[Ultralight Backpacking Tent] Tips on Choosing an Ultralight Backpacking Tent

When choosing an ultralight backpacking tent there are several factors to take into consideration but I think that a couple of the main ones are obviously size and weight. Ok, so you want the lightest tent you can find simply because you have to carry it around with you all day long, so the lighter the better. But don't forget that you also have to sleep in it, often in conditions that are far from ideal e.g. wind, rain, snow, and anything else that the weather can throw at you.

There's no point in buying the smallest lightest tent possible only to find that there is no room to put all your gear, so it's left outside in the rain. On the other hand you do not want to be lugging around a heavy 2/3 man tent with you.

[Backpacker Tips] Avoid Looking Like a Tourist

Being a backpacker is not about having a holiday and succumbing to the lures of the in your face tourist traps that are ever present in most destinations in which you may wish to visit.

No, no, no backpacking is generally considered more about experiencing the real culture of a destination, the real people and the real way in which a visiting destination operate from day to day. Backpacking is for independent traveler, adventurer and explorer who wants to experience all of the ‘off the beaten track' types of travel and destinations all on the smell of an oil rag.

On the other hand your stereotypical image of an annoying tourist is that of a group of snapshot taking outsiders who often seem to appear at every major landmark or tour stop off. You can easily pick out the tourist since they are the ones who are loud, sun burnt and are dragging along a bunch of screaming kids.

Well these are the images that pop into my mind when I think about tourists and I literally cringe at the thought of traveling in that manner. I think it would by now have become evident that I am pro-backpacker and anti-tourist. Not that tourists are bad people, everyone has their place in this world and on their travel route – however it is just not my cup of tea and I imagine not for many of the frequent readers of Backpacking Addictz.

What is Dog Backpacking?

Backpacking is one of the most loved activities in the American and European countries. However, when you want to take your dogs along for backpacking trips, there are many tips that should be considered by you. The idea of dogs carrying their backpacks is an excellent idea. It can ensure that these animals can help sharing the load. Various items can be put in such dog backpacking like water, food, playthings and materials for waste management. He can also protect you from strangers during the trip. Dog backpacking has therefore become an essential thing for people who travel abroad on these trips to wilderness sites. Make sure that the backpack purchased for your dog is not loose.

Dogs can serve an important purpose because these canine animals have extreme weight carrying capacities. If the backpack is not of its size, it cannot fit it properly and it will fall off his back. Also, be sensible while loading the items in the dog's backpack. If it is not loaded as per its size, the dog will feel burdened throughout the trip. This is especially worse when you are taking a small dog on such a large trip.

[Backpacking Basics] Backpacking for Beginners

Backpacking can be a great hobby and sport. It is challenging, adventurous and exiting. It can be enjoyed by almost anyone who is reasonably fit and healthy, whether you are young or old, male or female. There are countless options on how and where to do it. Backpacking is a great way to get some exercise and get fit while having some fun at the same time. Read on if you would like to learn more about backpacking for beginners and what it is all about.

Backpacking is the combination between hiking and camping. Backpacking trips involve hiking through the countryside and wilderness areas and camping overnight. A backpacker has to carry everything they need on their back in a rucksack. A backpacking trip can be short or long depending on the individual; you can stay away for one night or for weeks at a time if you want to.

The longer the trip the more that must be packed and carried, so having a backpacking gear list and planning both the packing and the trip is essential. Some areas that are very popular backpacking destinations will have camp sites set up. They may simply have a fire ring and posted maps or they can have cabins, as well as a pitch for tents and a toilet and shower block. Other areas may have nothing at all and backpackers set up their camp wherever they find a good spot.

Top Five Tips for Backpacking in Bali

Congratulations, you've packed your bags and booked your tickets. You're just about to step out the door, wave goodbye and embark on your Bali travel. But are you ready? Before you set off on your backpacking trip, make sure you've completed the following tasks on this last minute checklist.

1. Be Prepared: The better prepared you are, the safer and more enjoyable your travel will be. If you're travelling in an organised group, find out what arrangements have been made for you and what arrangements you need to make for yourself. Do some research on your destination and prepare the necessary documentation.
2. Travel Insurance: This is very important. You are strongly advised to take out comprehensive travel insurance. Is it too expensive? Can't afford it? If you've said yes to these two questions, you cannot afford to travel. Accidents happen. You should not base your decision to take out insurance on the assumption that "it will not happen to me".
3. Passport and Visa: Make sure these are valid and up to date.

Few Simple Tips on How to Pack a Backpack

Yes believe it or not there is a right way and a wrong way of how to pack a backpack. Get it wrong and you will find that your backpack will soon get very very uncomfortable. This will then affect your whole trip, making it a miserable experience rather than one of enjoyment and pleasure.

There are slightly different ways on how to pack a backpack depending on the kind of backpacking or hiking you intend to do. For instance if you are hill walking or hiking on steep rough ground most of the time where balance is the most important aspect, then the heavy non-bulky items should be packed lower for better stability.

For more normal day to day backpacking such as trail walking where you are more likely to be hiking on mostly level ground, the heavy non-bulky things should be packed higher and near to your back. This keeps the load close to your centre of gravity, and helps you keep an upright posture.

I'm not a great fan of having lots of things strapped to the outside of my pack. To me this not only looks untidy but these things are likely to get lost or damaged. The only exceptions I would make would be my waterproof jacket and trousers, so that they are easily accessible in the event of rain or showers during the day. I also used to strap my kip-mat to the top of my pack, but as I now use a ¾ length inflatable mat this goes inside.

The Essential Guide To Backpacking

That first backpacking trip I took back when I was still in high school has placed memories within me that will stay for a lifetime. The nice memory to two brothers walking on the mountains, fishing together and admiring the beauty of nature is what comes up most of the time. Then again there are also those memories you want to never remember but do because you learned from them many things. Even if the missteps we had were not major ones, it would still have been better if we knew what we were getting ourselves into rather than going at it blind.

My search for adventure always took me on plenty of two days exploits. Then again my brother who has become some kind of backpacking expert has enjoyed more outings that average four to five days. You might ask what allows him the luxury to afford more days on the trail. The answer lies in the equipment he has selected and a few common sense rules that make the sport enjoyable.

Some rules also govern this sport and one had to familiarize themselves with it before going into the wild. The first is to always have clothes that are comfortable and backpacks that are right for your body type. What you need to also have is a tent and sleeping back that is wellmade and never forget to pack the needed stuff only. A lot of times I have experienced having people complain about the weight they had to carry around with them.

Your First Hiking Backpack - Interesting Tips For Beginners

If you're going hiking, having backpack is the most essential item that you need to carry with you, even for the most casual of hikers. Whether you choose to walk on a well used trail that is known for hikers, on a planned trip with a group or a guide, or are taking a more serious hike for many miles, a good hiking backpack is an absolute must have. All backpacks are different as you have a multitude of choices that face you when you go into a store. Salespeople are very good at making things sound tempting or even confusing, so it may not sound so easy to choose a backpack. By doing some research and with some preparation as to what you are looking for, you should have a fair idea when you shop as to what you need. Focus on what you really need and what would be handier and easier for you for your trip.

There are many styles of backpacks available which come in a variety of sizes. Depending on the type of hike you are going on, will determine what would be the most useful backpack to have. By doing your research, you will have considered what things you need before deciding to buy a hiking backpack. If you are planning to just walk during the daylight hours, your bag will just need to be big enough to carry some food and drink for the walking trail; for those unexpected accidents a small first aid kit comes in handy; for warm weather some sunscreen and insecticide, and other neccessities that you may need. For hiking overnight, you will need to bring extra items with you, so a different type of backpack will be needed altogether.  

How To Find The Right Room When Backpacking

Getting your hostel or hotel room right can make the difference between a relaxed, chilled out traveler and a tired, moody one. Particularly at the start of your backpacking adventure you need a place of refuge to escape the persistent touts and probably the heat of the sun. Bear the following in mind if you're serious about finding the right pad:

1. Location, location, location: some like it in the heart of the backpacker ghetto whilst others aim to get among the local folk. Decide on your location criteria beforehand and head straight there. Is it worth paying more to be in the heart of the backpacker ghetto if this means you don't get any sleep? On the other hand, a room in a tourist hotel serving familiar food can sometimes be all you can handle when it's all getting too much.

2. Cleanliness is close to godliness, well a good night's kip at least. It'll be hard to rest your peepers if you're worried about cockroaches crawling into your pjs! Ask to view a room first. Then take a good look under the bed. And check the toilet flushes.

Backpack Buying Tips: Find Backpacks that Meet Your Needs

At one time or another in your life, you will probably need to acquire a backpack. Whether it's for hauling books around school or lugging supplies for a camping trip, the backpack is one of the most omnipresent carrying bags in society today. But there are almost as many choices of backpacks in the marketplace as there are for cars. So which one is right for you?

Before buying your backpack, you have to identify exactly what it will be used for. If you are indeed going to take it on a hiking trip through the wilderness, be sure to purchase one that is specifically designed for the outdoors. If you're just carrying it around campus, consider buying one that has wheels so you can transport your books and supplies more easily. Taking your backpack on a plane? Try to find one that is lightweight and small enough to fit under an airplane seat. Does it need to be packed in a suitcase for your trip? There are expandable backpacks available that don't occupy much space when empty. Will this backpack be your equipment conveyance during your activities? Many utility backpacks are made for this exact function. But if you're just toting your laptop around, there are backpacks exclusively designed for that purpose as well.

THE SMART BACKPACKER – Student Backpack Travelling Tips to Southeast Asia

The Southeast Asia is a backpacker's paradise. Backpacking was invented for Asia particularly because it simply rectifies the essence of backpacking culture of a low-cost, independent, international travel. Southeast Asia could be the ideal place to spend a holiday from university for more reasons than one, and if you bother to ask, money-wise, yes. Except for the Banana Pancake Trail, the traveler will find in almost any place off-the-beaten paths and hundreds of options to personalize and customize the travel experience. And if you've picked Southeast Asia as your gap-packer destination right now, you are in the right state of mind, because if it's raw and authentic backpacking you want, this is where you need to be. You may not need your Lonely Planet Guide, you'll see.

1. VISA-vis: visa reminders

Very important! Southeast Asia is definitely one of the most backpacker-friendly destinations for the inexperienced traveler mainly because of cost, proximity of the countries, and, hey, entry is not such a complex thing either. For U.S. citizens, countries in SEA can and will be traversed without the necessity for visas for a certain period of time like Malaysia -90 days, Singapore-30 days, Thailand – 30 days, and Philippines – 21 days. For Laos, Cambodia, and Indonesia, visas-on-arrival are issued in the airport without hassle for fees no more than US$50 depending, of course, on your planned length of stay.