Backpacking Equipment
Shopping for backpacking equipment can be a lot of fun. Some of the gadgets and
gear use technology that resembles space-aged objects. Other items you notice on
store shelves may give you ideas for other uses they could have on tasks around
the house.
The important things to remember when you're out shopping for
backpacking equipment is that the gear you choose, no matter how cool it looks,
needs to be chosen based on how well it will help you survive and how much it
weighs. 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 begin with 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.
Another item of backpacking equipment that is very important is,
of course, your backpack. There are a wide variety of choices available, but be
sure to choose a backpack that fits your needs. Buying one that is bigger than
what you require or has more zippers and pockets than actual storage space is a
mistake. 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.
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.