Are you Ready for a Spring Backpacking Trip?

As spring rolls around, its time to pull out your gear and take an inventory! And if you need something replaced or upgraded, you know where to look! haha

Actually though, its important to look over your gear now, before the big trip. Make sure you don't have any mildew or damage to your tent (hopefully you didn't store it wet or a damp place), and be sure everything is in good shape.

Why?

Because a little preparation will make you Spring Backpacking trip a real joy. There is nothing more disappointing then packin up the night before your big trip ony to find that something is damaged or ruined from being in storage over the winter! And you certainly don't want to find that out when you get to camp!

Gear Inspection Checklist:
1.) Check the tent for damage at the zippers and seams. If the zipper isn't working, get it fixed or replaced. If you've used the tent a few years, its probably a good idea to seam seal it and make sure that the seems are wearing apart.
2.) Inspect your Backpack. Again, checkout the zippers. Make sure their working good. Inspect the straps to be sure they're not wearing away (When they begin to fray, its a very short period of time before the strap will break!). You don't want the straps breaking on your trip.
3.) Inspect your stove. Make sure its firing up with the igniter (if its got one) and clean it up if deposits have built up on it.
4.) Look at your boots. How are they holding up?
5.) Does your first aid kit need some stuff replaced?

The list goes on and on! The key is don't wait till the last minute. I guarantee at least one piece of gear will need some attention, probably more! Once you get started you'll know what to do.

Questions or comments? Feel free to post below or drop us an email at info@gearwild.com

Question #2 - What Kind of Gear Do I Need?

Ok, now this is a great question for me. Why? Because I love new Backpacking Gear! - Thus the website name GearWild.com Anyhow, back on subject . . .

The typical gear list will very from your experience level to personal preference. However, almost every first time backpacker brings too much junk with them on the first trip. Why do I say this? In backpacking the expression "every ounce counts" really rings true. Everything you put in your backpack is going to make it heavier! And everything you add will take up space. If you're heading into the wild for the first time, chances are you don't have all the latest, coolest, lightest, smallest, gear available. - Unless you check out my store that is! - Sorry I just had to add that! haha :)

So, then if you don't have all the great gear, you're probably going to be lugging along some older stuff you've had laying around or could borrow from friends. And there is nothing wrong with that! That is exactly how I started. Not too many people can afford to go out and buy everything brand new for their first trip!

But the main thing to remember is this: Don't overpack! You won't need 6 Rolls of Toilet Paper, 2 Knives, 1000 Feet of Rope if you're just going for a short weekend trip. You won't need that big bottle of syrup for your pancakes. (I actually have a friend that carried a large bottle of syrup up the entire side of a mountain so he'd have delicious pancakes the next morning! Boy did we laugh at him!) You won't need the 8 cans of Campbells Soup. You won't need a cast iron skillet to cook with! There are simple ways to keep things light, yet to be sure you've got what you need.

First off, sit down and ask yourself if you will really use the item you are considering putting into your pack! Chances are you won't need a bottle of aspirin, but you may need 4 pills. As I mentioned above, you're going to need Toilet Paper, but can you just spool some off a roll and pack it in a ziplock bag? You can also take that large bottle of syrup and put it in a 2 ounce bottle so you're not lugging the entire container around.

I can tell you from experience that you will only use half of what you take! I always come home and ask myself, "Why did I take 2 knives (or whatever it is) on that trip. I barely used one!" So, be realistic. Remember, "every ounce counts!"

Now that we've spent all this time talking about what NOT to take, lets get back on topic. "What Should I Take with Me on My Backpacking Trip?"

First Off, You'll need a decent backpack! They will very in weight and price. Find something in the middle of the that bracket and you'll be good to go. The size you need will very depending on the trip you're taking. But a good rule of thumb would be to buy a pack about 3500 cubic inches for a typical weekend trip. (If you get a 3500 cubic inch pack you will be less inclined to overfill it because you won't have any extra space to hall around extra junk!) If you're heading out for a weeklong trip you'll need something around 5500 -6500 cubic inches.

In addition to a backpack, you'll need a good sleeping bag and sleeping pad. Check the weight on these guys. They very tremendously! Buy the lightest sleeping bag you can afford. I generally recommend a good 15 or 20 Degree Mummy Style Bag that is "Stuff-able." You want a bag that either comes with or can be put in a stuff sack and smashed down in your pack. A 15 or 20 Degree bag will be a good all around bag you can use in Spring, Summer, and Fall. The sleeping pad will provide a layer of comfort between you and the ground and, most importantly, will provide an extra layer of insulation so that the cold ground doesn't pull your body heat away!

I personally use the Big Agnes Lost Ranger Sleeping Bag with the Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Pad. Its the best sleep system I've ever experienced!

Next, you'll need good boots! I always recommend boots that have a Gore-Tex (or generic waterproof - breathable membrane) lining in them. Why? Because they will keep your feet Dry and they will allow your feet to breath at the same time. Generally "Synthetic" Boots are going to be lighter than Leather Boots. Synthetics also break-in easier. Always look for a rubber lip on the Toe of the Boot. You'll be surprized how quickly the front/top of the Toe in the Boot gets beat up. A Rubber/Plastic Lip on it will make your boots last longer. Now, after you purchase your boots, BREAK THEM IN BEFORE YOUR TRIP! Don't wait till the day you're ready to head out to put them on for the first time. You want to wear them and break them in so your feet are not abused on your first Backpacking trip.

Finally, you need a good Tent! I generally recommend you purchase a 2 person tent. This will give you a little more space if you're hiking alone, but it will give you the flexibility of bringing a companion along with you. What should you buy? Again, buy the lightest tent you can afford. Make sure it has "Taped Seems" so that water doesn't leak in if it rains while you're sleeping.

The Tent I use is the Big Agnes Copper Spur. It was Rated #1 by Backpacker Magazine. It provides alot of room, stays dry, and weighs next to nothing!

If you get those 4 main components, you're starting out great! The items above are the items you should spend the most money on! They will be the items that will take the most abuse and the items that can make the difference between an enjoyable trip and a miserable trip.

What about everything else? Stay Tuned. I'll be posting again soon with more details!

Questions? Need Advice? As always, feel free to email me at gearwild@gmail.com

And don't forget to check out my great Gear at http://www.gearwild.com/