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The amount of food that you carry on a backpacking trip is dependent on how long the trip will be. Regarding the basics needs, however, here are ten essential items that will be required regardless of the duration of the trip.

1. Comfortable hiking boots. These should be broken in by wearing at home and on short hikes to avoid creating blisters on a long hike. Blisters can ruin a trip and bad infections can occur if these blisters are not treated promptly. It is preferable that these boots be waterproof and breathable. GoreTex lining is a good product. Ankle high boots protect the ankles from rocks and ground cover better than low cuts. If you will be climbing, lug soles will help to assure good footing.

2. A good backpack that is suited to the size and physique of the hiker is required. It should be durable and waterproof. If it is a short hike that is planned, a day pack can be used that has one main compartment and several small pockets. It is good to have a pack with a pocket for a water bag that has a hole for routing a tube with a bite valve. This allows the hiker to drink without opening the pack or digging out a water bottle.

3. On an extended hike, plan on taking water purification tablets, filter or means to boil water. Water is very heavy and it is good not to have to transport large amounts.

4. Shelter is required and may be as simple as a tarp or can be a sophisticated dome tent. Don't carry a tent larger than required and burden yourself with the extra weight.

5. Carry a sleeping bag that is rated for the temperatures that you will encounter. If you are going to be camping in extremely cold weather, consider taking a light bag liner, stocking cap and neck gaiter to sleep in to conserve heat loss at the head and neck.

6. Carry a good rain parka that is waterproof and breathable. This can be worn as protection against rain, but also as a wind shell. Wear clothing that has good wicking characteristics and can be layered easily.

7. If you are in bear country, carry bear spray and take care in cooking. Don't cook near where you will sleep and keep a clean camp. Plan to place your food in bear-proof containers, or suspend it in waterproof bags, high enough to be out of reach of scavenging animals.

8. Carry small gas stove for cooking if there is a burning ban. If you plan on an open fire, carry fire starting materials like candles. Good fire starters can be made by soaking a cotton ball in petroleum jelly and flattening it and forming a small packet in aluminum foil. When you are ready to start a fire, cut an "x" in the packet and pick out a small wick of the cotton and ignite with a lighter or flint and steel. If this is place under small twigs and tinder and larger wood added slowly, an inviting fire will soon be warming you and providing a means to heat your tea and meal.

9. If you expect wet weather, it is not a bad idea to carry a rain fly to extend over your tent and a good ground cloth to keep your sleeping bag dry. Lightweight nylon fabric can be purchased, seamed together and treated with good water repellent and will not add a lot of weight to your pack.

10. Plan your meals and don't pack a lot extra, but plan on snacks that will provide nutrition and energy. You will be expending a lot of energy walking and doing activities that you don't normally do and if it is cold, it will take extra calories to heat your body.

These are just a few of the tips that will help you to have a safer, more enjoyable trip.

Learn more about this author, L. Woodrow Ross.
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