Trip Preparation

Before you just take off and go there are a few things you should know about before you leave. Most importantly your destintation and travel companions. But, without the right equipment even those basic things can be spoiled. First of all you'll need your basic fundamentals of boots, a tent and of course a backpack.

Boots

The right boots are an extremely important part of making your trip a success. Actually it might be the most important piece of equipment that you'll have. There are three different types to choose from:

When finding the right boot make sure to bring along the appropriate attire. When you hike you wear hiking socks so when you try on hiking boots you should wear hiking socks. If you do try the boots on with light cotton socks you will pay for it later while you ron the trails. One final note that you must abide by, no matter how much you think you don't have to or how much you don't want to you must, I repeat you must, Break in your boots!

Backpacks

There are two different types of packs. You can either have an external back or an internal pack. They are both basically the same but external packs have the metal bars, the support of the bag, on the outside of the bag. Internal packs have the bars enclosed inside the material. So, what's the difference you ask. Well, the difference is that the external packs tend to make for easier packing of equipment. They tend to have a few more pockets. But, the internal packs on the other hand seem to be much more comfortable. This is a huge plus for long days of hiking.

Packs are measured in cubic inches and come in all different sizes. They usually range from 3,000 to 7,000 inches. 3,000 inches being the size for large daypacks, which are good for no more then one night. The 4-5,000 range is a good weekend pack. For a over a week you will need at least a 6,000 inch pack. So, remember when picking out your bag, size does matter.

Tents

Tents come in a variety of shapes on sizes. Try not to be sucked into all the different colors and styles. Size should be the first thing your considering. The sizes are a 2-man, 3-man, 4-man, 6-man, adn even go up to the family sizes of 10 and more. These are a little big for hiking purposes. Your tent should have the main tent, the rain fly(tarp), along with the support poles (these hold up your tent so i'd advise keeping a close watch on them and bringing a few extras.) You should also bring along a piece of ground cloth. This is a piece of plastic that goes under your tent. I prefer to call it a tent diaper. The point of your tent diaper is to keep your tent dry and clean from the ground. It works best when the edges are tucked neatly underneath the tent. If the diaper is sticking out the point of it has been slightly lost.
Along with the proper essentials you should have a checklist of hiking gear to look at before you finally pack for you journey. Remember, pack everything in zip lock bags preparation means nothing if your stuff is unusuable.
Again, always remember to keep your stuff dry you must safely secure everthing in zip lock plastic bags. Now that you know everything there is to know about what to pack for your trip why don't you find more about what you do once your there.

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