Backpacking

In North America, backpacking is a multi-day hike in the wilderness. At night, backpackers will camp out using Tents and tarps as shelters. This differs from the European idea of backpacking, where travelers use backpacks as luggage and often spend the night in hostels.

Backpackers need to be self-sufficient and carry all their needed gear in their backpacks. Camping equipment specifically made for backpacking is often lightweight and compacts easily. Some of the items that backpackers use include:

• Backpacks
• Tents
• Tarps
• Camping Stoves
• Water Filters
• Sleeping Bags
• Sleeping Pads
• Boots
• Raingear

There are many options for extended backpacking trips. The first place to look are National Parks and State Parks. Camping on private land is an option, but please check with the land owner first to see if camping is allowed. Long distance hiking is also another way to immerse yourself in the wilderness. Three of the most popular long distance trails are the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail and the Continental Divide Trail. If you are not up for a multi-month commitment, then you can also try the John Muir Trail in California or the Long Trail in Vermont.

A good starting point for backpacks in any particular area of the United States are guide books written for the area. Such books will be available in local bookstores and online sources such as amazon and ebay.

Overnight and longer backpacks are plentiful in most states, especially the western states. Thousands of excellent backpack destinations are available in such states as California, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Montana, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico.

• thebackpacker.com