Camping Gear List for Backcountry Hiking

If you've ever been hiking in the backcountry, you know how beautiful it can be. Invigorating, awesome, magnificence...all these adjectives have their place in backcountry hiking, whether hiking while geocaching or just to get some mileage on your new hiking boots.

But a wonderful hiking trip with these adjectives to describe it can quickly turn into a nightmare without the appropriate camping gear for the backcountry. List the things you are planning to take on your backcountry trip. Does your camping gear list include the items listed below? Of the many things you can take, these are some of the most important.

Water, Water, Everywhere...

Water is something that is imperative to take along, even if your trip is just going to be a quick day trip. Often, the exertion required will be more than anticipated, and heat exhaustion is not a good thing. Your backcountry camping gear list should definitely include plenty of water.

You might also consider taking along an energy replacement drink. They come in bottles, just like water, or in a powder form that can be mixed with water. If you are going to an backcountry area that has plenty of drinkable water, the powder is a smart way to take along extra energy drinks.

Now Where Did I Put That Map?

Your map of the area is another thing that should be on your camping gear list while backcountry hiking. While it is nice that you've “been there before” or “know the way”, that is no substitute for a good map.

Canoe Canoe?

If you are traveling by canoe, your camping gear list should include waterproof containers. There will be things that you won't want to get wet, should you capsize. While no one expects they will capsize, if you do and you only have wet food and wet clothes, you will wish that you had put waterproof containers on your camping gear list for your backcountry trip.

Plan For The Worst

Be sure your gear list includes a first aid kit. While injuries are not expected, they should be anticipated. If you do have an injury, without a first aid kit it will seem even longer to get to a Ranger Station or hospital. Be safe – take a first aid kit on your camping trip.

Keeping It All Together

When you're camping in the backcountry, you will want to keep all your camping gear together and safe. If you've got a car, you can put the stuff you are taking into a box in the trunk. If, instead, you will be hiking, plan to carry all of your camping gear right in a backpack. Happy trails!