Prepare well for pleasant backpacking

Be sure to practice setting up tent and walking around with backpack before heading out.

By Ryan Bowling
FOR THE NEWS-LEADER

Backpacking is just you and nature, both moving along at your own leisurely paces. Don't worry if you don't know the first thing about picking out a pack, dressing for the outdoors or finding the right spot to take the picture for this year's Christmas cards — there are experts ready to help.

"The socks," Tammy Peelor of Springfield says. "That really helped me out. I hadn't thought about it."

She's referring to a piece of advice from Don Brink and Lance Carlson, both volunteers at the Springfield Conservation Nature Center, who, like Peelor and husband Jeff, were beginning backpackers once. But time has passed and their knowledge has grown, so the two get together to lend their expertise in a yearly seminar for novices.

"We've backpacked a couple times, down in Arkansas," Tammy says. "But we really just wanted to pick up some pointers."

To help Tammy with her cold feet, Brink says, "You want a nonabsorbent sock, preferably two pairs of socks, and the other should be wool."

This is just a snippet of advice from the two pros — Brink has been backpacking for 31 years, and Carlson started as a Boy Scout. Here's a guide, in Brink and Carlson's words, to help rookie backpackers get a grip on the trials ahead.

THREE 'P'S'

To start, both Brink and Carlson preach the three "P's" of backpacking — practice, practice, practice.

"Do your homework," Brink says. "Break in those boots and set up your tent in the back yard. Just know what you're doing before you get there. Realize how prepared you should be. You should always practice before you get out there and do the real thing."

When trekking through the wilderness with your backpack, especially as a beginner, it's important to have a few things — like a backpack.

Brink and Carlson say there are basically two types out there — external frame packs and internal frame packs.

Both have advantages and disadvantages. For instance, internal frames don't vent air as well, so your back will stay hot — but external frames shift the weight of the pack around more. The choice comes down to personal preference.

Brink says he currently uses an internal frame pack, but has used the external before and been happy. You'll also want a waterproof cover for either.

While getting into backpacking can be relatively inexpensive, it's important to spend money on the things that matter most, the experts say. For instance, the boots are important.

"Try your boots on," Carlson says. "Have the socks you'll be actually wearing with you and try them on. Make sure they have some good, thick tread on the sole and fit just right."

With clothes, though, backpackers can cut some corners while still maintaining the quality they'll want.

Depending on the weather conditions for the place you're going (do your homework, the experts stress), discount stores or even thrift and surplus stores may carry what you need.

Fleece is good for keeping warm. Windbreaker pants and jackets help keep you dry. Bandannas help keep the sun off your neck and can be coupled with a hat to help shade your eyes. Backpackers need running shoes to wear when camping, and durable gloves, underwear and socks.

Brink and Carlson say you get what you pay for when it comes to tents, so be prepared to spend a little more on your shelter.

"You should purchase a tent that can handle the most extreme conditions you're likely to encounter," Carlson says. "You also want it to have enough space for the people sleeping in it."

OUTDOOR COOKING

Eating is also one of those things you'll find yourself wanting to do while backpacking, but keep in mind how important minimalism is to your overall well-being. Remember, you have to carry food and cooking supplies with you — all of it.

Stoves and stove fuel are fairly inexpensive and can be handy. You'll also want some utensils to eat and cook with as well as metal cups. Matches in a waterproof container are essential, as are plastic bags for food storage and disposal.

And don't forget the actual food. Brink and Carlson suggest bringing seasonings, cooking oil, dehydrated foods, trail mix and snacks, and Brink's favorite, ramen noodles, which are about as easy to prepare as it gets.

NECESSITIES

Medical necessities are important when you're cut off from the world. You'll absolutely need a first-aid kit, Carlson says.

It's also good to have allergy pills, lip balm, sunscreen, insect repellent and a water purification filter or tablets because, the experts say, the last thing you want when you're without a toilet is diarrhea.

Rounding out the items you'll be glad you brought are a topographical map, compass, flashlight with extra bulbs and batteries, knife, nylon cord, whistle, duct tape, toothbrush and paste, soap, toilet paper and a towel.

While this is by no means an exhaustive list, it will certainly help get you started, Carlson and Brink say. Both recommend going into stores that sell the things you need and trying them all out. Brink says if they won't let you test it all in the store — like actually packing a pack to feel its weight — go somewhere else.

Now that they're armed with a new set of tips and tricks, the Peelors are eager to get back outside.

"Just being out in nature, the privacy, living off what you can carry," Jeff Peelor says. "It's great."