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The Big Three of Basic Backpacking Equipment
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The big three. Things always seem things come in groups three. Especially if they’re big. When it comes to backpacking equipment, there is also the big three. The pack, the tent, and the sleeping bag.
Backpacking: verb; to carry (food or equipment) on the back especially in hiking and overnight travel while in the backcountry.
Backpacking requires a certain deal of equipment. Your list can be as complicated or as simple as you choose. Reinhold Messner, the world renowned alpine mountaineer, climbed all fourteen of the world’s highest mountains over 8000 meter (26,250 feet) with barely any equipment and no oxygen. You read that correct, no oxygen. His theory behind doing so, he felt that by bringing tons of equipment, and participating in huge expedition type assaults on the mountain was not really climbing to the summit, but rather lowering the summit to him. Equipment, in my opinion degrades the experience. Gadets, doo-dads, and gizmos are neat to buy, and shop for, but I know people who are so involved with the buying of equipment that the actual backpacking trek into the wilds must be almost anti-climatic.
That said, most of us backpack or are going to backpack to enjoy ourselves. Basic equipment must then be brought afield to ensure a pleasant endeavor.
Backpack: noun; a camping pack (as of canvas or nylon) supported by a usually aluminum frame and carried on the back, a piece of equipment designed for use while being carried on the back.
Backpacks come in two basic types: the internal frame, and the external frame. Internal framed backs have a soft, composite frame, sewn into the actual material of the pack. Internal framed packs conform very well to your body because they fit close and snug when worn. Internal framed packs are best for shorter, lighter trips where a lot of stooping, bending, or climbing is going to be done. External frames have exactly that, the pack itself is attached to a frame. Typically, the pack rides higher on the frame, and by doing so, distributes large weight a bit higher. This makes carrying heavier loads a bit easier. External framed packs are best when carrying heavy loads over relatively easy terrain. Because of the external frame being separate from the back, a small space of air resides between your back and the actual pack. It makes carrying this pack in warm weather a bit more comfortable.
Regardless of the pack you buy, make sure they have a wide, padded hip belt. The weight should ride on your hips. The shoulder straps merely keeps it on your back. Try on a lot of packs to find the one that fits your needs best. Once you’re familiar with the different types, models, and sizes, go on Craigslist.com and buy one. Be patient, and you’ll find what you’re looking for. A good pack in the store can run you $300 or more. You can pick one up for next to nothing on the internet, and they’re usually almost new.
Tent: noun; a collapsible shelter of fabric (as nylon or canvas) stretched and sustained by poles and used for camping outdoors or as a temporary building.
A backpacking tent is going to be a bit different than the three room monster tents your parents set up on the family camping trip to Jellystone. A backpacking tent should be three things. It should be strong and durable, lightweight, and easy to set up and take down. A good tent should comprise no more than 15-20% of your total backpack weight. It should be durable. It will be set up, taken down, set up, taken down, and so on, and so on. It needs to be able to endure some abuse. With that said it should only take about a minute to set up. Freestanding tents are nice when ground conditions make it hard to pound stakes. REI and similar type stores usually have display models set up. Find the model you like and then go online to buy. A good tent will cost you between $200 and $600 in the store and $50 on the internet. Roll up a piece of heavy plastic sheeting about 4” bigger than the floor of your tent to serve as a ground cloth. It helps insulate you from the ground, and also keeps the floor of the tent dry from dew and protects against sharp objects on the forest floor. After you set the tent up, tuck the edges of the ground sheet under the tent so it doesn’t collect rainfall and funnel it under your tent.
Sleeping Bag: noun; a bag that is warmly lined or padded for sleeping outdoors or in a camp or tent.
A good sleeping bag should keep you comfortable at about 30 degrees. That’s the average. I do a lot of winter backpacking; mine is rated for -10 degrees. You have to decide what conditions you’re going to be out in. Most people are three season backpackers; spring, summer, and fall. In this case try and adhere by the 30 degree rating. Sleeping bags come in basically two different shapes, the mummy bag, and the rectangular. The mummy bag will usually keep you warmer, but doesn’t offer much room. The rectangular or standard bag is roomier, but can be bulky and drafty. Bags are usually filled with two different fillers: down, and synthetic. Down bags can be expensive, hard to dry out once wet, but they last almost forever and compact very well. Synthetic bags are reasonably priced, dry quickly, but the filler breaks down over the years. It’s your choice. I am going to do something, I normally don’t do. I am going to recommend a brand. For the serious backpacker, I think North Face’s higher end bags are the best. Unlike the absolutely ridiculous mark-up of their casual dress attire, I think their bags are top of the line and well priced.
Along with a sleeping bag get a stuff sack. Don’t roll your sleeping bag, just stuff it into the sack and be on your way. Buy one that is the proper size, but make sure not to store your sleeping bag for long periods of time in the stuff sack. This will damage your bag. When storing over the winter or for a long duration, loosely roll your bag.
Almost as important as a sleeping bag is the ground pad. I have a Therma Rest made by Cascade Design. A good foam ground pad will insulate you from the ground while providing a comfortable sleeping surface. In cooler weather, you will lose an enormous amount of heat through the ground. A foam pad is a must in cooler weather. In my younger days, my budget kept me from owning one, and now I would never trek into the wilds without one. A good one will cost about $80, but well worth it.
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