Best Herschel Supply Co. Backpacks and the best shoe holders right now: Because you have to carry and fit it all into your pack, backpacking gear has to be lightweight and compact. That’s why, with a few exceptions, it’s not practical to simply repurpose car camping gear. Remember, too, that you’ll be splitting up gear like tents and pots and stoves when you hike with a friend. The following are essential items you’ll need for any backpacking trip: Tent: Plan to share because a two-person tent weighs less and is more economical than two one-person tents. Bring a tent rated for three seasons (spring, summer and fall) rather than a four-season tent because you’re not ready for mountaineering just yet. Learn more by reading How to Choose a Backpacking Tent. You can also check out our guide to the best backpacking tents. Read even more details on shoe holster for carrying shoes on bag.
The All Seasons version uses a cotton exterior fabric, a highly breathable 3D cool air mesh lining, and has an awesome zip-down front section for warmer conditions. This was an awesome touch because many of our moms reported that there are very few single carriers that are versatile enough to adapt to different weather conditions. Often, you will begin a walk in the morning when the weather is a bit cool and then carry again around lunchtime when the weather was warmer. This carrier allows you to effectively reduce the insulation and allow more airflow to the baby’s back, sides, and/or torso. There were several other features we loved about this carrier. First, unlike the ERGO, there is no awkward infant insert to deal with: the carrier is already shaped to support infants as small as 7 pounds without any insert. Second, the carrier configures into 6 different carry positions, which are all really awesome. The first uses the fetal tuck, the second is a tuck with legs out, third and fourth are front- and rear-facing toddler, the fifth is a trendy hip sling style, and sixth is a back carrier for the bigger kiddos (all the way up to 45 pounds!). We found that all 6 positions were highly supportive, well constructed, and very comfortable for both mom (or dad) and baby.
Reducing backpack weight advice : 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. Find additional details on https://ilouxnei.com/.
Navigation and maps might be the most important hiking essential. If you know where you are, you should know how to get home. If you’re lost, you’re in trouble. In this case I actually use several devices. GPS watch with track loaded. Dedicated backup GPS device with maps loaded. Smartphone app with offline maps (make sure you’re in airplane mode). Paper topographic maps. Guidebook or hike printout. Compass to navigate with paper. This is pretty straightforward. Use sunscreen and SPF protected clothing to avoid sunburn (and sun poisoning). I also carry a tarp and cord in my pack so I can erect a shade shelter if need be.