| Backpacking is the happy marriage of camping and | | | | of water purification method such as boiling or |
| hiking. It involves hiking and camping because you are | | | | chemical purification tablets. |
| walking a trip that will span more than one day. | | | | Food for a backpacking trip can take a variety of |
| Everything you need for the trip is carried in your | | | | forms. Some pack food items. Some catch and |
| pack. The supplies typically include the necessary | | | | prepare fish. If food is packed and brought along, it |
| water, food and shelter. A trip of this nature can | | | | should have high energy content and be non |
| offer participants a way to see pieces of nature | | | | perishable and light in weight. Energy bars and trail |
| they would not be able to see any other way. Many | | | | mix are common choices. There are also foods |
| of the sights are simply not accessible via anything | | | | designed specifically for this activity. Those who |
| but by foot. Most try to respect nature as much as | | | | choose to catch and prepare the food need to plan |
| they enjoy it. Keeping to trails, not littering and taking | | | | ahead to bring the supplies necessary to cook the |
| nothing but photographs are all part of a certain code | | | | meal. Small stoves and other cooking utensils have |
| of the wilderness. | | | | been designed to be portable, light and easy to |
| Backpacking does involve more equipment than a | | | | transport on an outdoor adventure. |
| simple day long hike would. Packs must contain | | | | When embarking on a backpacking trip, it is important |
| enough water, food and shelter to last the duration | | | | to rely on common sense. Planning should go into |
| of the trip and then some. The trick is to have | | | | where to go, how to get there and what to bring |
| everything necessary in as light a pack as possible. | | | | along. The weather forecast should be consulted and |
| Lighter packs are simply easier and safer to carry | | | | clothing should be planned accordingly. Perhaps, most |
| than heavier ones. It is a constant balancing act | | | | importantly, backpackers should listen to their sense |
| between weight and utility. Water is an item that is | | | | of intuition while on a trip. If a compelling reason |
| absolutely necessary. A water supply for a long trip | | | | presents itself, no one should be reluctant to turn |
| can be incredibly heavy to carry. For long trips, | | | | back even before the ultimate destination is reached. |
| backpackers may depend on getting water from a | | | | Copyright: Byron Tabor. All Rights Reserved |
| lake or spring. This plan should also include some kind | | | | Worldwide. |