Shopping For Backpacking Gear

backpacking hiking

Backpacking gear is essential whether you're planning a backpacking hiking trip or just a quick hike during the day. It's important to find the right gear for the right trip. To aid in this effort, be sure to bring your trip plans to the store with you. It will help a customer service rep to point you in the right direction. No matter what gear you buy, at any price, be sure it is of good quality. You'll appreciate it if you find yourself in a dire situation.

For short hikes you don't need as much equipment as you would for a long hiking trip, such as traveling to and backpacking across Europe. The chance of getting lost during any hike anywhere does exist though, so you should go out prepared no matter what. Of course, you will want a sturdy backpack to carry all the other backpacking equipment in. Gear that is a must includes a compass, extra clothing and food, matches, a water bottle, sunscreen, first-aid supplies, a flashlight and a knife. These are the essentials for any short hike.

For longer trips, such as backpacking through Europe and even weekend travel to a campsite, the list gets a little longer. All the items for a short hike are needed, but add to that sleeping supplies and eating supplies and your backpacking gear list gets longer. A map, or some sort of GPS (Global Positioning System) device, is essential to help you keep your bearings. You need to get a tent and sleeping bag that can be used in the kind of climate you'll be hiking in, along with fire starter material and pots and/or pans to help cook any food you find on the trail or bring along.

When shopping for backpacking gear, make sure it is of good quality and you have included a survival guide before you hit the open trail. If you have a cell phone, then you should include that in your list of supplies, as many lost people have been rescued solely because of the signal put out by their cellular phone. So, hit the outdoors supply store in your neighborhood and get all the quality backpacking equipment you'll need for that trip of yours, and remember to have fun!