Backpacking 101: Essential gear for trips to the backcountry

I don’t consider myself a hardcore backpacker by any means. But to be able to get back into the cool backcountry for the ultimate fishing and hunting trip, you either have to backpack, pack in on horses or have a bush plane drop you off. Today we’re going to talk about the backpacking option.

I started teaching backpacking seminars a few years ago. Anymore, the attendees want to discuss what gear they’ll need 75 percent of the time and only talk about actual backpacking 25 percent, so I’ll do the same in this article.

More than likely, if you’re thinking about backpacking, you already have an idea of where you want to go. But if you’re new to the state and don’t have an idea, then grab a Forest Service map or talk to your local game warden to discover a spot to go. Then buy a MyTopo map that will give you in-depth details of your area.

Next, you need to decide what you’re wanting to do — hunt, fish, climb mountains or just take pictures. That will determine what specific gear you’ll need to pack. For this article, I’m going to cover some of the gear you’ll need for summer and mild weather camping. For elk hunting and extreme winter backpacking, you’ll need more extreme gear.

I don’t have space to cover every necessary or handy item, but here’s a general list of stuff I pack.

Backpack:

I’m old school and still use a frame pack, but all the youngsters use internal frame packs. They do fit more snug to your body and don’t sway as much, which is safer on tight trails.

Day pack:

For hikes out of camp.

Tent:

For horse/plane trips, check out the Paha Que Rendezvous, and for backpacking check out the Alps Mountaineering Taurus 2.

Sleeping Pads:

Check out what Alps Mountaineering has to offer.

Tarps:

Due to weight, I only carry one. But it’d be nice to have one to put on the inside of your tent and one under your tent.

Mousetraps:

You’ll have mice around camp trying to eat your food.

Fire-starting gear:

Waterproof matches or a magnesium striker. I also throw in two or three cheap Bic lighters. Break them and pour over wet wood. You also will want some fire starting material for when things are wet.

Water:

I use Aquamira filtered straws or bottles. That way I can drink out of the rivers.

Boy Scout/Army mess kit to cook with.

Fork and spoon.

Small aluminum coffee pot:

To heat water for coffee and my Mountain House meals.

Coffee:

OK, I collect motel coffee packs all year.

Water bottle:

You’ll want a water bottle so you can pour sterilized water in it for when you’re hiking through dry country. Check out the collapsible Hydrapaks.

Boots:

I use Irish Setter boots and have numerous models. Their Vapr Trek series are super lightweight. I also take a pair of river sandals for wading creeks and being around camp. It’s good to have two pairs of footwear.

First-aid gear:

I exclusively use Adventure Medical Kit gear. In an emergency, you never have enough. But because of weight restrictions, I at least carry their duct tape, moleskin, adhesive wrap and Band-Aids. Also, next time you’re at the doctor, get a prescription for Bactroban or Mupirocin.

Flashlights:

I use a Coast HP7R, which is rechargeable. Take two flashlights in case one dies.

Solar chargers:

If you use a lot of electronics such as a cellphone, flashlights and cameras, you might want to consider a Bushnell Solar Charging unit.

Rise Action Co. fly rods.

The Transporter by ALPS OutdoorZ

, which is a waterproof/dustproof protective case for your cellphone. Even though I won’t have cellphone reception in the backcountry, I do like to have it to film videos and take pictures
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Meals:

For meals, you have to check out the gourmet selection of Mountain House camping meals. They’re easy to heat up and tasty.

Stove:

I cook over a fire, but if it is raining or there are fire restrictions, then you want a Jetboil Flash backpacking stove.

Clothing:

I like zip-off nylon pants. They dry easy. OK, you have to be cool in your pics so check out the Heybo line of shirts. Get some good hiking socks like SPG offers.

.44 mag:

There are just too many wolves, bears, cougars and moose not to carry a pistol. Plus, they’re good for signaling in case you get hurt.

Tom Claycomb lives in Idaho and has outdoors columns in newspapers in Alaska, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and Louisiana. He also writes for various outdoors magazines and teaches outdoors seminars at stores like Cabela’s, Sportsman’s Warehouse and Bass Pro Shop.