentials

Just two weeks from now I will be backpacking into the Grand Canyon. I think it's a fitting time to talk about some backpacking essentials. Well, even tough i'm not an expert on the subject, I have been to numerous day hikes and one backcountry camping trip at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. On that trip we hiked a total of 27 miles over a period of 3 days. That being our first trip, we did extensive research to made sure that we were adequately prepared. Even then we had a few lessons to learn, the biggest one being that a backpacking stove is *NOT* compatible with the standard Coleman fuel canisters that are avilable almost anywhere. Only the innovative use of a gas lantern saved us on that trip. I will try to write in detail about that trip in another post. So here is a list of gear to take along and some tips for the budding backpacker

Backpack:
Buying a new backpack can be an expensive affair. You can get internal-frame backpacks starting from $80 and all the way up to $400 depending on brand, style, capacity etc. If you are a new backpacker I would recommend renting a backpack. Just make sure you choose a top loading, internal-frame backpack with about 4500 cubic inches capacity.

Shoes:
You regular sports shoes should serve you well. Just make sure they have a good grip and most importantly that they fit comfortably. The lighter the shoes, the better.

Tents:
DO NOT try to take along regular camping tents for a backpacking trip. There are special backpacking tents available which are much lighter than the regular ones. Again a rental will be much economical than buying these unless you plan to backpack very regularly. Remember that the tents will be the heaviest item in your backpack.

Stove:
Fires are not allowed in many backcountry camping sites. So a stove is essential for cooking food, boiling water etc. Again DO NOT attempt to carry a regular camping stove which is way too heavy. Special backpacking stoves are available which are super light. Also remember that regular Coleman Fuel available widely at superstores are NOT compatible with back-packing stoves. Make sure that you take along the right kind of fuel for your stove.

Food:
Carry measured quantity of food for the trip. Count the number of meals that you will be eating and then decide on the quantity of food. Dried food like noodles, pasta etc. works well because it is light and you just need water to cook the food. You can carry some ready to eat stuff but make sure that it will not spoil in the heat. Apart from the food for meals you should carry high energy food like energy bars and Gorp / trail mix ( mixture of a variety of dried fruits and nuts ).

Water:
Regular water intake is very necessary during a long backpacking trip. Make sure you carry sufficient quantity of water for the trip. I would recommend carrying at least 1/2 a gallon of water per person / per day. Also you can carry along powdered gatorade to add to the water.

Here is a checklist for things to carry on a backpacking trip.

* Backpack
* Sleeping-bag
* Sleeping pads *optional*
* Backpacking tent
* Backpacking stove / compatible fuel
* Flashlight / extra batteries
* Gas Lantern *optional*
* Food
* Water / Gatorade
* Gorp / energy bars
* Sunscreen
* Sunglasses
* Cap / Hat
* Clothes, just as much as you think you will need, long sleeves might
protect you from the sun, carry light colors *no blues or blacks*
* Light waterproof jacket if you expect rain / cold weather
* Towel / napkin
* 2 extra pairs of socks, needed if you get blisters/sore feet.
* Trekking shoes
* Water bottles
* pair of slippers
* Toilet-kit
* Plastic plate, spoon, bowl, glass
* Camera *optional*
* Walkie-talkies *optional*
* Swiss-knife / pocket knife
* Toilet paper roll
* Cord for hanging clothes
* Utensils
* First-aid kit including tylenol and other such medicines
* Insect repellant
* Garbage bags *in most places you need to carry all the garbage with you*
* Waterless sanitizer
* Bio-degradable soap *for washing utensils*
* Whistle / compass
* Water tablets for purifying stream water
* Waterproof matches
* Trail maps
* Trekking poles *optional*
* Backpacking permits if required

Some final tips. Share the load. If you are a group of people make sure that that you divide the things that you need to get along. For example, we don't need everyone to get utensils or for that matter even toothpaste. Also try and adapt the list above to the your backpacking destination. For example if you're heading to the Grand Canyon you can completely omit the sleeping bags as it's going to be too hot anyways and carry along sleeping pads. The key to a fun trip is not only being adequately prepared but being optimally prepared. Travelling light is the best way to enjoy a trip. And you will believe me after you go through one. Have a great adventure in the wild !