My library recently hosted an intro to backpacking program led by a local college outdoor activity coordinator experienced in everything from day hikes to mountaineering. He had many useful tips and pertinent advice for anyone of any skill level and budget level, so I wanted to distill it here for your consideration.
His first topic was the Leave No Trace Seven Principles. These are good stewardship, survival, and preparedness principles, too.
After this, he recommended Mountaineering: The Freedom of the Hills as the essential guide for anyone interested in serious hiking and climbing, and referred to its introductory material on the systems approach to equipment for all backpacking. There is some overlap with my list of 15 C's of Survival, but he contrasted this modern method with the classic list of ten mountaineering essentials as shown in this table copied from the book.
| Ten Essentials: A Systems Approach | Ten Essentials: The Classic List |
|---|---|
| 1. Navigation | 1. Map, 2. Compass |
| 2. Sun Protection | 3. Sunglasses and Sunscreen |
| 3. Insulation (extra clothing) | 4. Extra clothing |
| 4. Illumination | 5. Headlamp or Flashlight |
| 5. First-aid supplies | 6. First-aid supplies |
| 6. Fire | 7. Firestarter, 8. Matches |
| 7. Repair kit and tools, including knife | 9. Knife |
| 8. Nutrition (extra food) | 10. Extra food |
| 9. Hydration (extra water) | |
| 10. Emergency shelter |
The systems approach requires a more, well, systemic approach to planning an expedition and its equipment. It also allows for changing technology instead of adherence to tradition, as exemplified in the first point.
A map and compass are still useful tools, and he suggests always carrying them as a backup, but between handheld GPS units and smartphones, technology is taking over. Know the basics, but don't hesitate to use modern tools.
The sun can be a brutal foe. Sunglasses, sunscreen, proper clothing, hats, and more are essential for a good trip. Even in winter, sunburn on any exposed skin is a hazard. Ask me how I know...
Even in summer, weather is fickle, and wilderness nights can be bitter cold no matter how hot it was during the prior day. Dress for the weather, wear layers that can be added or removed as conditions warrant, and don't forget to include your sleep system in your insulation considerations.
An LED headlamp with bright, dim, and red light settings is recommended, especially because having one hand occupied with holding a flashlight (or worse still, a smartphone as a light) makes everything far more difficult than it needs to be. Carry spare batteries, too.
Carry the essentials for a few small boo-boos and some more serious supplies in case of severe injuries, the latter based on your training level. He carries a more expansive set than most because he has training in wilderness medicine and first aid. Most guides also have such training and gear. Personalize your kit and learn what you can while you can, expanding it as needed.
Carry a butane lighter. Candles, chemical heat tabs, and canned heat may also figure into your kit. The presenter also favors the Jetboil stove systems for boiling water, or compact propane stoves for more advanced camp cooking.
A good knife one of the oldest tools known to man from the flint shards of the stone age to modern carbon steel, and is just as indispensable today as always. A sturdy fixed blade is best. A multitool like a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife adds a lot of versatility at the cost of some utility. Patch kits for specific gear, safety pins, needle, thread, wire, duct tape, etc. depend on your needs.
Freeze-dried food is light weight and easy to prepare, as are many dehydrated options. GORP is an easy snack. Plan to consume more calories than you would need at home, and carry enough to cover unexpected delays, too. Carry things that store well, and consume perishables first. Your food plans depend heavily on your fire and cooking considerations, so coordinate your systems.
Carry water, and means to gather and purify more water. Stay hydrated, and stay healthy. Water found in the wilderness may be contaminated by microbes, so UV light, chemicals, or filtration is necessary. Don't forget to consider other hazards, though. Here in the inland northwest, some waterways are heavily contaminated with lead leached from mine tailings, for example. Filtration is not always reliable against such hazards. Don't forget that first principle from Leave No Trace!
Even if your party is not carrying a tent, carry some means of shelter construction. Even a large trash bag can ad a water-resistant layer. A bivy sack can improve a sleeping bag. A tarp can make a simple tent or ground cover.
As for the specifics, budget is always a concern. In general, paying more means better quality, lighter weight, and less bulk. However, we all live on budgets, so buy the best you can with what you have, and upgrade over time if backpacking keeps your interest. The biggest bang for your buck is in your backpack, tent, and sleep system. Keeping bulk down can mean a smaller pack is needed for a given expedition, and the less you carry, the more pleasant the journey, so big gains can be worth some expense.
He says cotton clothing is just bad. It soaks up water and takes a long time to dry. Synthetics get stinky fast, but perform well. Merino wool and down insulation are superb, but expensive. Breathable layers with a water-resistant shell and a puffy jacket as cold-weather backup are able to handle almost any conditions. Good hiking shoes are absolutely essential. Light shoes that still support your weight and grip the trail are best.
In the end, though, it's all about getting out there and enjoying nature while learning new skills. Go hiking. Have fun. Don't be held back by gear gatekeepers. Be prepared, don't bite off more than you can chew, and just get started!
Now I need to see about taking his (and my own) advice.
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