Tips for a Successful Backpack Trip

Light Weight Backpacking has become a Science in recent years. From the days of canvas pup tents to the lightweight tents of today. However, there are factors that require you to take extra gear. Most National and State Parks would prefer you use a cook stove instead of a campfire. When I was young I would drink straight from the stream, but today there are parasites in the water that require you to bring a micro water filter or at least iodine tablets. So how do you keep the weight down? Read the following articles for more information.          

• Ultralight Backpacking Gear & Techniques.
• Backpack Lighter!
• Adventure Alan's Ultralight Backpacking.

Low Impact Camping has been talked about over the last few decades. What is Low Impact Camping and how can we contribute?  The following articles give good advice on Low Impact Camping.

• Leave no trace.
• Smart low-impact camping.
• Advice for low-impact campers.
• Ethics and low impact camping.

How to pack a Backpack. There is an art to backpacking to get the right distribution of weight. The following articles will tell you how. Also check out the backpack reviews.

• Packing a pack.
• Packing a backpack.
• Backpack Reviews.

What  are the must take items to include in your backpack? Read the following article to find out.

• The 14 Backcountry essentials.

External Frame Backpacks vs. Internal Frame Backpacks. Which one is best for you.

• Comparing External Frame Backpacks vs. Internal Frame Backpacks.

Tents. Finding the right tent is not an easy task. Below find buying tips and also find out what others say about the tent you are considering to purchase.

• Buying Tips on 3-Season Tents.
• Tent Reviews.

Sleeping Bags. It is important that you choose the right sleeping bag for where you are going. Get the wrong one and you could wake up cold and miserable, or hot and sweaty. Read the following article to make the right decision.

• Choose the right Sleeping Bag.

Camp Stoves. There are many lightweight stoves for backpacking use weighing as little as 1 lb and should not be over 2 lbs. The following articles will help you make the right decision of which one to buy.

• Buying a Camp Stove.
• How to Choose a Backpacking Stove.

Water Microfilters. Why you should include a water microfilter as part of your backpack equipment and what are some of the best water microfilters.

• Water Filters and Giardia.
• Water Filters Reviews.

Cookware. Included here is a Cookware gear guide and Cookware Reviews.

• Cookware Gear Guide.
• Cookware Reviews.

Navigation.  Prepare yourself to get around in the backcountry if you forgot your compass. Or learn how to use your compass and read your topographical map. Also learn what one expert says about GPS.

• Navigating Without a Compass.
• Your Compass
• Learning Compass and Map Basics
• GPS Pros and Cons

Hiking Apparel. What you wear while in the wilderness is important.

• Hiking Clothes.
• Hiking Apparel.

Hiking Boots. Boots may be the most important part of your gear, so check out the following to find the best pair of boots for yourself.

• Choosing Hiking Boots.
• Hiking Boots Reviews.

There are a series of short videos by Richard Fields that gives valuable tips on various aspects of a Backpack trip.

• How to Plan, Pack and Prepare meals for a backpack trip. 
• How to make emergency repairs to Backpacking Gear on the trail.
• How to lower backpack weight.
• What medical supplies to take backpacking.
• What to wear backpacking.
• How to choose a campsite.