Backpacking

1
Backpacking
2
Backpacks
Internal Frame Closer and conforms to the body
for better control. Can be sweaty and there are
less pockets for the disorganize hiker. There
are a lot of different models to choose from.
External Frame Inexpensive and often useful for
beginning hikers. Good for carrying awkward
loads and cooler because they do not hug the
body. Very cumbersome and awkward to travel with.
Take the time to try on the pack to make sure it
fits you correctly. It is never fun to be hiking
all day with an uncomfortable pack on your
shoulders.
3
Backpacks contd.
If there is doubt choose a versatile internal
frame backpack.
Common Features Hipbelt Shoulder
harness Stabilizer straps Main compartments Pocket
s
When buying a backpack getting name brand gear
that is backed by the company is worth the time
and expense. Here are several types Dana
Designs, Gregory, Mountainsmith, Vortex, North
Face, Granite Gear, Kelty, Jansport, Osprey, Arc
Teryx
4
Internal Backpack Anatomy

5
Sleeping Bags and Pads

• Sleeping bags provide comfort and warmth during
  your trip. When purchasing or renting sleeping
  bags choose the one that best suits your body
  type and is light weight. Check for
• Length
• Width
• Degree
• Thickness
• Layering
• Connecting ability
• Weight

Do not be afraid to shop around. Take the time
to get a sleeping bag that is right for you. Try
different sleeping bags out in the store, and ask
the sales representative for all the available
information. As with any piece of equipment, ask
about the guarantee or warranty provided by
certain outdoor equipment companies
6
Ground Pads

• Ground pads are used to make your sleeping
  experience more comfortable in the great
  outdoors. Sleeping pads range in size, color,
  thickness, and durability.
• When buying or renting ground pads check for
• Length
• Thickness
• Weight
• Convertability
• Packability

Note Some ground pads can be converted into a
camping chair. If you plan on doing more
backpacking, having a camping chair can make
moments by the fire more relaxing. Take time to
look at pads that can provide this opportunity.
7
Tents and shelter

• Choose the proper area to set up a tent
• Find a spot that is safe. Stay away from hilltops
  as this will provide the least protection against
  wind, rain, and other extreme conditions.
  Additionally do not pitch the tent on low ground
  in case of flooding
• Set up the tent in an area with natural obstacles
  (i.e. trees, boulders) because this will server
  as barriers against wind and rain
• Try to find a location near an stream, but not in
  low ground, so that you will have access for
  cleaning and refilling water supply.
• Find the flattest softest ground to set up the
  tent. Look for rocks and branches that can be
  moved to make area more comfortable
• Make sure tent is in highest area in vicinity to
  avoid water flow into the tent.

8
Tent and shelter contd.

1. Secure tent so that it may withstand any windy or
   rainy conditions that may develop overnight.

• You will be given the opportunity to practice
  setting up tents during group activities.
• The diagram to the left illustrates acceptable
  areas to set up tents and shelter. Included in
  the diagram are tent area, cooking area, washing
  area, and toilet area.

http//www.abc-of-hiking.com/hiking-tents/camp-lay
out.asp
9
Common Sense

• Listen to your body
• Plan carefully
• Communicate your plans
• Know when to go back
• Strive for a simple and light load
• Plan your gear inventory and purchases
• Use a checklist

10
Clothing

1. Pack clothes that you will be comfortable in any
   kind of weather condition and terrain.
2. Prepare for any unexpected weather.
3. Remember Being cold and wet could lead to some
   serious problems when camping outdoors.
4. Pack clothes that fit your body type and fitness
   level.
5. Clothes should keep you dry and warm but also
   provide ventilation.
6. Aim for clothes that are lightweight but will
   also provide any needed insulation.

When packing include clothes that can provide a
1) base layer, 2)insulation, 3) outerwear.
11
Base Layer

• Your base layer, or underwear, should keep you
  warm and maintain your body temperature.
• Cotton underwear is not efficient in keeping you
  warm and maintaining your body temperature.
  Instead use a polyester or other synthetic
  material.

12
Insulation

1. This clothing should keep you warm but also wick
   moisture away from the body, picking up where the
   base layer left off.
2. Synthetic fleece is the most often material used
   for insulation because it is warm and dries
   quickly. It also moves moisture away from the
   skin.
3. Wool is another material that works well, however
   it does not dry as quickly as fleece.

13
Outerwear

• The outerwear is intended to keep you protected
  against wet, windy, cold, and other extreme
  conditions.
• With outerwear the more waterproof the clothing
  is the less breathable.
• Therefore, the type of environment you will be in
  should be considered when choosing outerwear.

14
Examples of Outerwear
15
Foot Care

• Make sure your feet can handle the hike
• Blisters can be avoided by proper foot training,
  having the proper hiking boots and hiking socks
• Friction between the feet and boot causes
  blisters. Wet feet are susceptible to blisters
  because the skin has been softened. Any sand or
  dirt that gets into the shoe can also cause
  blisters.

• Prevention
• Choose proper hiking boots do not want any
  rubbing or uncomfortable pressure points. Try to
  choose a boot that is water resistant or
  waterproof. Choose boots that allow ventilation,
  and wear your boots before the hike so that you
  can break them in.
• Give your feet rest during breaks. Change wet
  socks to dry socks so as to prevent rubbing.

16
Foot Care

• Prevention Contd.
• If you soak your feet in a stream ensure that
  they are dry before putting your boots on.
• When possible, wear hiking sandals.

17
Blisters

• Treatment
• Take off the boot and remove any dirt, gravel, or
  other material
• Let your feet dry and cool down
• Cover the blister with surgical tape, band-aids,
  or moleskin.
• Take off shoe, remove tape, and allow blister to
  heal throughout the night.
• If the blister is under the skin, do not pierce,
  and cover with moleskin.
• If the blister is full of fluid and on the top of
  the skin, pierce with a needle on the bottom side
  of the blister. Allow the fluid to flow out. If
  the skin is intact just cover with moleskin, if
  the skin is peeling, cut it off, place gauze over
  it and wrap with moleskin or tape.

18
Socks

• Socks should help reduce the friction between
  your feet and the boots.
• Socks should provide additional cushion.
• Socks should help prevent wear and tear from the
  damaging materials our feet shed during hiking
• Socks should help equilibrate the loss of
  moisture and the production of heat from our feet
  during hiking.

• Buying socks
• Socks come in sealed packages but some stores
  will have samples you can try ondo this
• Know your feet. Do they sweat a lotif so ask
  the sales representative for advice on types of
  material
• Take your boots with you. Thick socks may make
  boots tight which increase friction and rubbing.

19
Hiking Boots
Weight The lighter the boot the easier the
walking. It is said that by adding a pound to
the boot is like adding 5 pounds to your
pack. Water Resistance Moisture can cause
blisters. Therefore, look for boots that allow
moisture from sweating out, but keeps moisture
from getting in. Also look for boots that have
an upper portion that fit well so as to not allow
water in. Lateral Rigidity Your boot should
support your foot regardless of what type of
terrain you are walking on. Boots that are high
with stiff ankles will provide this
support. Longitudinal Rigidity Your boot should
be strong enough to support over-bending from
placing too much weight on your toe or heel, but
at the same time be flexible enough for the
spring action of your arch.
20
Hiking Boots Contd.
Arch support Your boot should be flexible
enough to support your arch without flattening
under heavy pressure. Note There are several
different types of hiking boots. Take the time
to try on several pair, walk around the store,
and even take them home and try them out in the
house. Boots are one of the most important
equipment for hiking.
21
Cooking

• When cooking outdoors you must ensure that you
  have the proper supplies
• The supplies include
• Camping stove
• Fuel for the stove
• Pots and pans
• Water
• Plates, bowls, cups, and cutlery.
• Wash cloth
• Soap

• When choosing a camping stove some things to
  consider are cost, weight, size, and ease of
  starting.

22
Stoves and Fuel

• 3. A camping stove has three main parts a fuel
  container, a burner unit, and a pot support that
  will hold the pot above the flame.
• Choose a backpacking stove according to your
  needs (i.e. where are you cooking, what are you
  cooking, and how many people are you cooking
  for?)
• Consider the size and weight of both the stove
  and the fuel.
• Look for a backpacking stove that is easy to set
  up and easy to light. The stove needs to be
  reliable and simple to maintain.
• Consider the availability of the fuel that will
  be needed for the stove (i.e. how easy is it to
  find the fuel).
• Finally, keep in mind the cost of both the stove
  and the fuel. Remember, you have to continuously
  purchase fuel, and it may be expensive to take
  care of the stove.
• Note If you are ever unsure, always ask the
  sales representative.

23
Pots and Pans

• When choosing pots and pans consider the size,
  weight, cost, and efficiency. Camping pots and
  pans are now available with the nonstick element.
  This helps with the cleaning up process and
  takes less time.
• Additionally, pots and pans can be heavy, so only
  take what you will need (consider how many people
  you will be cooking for.
• Always ask the sales representative about the
  details of the pots and pans.

24
Creating Drinkable Water

• When finding water to drink and use for cooking,
  do not assume that the water from the crystal
  clear mountain springs are digestible. This
  water contains dangerous bacteria that will make
  you sick. Additionally, unless otherwise posted,
  do not assume that any water from campground
  spigots are meant to be consumed.

25
Water
When considering providing water on the trail
there are some different methods to choose
from 1. Water purification water purification
usually consist of applying some type of
treatment to the collected water. This can take
the form of iodine tablets, chlorine dioxide, or
other chemical treatments.
2. Another method that is most often employed is
through the use of a water filter. Filters
consist of two hoses, a pump, and a pleated
microfilter cartridge. These are lightweight and
easy to use.
When choosing which type of method to use to
produce drinkable water, consider price and use
of equipment.
26
Have Fun!

• Backpacking can be a wonderful experience. Make
  sure to take your camera so that you can collect
  some great pictures. Just look at these!

27
(No Transcript)