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Thanks to Pamela, I had no idea that a few of you may not be familiar with backpacking, especially if you do not live in a mountainous area or if it is not a pastime among your children or grandkids.
Backpacking is an adventure-filled hobby or sport, that requires pricey specialized equipment. It isn't camping! To start with, you need a sturdy backpack that you can carry on your back. Think of yourself as a pack animal. I'm not referring to a regular backpack. This should be a lightweight, but durable backpack with a frame, as you will be carrying essentials such as a tent, sleeping bag, bedrolls, food, water, extra clothing, a first aid kit, and whatever else is necessary for survival. The weight on your back usually ranges from 30-40 pounds.
An excellent pair of hiking boots is a must-have, and sometimes it's advisable to carry two pairs if you plan to be away for an extended period, like hiking the Pacific Crest Trail. Extra socks too. A tent, which is different from the kind you use when camping, will weigh less than 6 lbs and I believe his tent is 3 lbs. The sleeping bag will be around 2 lbs. Plus there is a liner that offers extra insulation from the cold. There's a lightweight camp stove that weighs approximately 2 lbs, and special canisters of fuel that are also lightweight.
Foodie carried the extra weight of snow shoes on his trip, but they don't count towards the weight if he wears them. However, if he is packing them, they are 6 lbs. He has a water purifier to ensure safe drinking water, and he also carries a GPS to navigate.
He is very experienced and has been backpacking/hiking since he was around 12. My dad was an adventurer, backpacker, and mountain climber, so both sons inherited those genes - I guess. I have them to a degree—a very small one as I get older. My husband in his younger days, also backpacked and mountain climbed.
I usually am cool with it, but because this is the first time he is snowshoeing or backpacking in the snow, yeah, it has me on alert. On his behalf, he has been researching this for months, so he doesn't go in blindly. Of course, anything can happen. I try not to worry about this because 9.99 times out of 10, I just wasted my time. I'll deal with whatever happens when it happens, God forbid. That's just how I choose to roll.
So there you have it -
Take Care
Debby
People do go hiking and backpacking around here. I, however, am not one of those people! Kudos to those who do though!
ReplyDeleteMy dad would take me backpacking but only for a weekend and I always felt safe with him there. I’ve never done any for more than 2 nights. Now a 30 lb pack would be too heavy for me and not so good for my torn rotator cuff.
DeleteGreat that he'll have fresh water. A good pair of hiking boots sounds good too.
ReplyDeletePlenty of fresh water with that snow.
Delete❤️
DeleteMy two nephews hiked in the Appalachian Mountains for 10 days once. My sister was nervous the entire time they were out there. They did good though. I have never hiked, just spent my days out on my grandparents farms whenever I could. Kudos to Foddie or dong it. Janice
ReplyDeleteOh I bet that was nice - something I would have liked to do. I bet they had a blast!
DeleteI went backpacking with a group once. All the equipment was provided. I enjoyed it, but not enough to spend the money to get the gear myself.
ReplyDeleteEven renting now is expensive.
DeleteNot sometyhing I have ever wanted to do
ReplyDeleteIt’s not for everyone.
DeleteThanks for the instructions. Thankfully, I have zero desire to do such. I like things with motor's or at least wheels. Too lazy to walk especially if it's not level ground. LOL
ReplyDeleteHave a great week.
Blessings.
He has done the bikepacking - in Colorado and around here a few times. That’s less wear and tear on the body. Only issue is when the bike breaks down or you have a flat tire.
DeleteGood for anyone who likes that kind of stuff. Although I love to hike trails it's limited to just a few miles and never overnight! Good for Foodie. You choose the only way to roll with it!
ReplyDeleteSame here. I haven’t camped since we sold our motorhome. I admit I enjoy comfort.
DeleteIt has been awhile since I was backpacking. Used to do it with the Pathfinders and Rangers of our Girl Guide movement at least twice a year. Loved it, but am much too old for it now.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Oh that’s nice. We did some in girl scouts that I just remembered. We’d go to the redwoods. It was fun but I was always glad to get home to a proper bathroom! 🚿🚽🛁
DeleteWe have so many backpackers up here in the mountains. People from all over, even from Europe, come to explore the hiking trails in the mountains. I talked with a young man from Germany, and we see them all the time walking the highway to get to where they are going. Sounds like your son was well prepared for his adventurous backpacking trip. : )
ReplyDelete~Sheri