Backpacking

The popular outdoor activity of backpacking consists of carrying the required gear in a backpack on a hike into the wilderness and then camping for the night. Backpacking trips may consist of one night or several weeks and backpackers may travel to public campgrounds or journey long distances into the back country. Extended camping trips can be aided by planned drops of food and supplies

Backpacking can also refer to the practice of carrying clothing and supplies in a backpack while traveling through foreign countries. Instead of journeying into the wilderness, travel backpackers explore the sights and sounds of different cities and cultures. Rather than sleeping outside, travel backpackers often find inexpensive hotels and hostels in which to spend the night and use public transportation to travel between destinations. Europe is a popular travel backpacking destination, although backpacking in Asia is becoming increasingly common.

Main Items:

• Backpack - you will need to carry your essentials: food, clothing, water, map, knife, matches, first-aid kit, sun protection.
• Pack rain cover - keeps your pack dry in the event of a sudden shower
• Day pack - your items you will need for the short trip away from the main camp area
• Tent, poles, pegs, groundsheet - your "home away from home"
• Sleeping bag - be sure your bag is suited to the nighttime temps in the area you are backpacking.
• Sleeping pad - this will keep the dampness from the ground from creeping into your sleeping bag.http://www.backpacking-guide.com/backpacking-checklist.html

• Mahalo's Guide to How to Go Backpacking