Backpacking is a fantastic sport that pits you against the rugged beauty of nature. It is a sport that one person can do or it can be done by groups of people. The beauty of backpacking is that it can be done virtually anywhere. It may be a backpacking tour of Europe where you stay in small hostels and interact with the locals all while being on a low budget.



It may be backpacking in the great outdoors with just yourself and a tent. Backpacking means different things to different people. But there are some things that you have to know about backpacking such as the equipment and the right fit. This article is perfect for answering those basic questions. It may even help you try out this great pastime.

What type of equipment is used in backpacking?

The main, and really most important, item to use in backpacking is the backpack. It will serve as your carrying apparatus for your field gear such as tent, water source and nutritional source. Other items you will need in order to go backpacking is a good pair of hiking boots and perhaps a staff to help you climb hills and other rocky areas that you will be traversing.

If I am going backpacking can I use anyone's backpack?

You can use anyone's backpack but you will probably pay the price for it. Backpacks that are used for long term hiking are designed to fit specific body types. They are fitted to each individual person. If you are borrowing someone else's backpack while you are out on a long hike you may find that the pack is causing you great discomfort and blisters. It is always better to invest in your own backpack than to use someone else's pack that is fitted just for them.

My backpack is causing blisters on my shoulders. What can I do?

The first thing you can do is to try to adjust the arm straps to where they are not rubbing. The problem is that the pack is not being carried in the right way. The entire weight of the pack should not be resting solely upon your shoulders. It should be even distributed to your chest and your waist.

If you find that you are getting blisters then you may need to readjust the pack and its contents so that the weight is not resting on your shoulders entirely. It may also be a sign that the backpack is too heavy and not fitted to your body.

If the backpack is correctly being worn and is fitted for your frame then it may be too heavy. You will have to reevaluate what it is that you are carrying.

How much does a typical backpack weigh for backpacking?

The typical backpack used for camping excursions can weight anywhere from fifty pounds on up to over seventy pounds. It all depends on what you are carrying in the pack. For long hikes you have to take a minimum of 1/2 a gallon of water to prevent dehydration. For overnight camping and extended hiking trips that last several days you cannot always take as much water as you need.

You also have to factor in clothing, first-aid supplies, camping gear and the necessary food stores. This can all add up to a heavy backpack. It is absolutely essential that you only take what you need in order to be able to carry your pack comfortably.