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    Deciding What To Buy – Gears For You

    There are many gears for your use in any backpacking activity. But one should understand that not all may be needed for the upcoming activity, thus you must only consider getting those that will be of use.

    If you have been backpacking for some time, you may have less problems getting yourself the gears you will need. All you may need to do is sort out which to bring during your backpacking adventure.

    For the newer backpacking enthusiasts, you may need some good amount of time to familiarize yourself with the different gears available. Spending some time learning about these things may prove to be helpful as you move on to become a serious backpacker later on.

    Here are some gears to consider for your first backpacking adventure:

    Backpack

    A backpack is the most essential gear you have to prepare because this is where you will have to place all of your things for your trail. It is important that you invest on one that is comfortable, convenient and has excellent quality. Choose also a backpack that is slim and fits you. You have to preferably buy one that has a double zipper so that if one zipper is damaged you still have one to use.

    Compass

    You have to bring your compass all the time and ensure that you know how to use this. This gear is used to determine geographic direction. Buy one that has 0 – 360 degrees and preferably in 2 degree increments. Choose also a compass that is light.

    Flashlight

    A flashlight is necessary to backpackers especially at night. When you buy one, you have to ensure that it has a rubberized housing and has a rotating body or head - as the on and off mechanism. It must be water resistant so that this can be functional in all kinds of weather. And one must have bright beam bulbs such as halogen, krypton or xenon.

    First-Aid Kit

    In all of your backpacking trips, you cannot always expect a safe trail. You have to anticipate situations that may possibly happen and be prepared for it.

    It is important that you always carry a first-aid kit - and bring supplies to treat minor injuries. Bring with you sterilized bandages and a support bandage in case occurrences of minor sprains. Bring as well plenty of adhesive band-aids.

    Waterproof Matches

    It is also important that you always bring with you matches. However, you have to choose one that is waterproofed, so that this can still be used even if this gets wet. Make sure that your waterproof match is always available for emergency purposes. Or you may bring with you a lighter as this is usually covered with metal. Keep these easily located.

    Footwear

    During your backpacking trip, the footwear you are using may get wet. It is advisable that you bring extra footwear so you will have one that you can use while drying the other one.

    This can be a form of sandals or a rubber shoes, whichever you are comfortable wearing. Make sure that the extra footwear is light so it won’t add more weight in your pack.

    Firestarter

    Aside from bringing waterproof matches, you may opt to bring with you a firestarter. This can be used in cases of emergency - as with the matches. A firestarter is also useful especially in igniting wet materials. You can buy any of these commercial firestarters such as chemically-fire treated sticks or magnesium blocks with striking flint.

    Sunblock Lotion/Insect Repellant

    Backpackers are usually susceptible to sunburn and insect bites. It is necessary that you always carry with you a sunblock and insect repellant to protect you from any harm.

    You may buy a sunscreen protection with at least 15SPF, which you have to apply in all parts of your body that are exposed to the sun.

    Insects are usually carriers of disease. You should use insect repellants to protect you from any bugs that will try to bite you. And if possible, you may also bring mosquito nets to keep you away from mosquitoes.

    Sleeping Bag & Pad

    You should include sleeping bag or pad with you. This will cover you while sleeping - to keep you warm & comfortable. Just ensure that you choose one that is lightweight.

    Tent

    If you are not staying in a hostel to spend your night, tent is very important.

    When you buy a tent, you have to identify the shape and size you need because this will really matter. If you are taller in height, you choose one that is bigger so you can rest comfortably. You also have to make sure that your tent is water resistant for you to sleep dry. Your tent must be preferably light so you won’t have to bring heavy loads with you.

    Audio Players

    There are backpackers who love to listen to music while trailing. If you are one of them, you may bring an audio player with you. There are several audio players that are available. Since you have to bring the smallest and lightest gear as possible - you can bring with you an MP3, MP4 or a portable CD player.

    Sunglasses

    You need to protect your eyes from damage against ultraviolet rays of the sun or the light reflections of the snow.

    When you buy sunglasses, ensure that you choose a reliable one. It must have a 100% ultraviolet rays protection. And if you are traveling on a snow, you may buy glacier glasses to protect you from its light reflections.

    Whistle

    A backpacker must also bring with him a whistle all the time. This can also be used for emergency purposes and very useful especially when you get lost. You can just whistle to let your companions know where you are.

    Avoid buying metal whistle as much as possible because this can be a problem when it gets wet. Get one made out of plastic.

    Pocket Knife & Tools

    Knife and other tools are basic needs in backpacking. This can be used for food preparation, making repairs, cutting ropes and for first aid. Do not bring all your tools, as some of them may not be used. You have to identify and carry only what are necessary.

    Always consider a tool that is light in weight. You may choose to buy a Swiss Army Knife that already includes pliers, wood saw, wire cutter, scissors, nail file, can opener, corkscrew, tweezers and cap lifters.

    Water/Water Filter

    Carry enough water as much as possible in your trip to avoid dehydration.

    It is also advisable to bring a water filter – just in case you run out of potable water. When you get water from the place you are traveling, you have to use the water filter before drinking. This will ensure a clean and safe water for you.

    Extra Food

    Bring extra food in all of your backpacking trips. There might be some delay in your trips, you might get stranded because of bad weather or you might get lost. It is advisable that you bring an extra one-day supply on your trail.

    You may buy extra food that requires no cooking because if you need to cook - you also have to bring with you extra fuel for your stove.

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