I have had backpacking events which comprised of rain, snow, lightening, rockslides, altitude sickness and twenty-mile days – all in a summer weekend. However the following ten basics can help you to make the wilderness trip less dangerous.
Knowledge, having it may save you more than a gadget. Will a campus aid you without having the knowledge of using it? Can you make fire without fire making skills? Have the knowledge of what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice a little.
Map and compass; they are together just the way you will need to use them.
Matches and lighter. Bring them all whether waterproof matches and fire starter of some sort. It is much safer to have two ways of starting a fire.
First aid kit. Either buy a pre-packaged one or build your own. Make sure that it has notes on the essential first aid procedures and it contains pain relievers, bandages and disinfectants.
Foot care. You need to care for your feet while hiking miles away from the road. You need moleskin in your first aid kit. It may be a pin to treat blisters.
Water filtration. Filters work however they congest and break so easily. You must therefore have a small bottle of iodine tablets or other water purification as back up.
Rainwear. Keep dry to avoid Hypothermia which is one of the biggest killers in the woods which normally starts when you get wet.
Shelter. Ensure that you know how to use it. They may be a tent, tarp or bivy sack.
Sleeping bag. You can bring a synthetic big or use down bags. Down bags are the warmest for their weight. However be sure that you know how to keep it dry.
Specific items. Endeavour to take deep thought about specific conditions for the time and places for the trip. For backpacking trips in Arizona in the month of June, carry sun blocks where as trips in Michigan in the month of May, carry insect repellent.
If you take regular backpacking trips, make your own list. You need to plan so as to reduce worries and have a better trip.
See various other educational articles created by this very writer covering topics including backpacking trips in North America and white water rafting trips.