how to pack a camping backpack

Read and learn more about how to pack a camping backpack. For more, visit the Camping website CampingCamper.com

Q: what pack should I buy for weekend camping?
I wanna buy a pack for weekend camping.something to hold most of my stuff for backpacking,so I was looking at cabelas and sportsmans guide,but idk which to choose….what is a good backpack for all of that?where can i get it,and how much?

A: I’m assuming you prefer to buy a pack at a store in your area so you can check it out before you buy. This pack may suit your needs and can be purchased at Sportsman’s Guide.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/alps-mountaineering-mojave-trail-pack.aspx?a=599564
*Alps Mountaineering® Mojave Trail Pack
$94.97
•Durable, padded straps with sternum strap for easier carrying
•Hydration pocket so you can keep water handy
•Zippered front access with bungee; lower zippered access too
•Large mesh front pocket, side mesh pockets
•Adjustable shoulder harness
•Spindrift collar with draw cord allows you to securely stuff your Pack over capacity
•Weighs 4 lbs., 6 ozs.
(Also, it has a sleeping bag compartment with divider that provides access to your sleeping bag without having to dig through all the other contents of your pack.)

Q: How do you assemble a backpack and sleeping bag for camping?
New at camping and hiking. My 12 year old is in Boy Scouts. He has packed light, but the backpack is still so bulky. We can’t use a framed backpack because he will have to crawl through some low areas and push his stuff through the opening. I know there must be an easy way to put it all together. The load has to be light enough for a 12 year old child to carry on a caving expedition. Any suggestions is greatly appreciated!

A: I’m 14 and started when I was 12. I live in Alaska, so this may not be what you’re looking for, but I’ll do my best. First, I always try to bring the smallest and lightest bag that I have that works for the coldest it should get. You can always layer up if you get cold. Also, internal frames are good, except for that you’ll need to put most items on the inside from what I’ve experienced. Go through your pack when you’re done packing to make sure that there’s nothing that you don’t need or is worth its weight. One extra tip- Use some clothes as a pillow, as it keeps them warm when it’s cold and doesn’t take extra space.

Q: How do I carry more camping but pack light at the same time?
We are a family of 3 going tent camping with friends in the mountains. Last time we went camping I felt like we carried everything in the house out in the woods and then had to bring it all back again. The camping part is fun but packing up camp and going home and unpacking it again just feels like work! This year each of us has a backpack and a sleeping bag to carry camping but there’s still more stuff. 3 pillows, cookware, 2 coolers (one with drinks and the other with food) 2 air mattress’s, tent a bag full of restroom stuff like tissue paper and teeth brushes and what not. Then there’s a Rubbermaid tube full of food like chips and loaf bread dry foods and stuff. We can probably eliminate some of this but non of us want to!

A: wow, are you guys car camping ? If not and you’re back packing you should get rid of any thing that is either bulky or heavy. The rule of thumb for back packing is that it should fit in your backpack or be attached to it.
Yup, no coolers (too heavy, hard and big to fit), goodbye pillows, goodbye air mattresses if they aren’t very compact to carry, and cookware- one frying pan and one saucepan that can be used for everything and these should be of the camping variety- light with fold in handles. A tooth brush can go in a shirt pocket and toilet paper can fit in the saucepan. Pack light and make your hike enjoyable- its why you go in the first place.here’s a couple of food tips-pack your food in freezer bags, Take just enough food. Cereal, pancake mix that can be mixed with water, quinoa or rice, are all good examples of food that’s light and easy to pack.Popcorn is always fun and marshmallows are very light and a campground staple for a very good reason.

Q: How do you pack a hiking backpack so that it is lighter?
I’m going on the eighth grade field trip, to Da Lat.
We’re camping for three nights in the woods, and I have to bring a backpack. Tents and stoves and things that heavy will be provided.
I’m taking my clothes, my sleeping bag, my water bottle, and my mom wants me to take an extra blanket, because it’s really cold and my sleeping bag is thin.
We have to hike eight kilometers through the woods to reach our campsite, and I’m really nervous.
I’m not very athletic, and I can endure too much physical strain.
Is there a way to pack my bag so that it feels lighter?

A: 8K isn’t that far…maybe 5 miles? 5K = 3.1 miles and that’s a common race distance (in the US anyway). I’m a poor runner and can make 5K in 36 mins if i work hard, and 45 if I take my time….

…so you should be able to hike 8K without too much difficulty. Just take your time. Don’t take anything you don’t need. Take the bare minimum of extra clothes (maybe 1 pr pants and a couple of shirts).

Enduring some physical exercise will be good for you…that’s something you should be doing all the time for good fitness.

Enjoy!

Q: How to prepare for a long distance camping trip?
I have camped all my life but they have always been in driving distance so I pack up the car and off I go. I am flying from Boston to CA for a 4 day camping trip and am unsure about packing for a plane ride. The backpack I plan on bringing is peobably too big for carry on, but I don’t trust it checked. What do you suggest? Carry on my sleeping bag and pillow and check the pack? Maybe?

Thanks!

A: I would pack my backpack as I would for the camping trip. And then but a big cheap duffel bag. (I got a huge hockey gear sized one at a local chain store for cheap.) Put your whole ready to go pack in it and zip it up. The duffel protects the pack and all the straps, and can be folded down small and stowed away while your camping. Until the flight home.
Some packs have a small removable pouch or pocket that can be used as a carry on.

Q: This question is for the ones that do backpack camping…?
Our of curiosity, I wanted to know when you backpack camp, what all do you take with you? Tent? Food or do you live off the land and what do you eat? Do you pack a fishing pole to catch fish to eat? Or do you catch them with your bare hands? lol.
I have my own kind of camping. Never done a backpack camping trip and was just wondering what all people take to survive.
And another question is, do any of you have small children that you take with you? How well do they handle it?
Any other info is also helpful.
This is just a curiosity question. I camp in my own way, they way I was raised. I went from tent camping that I don’t remember, too young, to a trailer, then back to tent camping for 17 years, now I am back in a trailer. I just want to know how you guys do it when you backpack camp.

A: To begin with, anyone who backpacks and thinks they can live “off the land” is ignorant. I can’t tell you how many very hungry morons I’ve seen in the California Sierra’s back country.

I always have a fishing rod with me when I backpack. I take freeze dried foods for ALL meals. I do supplement a few trout during every trip, but, only a fool depends on catching fish to eat.

I’ve taken young kids and they do just fine if you plan ahead and don’t take them on “death march” type hikes. You do need to bring something to entertain them them while in the back country. Make sure they don’t wander from camp…. I’ve had that happen once and it resulted in a 6 hour search that ended very well but extremely scary at the time.

Bring enough freeze dried food, small camp stove, medical kit, sun screen, repellent, something to keep dry and warm, light weight tent, source of evening light (some back country sites so not allow campfires), small digital camera, fishing gear and license(s) and definitely a way to safely purify water (boiling may not be an option due to fire restrictions).

Lastly, explain to all youngsters the importance of staying close to camp and also if lost, to stay near the trail at ALL times.

Q: Is it illegal to pack a handgun with my gear for camping trips without a conceal carry permit?
I’m looking to go on an extended camping trip alone. This time I’ll be going to a boy scout camp during the off season (no kids). I want to pack a handgun to protect myself against would-be tent intruders (bears/thugs), and also to give myself some peace of mind while realizing I’m in the woods all alone in the dark (also part of the fun). Any advise on how to do this without having a concealed carry license? I want to pack the gun in my huge expedition backpack and simply have access to it at night. I don’t want to cause commotion by holstering it on my hip like John Wayne.

A: It truly depends on the gun laws in your state. I live in GA and it’s legal to take a gun without a carry permit. Here in GA your vehicle is an extension of your home and are allowed to defend it like your home. My husband and I take ours with us everywhere we go. He has a carry permit. I don’t. But I am still legal in having it with me. A permit just makes it easier for the cops.
I think the problem lies in WHERE you camp. You may want to check with the park ranger because it is a BSA camp. They may have rules against it. He/She may be able to give you more information.
As far as other public locations, when we go riding through the trails, hubby takes his pistol. One night there was a road block at the main road. The cops asked to search the jeep and we let them. They tried giving hubby a hard time about having the gun (didn’t have carry permit at the time), but then DNR came up and said we were OK. We knew we were, but the cops still tried to make us think we were in the wrong.
Bottom line is, make sure you are well aware of the gun laws in your state. Make sure you know what is and isn’t allowed at the BSA camp. (I know the local BSA camp here, guns are NOT allowed. permit or no permit)
Also.. in case you weren’t aware.. DNR doesn’t have to have a search warrant to check your property. Regular police and sheriffs do.

If you have any ?’s feel free to contact
Best of Luck and Happy Camping!!!!

Q: External frame backpack for kayak camping?
I originally posted this in “Outdoor Recreation,” but decided it should probably be here in “Camping” instead…?

I’m planning several kayak camping adventures this summer, from overnight to about 4-5 days. There will be some portaging involved, and I saw somewhere how an external frame backpack can be utilized cleverly to portage a kayak above your head with minimal strain to shoulders and back. But I’m wondering how cumbersome such a backpack would be to stash inside the kayak while paddling. I’ll be padding to different locations each day, so don’t have the option of just leaving it behind at camp for the day. I’ll be solo mostly, so need to make sure I’m planning for the most efficient way to travel & pack. Should I consider buying an external frame backpack? Suggestions?

A: here are some links that I have seen some nice things on. Check them out.

http://www.rei.com/product/722859

http://www.outdoorplay.com/store/Product.asp?DID=140&PDID=12&SKU=ADB_SSNEW

http://www.target.com/gp/detail.html/601-8333643-4328133?ASIN=B0008DBPA8&AFID=Froogle&LNM=B0008DBPA8|Pelican_Kayak_Deck_Bag&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=B0008DBPA8&ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001

http://www.rutabaga.com/product.asp?pid=1001548

Q: How to tie a sleeping bag to a backpack?
I’m going for a camp tomorrow and have packed my bag . I just want to know how can I tie my sleeping bag to the bottom of my bag ? PLEASE HELP !

A: here is a video showing how http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=urOLITZ66Yk

Q: how do you pack for Drum Corps International for the summer? ?
I’m going to be going on tour with a Corps this summer, and seen a “packing list” on the DCI.org website…and was wondering how in the world do you get everything into such limited space? About 2 weeks worth of clothes including free days and sundays (we go to church every sunday or try to) so I was wondering how do you pack for that? How many bags are you allowed? I know it says one medium size suitcase, and a backpack/ccarry on bag…but I pack for the weekend camps and the suitcase is full and i have a seperate bag just for the sleeping stuff. But how is that possible? Please help so I can maybe eventually figure this out before summer hits and i’m like ‘uh-oh–how to fit everything in!?!?”
Please help! 10pts!

Thanks!

A: Roll up your clothes – gives you more space – don’t pack things that are going to be bulky – half the time you might now even wear a shirt, depending on who you are and if get really sweaty during rehearsals (which is almost inevitable unless there is somehow shade on a football field) – and you will probably have several laundry stops so you can wash you clothes

Q: Cost of Backpacking Across England?
This summer, I’ll be backpacking across England… no ifs, ands, or buts, about it. I’m gonna do it.

The kicker is, I don’t want to “backpack” as in take the trains and public transpo everywhere I go… I mean I’m literally going to trek across England with my traveler’s pack and camping gear. Sounds a bit crazy, right? But I’ve met quite a few folk who’ve backpacked across the United States on foot, and I figure I’d like to start with something smaller first. Plus, I LOVE the English countryside.

In any case, I’d like to start at the southernmost airport, and zigzag my way up (my only stipulation is that I HAVE to stop at Nottingham Uni and Leeds, in order to see friends). If I have time, I’d like to see the rest of the UK as well – go up into Scotland, through Ireland, into Wales, and end at the London Airport.

However, I’m kind of in lala land about all of this, and need help putting things in perspective. In all reality, I’d like to stay in hostels maybe thrice a week at most. I’d prefer to camp the entire time, but in cities, that just won’t always be possible. How much would that cost? And the projected cost of food? Should I take food with me? Water? How much? What equipment do I need for camping, other than a tent? Should I bring my guitar? Should I bring a gun for security? What are the dangers? How long would a trip like this take?

A: the airport you start at depends more on where flights from wherever you live fly into … most likely this is going to be Heathrow or Gatwick … rather than going zig-zag I’d suggest you think of a circle, for instance up the east coast and down the west coast … this fits in with the geography quite well because of the range of hills (Pennines etc) down the middle of the country … it also fits in well with leaving by the same airport you started at … there are websites such as http://www.ukcampsite.co.uk/ listing campsites … you’ll need to do some homework before you start so you’ve got some idea of places you could possibly stay at … there are campsites in or near cities, you’ve just got to find the locations … I don’t quite get why you’re so against sometimes taking public transport, I’d suggest you might want to re-think this and use public transport for the less scenic parts … or how about cycling, that’s a lovely way to get around … if you’re going to be carrying everything on your back, you want it to be as minimal as possible … my son has bought a pop-up tent which takes about 5 minutes to put up, sounds very inviting after a tiring day hiking … food depends on whereabouts in the country you are, many places there will be plenty of shops, fast food take aways etc so won’t be a problem, in more country areas you will have to buy something and take it with you

how long are you planning to put aside to do this trip? … don’t forget that you’re not likely to get more than a six months visitors visa, and you won’t be able to work

Q: Essential stuff to pack when travelling!?
Hey can anyone reccommend those stuff which are easy to forgot, but are really helpful for camping/backpacking?

Im going to africa for 3months, travelling in a overland truck and camping everynight.

Advising things like head torches and string and how they helped you would be great!

Please help me be organised!! thanx

A: BE SURE TO INCLUDE THINGS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT:
-mosquito netting for bugs (and bug spray- too!)
-A heavy duty tent
-air-locked storage containers for food, so you don’t attract animals while camping
-a means of protection- like a gun or sword, or even a dart gun or something to protect against animals, unless you have a guide, which you didn’t make exactly clear.

-gauze pads/ a first aid kit for things like, injuries and soreness from walking.
-MANY GOOD SOCKS, so you don’t get athlete’s foot while camping/backpacking
-paper/pens to write letters to home/friends if you desire to
- a safari hat, for the sun
-empty bags, to take back treasures and keepsakes you come across there
- a disposable camera

hope it helps! Good luck in Africa!

Q: Would anyone on here buy a new product called powdered H2O?
You know how it is when you go camping and you don’t want to carry anything heavy in your backpack, so you pack as lightly as possible? Well, I have a new product I want to market it is a powdered form of H2O you just have to add water to it and you have a gallon of fresh clean clear water and you don’t have to lug it all over the place. Would you buy it from me for $2.00 a gallon size plastic bag of it? If so, e-mail me and I will tell you the particulars.
Wow, it seems some of you have gotten the joke and some of you haven’t. Sorry, it was something I had to ask here on the forum. I’d been dying to ask it for awhile. We should all know that H2O is purely water. 2 parts Hydrogen and 1 part Oxygen, isn’t that how it goes? Thanks guys for making me laugh! Ku’uipo

A: sure, $2.00 a gallon! that’s a steal,lol!here lemme give my other email addy it’s yousillyoldbroad@yoohoo.com lol, hahaha, you are silly arentcha? lmao

Q: How does backpacking wokrs in America???
Hi.
I am originally from Russia, and in Russia it feels like you can go camp anywhere and pretty much nobody cares.
It seems completely different here in US. I live in California and every park that I have went too seemed to have hundreds of rules that I had to follow. The camp grounds that I stayed at were right on top of each other, and very expensive ($30 a night is a lot for me, specialy if I want to go camping for a week).

Is it possible to just grab my pack and go hiking/camping/fishing somewhere in the forest….

And where do I go to do that?

A: Most states require a fishing license. To get caught without one while fishing will cost you some money.

State and national parks charge a fee to camp. I usually stay away from them. They are crowded.

I live in Texas. My favorite spot for backpacking is the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico. I have also backpacked in the Capitan Wilderness and White Mountain Wilderness. There’s endless trails. I have backpacked without seeing other campers for two days at a time. The wildlife is wonderful.

I don’t have any information about backpacking in California. Usually gear shops can give assistance in this.

Wish you luck.

Q: Flying with camping gear?
So in two weeks I’ll be flying to a month long camping trip. But I have no idea how to fly with the hiking pack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, backpack, and my clothes and like 4 water bottles. And I still need rain gear, batteries, 2 pairs of gloves, and a wool/fleece jacket. I’m flying American Airlines (sucks) and I was wondering if you could help me estimate everything. Thanks so much!

A: Best is to get a sturdy but lightweight duffel bag and pack all of the gear in it. If available, get the kind with backpack-type straps. Then travel with the bag as checked luggage. Pack small items – especially things like a flashlight – at the bottom of the bag and put things like the sleeping bag at the top. Remember that you are not allowed to use padlocks, so use a wire-tie or tape to keep the bag closed.

Tag the bag inside and out with your name, e-mail address, a phone number someone will answer, and your frequent flier number. The free tags from the check-in counter are fine.

Do something to the bag so it is more distinctive, such as tying a colored ribbon to the handle or marking it with colored tape.

Consider getting Travel Insurance, especially if the equipment includes high-value gear. Airlines will reimburse you for lost luggage, but the maximum amount they will pay may be much less than the cost of replacing the gear. Travel Insurance is cheap and sold by airlines & travel agents.

Another option is to ship the bag to yourself at your destination. Two weeks should allow you to ship it relatively inexpensively, and all of the shipping services (FedEx, UPS, etc.) and the Post Office will ship a duffel bag

Hope you have a good trip!

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