Hiking bear/food bags buyer tips and backpacking tips. Backpack: If you do borrow a pack, try it on first to be sure that it fits comfortably. Load it up with assorted items to about 30 pounds, and take it out on a long test hike. If it’s comfortable on the hips and in the shoulders, it’s probably fine for this first backpacking trip. If you decide to buy a pack, have an REI pack specialist measure your torso so they can properly fit you. Don’t be tempted by an ultralight model for your first backpack because it will be less padded and have a less supportive structure than a more deluxe model. If you’re determined to minimize weight, look first at ultralight tents, sleeping bags and sleeping pads. Learn more by reading Backpacks: How to Choose. You can also check out our staff picks for the best backpacks.

Reducing backpack weight trick : Ultralight gaiters. Get some of these. They are like those elastic book sock covers from school. Great to keep out any debris from your shoes and much lighter than other gaiter options. Leave your puffy jacket (if it’s not too cold). Even in freezing temperatures on the Appalachian Trail, I was always shedding layers and still sweating buckets while hiking. You can always bundle with your sleeping bag on breaks and at camp. See ultralight down jackets. Wool socks. Wool naturally fights odors and still insulates when wet, unlike cotton. Read extra info at Ultralight Hiking Gear Online Shopping.

If you do find yourself in an emergency situation or get lost, your general workflow will be: Stop and calm down. Use your navigation tools to figure out where you are and try to get to where you need to be. If you are injured or are lost, find a safe spot of land to wait. Ideally it’s in the clear so you can signal rescuers. Sart signaling rescuers. Use your hiking essentials to build a shelter, take care of your body, and get comfortable. Wait for rescuers. Don’t move. Wait where you are. The hiking gear that’s in your emergency bucket can change based on your outdoors skills. If you’re an experienced outdoorsman who knows primitive skills, you might be able to survive with nothing. Check out the show Naked and Afraid to see what this looks like in practice. If you’re not adapt at outdoors skills, it’s easy enough just to pack the hiking gear that will make surviving in the outdoors possible. I know some primitive skills, but I still bring lots of gear. The more survival tools you have, the better your chances of survival.

Who is Hilltop Packs? We are a family owned business. You can find more info about us here. Does Hilltop Packs have an affiliate program? Yes! Earn 5% on every order you refer to us. Sign up here. What is the current lead time from when I place my order? While we do keep many items in stock a lot of our products are made to order. Current lead times can be found here. Where is Hilltop Packs located? Waynesburg PA. We share space with the photography studio that our family owns downtown. However we make a lot of our products off-site in a shop we built in our home. We currently do not have a shop open to walk-ins. However, that may change in the future. Discover more details on www.hilltoppacks.com.