Custom hiking shoulder strap pouches online shopping and hiking tips. Your backpacking clothing should be grouped into layers: Next-to-skin base layers (aka long underwear): Important because even warm days can end with cold nights. Hiking layers: Nylon pants (may be rollup or zip-off), T-shirts, sun shirt, sun hat. Insulation: Puffy vest or jacket, lightweight fleece pullover, warm hat and gloves. Rainwear: Definitely bring a waterproof/breathable jacket; whether you also bring rain pants depends on the weather forecast (rainwear is also good at preventing mosquito bites). The beauty of layering is that it lets you quickly adapt to changing conditions. It also lets you put together a robust clothing defense against storms that move in suddenly, bringing cold and rainy weather.

Reducing backpack weight tip : Multi-use Vaseline. Other than the obvious lip moisturizer, Vaseline is essentially petroleum jelly which can be used for a variety of things. Got blisters? Rub a little Vaseline in between your toes or on your heel before you get going in the morning to reduce friction. Vaseline is a great slow burning fuel that can be used as a fire starter. If you have a fresh, uninfected wound, Vaseline (plus some duct tape) can help shield the sore from outside infection. Keep the big three ultralight. Sleeping bag. 18 oz or less. However, warmer sleeping bags contain more insulation and can weigh more. See ultralight sleeping bags. See extra info on Ultralight Hiking Stuff Sacks Online Shopping.

If you’re hiking in the mountains, realize that the temperature can be very different at the summit than at the base. Illumination If you can see at night, you can get things done (like building a shelter). Illumination also helps signal rescuers. Here’s what I bring: I specifically mention LED illumination because LED bulbs can last hundreds of hours on a small charge, unlike a traditional incandescent bulb. If you find yourself in an emergency signaling situation, use the strobe function found on many headlamps to save power and make yourself more visible to rescuers. Practice using strobe mode at home; chances are you won’t have the manual with you out in the backcountry when you need it. And don’t forget to pack extra batteries. Practice changing your batteries in the dark.

I (Ben) have been a professional full-time photographer for almost 16 years. In that time I developed a strong passion for hiking and backpacking. Like most landscape photographers carrying camera gear efficiently has always been a struggle and solving that problem involved dragging out my old sewing machine. Once I made a few camera bags I moved on to stuff sacks, dry bags and of course Backpacks. Boom! Hilltop Packs was born. Read extra info on www.hilltoppacks.com.