OCR Text |
Show THE Wednesday, June S, 1974 PARK CITY Page COALITION 16 PACKING FOR BACKPACKING y travel, on foot, (most Backpacking means trail or people deem it recreational, I deem it therapeutic) with all food, shelter and clothing carried on ones person, 98 percent of it carried on ones own back. Like any other sport, Backpacking requires some special equipment. Backpacking equipment can run from makeshift to elegant, depending upon the financial status of the participant, and also the ingenuity of the packer. There is no Absolute Truth as to the best in Backpacking equipment (although some people are sure they know what is best), but there is one Absolute Truth in what you need to take, that is: Take everything you need and nothing you dont need. Unfortunately, this is a learning process, and since most people really overpack at first, we thought it might be helpful for you to have some kind of equipment outline to give you an idea about basic needs. Gear usually falls into four categories, depending on use: carrying; sleeping and shelter; clothing; cooking and eating. The exact objects chosen to fulfill each of these functions depend on many factors, some objective and most subjective. But when you are deciding what to take, you might take the following into consideration : cross-countr- The size, strength, carrying abilities and the standard of comfort of each of the group members. In other words, how much can each person carry comfortably for how long a period bf time. Strangely enough, we hayf found this to vary greatly just by determination and willpower. People of about the same age and physical stature often are capable of very different load amounts. The biggest problem is the family group which must dole stuff out according to the ages and abilities of each family member. This is pretty hard at first, and my only suggestion here is to load the packs up with rocks, varying the weight from 10 to 15 pounds per person. Then, take off around the block a few times, at least to give you an idea of what is feasible for you and every member of your family. A man can carry around 40 to 65 pounds, and a woman usually 25 to 40 pounds (please no womens lib comments). Children cant be expected to carry much when they are young, as their initial enthusiasm for packing weakens as rapidly as do their backs. Usually by the time a person reaches about sixteen, he or she is capable of carrying an adult weight pack. 1. First Aid for the trail ; moleskin for sore feet. Flashlight ; spare batteries ; extra bulb. Pocket knife Matches (Pack a lot; we have found a leftover film can makes a good waterproof container.) Heavy string and cord for pitching tent and rigging shelters (as much as your shelter will require) Maps of the area you plan to be walking through (even if you are sure you are familiar with the area) Compass Mattress pads (1 per person) Toilet paper (lots!) Sun or windburn treatment and preventative; mosquito repellent; lip salve. Handkerchiefs Soap for washing both persons and dishes ; small washcloth. Needles and thread (Again, we use an old leftover film can and rig up a small sewing kit containing thread, needles, pins, safety pins, etc.) Small candle and emergency flares Personal toiletries, comb, toothbrush and small tube toothpaste, nail clippers IF YOU HAVE ROOM: Rucksack or day pack for small Cards Reading material Camera and film away-from-ca- p walks m Watch Dark glasses and glasses case (You will, of course, take regular glasses if you wear them normally.) I realize this looks like a lot, but we have found all of the above necessary in one situation or another. A lot of what you need will be a trial and error process, so make your first trips small and plan your needs specifically for each trip until you know what is best for you. Length of trip, both in time and distance. Naturally, food increases proportionately to the days involved. Clothing stays about the same. 2. Terrain. This makes a big difference, as it is a lot easier to carry more weight on less rugged terrain. 3. 4. Weather. (Usually, its better to plan on probable weather.) Activities after arrival climbing, relaxation, hiking, artwork, fishing, photography, nature study, etc. 5. 6. The financial status and degree of interest of the participant. Deciding who will carry what, picking light gear, eliminating nonessentials, and careful planning and weighing at home are the overall most constructive ideas rather than hoisting impossible loads over the wrong kind of terrain when its raining and you guessed 70 degrees and sunny. Although many happy packing trips have been launched with old clothes, and food and dishes rolled up in a blanket or sleeping bag, such casual methods will not do for long distances, cold or storm, or even a reasonable level of comfort. Start out with minimum or modest equipment and then add gradually as your needs and knowledge increase. We have found that renting equipment was very helpful for us at the beginning. It gave us a good idea of what to expect from the equipment, and helped us decide what to buy. If you have a friend who would be willing to loan you some gear, you can check out what best serves your needs that way. The following equipment list I would term General and Necessary; however, as I have stated before, needs vary from person to person. GENERAL AND NECESSARY EQUIPMENT: Pack frame (1 per person) irniui Pack (1 per person) Sleeping bag ( 1 per person ) Ground sheets, and tent or tarp (as needed for the party) Boots and clothing Food and cooking equipment cnsiifE LOUNGE UPSTAiRS a Open at 6:00 Daily 412 Main Street s |