by Jake Jones

Created on: May 15, 2008

As gas prices soar to astronomical numbers, vacationing and travel are becoming a luxury of the past. A good and fairly cheap alternative is a backpacking trip. A backpacking trip can provide the physical and mental stimulation that many seek through a vacation or traveling. The following ten items can get anyone started on a successful backpacking trip.

1) A comfortable pair of hiking shoes. Whether you are planning to hike just a few days or a week a good pair of comfortable hiking shoes is essential for your trip. Your feet are your most valuable commodity when you are backpacking and you need to take care of them with a comfortable pair of hiking shoes.

2) Duct tape. Possibly the greatest invention since sliced bread, duct tape is useful in any environment. While backpacking, duct tape can be used as a temporary fix for almost any problem you might have with your backpack, sleeping bag or other equipment.

3) Comfortable backpack. Finding a pack that fits your body size is vital to your comfort while hiking. In addition, you want to make sure that it is big enough to carry all of the essentials, but not so large that you are carrying around extra weight.

4) First Aid Kit. There are many backpacking specific first aid kits available through various retailers. At the minimum your kit should include an antiseptic, gauze pads, band aids, adhesive tape, wound closure strips, saline solution, ibuprofen, tweezers, and a small first aid booklet.

5) Map and compass. Even if you have a GPS it is good to have a backup. The batteries never run out in a compass or map.

6) A water filtration system. Water purification tablets are a good addition to any trip. You always want to bring your own water and have the ability to fill your water supply back up at your greatest convenience.

7) A battery free flashlight. There are several brands of these on the market and they can be purchased cheap. This flashlight gives you a reliable source of light and you don't have to lug around heavy batteries.

8) Ground sheet or sleeping bag. Depending on the geographical location of your hike you will want to include either a ground sheet or sleeping bag. The ground sheet serves well in warmer climates where you just need something in between you and the ground. A sleeping bag is better for colder climates where you require more warmth at night.

9) High energy food. You want to pack food that deliver the most energy in the smallest package. Energy bars, MRE's (Meals Ready to Eat), and dried fruits are some traditional products.

10) A good hiking partner. The only thing better than going on a great backpacking trip, is going on a great backpacking trip with a great friend.

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