What's in Your Pack?

​When out for an adventure, no matter the length, it is important to be prepared! Whether on a short day hike or a 2 week backcountry trip, the type of pack you bring and the gear you have with you can make or break your get-away! So be prepared for your next excursion and see what is recommended!

​​PACK
For a day hike, a pack that is about 18 – 25L normally works the best. It just depends on how much stuff you like to carry or if you are carrying gear for you and your hiking partner. I find the Osprey Hikelight 18L is just perfect for me because it has a frame which keeps the pack off my back and allows for better ventilation while on the trail. Also, there are a few areas to store gear. 

Being able to keep your gear in a somewhat organized fashion makes it easier to access and less likely to lose things! I also love that there is a built in rain fly. It is so handy!
 
When going on a weekend backpacking trip, a 30 – 40L pack will work well. I do not consider myself an ultra-light backpacker but I do try to keep my pack weight as minimal as possible, between 20 – 35lbs. It is easier to bring more stuff when your pack is bigger and when you simplify your gear and bring less it is easier on your body and allows you to enjoy the trip more when you are not so sore from an overloaded pack.
 
Now if you are planning a trip that is longer than 3-4 days, I recommend a 50 – 60L pack. This size pack will allow you to carry more food and extra supplies you may need when you are in the backcountry for longer periods of time. Normally the goal pack weight for these sorts of trips is between 30 – 40lbs. If you have to carry more water, due to inadequate water sources, your pack will be significantly heavier than this.
 
CLOTHING
Depending on the length of your hike you want to have some layers in your pack for inclement weather. It is better to be prepared than to wish you had been. You really need to know where you are hiking and what the weather patterns are. For example, if you are going to summit a peak in Colorado make sure to be prepared that is may rain when you are up there. Weather can change drastically and quickly in the mountains.
 
That being said, make sure to carry a jacket, hat and gloves with you if you plan to be out all day. If the temperatures vary greatly bring a couple layers as well like a long sleeve shirt or even long johns. You can always take layers off! A spare pair of socks in never a bad idea either.
 
When on a backpacking trip you definitely want layers:

• Rain jacket
• Puffy jacket
• Short sleeve shirt or lightweight long sleeve if you want sun protection.
• Pants. Zip off pants are nice so when it is hot or cold you are set either way!
• Long johns. The fabric weight would depend on the season.
• At least two pairs of socks
• Underwear
• Bra
• Hat
• Gloves

 
And do not forget - NO COTTON! Hypothermia is not your friend.
 
SHOES
Wearing proper foot protection when hiking is extremely important because it not only protects your feet but it also offers support and stability on uneven terrain. I have high arches and need the support of a boot whereas my husband does not have that issue so he prefers to hike in a sandal. I would suggest trying out different styles to see what is good for your foot.
 
Also, do your research when deciding which boot to choose. Online reviews are so very helpful. I look on several websites and try them on in person before I throw down money to buy them. It is a big investment and such an important tool for your safety and comfort while on the trail.

​SHELTER
For a day hike a tarp is a great option to bring for a sun or rain shelter since it is lightweight and packs up small. If you choose to bring this option make sure you have some rope to put it up. If you are hiking in an area with no trees, using trekking poles works like a charm!

When choosing a shelter for your overnight trips you will have a plethora of options to choose from. The big debate is between a tent, hammock or a just a tarp. Since my husband and I backpack with our dogs, our shelter of choice is a tent. It allows are dogs to be in a confined space and rest, rather than worrying about what is around them. It also allows us to have a more restful sleep with the dogs being contained!
 
When deciding what sort of shelter to use, you need to do your research to see what is going to work best for your needs. I would suggest researching online in different backpacking forums, speaking with someone at your local outdoor retailer and asking other people you know who backpack to see what they use, why they like it, and what they would do differently. There are pros and cons to every set up and since a shelter makes up a decent percentage of your pack weight, doing the extra research will save you in the long run!

WATER FILTER
Staying hydrated while excising is always important. But when you are drinking from streams or rivers you need to make sure you are filtering your water so you do not get sick from waterborne pathogens. That would cut your trip short for sure and can be very dangerous for your health.
 
Whether you use a UV pen, squeeze filter, hand pump, or gravity water filter system, you need to do our research to make sure you are buying what is right for you. Backpacking gear is expensive if you are buying the newest products. Shopping the sales and being strategic to when you purchase gear will save you some serious coin.

STOVE
A stove is not really necessary when you are day hiking but when you are backpacking a stove is an essential tool for your trip. I am a big fan of dehydrated meals because all I have to do is boil water, add it to my meal pouch, stir it a couple times and let it sit for the recommended time allocated on the packaging. Then I just rinse off my spork and I am good to go. If I am just boiling water, the JetBoil stove is the way to go since it boils water in about a minute. But for those who like to cook non-dehydrated meals a PocketRocket or something similar is chosen. 

Choosing a stove system really depends on what type of food you are eating and how much you want to carry for a stove system which includes the stove, fuel and cooking system (pots). ​​

FOOD
For a day hike normally snacks work well or if you pack a lunch. I find a couple granola bars, a piece of fruit and some jerky does the trick. Really you just want some protein and carbs to provide you with the lasting energy you need for your hike.

When you are backpacking, your nutrition is very important because you are active all day for multiple days at a time. I mentioned I like to eat dehydrated meals because they are so easy to prepare. But as my husband and I have been prepping for our thru hike of the Appalachian Trail, we have made a lot of our own dehydrated meals ("What to Eat on a Thru Hike" blog article) so we can cut down on all of the sodium and preservatives that are in pre-packaged meals. Essentially you want to have protein, quality carbohydrates and electrolytes in order for your body to repair the muscles and allow your body to recover for another day on the trail.

PHONE
Most hiking trails now days have some sort of connectivity unless you are in a very remote area. Make sure your phone is charged when you leave your vehicle and keep it in airplane mode when you are not using it. This is a great tool to use if you need to call for help. Another alternative for when you are on longer trips is to use a SPOT emergency beacon.
 
The most important thing to remember is to leave your itinerary with someone or in your vehicle at the trailhead so if something happens to you search and rescue will know where to look! Just make sure to stick with your plan!

MAP & COMPASS
Either pick up a map at the park ranger station, buy one before you go or if it is a simple trail, just snap a picture on your phone of the trail map that is on the informational sign at the trailhead. You want to know where you started and where you are going.
 
If you are backpacking having a compass (and knowing how to use it) is key so you can orient yourself throughout the day. I would suggest taking an orienteering class to learn how to use a compass or for a refresher course. Try looking to see if your local Game, Fish and Parks office offers any classes or check with your local outdoor retailer.
 
FIRST AID KIT
Safety First! That is hard to remember sometimes when it is a beautiful warm day with no clouds in the sky. But try to keep in mind that by having a first aid kit in your pack could save your life or someone else’s. My husband and I took a Wilderness First Aid course in preparation for our thru hike and we were able to minimize the size of our kit by including items that would be most commonly used for injuries and also items that are multi-purpose. NOLS offers really good classes and if you are not certified in CPR I would recommend it. You never know what may happen in the backcountry!

In summary, grab the right pack for your gear and activity. Try to choose gear that is multi-functional so you can keep your pack as light as possible! It may seem daunting to decide what gear to choose but try and have fun and enjoy the process. Who knows, soon enough you could be a gear junkie too!

If you want to see the gear we recommend check out "Our Gear" page!

Blog post written by Amy Karras
Unnamed Adventures