Backpacking can mean a long, tranquil meander through hills and mountain meadows -- or you might find yourself dealing with thunderstorms, floods, tornadoes, snow or wild animals. That's not to say you should venture into the backcountry cringing in fear of what awaits. But you should be prepared to deal with emergencies on the trail -- and that starts with carrying the proper gear.
Backpacking vs. Hiking
When hiking, you pack according to the conditions you might encounter on the trail. Think of backpacking as a long, difficult overnight or multinight hike. You'll be farther from civilization and help will take longer to reach you than on a day hike -- if help arrives at all. On a backpacking trip, you need to be more capable of evacuating yourself in case of emergency than if you were going for a short day hike, so pack accordingly.
Types
Although some wilderness adventurers pride themselves on their ability to make do with nothing but a Bowie knife clenched in their teeth, most backpackers strike a balance between providing as many home comforts as possible without actually carrying the kitchen sink along. Almost every backpacker opts to carry a tent, camping stove, water filter, basic dishes, eating utensils, a knife and extra clothing. Every savvy backpacker carries a survival and first aid kit, too -- although the actual contents of the kit vary widely from person to person.
Striking the Balance
When going car camping, you can choose gear with hardly a care about its weight or size. Anything that fits in the car is fair game. Try to haul the same gear on your back and you'll quickly develop a taste for smaller, lighter gear. That's why outdoor equipment manufacturers have put so much time and energy into developing lightweight gear, including sleeping bags, apparel and even the backpack itself. Buy the best you can afford. Quality backpacking gear will be with you for quite a while, so it's worth your money to invest in something that you won't end up replacing soon because it broke down or is too bulky to carry.
The Ten Essentials and More
The "ten essentials" for traveling in the mountains, first laid out in "Mountaineering: Freedom of the Hills," edited by Steven M. Cox and Kris Fulsaas, make a good start for a wilderness survival kit. The list includes a map, compass, flashlight or headlamp, extra food, extra clothing, sunglasses, first-aid supplies, a pocket knife, matches, and a fire starter or kindling. A bit of duct tape wound around your water bottle, or some cordage or zip ties stuffed in a pocket, make useful emergency repair supplies.
Most Important Piece of Gear
All the survival gear in the world won't help you if you don't know how to use it, and suffering in bad weather or a medical emergency is the worst time to realize you have no clue what to do. Practice with every item in your emergency kit, in controlled conditions, so you have a base of experience to draw on if things get nasty. Prep yourself for success by taking first aid, orienteering or wilderness survival courses until you feel prepared to handle whatever happens on the trail.
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