Show Go lake ke A Kite Hike he Essentials By Sara Nelson F Feature ture From the glacial cut valleys of Northern Utah to the stream-cut stream canyons of Southern Utah from the west desert to the arches this state is home to diverse and splendid terrain that offers solitude and beauty to all who explore it As more people are seeking the solitude that only nature can offer backpacking is quickly becoming more popular as people find it is an excellent way to experience the beauty of the outdoors But backpacking backpacking backpacking back back- packing constitutes more than just throwing on a pack and hopping on a trail there are a few essentials needed needed needed need need- ed in order to assure a safe and fun trip Be it an overnighter or a multi- multi day trip you need to have a backpack that fits right and comfortable hiking shoes of items and their weight are also necessary to pay attention to when selecting your gear You dont don't want your pack to become heavier than you can handle or too bulky to fit everything Choosing the right backpack is very important All packs fit differently differ differ- endy and come with different fea fea- fea- fea tures Try different styles and sizes to see what fits file you the best When fitting fitting fitting fit fit- ting your pack the hip straps should rest on the upper part of your hips and there should be about an inch between your shoulders and the shoulder straps This helps to evenly evenly evenly even even- ly distribute the weight of your back back- pack You dont don't want a b bag g that applies most of its weight to your shoulders and you want it to rest high enough on your hips to allow full leg movement while keeping it low enough at your head to allow full movement there too said Brady Beyer sales representative at Recreation Outlet There are two different types of backpacks internal frames or external external external exter exter- nal frames Both are commonly used its it's up to your personal likes and dislikes as to which one you should purchase External frames are made to carry your tent and sleeping bag on the outside allowing for more room inside the pack They are more breathable than internal frames but allow less mobility Internal frames on the other hand are made to carry everything i inside side They are more compact and allow more maneuverability maneuverability maneuverability maneuver maneuver- ability said Katy Garton Garlon sales representative representative representative rep rep- at Recreation Outlet As for boots and backpacking without your feet you couldn't do it Pamper your feet and find good fit ting comfortable boots You dont don't want boots that let your feet slide while ascending or descending a hill Make sure you can wear two pairs of socks a thin pair underneath a thicker Cotton cotton otton or wool pair This helps to prevent blisters and helps the boot fit snug Look for good strong soles and plenty of ankle sup sup- port Unless youre you're camping out on a ahot ahot ahot hot summer night youre you're sure to want a tent Tents can be as small as asa asa asa a sleeping bag or big enough to hold fourteen people For backpacking though the smaller and lighter the better Look for tents with a full rain fly and that pack up tiny For backpacking backpack backpack- ing get a tent with aluminum poles they're the lightest With tents it is very important to watch the weight advised Garton Carton Before you set out to hike check the water sources If the water source is not dependable plan on packing one to two gallons of water per day If the weather is extremely hot plan on using double the amount of water per day If there is a dependable water source take either a water filter filter fluter fil flu ter or purification tablets People would be surprised at athow athow athow how many bacteria and viruses are in contaminated water You can get real sick If you plan on spending a alot alot alot lot of time outdoors buy a water fil flu ter They are small and lightweight and many filter both viruses and bacteria bacteria bacteria bac bac- teria Carton Garton said Always take a first aid kit no matter what Know the area youre you're going and what to expect You may need a snake bite kit or a bear bag Look aLook into these things before you set setoff setoff setoff off Garton Carton added You should have a topographical map of the area youre you're exploring and always tell someone where youre you're going and when you should be back The more specific you are the quicker quick quick- er help can reach you in case of an emergency You can get topographical cal maps at recreation stores or at the The beauty and serenity of the draws people in from all aspects of life But the peacefulness of the can turn violent atthe atthe at atthe the drop of a hat There are inherent risks to any activity know and prepare prepare prepare pre pre- pare for those risks before they happen happen happen hap hap- pen and have a safe enjoyable experience experience experience exploring the |