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Hiking Gear

Backpacks

There are three main areas where you'll need to make choices:

  • Backpack capacity: The size pack you'll need is tied to the length of your trip and how much weight and bulk you want to carry.
  • Backpack features: These are the refinements that affect how the pack works for you.
  • Backpack fit: Torso length, not your height, matters most.

Backpack size:

  • Weekend (2-3 nights; 40-50 liters)
  • Multiday (3-5 nights; 50-70 liters)

Once you've chosen the type of backpack you want, the next step is to have the sales specialist expertly fit you to your pack.

The right fit is one that offers:

  • A size appropriate for your torso length (not your overall height).
  • A comfortably snug grip on your hips.

 Women-Specific Backpacks

Because they have smaller frame sizes, women's backpacks often work well for young backpackers of either gender. Torso dimensions are generally shorter and narrower than men's packs. And hipbelts and shoulder straps are contoured with the female form in mind.

 Youth-Specific Backpacks

These typically offer smaller capacities and include an adjustable suspension to accommodate a child's growth. Women's backpacks, with their smaller frame sizes, often work well for young backpackers of either gender. So do small versions of some men's packs.

Tents

Your choice of shelter should reflect a balance between your individual needs and the environment in which you are hiking. The perfect shelter for all conditions does not exist, however, generally speaking you are looking for something that keeps you dry when it rains, holds up well in high winds, keeps out the bugs and doesn’t weigh the proverbial tonne.

double wall tent 1double wall tentDouble-Wall Tents

Double-wall tents have three parts: (1) an inner tent with a waterproof floor and non-waterproof roof, (2) a waterproof outer tent (rain fly), and (3) poles. Most double-wall tents are extremely easy to pitch, offer complete protection from the elements, and are very comfortable. Unfortunately, they're the heaviest type of tent.

tarp tenttarp tent 1Tarp Tents

Tarp tents are single walled shelters with built-in floor and bug netting. They're faster to set up, up to half as light as double-wall tents, offer complete protection from the elements, but are prone to interior moisture accumulation and are the least adaptable type of tent (all of the parts are attached).

Tent Sizes (2 Man, 3 Man, 6 Man…)

The size of a tent is generally described by the maximum number of people that can sleep inside, for example you will see tents described as 2 man, 2 person or 2 berth. To find the best tent for you, you must first consider the number of people in your party.

As a rule if you plan on keeping kit in your tent, choose a tent that is one person bigger. If there are two adults sharing a tent, space will be limited in a two man tent. A 3 or 4 man tent will allow you plenty of space to sleep comfortably and store your gear.

Tent Weight

Probably most important, a three man tent that weighs around 3ks is great. A lighter tent will most likely be constructed of more delicate materials, whereas a heavier tent will be more durable. Generally speaking, a tent should weigh approximately 1.1 ks per person. Remember that when backpacking with multiple people, you can split the weight by dividing the tent, rain fly, and poles.

Sleeping

The main choice in sleeping bags is between synthetic fill or down. Down is lighter in terms of a weight-to-warmth ratio and is  more compact. However, only synthetic fills will maintain their shape and warmth even when wet. Down turns into a heavy, soggy, cold mess that takes forever to dry out.
 
Next is to decide on the temperature rating for your sleeping bag. A three-season sleeping bag should see you through a frosty morning in spring or autumn and not overheat you during a warm night. If you are doing winter camping, then a sleeping bag rated to below -5 degrees is better. Make sure the sleeping bag you choose fits your personal dimensions and size.
 
sleeping-bag
A welcome addition is to have a sleeping mat which provides cushioning and insulation. Their is a huge range of sleeping mats on the market. If you have space select a larger mattress for more luxurious sleeping comfort.
sleeping mats

Clothes and Footwear

Clothing to take with camping includes:
  • Underwear
  • Quick-drying pants or shorts
  • Long-sleeve shirts
  • Sun-shielding hat
  • Bandanas or buffs
  • Hiking Boots
  • Socks
  • Long underwear
  • Insulating jacket or vest
  • Insulated pants
  • Gloves
  • Rainwear
  • Sandals
  • Gaiters

Kitchen

Kitchen & cooking equipment should include:
 
  • Matches or lighter
  • Lightweight cooking pots/pans
  • Food-storage containers
  • Resealable storage bags
  • Trash bags
  • Plates/bowls
  • Mugs/cups
  • Utensils
  • Spatula
  • Cutting board
  • Pot scrubber
  • Water container
  • Canister stove or liquid fuel stove

Food

Ideas of foods to pack are:

  • Coffee/Tea
  • Milk
  • Cereal
  • Eggs
  • Breakfast bars
  • Enargy bars
  • Rolls
  • Soup packets
  • Pasta (gnocchi)
  • Pasta  sauce
  • Smoked chicken
  • Cooking oil
  • Salt and pepper
  • Fruit
  • Cheese
  • Crackers
  • Chocolate
  • Biltong

Hygiene

Below are the basic items to include:

  • Toilet paper
  • Toothbrush, toiletry kit
  • Biodegradable Soap
  • Trowel

First Aid

A basic first aid should always be taken with when camping and the items to take include:
 
  • Your personal medication
  • Bandages
  • Plaster strips
  • Sterile gauze
  • Antiseptic wipes
  • Tissues
  • Pain relievers - Tylenol/Panado/Aspirin
  • Antiseptic cream
  • Sunburn lotion
  • Hydrogen peroxide
  • Scissors
  • Tweezers
  • Eye wash/eye drops
  • Mosquito repellent