Dempsey
Im taking a backpacking trip this year and Id like to know a few tips about what to bring and Id also like to know what difference there is between backpacking campsites and normal ones.
Answer
The difference between a backpacking camp and a normal one is a backpacking camp doesn't have anything, sometimes there will be a fire ring.
Check into freeze-dried food, you can save a lot of weight and most of it is easy to prepare, just boil water and add to the bag, no dishes. The most comprehensive site I have found is called wildernessdining.com, they sell products from many different manufacturers. I prefer Mountain House, but they all have some good meals. I suggest buying some ahead of time, sampling it, experiment with adding to the meals. There's nothing worse than finding out you really don't like dinner when there is nothing else to eat.
Another place to save weight is in your gear, saving weight means spending money, in most cases the lighter it is the more it is going to cost. I've been backpacking for many years and I am still trying to make my pack lighter. If you take something on a trip and you don't use it, does it need to go next time?
While backpacking you are always trying to strike the balance between weight and comfort. I go to great extremes to save a few ounces anywhere I can and then I carry an aluminum chair so I don't have to sit on rocks and logs around camp.
It's all very individual and will depend on you. I do a couple of trips a year with a group of guys and some of them are carrying packs twice as heavy as the other guys. They are carrying stuff the other guys don't have any problem doing without.
Good Luck and have a good time!
Over 35 years backpacking experience, more than a 1,000 nights in the back country.
The difference between a backpacking camp and a normal one is a backpacking camp doesn't have anything, sometimes there will be a fire ring.
Check into freeze-dried food, you can save a lot of weight and most of it is easy to prepare, just boil water and add to the bag, no dishes. The most comprehensive site I have found is called wildernessdining.com, they sell products from many different manufacturers. I prefer Mountain House, but they all have some good meals. I suggest buying some ahead of time, sampling it, experiment with adding to the meals. There's nothing worse than finding out you really don't like dinner when there is nothing else to eat.
Another place to save weight is in your gear, saving weight means spending money, in most cases the lighter it is the more it is going to cost. I've been backpacking for many years and I am still trying to make my pack lighter. If you take something on a trip and you don't use it, does it need to go next time?
While backpacking you are always trying to strike the balance between weight and comfort. I go to great extremes to save a few ounces anywhere I can and then I carry an aluminum chair so I don't have to sit on rocks and logs around camp.
It's all very individual and will depend on you. I do a couple of trips a year with a group of guys and some of them are carrying packs twice as heavy as the other guys. They are carrying stuff the other guys don't have any problem doing without.
Good Luck and have a good time!
Over 35 years backpacking experience, more than a 1,000 nights in the back country.
BACKPACKING AND CAMPING?
Kevin Mccl
I WILL BE GOING ON A BACKPACKING TRIP WITH MY BROTHER IN JULY FOR 4-5 DAYS HIKING ABOUT 12-15 MILES AND LAST TIME WE WHEN I WAS VERY UNCONFORMABLE BECAUSE MY BACKPACK I WAS WODERING WHAT WOULD BE A GOOD BACKPACK? THANK YOU! =)
Answer
I've owned a number of backpacks but by far my favorite has been the Osprey Aether 85 Pack. This back combines comfort with maximum load capabilities. For me, it really has been the Rolls Royce of backpacks.
Here are a few other owner reviews I was able to find on this particular bag:
"I got this pack for a 75 mile backpacking trip in New Mexico (Philmont). I have taken it on a couple practice hikes and it is incredibly comfortable. I love how little it ways."
"I've had the last generation of this pack for about 4 years. It's been to about 10 countries, up Mt.Kilimanjaro, conquered the JMT, 4 day kayak trip, etc... This is THE best large extended trip pack on the market. Pay the extra $ and thank me later."
"I just went up Mt. Whitney with this pack and I really liked how comfortable it was and how well it fit. When I got to the top, my shoulders and upper body felt fine. The pockets and straps were conveniently placed. Balance was good and my back had good air circulation."
You should absolutely go in and try on a few different bags and find out what works best for you. However, I can tell you from personal experience...this one is a goodie!
Happy Trails!
I've owned a number of backpacks but by far my favorite has been the Osprey Aether 85 Pack. This back combines comfort with maximum load capabilities. For me, it really has been the Rolls Royce of backpacks.
Here are a few other owner reviews I was able to find on this particular bag:
"I got this pack for a 75 mile backpacking trip in New Mexico (Philmont). I have taken it on a couple practice hikes and it is incredibly comfortable. I love how little it ways."
"I've had the last generation of this pack for about 4 years. It's been to about 10 countries, up Mt.Kilimanjaro, conquered the JMT, 4 day kayak trip, etc... This is THE best large extended trip pack on the market. Pay the extra $ and thank me later."
"I just went up Mt. Whitney with this pack and I really liked how comfortable it was and how well it fit. When I got to the top, my shoulders and upper body felt fine. The pockets and straps were conveniently placed. Balance was good and my back had good air circulation."
You should absolutely go in and try on a few different bags and find out what works best for you. However, I can tell you from personal experience...this one is a goodie!
Happy Trails!
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