A Survival Tips and Techniques Blog | UrbanWoodsman.com

You never know what you’ll run into o a backpacking trip; rain, snow, lightning, rockslides, dehydration, altitude sickness, and the aches and pains associated with hauling a 40-60 pound backpack along mountainous trails. Trekking into the wilderness should not be taken lightly because there are real dangers, but these can be mitigated with the following ten backpacking trip essentials. 1. Knowledge – Knowledge is power. Learn how to read a map and compass; make a fire in the rain or snow, with and without matches. Learn basic first aid. Take a survival course. The point is the more you know before you ever step foot on the trail the better your chances of dealing with any emergency situation that occurs. 2. Map/Compass – Getting lost is not an option. Learn to use a compass and read a map in tandem. These two items can get you out of unfamiliar territory. 3. Lighter, matches, and a fire starter – Water proof matches and a lighter can come in handy but what happens if these don’t work. There are many sparking fire starters available at any number of outdoor stores. Get one, learn how to use it, and keep it in a safe place in your pack. 4. First aid kit – Get one from your local outdoor store that is specific for backpackers. Make sure it contains pain relievers, bandages, anti-biotic ointment, anti-septic spray or ointment and some form of allergy medicine. An Epi-pen can also be a good investment because an allergic reaction to a bug bite 20 miles in the wilderness can be deadly. 5. Foot care – Blisters can quickly bring any backpacking trip to a painful halt if you don’t have the necessary treatment options. Moleskin and a needle should both be included in your first aid kit to care for any blisters. 6. Water – Dehydration is not something you want to experience. Make sure your filter is in working order before you hit the trailhead. Even then it may break or quit working so have iodine tablets as a backup because while dehydration is not fun neither is giardia. 7. Rain gear – No matter where you are going always carry reliable rain gear. Hypothermia sets in fast if you get wet and is one of the biggest causes of wilderness deaths. 8. Shelter – Whether you use a tent, tarp, or bivy sack you need a way to get out of the elements. Learn how to use which ever shelter you do use so that you can set it up quickly. 9. Sleeping bag – Where you are going and what time of year will help determine what kind of bag you need. Down sleeping bags are the warmest for what they weigh but lose their insulating ability if they get wet. For camping in wet nasty conditions it may be best to have a synthetic bag. 10. Tailor your gear for where and when you are going – Quite simply this means take stock of where you are going, how long you will be gone, and the weather conditions you are likely to experience and customize your gear list to that. Planning ahead will keep surprises on the trail to a minimum. You don’t want to be 10 miles down the trail and find out you forgot something that you will really need.

Backpacking is a terrific way to enjoy the outdoors, stay active and spend time with those closest to you. But we weren’t all raised in the Boy Scouts, and even fewer of us are Eagle Scouts born and bread for the great outdoors. For the first-time, novice backpacker, daydreaming about your adventure is one thing, actually planning it and getting yourself out there is a different ball game. Without proper preparation, your glorious adventure could turn in to a difficult, strenuous, regrettable mess. However, with a little bit of planning and foresight, you will be geared up and ready for a unique experience that is really unlike anything else.

In this day and age of constant work, expanding technology and ever-increasing creature comforts, most of us are spending less and less time outdoors. But experiencing nature, getting out of the house and away from daily stresses, is an important part of the human experience and will bring a new level of excitement back into your life. Here is what you need to get started, the top ten essentials to gather before heading out on your backpacking adventure trip:

1 – Your Backpack

The obvious first step, your backpack itself will be the carrier and protector of all your survival and trip-enjoyment essentials. Get one big enough to hold all of your belongings for the length of your trip, strong enough to withstand the trials of the trail, and even one with some trimmings like a water bladder for hydration.

2 – Proper Footwear & Socks

Great hiking socks are critical for your backpacking trip. To avoid blisters and other nasty foot problems, the main things to look for are comfort, moisture control, and shock reduction. Never under estimate the importance of great socks! Over the socks you will want thick leather hiking boots with a thick, textured sole that offer high ankle and arch support.

3 – Clothing

Always bring an extra t-shirt. You never know what is going to happen and you want to stay comfortable on your hike. Also include a thin lightweight fleece; you never know how the temperature is going to change. Last but not least plastic ponchos for that unexpected rain shower. A poncho has saved more than one trip for me.

4 – Water Bottle

This one is very important! Water is, hands down, the most essential element of your trip, so you will not want to carry it in some cheap convenience store plastic. Get high impact plastic or stainless steel (which you can use to heat the water for cooking or tea). Alternatively, you can get a water bladder that will sit in your pack. Many backpacks come with built-in hydration systems now-a-days.

5 – Food

Nutrition on the trail is vital since you will be burning more calories per day than you are used to. Among the favorites of experienced campers are beef jerky (high protein), dried fruit (vitamins, potassium), granola and energy bars, and trail mixes of nuts, breads and fruits.

6 – Shelter

A durable tent with appropriate sleeping accommodations for one, two or more individuals is essential to protect you from the elements. After working hard all day, making your supper and retiring for the evening, you will want to stay warm, dry, and protected from insects and animals.

7 – Digital Camera

Your friends and family will want to hear all about your trip and, like they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are an amateur photographer or maybe a professional your pictures will bring you memories to life again and again.

8 – Camera Bag

If you do not protect that digital camera, you will quickly regret it. Dirt, dust, rain and so on can ruin electronics. You will want a rugged, durable camera bag made of the toughest nylon you can find and preferably reinforced with high impact plastic panels. Camera bags are even available as a backpack of a sling backpack that will fit much more that just your camera.

9 – Knife

A fixed blade knife with a reinforced handle, or a utility knife (why not both?) will quickly become your closest ally on any backpacking trip.

10 – First Aid Kit

Last but not least, always be prepared for the worst while hoping for the best trip imaginable. A basic first aid kit has often been the difference between survival and catastrophe for many backpackers and adventure hikers. Don not make the mistake of thinking you can get by with nothing, when your hiking and away from civilization, even the smallest scratch can quickly become infected and turn something that is harmless and mildly annoying at home into a serious problem. Aside from scratches and cuts, bug bites, bee stings, snake bites-you name it-could all potentially be unwelcome participants in your grand adventure. Be prepared!

Now you are now ready to sling on your pack, lace up your boots and take to the hills. Remember, preparation is the most important thing! Think your trip through, plan accordingly, and you will have a great time with you and yours on a great backpacking adventure.

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