When heading out on a backpack trip that involves camping overnight, you need to be prepared. Having the right supplies is essential for a successful trip. If you are backpacking, chances are you will be in the backcountry, or a remote area far away from stores and modern amenities. The Backpack website suggests that you pack what you need, but be sure to keep your load light to avoid strain.
Camp Stove
Your camp stove is the backbone of your excursion. You need a good, reliable stove to prepare foods and sanitize water. Look for a compact stove that runs off portable fuel such as isobuten. The MSR Pocket Rocket backpacking stove sold at REI for around $30 in 2010, is a 3-ounce mini stove that fits easily in any backpack. The tiny stove gets four out of five stars from REI customers, and it packs a powerful punch. It can boil water in as little as four minutes. It has an adjustable flame so you can cook items quickly or let them simmer slowly. There is no priming involved with this stove, and it lights in one step.
Tent
When choosing a tent for your backpacking trip, you need something lightweight that will be easy to put up without a lot of extra tools. The MSR Hubba tent is a one-person tent that weighs only 3 pounds, so it keeps your pack light. At 17 square feet, this tent makes the most of a small space. It has a swivel hub pole system, rip-stop nylon rain fly and a sturdy polyurethane outer coating to keep UV rays out. It has a vestibule area for wet shoes or storage. This tent received five stars from REI, where it retails for around $280 in 2010.
Sleeping Bag
A sleeping bag is a must for any backpacking camper. Coleman designed its Klickitat X 20 Mummy sleeping bag for backpack enthusiasts. This is a lightweight all-season sleeping bag that is insulated with Climashield for added warmth and has a nylon taffeta lining for comfort. There is also a sculpted hood for keeping warm on cool nights. Weighing only 2 pounds and 11 ounces, this backpack retails for around $85 in 2010.
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