Backpacking Essentials: What’s in Your Backpack?

There are certain backpacking essentials that you need to take with you on any trip, be it short or long. Read on to find out about this essential must have item.

The Complete Backpacking Packing List

There are certain backpacking essentials that you should always take if you are going to be traveling for a long time. While there are many new high-end devices out there that you can use, there are a few standard ones that you should keep with you. For example, if you carry a battery-operated GPS with you and the battery is dead, you might be in a crisis without a map. These thoughts lead me into the backpacking essentials you should take on on your trip:

* Maps- You should choose a map that is more suitable for backpacking or hiking. Comprehensive information on the route and area of ​​your trip is required.

* Compass- While having a map is important, a compass is the necessary companion for maps. These two important backpackings go with each other. The trails can start to look similar in the wilderness, so it’s important you know where you’re going. You should choose a compass that is durable and will stand up to elements like the weather.

* Flashlight- Having good lighting ensures that you see what’s ahead. Having adequate lighting can protect against falls or injury; things that could end the trip.

* Spare food and clothing – There are many conditions that can occur when you are on the road, so make sure to bring extra food and clothing. You should always take precautions for the unexpected. Better to be safe than sorry when packing your backpacking essentials.

* Knife- A knife is something that you will find many uses for when you are out in the wilderness. If you can afford it, a knife like the Swiss Army knife is a fantastic asset because you can multitask with it. At the very least, you will need a sharp knife that you can use to cut ingredients and other things.

* Matches that you carry should absolutely be waterproof. As with everything else, the match must have the essentials of backpacking. If you don’t get a waterproof fit, make sure you store it in something that’s waterproof.

* Water or water treatment- You need to be healthy and at your best when you are on the trail, and being hydrated is one of the most effective ways. If you are not going to keep water with you, then you will have to bring essential items, such as iodine tablets, to treat drinking water.

* First Aid Kit-I believe this to be one of the most important backpacking essentials. You never know what you may encounter in the wilderness. Having a first aid kit is very important even for a place or section you know well. You have to make sure that the kit is provided with a selection of items and that all materials are used properly.

Outdoor Survival: How to Create an “Outdoor Survival Shelter”

Learn the basics of building a one-man rubble hut as a shelter for outdoor camping adventures and survivalist training.

A rubble hut is one of the easiest types of survival shelters to build when you are camping. The reason for this is that apart from a few simple tools you can take all your building materials to survive the surrounding area. Building a rubble hut is also something you can do in a relatively short period of time so that you can have safe shelter in case you unexpectedly have to set up camp due to bad weather.

How to Make a Rubble Hut for One Person

To make an efficient shelter as part of your survival training you need to have long sturdy branches. Typically, if you are making an outdoor survival shelter for just one person, you will only want to find a piece of wood that is about 1.5 times as high. This allows sufficient coverage at both ends of the shelter, but also makes getting in and out of the survival shelter easier than if you made your rubble hut 2 times your length. You’ll also use your own body heat for warmth so the closer the shelter is to your measurements, the better. You may be lucky in finding the fallen branches, but you will most likely need to cut the branches with a survival knife to create the main support beam for your survival shelter.

Creating a stable foundation for your rubble hut

After you collect the main branches, you have to support them. Be sure to set the branches at a height of about two to three inches above the top of your head when you are sitting. You can crown branches between two trees, or use natural formations such as rock outcrops. You want these branches to be secure so that you can stud shorter branches, dead leaves, branches from green trees and other insulation material against and above. Once your foundation is in place, then you can start the real work of building your outdoor survival shelter. Use materials such as dead leaves, tree branches, grass, and to make a thick cover for your debris shelter. Ideally you want to make a 3 foot high material cover that sits in a cross hatch pattern to create a sturdy shelter that will keep wind and rain from entering your space. Secure the finish using your survival knife to cut the green branches to hold the debris in place.

Make Floors and Doors for Your Survival Shelter

To stay warm and dry, you will also need to create a floor for your survival shelter. Usually pine and grass make good insulation floors, along with leaves and dry. A layer of debris one foot deep will usually suffice, but you want to make sure that the material you use is dry because your body heat and the tight confines of the shelter will not allow excess air movement and drying. You will also need a door for your survival shelter. You can leave both ends open or cover one of them with cross-hatched debris. However, to really secure your surroundings, you’ll want to use the larger green branches by cutting them off with your survival knife so they can be easily moved to cover the opening to your shelter, as well as entry camouflage. Now you are ready for an outdoor adventure!