Tag Archive for: backpacking gear

How to Beat the Heat When Backpacking in Summer

The summer is upon us, which means fun in the sun and amazing hiking and backpacking adventures across gorgeous landscapes. While we love to enjoy the warmer months, caution is of absolute importance.

Currently, heat waves are occurring across the globe, with record-breaking temperatures of over 100 degrees becoming the norm.

Excessive heat can be one of the most dangerous elements you can face, and prolonged exposure may lead to many dangerous conditions that could make you very ill.

That is why you need to be smart about summer backpacking and pack the right items before going out on long treks. Here are some pointers to stay cool while backpacking in hot weather.

Heat Concerns for Summer Backpacking

The first step to staying safe when backpacking during summer is to understand the potential risks of being out in the heat so you know when you need to take a break or hydrate.

Heat exhaustion is the main concern that you want to avoid because, if not properly handled, it can quickly turn to heatstroke, which could create disorientation, confusion, and a high fever that could lead to further sickness.

The symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, excessive sweating, and a headache that gets progressively worse. If you feel these symptoms, it is important to find shade, then sit down and relax and drink water until you are feeling better.

On that note, you also want to watch for the signs of dehydration, which also include fatigue along with a dry mouth and dark-colored urine. If you don’t drink water when these issues begin, it could start to affect your blood pressure and you could become too tired to continue.

Along with the issues associated with activity on a hot day, you also want to avoid a sunburn whenever possible. More than just giving you a little color, an excessive sunburn can cause blisters and swelling and can even lead to chills and nausea.

To avoid sunburn, apply sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30 before you leave to protect against the sun and dangerous UVB rays.

What to Bring To Stay Cool While Backpacking in Summer

When preparing for your adventure, it is essential that you take the time to create a packing list of everything you need, with an emphasis on first aid supplies and tools that will keep you cool while hiking or backpacking in summer.

The most important items involve hydration and that means bringing plenty of water you should drink during the course of your adventure. Moderation is key, as drinking too much can actually lead to over hydration, which can result in fatigue and cramps as your blood cells are so inundated that they lose functionality.

If water is too plain for you, then at least bring hydration packets that contain electrolytes as they replenish some of the fluid and minerals in your body that you lose when you sweat.

There are smart ways you can ensure that you have the water supply required for the hottest days. One idea is to get a hydration pack which is either part of your backpack or a separate entity that houses an extra water supply.

That way, you won’t have to hold it in your hands and it can balance your weight as you walk. If you want the water to remain cold, then freeze a water bottle the night before and it will last longer during your hike.

If you plan to camp during your summer backpacking adventure, then you will want to find a tent that will keep you as cool as possible. That means finding one that is a light color as it will reflect the heat.

Dark fabric will absorb the heat and make the interior warmer. A lightweight model like this heat-blocking tent has a mesh interior so you can allow a nice breeze to enter. Set the tent up in the shade and open the vents so the air can flow through.

Backpacking in Hot Weather? Plan Accordingly

In addition to packing the right equipment, you will also want to take the time to plan your hike accordingly, so you can avoid the warmest parts of the day.

Generally, it is hottest between the hours of noon and three in the afternoon, so you either want to return home by that time or wait to take a night hike as the sun is setting.

Early morning hikes are ideal because the sun will be rising, it won’t be too warm, and you will generally have the trail to yourself. If you are planning on an early morning hike then you will want to ensure that you get enough sleep, so you can have the energy required to climb those peaks and observe the beauty of nature.

One way to make sure you get enough rest is to use a sleep calculator, which will tell you when to lay down so you can get the 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye that the doctors recommend.

It is also a smart idea to plan the clothes you will wear during the hike, as what you choose could drastically change how warm you get during your adventure. Just like with your tent, you want to choose lighter-colored clothing that will reflect the light instead of absorbing it.

Also, opt for loose-fitting clothing, and if you can find hiking apparel with vents, then that is the best option. If you have especially sensitive skin, then make sure to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts so your arms and legs aren’t hit with those harmful UV rays.

There is nothing more exciting than celebrating the bright summer months with an exciting hike, but caution must always be present. Try the tips above to stay cool while hiking and enjoy your summer backpacking adventure without worry.

4 Essential Backpacking Tips for Beginners

Are you itching to explore nature and hiking activities for fun? Well, then backpacking is that ultimate activity for you. It is an adventure that mixes hiking with backcountry camping.  Backpacking will let you broaden your horizons.

You will get to enjoy a richer, exciting outdoor experience. If you are just getting started, you are in the right place, as these backpacking tips for beginners will help you get your backpacking experience right.

Choose a Simple Destination

For your beginner backpacking trip, you do not want to have a miserably difficult experience. That is why you need to find an area that is not hard to hike. You can do a quick online search of destinations near you, or consult with other backpackers to get an idea of good destinations.

Also, consider choosing shorter distances and picking a well-traveled trail and well-established camp. Now that you have a backpacking destination in mind, it is time to get the preparation work done. 

Train! Train! Train!

Be sure to train for your first backpacking trip

Be sure to train for your first backpacking trip

One of the best backpacking tips for beginners is to prepare your body for weeks and months leading up to backpacking by doing some training. Training will give you a better shape that is suited for the activity as a beginner hiker.

Besides, training will ensure that you have fun in your backpacking. You do not want to have a nightmare. And in case you are wondering why it is essential to train, here are some benefits: 

  • Training will give you a better experience as you will not get easily tired and feel miserable while hiking.
  • You will avoid getting blisters and injuries since you will develop strength and flexibility in the knees, ankles, and feet.
  • Training will also help you create a firm mindset that will see you through the tough trails. 

Get a Comfy Place to Spend the Night

When you are backpacking for the first time, you might find it a demanding experience. Depending on how long you want to be out backpacking, you should consider getting a comfortable rental space to spend a couple of nights.

If you are backpacking a place like Belleplain State Forest, you can consider spending a night at Ocean City, NJ rentals. Spending a night in a comfortable place after a long trek will rejuvenate your energy and allow you room for more explorations. 

Get Essential Backpacking Gear

Get the right gear for your first backpacking trip

Get the right gear for your first backpacking trip

Based on the backpacking experience you intend to immerse yourself into, you will decide what to gather as part of your gear. However, you can borrow or rent pricier items such as the tent, sleeping bag, and pad to keep your budget low for your first backpacking trip.

Don’t forget to pack supportive over-the-ankle boots. Also, part of the essential gear is the clothes you will need. For your clothes, you might want to consider packing T-shirts, sun shirts, and sun hats to insulate yourself from the heat.

Depending on the season, you may consider the weather and decide if to carry a waterproof jacket or breathable jacket. Remember that the whole point is to be comfortable while not having the burden of excess wear. 

In a nutshell

Backpacking is an adventure you should consider doing. Not only will you be able to immerse yourself in nature and beautiful sceneries, you will expand your horizons by visiting new places and meeting new people.

The good thing is that it doesn’t have to be complicated, even as a beginner. The backpacking tips for beginners above will make your experience better. 

9 Tips & Tricks for Backpacking with your Dog

Notice how your dog’s tail wags when you say the word walk? Our canine furry friends absolutely adore getting out in nature for a big walk, and hiking with your dog is a great way to keep both you and your furry friend in shape and healthy. Whether you are new to canine care or have been doing it a long time, hopefully, this article will help you out! Here are nine tips and tricks for backpacking with a dog when you and your furry friend go hiking in the great outdoors.

1. Pre-Hike Training (for both of you!)

Before you even attempt to go backpacking with your dog, it is important to make sure you are both ready. Before going out together, take your pup to dog parks to ensure they are socialized and well-behaved around other dogs, people, animals, and unknown circumstances. Give your dog little bits of experience around hiking by going on small walks and building up slowly before attempting anything too big.

How to go backpacking with your dog

Take necessary steps to bring your dog on your backpacking adventures

2. Do the Research to Find a Dog-Friendly Trail

As Reece Lance, a travel blogger at Academized and Write my essay, commented, “The first thing you need to ensure before heading out is that you are planning on going to a dog-friendly trailhead. It is extremely easy to make the mistake of heading all the way there and then finding that they do not allow dogs.” Before you go to the trailhead, it is important to do some research. Ensure that the trail is not going to be too hard on your dog’s paws or too much for both of your fitness levels.

3. Pack Enough Food, Water, and Treats for your Pup

9 Tips & Tricks for Hiking and Backpacking with your Dog

Just as it is important to bring yourself enough energy bars, water bottles, and packed sandwiches when you are walking; it is crucial to do the same when you go backpacking with your dog! The best way to think is to bring a little bit more than you need for the both of you. Bring their usual food, extra water, and treats to keep your pup motivated. You do not want to be caught without if the hike goes a little longer than expected. This dog water bottle is easy for them to drink out of, and its handy dual-valve system lets you re-store any water your dog doesn’t drink so that their fresh water doesn’t go to waste.

4. Leave No Trace! Bring Poop Bags

On trails, it is requested that people leave no trace behind and clean up after themselves. This applies to dogs as much as it does to humans. You are responsible for the trace that your dog leaves behind, and this is especially important to consider when your dog poops! Pick up after your pup or bury the waste deep in the ground. Be kind to the environment and bring some extra-thick biodegradable poop bags to dispose of your dog’s waste once you’re off the trail.

5. Bring a First Aid Kit

You should always bring a first aid kit on long hikes for yourself, but also ensure you have canine-specific first-aid items when you go backpacking with your dog. In all hope, you will never need it; but it is always better to be prepared than caught unawares. The most important safety items for a pet first aid kit are tick-tweezers and an LED-lighted color.  This dog-specific first aid kit also includes wraps, a water bowl, special tick tweezers, and a LED light-up color, so that you can easily spot your dog once the sun goes down.

6. Pack Dog Clothing & Wrap-Ups

Ensure your pup will be prepared for extreme weather on the trail

Ensure your pup will be prepared for extreme weather on the trail

Following on from my previous point, it is always better to be prepared than caught unawares. Check the weather before you go backpacking with your dog, but also be prepared for circumstances where the weather may change without warning. Pack extra dog clothing and wrap-ups for both of you. A lightweight rain jacket will fold up nicely in your pack and will come in handy in case you encounter stormy weather on the trail.

7. Bring a Dog Toy on the Hike

Bringing a favorite toy of your pups on the hike will make them feel instantly comfortable and at ease in a new environment. This can also be used as a way of getting their attention if they start wandering off too far to explore. This football-shaped squeak toy is easy to throw, plus the irregular shape means it will bounce in different ways, keeping your dog’s attention.

8. Take Regular Breaks & Keep an Eye on your Dog

Bring your dog (big or small!) on your hiking adventures

Bring your dog (big or small!) on your hiking adventures

Anna George, a lifestyle writer at Boomessays and Resumention, noted, “On a long hike, make sure to keep an eye on your dog for signs of discomfort, pain, or fatigue.” If you start to see signs that you are worried about, this is where your first aid kit comes in handy! However, keeping your dog hydrated and fed will avoid this happening in most cases.

9. Do a Final Check on your Pup

Congrats! You and your dog have finished your hiking adventure or backpacking trip. It is important to do a final check on your pup for any bug bites, ticks, or little injuries before hopping back in the car and heading home.

Checklist for Backpacking with Your Dog

Backpacking with your dog

Hiking with Dogs

Backpacking Packing List: 8 Essential Items for Backpacking the World

Are you planning your first backpacking travel adventure? This can be both exciting and stressful, especially if you’re not sure what you pack. Whether you’re backpacking Europe, exploring Southeast Asia, or travelling throughout South America, there are a few backpacking essentials you’ll want to take with you from home.

To help you get started, take a look at our ultimate backpacking packing list, which will ensure you have everything you need for your trip. 

1. Backpack

Choosing a backpack should be the first thing you consider, as the right bag can make or break your trip. If you choose one that’s too small, you won’t be able to fit all your belongings in it, while a backpack that’s too big can slow you down and make your journey unpleasant.

When deciding on a backpacking backpack, consider the type of trip you’re taking as well as the type of gear you need to bring. A 30-40 litre bag is carry-on size and will fit a few days of clothes. For a longer world backpacking trip, you should be looking at bags that are 50-65 litres.

There are plenty of backpack brands to choose from, so it’s important to take your time and shop around for your particular body size. You should try on plenty of bags in-store and ask for size guidance to make sure you purchase the right one. 

That being said, one of the most popular backpacks for world travelers is an Osprey 65L backpack. They are durable, easy to load, and most importantly, comfortable. Women’s and Men’s backpacks are shaped somewhat differently, so purchase accordingly:

2. Day bag

A small collapsible daypack is an essential item on your backpacking packing list

Bring a small collapsible pack for your day trip excursions

For certain trips, you may want to leave your bulky backpack at your accommodation and instead opt for a lightweight day bag. It would be best if you buy a foldable day bag to fit inside your larger backpack.

Again this shouldn’t be too small or too big, as you need to make sure it’ll fit essentials such as money, your passport or even your visa. Try to choose a day bag with various compartments, as this allows you to separate your lunch from your toiletries. 

3. Waist bag or money belt

When backpacking around the world, you need to be extra careful when carrying around money, as pickpockets tend to target tourists. So, the best way to keep your currency safe is by storing it in a waist bag to keep it close to your person.

You can wear it proudly in front of you, wear it concealed under your clothes, or wear it as a cross-body bag.

There are a wide range of waist bags to choose from in a wide range of colours, so you can select a design to suit your preferences. The majority of money belts and waist bags can also be adjusted, so you don’t have to worry about it slipping down while you’re walking. 

4. Padlocks

To keep your belongings safe, you should definitely invest in padlocks. This small item on your backpacking packing list can be a lifesaver during your travels! You can quickly and easily secure your bag or hostel locker with a padlock for just a small cost.

Your luggage lock will also work on your backpacks, which will ensure all the contents are safe, especially your passport, as losing this would be a nightmare.

5. Universal travel adapter


One thing you will need to have on your backpacking packing list is a universal travel adapter, which will work for your phone charger or any other electronic devices you bring along. 

A universal travel adapter will solve all your plug issues, especially considering there are fifteen different power plug shapes around the world! So, instead of lugging different types of plugs around, you will only need a multi-purpose adapter. Just make sure you don’t leave it in your hostel!

6. Laptop

If you’re travelling alone, you’ll want to keep in contact with your friends and family to keep them in the loop about where you are off to next. Or maybe you want to document your journey on a personal travel blog.

The best way to do this is by taking a travel-size laptop. A Macbook air is the most popular laptop for digital nomads because it’s durable, lightweight, and compact.

If you are a freelancer or can work on the road, you can also use your laptop to work as you travel. You could even start up a public blog to document your travels and share your experiences with a wider audience.

7. Camera

Don't forget to bring a camera to document your adventures

A camera will help document your once-in-a-lifetime backpacking adventures

Your phone camera is sufficient for everyday life, but backpacking around the world is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! You’ll want to document all the amazing things you encounter along the way because your travel photos will be invaluable once you return from your epic journey.

This is exactly why you need a good-quality camera, which not only takes great pictures but also fits perfectly and safely in your backpack.

Most cameras these days come equipped with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi capabilities, which means you can easily send them to your laptop or phone if you want to post them online along the way.

There are plenty of action cameras to choose from, so you do research and ask around to see if anyone can recommend a good camera that will capture all your memories and enhance your blog. 

A GoPro is the ultimate item for your backpacking packing list

A GoPro is the ultimate backpacker gadget for adventure-seekers

If you have the technical know-how, you may want to bring a high-tech DSLR camera that allows you to capture stunning photos. For some of us, a more compact point-and-shoot camera will do the trick and has the benefit of being small enough to fit in your day pack.

However, if you want the ultimate backpacker gadget, you should bring along a GoPro which can accompany you everywhere from underwater adventures, to skydiving during your world travels.

8. Travel towel

Another essential item for your backpacking packing list is a quick-drying travel towel, as you will be moving from different hostels as you backpack from city to city, where you will need a hygienic towel. A travel towel is compact and can fit easily inside your backpack. 

You may also need a quick-drying towel when you’re enjoying some water excursions during your world backpacking trip, such as exploring waterfalls or hidden natural pools. 

Now that you have an idea of what to pack for your next adventure, you can stop stressing and start researching and planning some activities for your first backpacking travel adventure. Have fun out there!

5 Essential Travel Gadgets for your Vacation Packing List

It’s been a tumultuous year for everyone. After being held prisoner in our own homes for most of 2020, there seems to be an incipient air of positivity on the horizon. The world is slowly but surely starting to open again. And for many adventurers, wanderlusters, and dreamers, that means one thing: travel.

The travel bug has been dormant against our will for a while, but the time has come to start thinking about our next escapades. If you let your mind wander, you can almost smell the potpourri of exotic dishes at an Asian night market, feel the warm sand between your toes on a Croatian beach, or walk amid exotic flora and fauna on a trek through the Peruvian jungle.

As the moment approaches when we can once again dust off our passports, it’s time to start thinking about how to make the most of the experience and the essential items we need to have in our traveler’s bag.

With so many must-have travel gadgets on the market these days, we need to be judicious with how we pack. But these are five of the ultimate travel gadgets that you don’t want to leave home without.

Universal all in one power adaptor

Any seasoned traveler worth their salt knows that a universal power adaptor is a must-have travel gadget for everyone. It doesn’t matter how many phones, tablets, laptops, or extension cord with a switch you have if you don’t have a way to charge them.

Different countries have different shapes and sizes of power outlets, so you’ll want to make sure you can plug in your favorite travel gadgets even when you’re abroad. Having an all-in-one adaptor in your bag is a game-changer and takes the worry out of having dead electronics, no matter which country in the world you are in.

Portable Wi-Fi

Bring a portable wifi device to stay connected while you travel

Bring a portable wifi device to stay connected while you travel

Those who have traveled to distant countries will know the struggle of having to rely on your budget hostel’s terrible Wi-Fi. Take the worry out of the game by packing a portable Wi-Fi/hot spot device to make sure you stay connected no matter where you are.

The plans on these devices can vary, but there are some affordable options available to you when you know that connecting to the internet will be a struggle. This is one of the best travel gadgets for digital nomads or for anyone that spends time off the beaten path.

Gimbal for your smartphone

A travel gimbal is one of the best travel gadgets to help you capture stable videos of your adventures

A gimbal can help you capture high-quality videos of your adventures

It doesn’t matter if you live for Instagram, are a travel blogger, or a vlogger; a stabilizing gimbal for your smartphone is one of the best travel gadgets to make sure you always get ‘the shot.’ Gimbals are designed to remove the shake while moving or shooting shifting footage.

Nothing is worse than a shaky, choppy video that you try to take while cruising in a Tuk Tuk in Thailand or zipping down the Hai Van pass in Vietnam. Gimbals often include great zoom features, slow motion, and time-lapse. Gimbals are small, portable, and a must-have travel gadget for anyone that uses their phone as the main source for video.

Waterproof case for phone and wallet

This might be the most understated but most important travel gadget out there. Especially for those heading to a beach location. How many times have you been to a beach or a lake but were reluctant to take a dip for fear that your valuables would get stolen if you left them on the shore?

It doesn’t matter how close of an eye you keep on your things from the water; a thief can be out of sight with your things by the time you get to the beach. Having a small waterproof case that you wear around your neck can take all your worries away. These are lifesavers and are designed to hold your phone, wallet, keys, etc.

Travel drone

A drone travel gadget can help you capture incredible shots

A drone can help you capture incredible shots of your travels

This travel gadget might fall into a little more of the expensive category; but, the coolness factor of a travel drone is hard to beat. With everyone taking the same photos for ‘the Gram’ these days, it’s amazing to be able to get shots or footage that not many others can.

The cinematic shots that a drone can provide will no doubt take your vlog or blog to the next level and wow your viewers. Drones have gone down in price as technology improves and can be foldable and compact to make them easier to travel with than they used to be.

Whether you travel professionally or just for leisure, a drone will take your experience to the next level.

Conclusion

Hopefully, reading this has fanned the flames of your travel fire. Crossing borders will soon be a reality again, and equipping yourself with some of these must have travel gadgets is going to make your next trip a memorable one.

With so many options out there for travel accessories, picking the right ones can be dizzying. Think safety and practicality first by getting a waterproof phone case or universal power adaptor, and then move on to some of the fun stuff like drones and gimbals. Depending on how big your suitcase is, the possibilities are endless.