Backpacking

Internal-Frame Packs: As the name suggests, internal-frame packs have an internal frame. This frame is made of light weight metal or plastic slats called stays, that are sewn between two layers of pack cloth to give support to the pack. Internal-frame packs are ideal for traveling through heavy brush, in steep terrain, or while skiing and snowshoeing. Many internal-frame packs have removable top or rear flaps that can be converted into day packs for hikes from a base camp. Since internal-frame packs are in constant contact with the wearer's back, they do not allow moisture to pass through them. For this reason, an internal-frame pack may be uncomfortable on warm-weather treks. Internal-frame packs are generally more expensive than external-frame packs because of the degree of work that goes into them.
External-Frame Packs: External-frame packs are essentially bags bolted onto a metal frame. The external frame allows these packs to be considerably larger than internal-frame packs because the added rigidity of the external frame efficiently transfers the weight of the load to the hip belt. External frames allow the wearer to lash sleeping bags, tents, and other equipment onto all points of the frame, allowing more than daisy chains and straps will allow.

Choosing a Backpack: There are a large number of pack manufacturers each with their own unique styles of backpacks available. The buyer has a choice between day packs, backpacks, and technical packs. You should look for a backpack that best matches the needs of most trips you will be taking. You can use your school bag for day trips, and unless you are planning to climb Mt. Everest, you won't have need for a technical pack. Your first choice to make is one between internal and external frames. Pick which ever you prefer. The second choice you will need to make is on the capacity of the pack. The capacity, often noted in cubic inches, tells you how much space is inside the pack. A capacity of 2,500 to 3,000 in³ is a good choice for a large day pack or for overnight trips in warm weather when you won't need a heavy sleeping bag or much other gear. 3,000 to 4,500 in³ is a good size for two or three day trips in the spring, summer, and autumn. The majority of standard backpacks have a capacity of 4,500 to 6,000 in³ and are intended for trips of several days or more. Remember to pick a pack capacity appropriate to the length of the trips you plan to take; having extra space will make you pack more items and weight than you need.; The third choice that you need to make is what size of backpack you need: small, medium, or large. The size depends on your torso size. To find your torso size, have a friend measure from your 7th vertebrae to the top of your hips following the curve of your spine. Your 7th vertebrae is the boney projection where your neck meets your shoulders. To find the top of your hips, place your hands fingers forward on your hips with your thumbs on your back and move your hands up until your thumbs are at the top of your hip bone. A knowledgeable sales person can help you properly determine your backpack size.; When choosing your pack, do not simply pick one that looks cool. It needs to be the right size and capacity for your needs. Remember that on a backpacking trip you will be wearing your pack for up to 8 hours during the day. If it doesn't fit properly you will have a very poor experience and possibly end up hurting yourself.

Outdoor Essentials: The outdoor essentials are important to have with you during a backpacking trek just like on any camping trip.
Pocketknife: Why: A pocketknife is the all-purpose tool for the outdoors. You can use it to cut rope, slice food, or tighten a srew.; What: Choose a quality knife that includes several blades, can opener, and a screwdriver. Keep it clean and sharp.
First Aid Kit: Why: Carrying a first aid kit will allow you to treat scrapes and cuts and provide initial care for more serious injuries.; What: Each member of the crew should carry basic first aid items in a sealable plastic bag: 6 adhesive bandages, 2 3"x3" sterile gauze pads, 1 small roll of adhesive tape, tweezers, 1 3"x6" moleskin, 1 small bar of soap, 1 small tube of antiseptic, and 1 roller bandage. In addition, each patrol will carry a first aid kit with equipment suited to the skill of it's assigned first aider.
Extra Clothing and Rain Gear: Why: Weather conditions in the outdoors can change, sometimes with quickness and suprise. You should have the clothing with you to deal with those situations.; What: Clothing is discussed in depth in both the Scout Handbook and Fieldbook.
Water Bottle: Why: The amount of water you need to carry depends on the activities of the day and the sources of water you will encounter. While heat and humidity can make you more thirsty, it is important to drink plenty of fluid in cold weather, too.; What: Water containers should be light, unbreakable, and secure. The best example is the popular 1 liter Nalgene bottle.
Flashlight: Why: Even the best-planned trips sometimes take longer than expected. A flashlight will help you set up camp in the dark or find your way home after the sun has gone down. Carry spare batteries and an extra bulb for your flashlight.; What: There are three main types of flashlights available: headlamps, penlights, and regular flashlights. Headlamps keep your hands free for hiking and dealing with nighttime emergencies. Penlights don't weigh much and can cast a bright beam of light. Regular flashlights can serve all of your trek needs but many are heavy. Although expensive for good quality, modern LED flashlights using 1, 2, or 3 LED lights provide bright light and can be very light weight and small.
Trail Food: Why: You'll burn a lot of energy in the outdoors. A stash of trail food will keep you going through planned activities and is especially important if a trip lasts longer than expected.; What: Choose high-energy foods. Make your own trail mix with nuts, raisins, and diced fruits. Bring along a small bag of granola and an apple or an orange.
Matches and Fire Starters: Why: Plan your clothing, shelter, and meals well enough so that you can conduct your activities without relying on an open fire, but be prepared to build one in an emergency.; What: Carry several fire starters that are reliable, durable, and that you know how to use.
Sun Protection: Why: Sunburn is a common, painful injury among people who enjoy the outdoors. Repeated burns can cause long-term damage and the potential for skin cancer.; What: Use plenty of sunscreen with an SPF between 15 and 30. (An SPF under 15 provides insufficient protection and one greater than 30 adds little extra protection from the sun.)
Map and Compass: Why: The deeper you travel into the backcountry, the more important a map and compass become. Use them to find your way through unfamiliar terrain, when visibility is poor, and where expected trail signs are missing.; What: You will need a compass with a good-sized baseplate, a topographic map of the area in which you intend to travel, and the knowledge to use them both separately and together.

Minimizing Weight: Many books that have been written about backpacking bring weight minimization to such extremes as cutting the handle off of your tooth brush. This results in an outdoor experience that may not actually be filled with the relaxation you hoped it would. If you think about what you will need, you can minimize the weight of your essential gear and still have some luxuries with you such as a toothbrush with a handle.; When you pack for your backpacking trip, think about each piece of clothing and equipment you are packing. If you are not sure that you will absolutely need it, set it to the side until you are done packing. After the gear you know that you will need has been packed, go back to this pile of gear that you are not sure about. Ask yourself these questions: Will I use it while I'm on the trail? Is the effect the item will provide worth extra weight? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, pack the item. If the answer is no, don't pack it. The first question is perhaps the most important one that you need to answer. There is no sense in weighing yourself down with weight that you will not use at all. An example of this would be carrying books with you. You will rarely find the time to read them considering most of your time is spent on the trail, and while in camp or taking a break you will most likely be admiring nature or not have the will or energy to read.; It was mentioned before that you should minimize the weight of your essential gear. The main bulk of your pack's weight will come from clothing and your sleeping bag. By having light weight hiking clothing, you can significantly reduce the weight of your pack. Another method that many backpackers swear by is only carrying two sets of clothing. An outfit to wear on the trail and a semi-clean outfit to wear in camp is really all that you need, right? The issue of the sleeping bag is difficult as far as weight reduction. The best solution would be to carry a bag that is suited for the conditions you are planning to backpack in and try to find one made of the lightest, yet warmest materials possible.; A final thought on the subject of weight reduction: Common sense is the key. You don't need to go to extremes like cutting your gear apart, some simple planning is really all it takes to minimize the weight of your pack. If you bring something with you on a trip and end up not using it, chances are that you don't need it in the future. That is the second key...experience.
Water in the Backcountry: It used to be the way of pioneers to dip their cup into crystal clear streams or pure mountain springs, but times have changed. Today, this is no longer a safe method to secure water. Even in the backcountry, water may be contaminated with various chemicals and possibly harbors harmful bacteria, protozoa, or viruses. This means that the backpacker needs to carry means of cleaning the water he plans to drink. This is done by two methods, filtering and purifying. Water filters work by pushing water through a filter of some sort that will remove particulate matter from the water. Most modern filters use a ceramic cartridge with .3 micron holes that prevent particles larger than .3 microns from passing through it. These filters are effective in filtering out protozoa and some bacteria, however they are ineffective against viruses. Combined with a carbon filter, they also have the ability to reduce organic chemicals such as pesticides that may be present in the water source. Combined with chemical treatment, such as MicroPUR tablets, water filters can make the water you drink as safe if not safer than the water coming out of your faucet at home.; Purification can be accomplished in several ways. You can boil the water to kill any biological matter in it. You can use chemicals such as iodine and chlorine to kill biological matter in the water. (The excessive use of iodine can cause iodine poisoning.)

Wilderness First Aid: The topic of wilderness first aid focuses mainly on the topic of risk management and prevention. There's an old saying about an ounce of prevention being worth a pound of something...but that doesn't really aid in bringing the importance of prevention into focus. In the backcountry, you may be hours or days from help. This means that you need to be able to take care of any problem that could arise. More importantly, this means planning properly so you don't find yourself in a situation that could result in injury or illness. Consider this example. At summer camp, you don't give a second thought to crossing a log laying across a creek because it is only a foot or two from the water and if you do fall, you aren't far from help. A similar log laying across a stream in the backcountry might make you think more about how you would cross it. Do you slowly walk across it, or stradle the log and inch your way across? If you chose the second method, you might be more prepared than you know to manage risk in the backcountry. What made you choose that option? Was it the fact that you aren't near help if you fall?; Other than managing risk, wilderness first aid teaches you how to be resourceful. Keep in mind that you are in the middle of nowhere with only the equipment and supplies on your back. You may need to wait with an injured backpacker for hours or days for help to arrive, which means you need to be able to use your supplies effectively. There are several organizations that offer training in wilderness first aid, including such courses as Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness Responder.