Backpacking Basics-Food and Water Backpacking Basics

One of the first backpacking basics for beginner backpacking you should learn when planning for your trip has to do with food and water.  If you take a backpacking trip, you are going to have to eat.  It is important that you have proper energy to sustain you, and you must be able to plan your meals well to do this.  By learning a few backpacking basics, you will be able to easily pack and carry your food, and know how to prepare it.  Sometimes, deciding on what to take can be mind boggling, but with a few tips on food and water, you will be on your way to a more enjoyable backpacking trip.
  
Backpacking Basics:  Food

• Food that is light in weight and easy to cook will work best.
• Canned foods, such as tuna and chicken, work real well and are a good option.
• Since bread is hard to carry, tortillas and crackers are a good option.  
• Anything that is instant, such as potatoes or macaroni, are easy to fix and carry.
• Beef jerky, or other types of dried meats
• Use zip lock bags.  Instead of trying to pack items in original boxes, transfer them to bags.  It will make packing much easier.
• Granola is a great source of energy.
• You can also look into ready to eat backpacking meals.

Backpacking Basics:  Water

• You should always ensure that water is safe if drinking from an unknown source.
• Use cheese cloth or a bandanna as a makeshift filter.  
• Water treatments are another alternative.
• Iodine tablets are popular for water treatment.  Using them can leave a funny taste in the water.  Consider using a sugar free drink mix to cover the taste.  

If you properly plan and learn the necessary backpacking basics, you will have a great time backpacking.  With proper food and water planning, you will have the energy you need to make the most out of the trip and be on top of your game.


In order to learn backpacking basics, I suggest a good backpacking guide. 

Click Here

Click the link above for a great introductory backpacking basics book.

Backpacking Training: First Aid Backpacking Training

One of the most important items of backpacking training is understanding first aid.  There are a few basics that every backpacker should know or backpacking how to as I refer to it.  Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents will happen.  You should always remember that help may not always be available, so understanding these things in important, especially in case of a major accident.  I will also note that even a minor injury needs to be treated.  If you get this type of backpacking training and use this backpacking advice, you will be on your way to a safe trip.

A first aid kit is an essential tool for you to carry on your trip.  You should make sure that it is fully stocked and that you know how to use all of the contents, and know when to use them.  Here are some items you will find in a basic first aid kit:

• Band aids
• Antibiotic ointment
• Hydrocortisone cream
• Moleskin
• Alcohol pads
• Ace bandages
• Sanitizer
• Gauze
• First aid tape
• Cold pack

Preventing accidents is also important when it comes to first aid.  This is something you should understand how to do.  Proper backpacking training will ensure that you can work to prevent accidents. Here is some backpacking advice for prevention:

• Equipment should always be in good working order and in decent shape.
• You should always use protective gear.
• Be sure to let someone have a plan of your trip, detailing what areas you will be traveling when, in case you become missing.
• Be able to recognize types of poisonous plants and animals.  Having a basic nature guide can assist you with this.

Even with proper prevention, there may still be accidents.  This will be the point where knowing first aid could be life saving.  Check with your local fire station to see if they offer free classes in first aid. 

Additionally, a good backpacking book is going to provide you will detailed information about first aid.  These are just a few ways of getting the proper backpacking training for first aid.  It does not matter which way you do it, as long as you do it! 

Backpacking Essentials-Backpacking Essentials You Must Carry on Your Trip

Backpacking essentials are things that should be a part of every backpacker's pack. In addition to these items, you can get backpacking advice on backpacking basics by using a good backpacking book.  Even with newer devices, like GPS, it is still a wise idea to carry a map with you in case something goes wrong with the GPS.  In other words there are no substitutes for these items.  Let's take a looking at some of the most important backpacking essentials you should take with you. 

1. Map-The map you choose should be suited for backpacking or hiking.  It needs to contain information that is specific to backpacking such as trails and areas.  This information is another form of backpacking essentials. 
2. Compass-The compass is the right hand man of the map.  When you are out on the trail, things can begin to look the same, so it is important that you know which way you are going.  You should select a compass that will withstand weather and is durable. 
3. Flashlight-You should always make sure that you have good lighting.  This will enable you to see what is up ahead.  This can also prevent injuries.
4. Extra food and clothing-You should always take extra food and clothing, just in case an unexpected situation arises while you are out on the trail.  You should always prepare for the unexpected. It's better to be safe than sorry when packing your backpacking essentials.
5. Knife-You will find that you will get a lot of use out of a knife.  A Swiss Army knife is ideal if you can afford it, since you can use it for many tasks.  Even if you don't get one, you will need a sharp knife that will cut fabric and cord.
6. Matches-Water proof matches will work best.  As with everything else, matches are must have backpacking essentials. If you do not have access to waterproof matches, make sure you store them in a container which will keep out moisture.
7. Water or water treatment-You must stay healthy and at your best while you are on the trail, and being hydrated is one of the best ways. If you are not going to carry water with you, then you should carry necessary items, such as iodine tablets, to treat the water.
8. First Aid Kit-The First Aid Kit is one of the most important backpacking essentials. You never know what you may come up against while you are on your trip. It is important that the kit is well stocked with a variety of supplies and that you know how to use them properly.

These are the most important backpacking essentials that you should carry on the trip.  There are many other things you will have to take into account with backpacking.  With the proper knowledge that you can obtain from a backpacking book, you will be able to have a great trip from planning till you arrive back home.

Click Here

Click the link above for a great introductory backpacking book fill with backpacking advice and backpacking basics.