Backpacking Basics

This article is well written and perfect for newbies who have never carried a backpack or gone hiking. It is a wonderful experience to venture out to the great outdoors. Relaxing and peaceful.
http://www.luggageparadise.com/content-categories/cat-147_153/hiking_backpacks.html

And don't forget to read Felix! the Sugar Glider Be Safe Hike Smart (Amazon). Learn essential hiking skills and how to navigate your way with and without a map or compass. A fast, easy read that could maybe save your life but definitely will make your hike more enjoyable and safe!

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Thank you for this article. I am about to take my first hike with my 10 year-old autistic son in a couple of weeks, and this was very helpful. I recall camping with my Dad when I was younger and have always held fond memories of those trips. I have always wanted to reciprocate this with my son, but until recently have just mustered the courage to give it a go. Thank you for the tips, as well as the other tips from others who have written they will come in handy.

To AKNative: WOW! So nice to hear 101ers aren't really welcome to learn. So when you die off or can't get around in your wheel chair, who will care about the wilderness? Seriously, for those learning any new skill, you know as well as I do that pure book learning isn't enough. And starting out accepting you are a beginner is way more productive use of your time than starting out with K2 or Annapurna on your first hike. Chill man. Accept that there are newbies who need to learn step-by-step. Personally I like this article. I think it is a good start. But it is general, not specific to each of us. Thank you Backpacker.

For starting out this article is very well published and should be taken to heart. I like it alot. And as to the quote "Grown men don't need leaders" this is true. Grown men are supposed to be the leaders setting an example. So let people start out this beloved hobby and sport safely. Be a good examply to everyone. Even if they are not new. All in all a very good article.

I am a beginner, a 101'er so to say. I think this is good advise , I see some responses that mock this article, to those people go read Hiking 102, let the novices start safe

I am a beginner, a 101'er so to say. I think this is good advise , I see some responses that mock this article, to those people go read Hiking 102, let the novices start safe

My comfortable books could not keep out water no matter how much stuff I applied, dew in the morning would give me wet toes. simple creek crossings, impossible. The nylon panels didn't help ( duh).
Get a pair of gortex boots, hotter yes, but with good rain pants, jacket, and pack fly, you're bullet proof. Cold and wet is not only miserable, it's dangerous.

"Stick to well-marked routes with easy terrain, established campsites"
Where is the fun in that? For a good time stick to the back-country and avoid the highways that some call well marked routes...
I kick over every rock cairn I see. If you cant find your own way then stay home. Get a compass and a map and learn how to use them.
I think Ed Abby said "Grown men do not need leaders"...
Have fun and be safe!

dont drink beer, ever

Take a flashlight. Never know when you might need to find your way in the dark, especially in an emergency.

I would need that cute little plastic 6pak of vino!!! lol

The Backpacker's Field Guide is a good resource for backpackers. Instead of a tent, try a tarp. Very light weight and easy to set up.

There was a part mentioned early on about going hiking with-in driving distance in case “bad weather threatens” Some hikers like a challenge. It’s not for everyone but if you are in a well known area and you want the challenge take on the rainy weekend. You’ll be stronger for it.

If you wear glasses, definitely bring an extra pair with you on your trip, as one of the readers mentioned. My glasses broke on my backpacking trip in the Sierras this past weekend...fortunately, I had a back-up pair of glasses with me and was able to enjoy the beautiful scenery and find my way on the trails. :-) Having an extra pair of glasses was a small item to carry that literally saved my trip!

The Backpacker's Handbook by Chris Townsend is a good book for beginners. It is very in-depth on boots, packs, and gear.

Greener yet, get your books from the library, They probably have the out of print ones, or can get them for you.

Beyond Backpacking and the Ray-Way Tarp Book by Ray Jardine are among excellent books on the subject.

Extra pair of eye glasses, if your anything like me (sir Trips alot) pack a spare pair of glasses!

Are trekking poles better to use on the trail than wooden poles?

Whiskey is lighter. go light.

I like to have a plan if thing go really wrong. I usually have a shelter and extra conservative sleeping bag that will keep me dry and warm when everything else is wet and I need to spend extra days on the trail. -- Guess what? It has never happened but I have always been comfortable.

thanks go lite

souls matter

sherpa........

Someone failed to mention the blowup doll

The empty wine sac works good as a pillow when empty. I know someone who does it.

they now make very decent wine that comes in boxes.. one box holds like 1.5 bottles.. and it breaks down after to be recycled. ive read about two separate vineyards.. yum!

on sleeping bags, you mean 10d f colder than you expect, not warmer, ratings are by outside temp, not warmth.

Go green! Try to find it at a used book store or online at amazon.com under used books :)

The complete walker four

The Basic Essentials of Backpacking is out of print! Is there any other books that are recommended?