![\"Essentials](\"http:\/\/gccihome.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/11\/aspen-colorado-camping-300x202.jpg\")
Wilderness trips can be dangerous, but you can make then less so. The following ten essentials for backpacking trips can make a huge difference on your trips success.<\/p>\nWilderness trips can be dangerous, but you can make then less so. The following ten essentials for backpacking trips can make a huge difference on your trips success.<\/p>\n
Knowledge.<\/strong> What good is a compass if you don’t know how to use it? Play with matches if your fire-making skills are shaky. Learn what to do when you see a bear. Read a little, practice a little – knowledge is more likely to save you than gadgets.<\/p>\n Map and compass<\/strong>. These are together, because that’s the way you need to use them. Make sure you take them along with you.<\/p>\n Matches and lighter<\/strong>. Bring both, or waterproof matches and a fire starter of some sort. Having two ways to start a fire is much safer. Practice before hand to make sure you can actually light a fire.<\/p>\n First aid kit.<\/strong> Buy a pre-packaged one or build your own. Make sure it has pain relievers, bandages, disinfectant, and notes on basic first aid procedures.<\/p>\n Foot care.<\/strong> Your first aid kit needs moleskin, and maybe a pin, to treat blisters. Your feet have to be well cared for when you’re hiking miles from<\/p>\n Water purification<\/strong>. A filter works, but they clog and break so often that you should have a small bottle of iodine tablets or other water purification as back up.<\/p>\n Rain Gear<\/strong>. One of the biggest killers in the woods is hypothermia, and it often starts when you get wet. Try to stay dry.<\/p>\n Shelter<\/strong>. This can be a tent, tarp or bivy sack. Just be sure you know how to use it. Again practice before you go.<\/p>\n Sleeping bag<\/strong>. Down bags are the warmest for their weight,but be sure you know how to keep it dry, or bring a synthetic bag.<\/p>\n Specific trip items.<\/strong> For backpacking trips in Michigan in May, bring insect repellent. In summer in Arizona, bring sunblock.Think about the specific conditions for the time and place of your trip.<\/p>\n Make your own list if you take regular backpacking trips. It’s no fun when a friend tells you ten miles down the trail that he’s allergic to bees and forgot his medicine. A little planning means less worries, and a better trip.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Wilderness trips can be dangerous, but you can make then less so. The following ten essentials for backpacking trips can make a huge difference on your trips success. Knowledge. What good is a compass if you don’t know how to use it? Play with matches if your fire-making skills are shaky. Learn what to do […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1291],"tags":[1335],"class_list":["post-3812","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-backpacking","tag-back-packing-tips"],"yoast_head":"\nEssentials For Backpacking Trips<\/h2>\n