Backpacking Essentials

Expert’s Picks: Backpacking Essentials

  • Non-Essentials for Backpacking

    You'll find countless guides on what items are necessary for backpacking and surviving in the wilderness, but there are many items that will add enjoyment to your trip that may not make these lists. Though you could live without many of these non-essentials if you had to, they will make your time in the backcountry much more pleasurable and efficient. read more

  • Tips for Distributing Weight in a Backpack

    Proper weight distribution in a backpack is essential for comfort on the trail. Improper load arrangement can place uneven strain on your muscles, resulting in fatigue, strain and potentially serious injury. Check your backpack before you hit the trail to make sure its weight is evenly distributed, and properly adjust all straps and load supports. read more

  • The 10 Essentials of Backpacking

    Enjoying nature and exploring the back country is a rewarding experience. Not planning and not bringing the right supplies, though, can quickly turn your trip into a disaster. Plan your trip so there are no bad surprises and be prepared for an emergency. read more

  • What Are Dog Backpacks?

    Dog backpacks are essentially a harness that fits snugly over and around a dogs back that supports a backpack. The backpack carries supplies by providing adequate weight distribution on either side of the dog so they can safely transport items. On average most medium to large dogs can carry up to one fourth of their total body weight. read more

  • Can Chafing Fuel Be Used for Camping?

    After a hard day of hiking, backpacking, canoeing or kayaking you need a good, hot meal to get your energy back. For many outdoor pursuits such as backpacking, keeping weight down in the backpack is essential for back health, easier trips and maintaining a solid pace. You need camp stoves to cook up that hot meal, and there are a variety of fuels to use in t… read more

Related Backpacking Essentials Articles & Videos

  • How to Pack a Hiking Backpack

    A hiking backpack is an essential piece of gear for overnight wilderness getaways. Learning to properly pack a hiking backpack so that it is comfortable to carry is a skill that requires practice. There are several basic guidelines to… read more

  • How to Pack a Backpack

    Packing a backpack is essential in ensuring that your hiking expedition runs smoothly. A backpack can hold the essential items you will need throughout the course of the trip--from supplies, food, and gear to first-aid equipment and ma… read more

  • The Best, Lightest Backpacking Tents

    When it comes to backpacking, keeping the load light is essential in having a safe and enjoyable trip. Some backpackers also like to camp, especially in the backcountry areas. Packing a tent will assure that there is a safe and dry pla… read more

  • 7 Reasons to Travel With One Bag

    There is a great debate among travelers about how to pack for a trip. Should you pack everything but the kitchen sink so you're sure to have everything you need, or strip down all the superfluous baggage and risk missing something you… read more

  • What Camping Equipment Is Needed for Camping With Kids?

    Camping with kids often requires special or additional equipment beyond the camping basics. The following list includes items that will help keep your kids safe and comfortable while building memories that will last a lifetime. read more

Backpacking Essentials Photos

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

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  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

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  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

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