Equipment: Unless you plan on climbing Mount Everest you can purchase most everything you need at your local Army Navy surplus store. Be sure to shop around and look for sales. Everything you buy doesn't have to last a life time. Think about how you plan on using this equipment and buy accordingly.
Tip 1: Film cases or drug bottles are perfect multipurpose tools. These containers are waterproof and light, making them perfect containers for matches, seasonings, and condiments. A little trick I like to do with my little containers is to fill them with waterproof matches and wrap them with lots of duct tape. This makes a perfect tape dispenser for one of the most diverse products made to date. Duct tape can be used to stop blisters, repair poles and pack frames, cover holes in clothing and other equipment. (I've had the same small piece of duct tape on the inside of my tent for the past 5 years and have been using the same film case for 7 to 8 years. (I'm almost out of tape))
Tip 2: Fanny packs are an excellent way to keep all your small essentials together that should be with you at all times while hiking. Things such as compasses, cameras, waterproof matches, survival blanket, flashlight and pocketknife. These fanny packs can be attached to any pack in a way that will allow them to be quickly disconnected.
Tip 3:
Trail companions: This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart. I have hiked, as you can tell from these pictures, both alone and in large groups. There is something wonderful to say about both types of hiking but sometimes when you're alone on the trail and surrounded by nothing but nature and the few things that you brought with you. You can't help but reflect upon and appreciate all you have in your life. Because after a few days in the woods without seeing or hearing any sign of people or so called civilization you'll either find yourself saying "Never Again" or "What the hell was I waiting for". I personally have had both reactions when hiking alone and wouldn't trade those experiences for the world.
Tip 1: Always leave detailed plans of your trip with someone at home and if possible with the local Park Ranger of the area you plan on hiking. These plans should include a map with the planed route marked off. Another helpful hint that could help save your life in an emergency is a time-line highlighting where you intend to be at any given time during your trip.
Packing Your Pack: A lot of beginner backpackers haven't
the foggiest idea of what to pack for an overnight backpacking
trip. The above thumbnails should help!
Click on the thumbnails to see the larger versions that are perfect
for printing out. These images will give you an idea of what to
pack and where to pack it.
Tip 1: Remember to always keep your snacks, water, maps, compass, knife, camera, first aid kit, and water proof matches handy. Most survival specialists suggest that you keep the fore mentioned items on you at all times in case you lose your way back to camp or you are forced to abandon your backpack. I personally like to hang a fanny pack off the front of my pack. This is perfect because it's easily removed and carried with my person. In the picture above where I am alone on the cliffs of the porkies you can see how I like to hang my fanny pack.
Tip 2: Every ounce counts!! This is a saying I was taught and learned very quickly to be true. When a person first decides to go backpacking they generally run out and buy every piece of equipment that they think would be perfect for backpacking. Unfortunately a lot of this equipment is probably not needed and worse is most likely packaged in some type of cool looking sack, sheath, or container all of which is extra weight. Next time your packing your pack look at your equipment and pile all the sacks, sheaths, and other containers together and you will be amazed at how much they weigh.
More information will be added soon, but until then be sure to check out my Survival Tips section. It features many tips and tricks that could help make your backpacking trip both safer and more comfortable.