When getting ready for an outing and packing your backpack, it is crucial to take into account the weight you will be carrying. This becomes particularly significant when you intend to walk extensively, especially on uneven terrain, which, let’s be honest, is highly likely.
When planning your activities, it is important to carefully consider the weight of the items you will be carrying. Therefore, when purchasing equipment for your trip, ensure that the tools you choose are lightweight, compact, and easy to pack.
Going Solo vs Traveling with Company
The amount of items required for your trip will depend on the number of people accompanying you. If you are traveling alone, you are likely to need more equipment since you won’t have anyone to share with. However, this also relies on the specific type of company you will be bringing along.
If all the people accompanying you on the trip are adults, it would be easy to share tools, equipment, and food. However, if you intend to bring children, the situation may be completely different and you might end up taking twice as much as you anticipate.
Learn About the Location
Before visiting a new location, it is advisable to conduct online research in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises related to the weather or terrain upon arrival. If the location is nearby, consider visiting it a few days beforehand to evaluate the area and gather information about potential elements you may come across during your trip, including typical weather conditions.
Essential Items for Shelter and Survival
While prioritizing packing lightly, it remains crucial not to forget a handful of indispensable items.
Essential Items for Shelter and Survival
While aiming to pack as minimally as possible, it is indeed necessary to ensure you have several essential items that you cannot afford to forget.
- Survival knife
- Folding knife
- Cordage
- Whistle
- Titanium mug
- Topo Map
- First Aid Kit
- Small Hatchet
- Outer Shell: waterproof and breathable
- Photo ID
- Tarp
- Water and Flask
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Matches: preferably waterproof
- Fire Starter
- Compass
- Sleeping Bag
Below is a checklist to assist you in packing. Please think through each step carefully.
Shelter
Bedding
Cooking
Clothes
Personal
Miscellaneous
Basic First Aid Kit
When informing someone of your plans, ensure to provide specific information such as the destination, return time, directions, alternate routes, cell phone numbers, vehicle description, license plate numbers, handheld radio channel, designated codes, and relevant local authority phone numbers (State Police, Game & Fish Commission, Sheriff Dept, etc.) for the respective county or area where you will be located.
Additional First Aid Tips
- Take a First Aid class and a CPR class – keep current on this information
- Keep supplies in a well marked, durable, waterproof container
- Keep the contents organized
- Know how to use everything in your first aid kit
- Inspect content often, re-supply as needed
- Keep readily available at all times
Tips to Pack Your Equipment
Soldiers in the army are trained to possess a degree of dexterity even when objects are not visible. The key is to adopt certain habits, like never rearranging the position of your equipment within your backpack. Consistently aiming to keep your gear in the same spot allows for easier retrieval.
When distributing the weight in your bag, make sure it is evenly spread out and focused on specific areas. If your backpack features a lower section that can detach from your hips, aim to allocate most of the weight in your bag to this particular spot.
When thinking step by step, remember to prioritize items in your backpack. Items that aren’t immediately necessary, like a tent, sleeping bag, or stove, should be placed at the bottom. These are only needed once you’re settled at the campsite. On the other hand, keep essential items at the top of your backpack for quick and easy access. These items include a map, some spare clothes, and a poncho placed on top. Utilize the compartments in your backpack to store items you may need to access at any time, such as a first aid kit.
Once you have finished packing, become familiar with the weight and make it a routine to check it. Doing so will assist you in determining whether you wish to leave any items behind or not.