How to Survive out of your Backpack

If this is your mode of travel in the future, here are some things that you will need in order to survive.

First and foremost, you need a good Backpack. Your best bet here is to try on one before you buy it. Be sure it fits and is adjustable to meet your needs. This will be your biggest expense, so you want to be very picky in choosing the right one. Depending on your body size, the pack should be between 50 and 65 liters. Kelty Span and the JanSport Big Bear are two of the best. REI is another brand that is favored by many. The cost on your bag will vary between $130 to $269. However, you might also find one just as good and cheaper on Ebay. A good Backpack will have extra side pockets and pockets at the rear of it for securing smaller items. Since this will be what keeps your supplies and equipment dry, spend the money and get a good one.

Next you will need a good hooded light weight jacket that is water resistant. Depending on where you are headed, a good warm lining is desirable. Waterproof seams and zippers are just as important. Extra pockets can come in very handy.

Shoes are the next important item that you need. After all, you are going to be using your feet all the time. The shoes should be light and water tight. They also need to have a very good sole for gripping the surface. Next to your Backpack, this is one of the most expensive items that you should invest in. Be sure to break them in first before using them.

Another item is a good bike cable lock. There will be times when you have to get away from your bag and you need to secure it from being stolen.

Garbage bags are needed to place dirty or wet clothes in. They help to keep your items fresh. They also can help keep your sanitary products sanitary.

A roll of toilet paper in your pack can have a number of uses. This is something that you don't want to be without.

Duct tape is important because you can use it for broken straps and quick patches on holes.

Other items that you should have are a good sharp utility knife. Be sure it has a bottle opener and can opener on it. Dry wooden matches, newspaper for starting a fire. A sewing kit for repairing torn clothes. A small first aid kit. The kit should also have a snake bite kit. An extra set of shoestrings. Light weight clothes for quick changes when you have to. An extra set of shoes comes in handy when one pair is wet. A towel for when you need a shower. You also need a bug repellent or citronella candle to keep insects away in the evening or early morning hours. Toiletries for grooming and cleaning up. A lightweight poncho can be used for sitting on as well as protection against rain.

If you are sleeping under the stars, a good sleeping bag that is water proof is good to have. They usually go on top of your Backpack. Some individuals will even roll up clothes inside the sleeping bag while they travel.

Medication should be kept separated and easy to get to in your bag. The same is true with food and beverages. Most Pack packs have a water or liquid container area on the outside of it. Power Bars are excellent for nutrition and are lightweight.

If you cookout, then carry a small Army Mess Kit. they are easy to clean, lightweight, and take up very little room.

The last item is a good flashlight. Be sure it has batteries that are charged or new. You will especially need this if you are walking at night along a highway or in the woods. Spare no expense on this item either.

Now you are ready to go. Enjoy your trek.

Comments (1)

lighthouse1958 said:

	... I guess we would need all these things to survive out of our backpacks. Good ideal if we ever have to use them someday, who knows. 5*
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April 11, 2010
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