Backpacking Tips To Enjoy Summer!

Well, we've made it to summer! Prime time for Hiking and Backpacking!

What can I do to enjoy my next trip?

Invest in Good Gear! While most everyone knows you'll need Hiking Boots, a Backpack, and a Tent, there are a few other things to make your trip more enjoyable.

What else should I include on my next trip? I've got 3 pieces of Backpacking Gear that are sure to make your next trip more enjoyable!

1.) Consider Trekking Poles. Why? Trekking Poles (Hiking Poles) will really make your hike more enjoyable. For years I thought they were pointless. I kept telling myself, "I enjoy hiking with my hands free, swinging along as I go." Boy, was I wrong! After being convinced to give them a try on a hike through Glacier National Park, I decided I would never hike again without a pair of trekking poles. They take the pressure off your knees, they allow you to climb up and down mountains with greater stability, and they make stream crossing much more enjoyable (and safer).

2.) Pack a Hydration Bladder (Water Bladder, Hydration Pack, etc.) in your backpack. The first time I used one of these guys, I couldn't believe how great they are. They are very inexpensive and hold as much water as you want. But the real advantage is that you never have to stop to get a drink and your hands are free to use those trekking poles!

3.) Use a Dependable Headlamp. Here again, a headlamp allows you to walk freely without holding a flash light or light. After dark, you need both hands! A headlamp enables you to work hands free. You can set up camp if you're running late, you can cook your meal, you can play a game of cards, and Trust me, when "nature calls" in the middle of the night, you don't want to have to mess with a flashlight.

Of course, there are lots of other things to take along and we'll talk about them another time. In the mean time, if you've got questions, feel free to post a comment or drop us a line at info@gearwild.com

As always, don't forget to check us out online at http://www.gearwild.com/

Question #5 - How Do I Cook My Meals on the Mountain?

This is an excellent question and its got a super simple answer!

The backpacking stoves available today are amazing! The super light weight stoves can boil water in only a couple minutes! They are very efficient and weigh practically nothing!

Remember that expression "Every Ounce Counts" really applies when backpacking. Snow peak has designed the Lightest stove in the world, the Lite Max stove! Its available now at GearWild.com and has been very popular!

Looking for something super easy to use? All our stoves lite in seconds. The Jetboil and the Giga Power Auto stoves have an auto igniter. The Jetboil packs up super small and includes the cup you need to cook! It is one of the most fuel efficient stoves on the market today! It was rated #1 by Backpacker Magazine!

If you're looking for something a little lighter, check out the Trek 700 Starter Kit. It inludes the manual Giga Power Stove (no auto igniter) and the Trek 700 Stove with a Spork all in one great value pack! Its a super light, super combo!

Not sure what you need? Drop us a line at info@gearwild.com or call 800-691-7227 and we'll be happy to help!

First Time Backpacker?

If you are thinking of taking your first backpacking trip, chances are you've had some questions like these?

1.) Can You Really Just Hike Into the Mountains and Make Your Own Camp?

2.) What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

3.) What About the Bears?

4.) What Do I Eeat?

5.) How Do I Cook My Meal?

The Question List can go on and on! At GearWild.com we are here to help!

Over the Next Week, I will answer each of these Questions! By the time we're done, you will feel confident enough to enjoy the Wild on your own - or maybe with a group of friends :)

Meanwhile, if you need some advice on an upcoming trip, please feel free to email me at gearwild@gmail.com We love the Wild! And We Love to Talk About It!!

Stay Tuned . . .