One of the most important things when going on any type of hiking or camping trip, is knowing what sort of food and essentials to take with you. Carrying the right Backpacking Supplies can make all the difference to your trip. Get it right and you will have a safe, fun trip. Get it wrong and you could be hungry and thirsty, making the whole experience a nightmare.
Firstly plan your backpacking trip very carefully, so you know exactly how long you will be gone for, especially if you are going to be out of range of anywhere to re-stock your supplies. This way you can break your supplies down into what you will need on a daily basis. Always remember to pack slightly more than you think you will need, in case of emergencies.
Water is properly the most important thing that you will need to carry. Unless your route will allow you to top up on the way or if you have with you the right equipment to filter and sterilise any that you find on the way, (i.e. Rivers or lakes etc.) then you will have to carry all you need for the duration of your trip. (Carry as much as you can is the best tip).
Next comes your food. The best way to know what to bring with you is to break it down into individual days. (I.e. Breakfast, Main meal, Supper and snacks for during the day).You should also consider taking Multi-Vitamins as these can give your body a vital boost when on hiking rations. Then simply multiply it by the number of days that you will be away. Dehydrated meals are very good and they are also very light, but do not rely solely on these as they take precious drinking water to prepare. Always include things that can be eaten as is, just in case of a shortage of water.
As well as your water and food, do not forget that you will need other supplies. Things like a decent First Aid Kit are an absolute must and should include such items as,
-Bandages for sprains etc.
-Assorted plaster for minor cuts and scrapes.
-Safety pins.
-Pain killers.
-Blister kit (for those sore feet).
-Antiseptic ointment.
-Plus any personal medication.
And don’t forget things like spare batteries for torches, and spare fuel for your cooking stove, as these also make up what should be part of your backpacking supplies. Spare fuel is especially important, as having food but not being able to cook it, can be just as bad as having no food at all.
Using a few simple tips like these will give you a better idea of what to take with you to insure a safe happy backpacking trip. Try to think ahead and anticipate any problems or shortages and then pack accordingly.This way you will always take the right Backpacking Supplies.
